Since we sold the last puppy from the litter of 2 САС , Champion of Ukraine Mikunihomare Go Kagano Yaoya x 2 CAC, 2CACIB, Champion of Ukraine Aihime Go Seaside Nakagawa, both of which were imported from Japan, we noticed that the “high” price of our puppies was a topic of discussion on several Russian Internet forums.

I am convinced most of our friends and colleagues involved in Akita Inu breeding, who are making a lot of efforts to popularize and improve the quality of the breeding stock, will agree with our point of view. I also hope that anyone agrees that “expensive” is a relative concept. It is no secret that a puppy's price is determined by a combination of factors, including the purchase cost of the sire and dam, their show quality proven by results obtained at national and international dog shows, cost of keeping, including feeding, walking, training, services of handler and trainer (if any), cost of veterinary treatments and preventive measures, grooming and other related expenses.

Hence, if you want to have a show quality dog and further use it for breeding, you initially have to be willing to invest a substantial amount of money. Here is a brief introduction to the formation stages of our breeding of pure Japanese dogs, and consequently the formula for pricing the puppies from the above-said litter.

First we took a two-week trip to Japan , meeting with Mr. Nakagawa, President of the National Akita Inu Club of Japan, who in turn opened the doors to a number of famous and reputed breeders and specialists in Akita Inu. A trip to the north of Japan to Akita prefecture and attending a Master Class by Mr. Nakagawa were actually a part of that trip as well. And we may surely underline that Japan is a pretty expensive country, especially for vacations and holidays.

Later we agreed with Mr. Nakagawa that he would select for us our first pair of Akitas using all his knowledge and many years of experience, thus ensuring that we would be able to use those dogs in our kennel breeding without any risk.

After that we started the practical execution of our plan. Within a period of one year, namely from February 2008 till January 2009, Hachimantai Kennel bought three Akitas in Japan , paying over 22 thousand USD. To ensure that these dogs grow into beautiful and healthy animals, we only use natural and high quality dog's food plus vitamin-and-mineral additives from reputed manufacturers. Another price determining factor is time, which you spend on and with your dogs, including walking, show and physical training (in our case, mainly swimming and a jogging track). It should also not come as a surprise that participating in major dog shows demands quite a budget. And the allegation that dogs in Japan are cheaper generally has no grounds. The cost of an Akita Inu varies dramatically in Japan . Have a look at the price list below, from one of the Akita Inu organizations selling Akita Inu's worldwide. The mentioned prices do not include shipment, paperwork and veterinary services expenses.

So are our Akitas expensive? We let you be the judge of that!

(numberA1) Triple super high grade grown up dog having an all Japan champion title, like Tenshi and Gobouhibiki	(numberB1) double super high grade grown up dog, winner of the first 5 prizes of all Japan , like Gobouhomare	(numberC1) super high grade grown up dog, winner of a Japanese perfecture competition, like Kozirou	(numberD1) high grade grown up dog within, winner of the first 3 prizes in a Japanese prefecture competition	(numberE1) middle grade grown up dog without titles, but of a good stock
from 2,500,000 JPY **	from 2,200,000 JPY	from 2,000,000 JPY	from 1,400,000 JPY	from 300,000 JPY
(number A2) A puppy up to 6 months old	(number B2) A puppy up to 6 months old	(number C2) A puppy up to 6 months old	(number D2) A puppy up to 6 months old	(number E2) A puppy up to 6 months old
from 1,800,000 JPY	from 1,600,000 JPY	from 1,400,000 JPY	from 800,000 JPY	from 200,000 JPY
(number A3) A puppy 7-12 months old	(number B3) A puppy 7-12 months old	(number C3) Ahe puppy 7-12 months old	(number D3) A puppy 7-12 months old	(number E3) A puppy 7-12 months old
from 2,000,000 JPY	from 1,800,000 JPY	from 1,600,000 JPY	from 1,000,000 JPY	from 250,000 JPY

*Akita Inu quality grading is given by letters A, B, C, D, E (horizontally), the further from letter A, the simpler the quality and pedigree.
**Japanese Yen exchange rates can be found here: www.oanda.com