There’s just something so amazingly special about dogs, don’t you think? They aren’t merely pets they’re family, our faithful friends, our best furry buddies who bring limitless joy, unlimited snuggles, and perhaps a wee bit of slobber to our lives. Their love is worth more than money, and to many, that ultimate pup is a heart’s quest. But although the love is gratis, taking home one of these amazing canines may come with a price that may make your tail wag slightly less vigorously.
In addition to everyday kibble, veterinary check-ups, toys, and periodic dog-walkers, there’s also the original cost of buying your furry companion. Some will cost a price almost as high as a luxurious vacation or even a down payment on a vehicle. What makes some pups so much pricier than others? It boils down to factors like popularity, pedigree, and rarity. As Jaclyn Coble, DVM, notes, “Pharaoh hounds, similar to Tibetan mastiffs, are expensive because of their relative rarity in the United States.” Consulting experts like Dr. Coble and Deepan Kishore, DVM, we’ve rounded up 15 of the most expensive dog breeds and what makes them so special.
1. Samoyed
This soft Russian breed is best known for its happy grin and is the priciest breed on our list at an average of $14,000. Bred in Siberia, Samoyeds are friendly, outgoing, and ready to please, which makes them great companions. Their grin also discourages drooling and icicle development in cold weather.
They are strong dogs and require constant supervision and care, particularly for walks. They are susceptible to inherited eye issues, hip dysplasia, autoimmune disorders, and heart conditions and therefore pet insurance is a must. In spite of the expense, their irresistible loyalty and infectious grin justify the cost.
2. Löwchen
Hailed as the “little lion dog,” the Löwchen is priced at approximately $12,000. These small pups tip the scale at around 15 pounds and are very rare, with only about 300 in the entire world. Highly intelligent and playful, they are a good fit for agility or obedience training and live on attention from humans.
Their lion-like mane makes them resemble a regal creature, yet their temperament is peaceful, cheerful, and great with children, making them a rare, loving, and rewarding pet.
3. Chow Chow
A rare Chinese breed costing around $11,000, Chow Chows can be identified at first glance with their fluffy muzzle and purple-blue tongue. Independent and willful, they may be as aloof as cats but are intensely devoted to their families.
They are known for meticulous grooming behavior and low doggy smell and need to be socialized or else they will become aggressive with other dogs. Health issues like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, allergies, and thyroid problems add to their overall maintenance costs.
4. Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs are averaging $10,000 and go as high as 180 pounds. Famous for their giant status, they’re also sweet family pets and great watchful guardians, naturally suspicious of strangers.
Owners will have to pay high grooming and vet expenses because of their size and susceptibility to elbow and hip dysplasia, eye defects, and hypothyroidism. Their regal appearance and guardian nature make them a high-maintenance, high-status breed.
5. Azawakh
This slender, greyhound-like dog costs approximately $9,500 and was once utilized for hunting in the Sahara. Azawakhs require big spaces to run and early training because of their high intelligence and independence.
Though reserved with strangers, they are very affectionate with their families. Low slobbering and little dog smell contribute to their charm, making them unusual, refined, and greatly prized companions.
6. Rottweiler
Rottweilers, an adaptable German breed, cost an average of $9,000. They have been used as working, guarding, rescue, police, and draft animals. Guard, intelligent, and loyal, they need physical and mental stimulation.
With persistent training, they become loving, playful, and trustworthy family members. Their power, intelligence, and loyalty warrant their high price tag.
7. Canadian Eskimo Dog
These high-energy canine dogs costing around $8,750 were originally bred by the Inuits for hunting and pulling sleds. They are not easy for beginner owners because they are stubborn and aggressive in nature at times.
Close to extinction in the 1960s, their population is now replenished. With historical value, robustness, and distinctive characteristics, this is a rare and precious breed for devoted owners.
8. English Bulldog
It costs $4,250, and the English Bulldog is endearing and friendly, characterised by its sturdy build and furrowed face. They used to be bred for bullbaiting, but today they are soft companions.
Health problems such as Brachycephalic syndrome, hip and elbow dysplasia, and other inherited conditions necessitate quality care and responsible breeders and thus are a costly but loving family member.
9. French Bulldog
Averaging $4,250 as well, French Bulldogs are lively, friendly, and wonderful with children. Short coats are simple to groom, yet wrinkles must be attended to daily. Their sweet disposition and loving nature make them a wonderful family pet, health expenses notwithstanding.
10. Biewer Terrier
This breed is priced at about $3,500. A combination of Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Havanese, and Bichon Frise, Biewer Terriers are small, portable, and loving companions.
Their diminutive size and gentle nature make them ideal lap dogs, and their popularity is increasing gradually.
11. Portuguese Water Dog
Average $3,500, these curly-coated dogs hardly shed and require frequent grooming. Friendly, intelligent, and energetic, they love to be physically and mentally challenged. Eminent examples are Sunny and Bo, the President Obama’s dogs.
12. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
They are sturdy and family-minded at $3,450, Swissys. They love active lives and jobs such as cart pulling or hiking. They need heavy coats of attention where the weather is hot, but their loyalty and utility make them an investment worth considering.
13. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are gentle giants at $3,250, being patient and loving. They are poor guard dogs, however, and are best kept as family pets, tolerating children and other animals well.
14. Newfoundland
Newfies, also $3,250, are laid-back, gentle, and great with kids. They love people, don’t need lots of high-energy exercise, and slobber very little. They are a great family pet due to their easy-going nature.
15. Shikoku
The Shikoku, costing around $3,250 on average, is active, athletic, and wolf-like, coming close to dogs they portray in Game of Thrones and Outlander. Persistent and high-energy, they attach strongly to their families and are great at outdoor activities.
Final Thought
From the imperial Samoyed to the wolf-hybrid Shikoku, these 15 breeds illustrate how pedigree, scarcity, and character characteristics fuel their price tag. Although starting costs may be steep, the happiness, devotion, and companionship they offer are worth it. Each breed possesses a special kind of magic that makes them well worth the cost to the proper family. Pup hunting luck.
