Why are dogs expensive?
You’ll need some kibble for any dog. It makes no difference if you pick fluffy dogs, toy dog breeds, teddy bear-like dogs, intelligent dog breeds, or obedient dog breeds. The costs of veterinary care, food, toys, treats, grooming, and, if you need them, dog boarding and dog walking all mount up.
Naturally, there is also the upfront cost of buying the dog (unless you adopt a shelter dog), and that is the criterion we used to compile our list of the world’s most expensive dog breeds.
The higher price is influenced by a number of reasons. The price is determined by the most popular dog breeds, general popularity, and even the breed’s rarity, as well as whether the dog has a distinguished lineage.
Given that there are 190 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club alone, it is challenging to compile a list of the most expensive dogs in the world. However, we’ve done our best to provide you with 34 puppies that will severely deplete your money account.
The costs of these puppies do vary but keep in mind that a reputable breeder may charge a significant amount more for their pups if they have a strong reputation.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the world’s most expensive dogs in the world.
Akita
For warmth in frigid areas, the Japanese breed has a thick outer layer of fur and a rich undercoat. Additionally, they have webbing between their toes from when they used to hunt in the cold highlands.
Akitas are used as watchdogs and guards by people nowadays. Because of their thick coat, they can only survive in colder climates. Particularly snowy, cold countries.
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Azawakh
The Azawakh from West Africa is another sighthound on our list of the most expensive dog breeds in the world. These pups hunt by sighting their prey and pursuing it with their eyes. The thin Azawakh has a small waist and long legs and can go at a top speed of 64 kilometers per hour.
As we all know, the rarity of Azawakh dogs drives up their price. You may expect to pay up to $2,500 for an Azawakh on average, though the price could be considerably more.
Biewer Terrier
Biewer is strangely pronounced “beaver,” which is odd. Furthermore, despite having nothing in common with beavers, the breed nevertheless bears the name of the people who created it.
The American Kennel Club just approved the Biewer as a legitimate breed. It resembles the Yorkshire Terrier. The ideal lap dog for the elderly or families with young children, Biewer Terriers, are wonderful companions.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a family and shows dog favorite with an average price tag of $1,500 to $3,000.
Due to several health issues, including elbow and hip dysplasia and aseptic meningitis, this huge breed only lives 7 to 10 years. The average cost of treating common health problems rises to over $6,500. The cost to groom this 70-pound to 120-pound dog is roughly $110.
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Black Russian Terrier
A Border Terrier or a Jack Russell typically comes to mind when you think of a terrier. One of the most expensive dog breeds is the Black Russian Terrier, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $2,500. The life expectancy of this huge breed is ten to twelve years.
Black Russian Terriers are excellent pets, which is fantastic news. But to keep them content and out of trouble, they require a lot of mental and physical stimulation.
Canadian Eskimo Dog
One of the oldest and rarest dog breeds in the world is the Canadian Eskimo. Around a thousand years ago, the Thule people brought this working dog from Siberia to North America. Unfortunately, illnesses and a decline in demand for sleds were major factors in the Canadian Eskimo population’s sharp decline.
There may only be 300 purebred Canadian Eskimo dogs left today, according to estimates. As a result, it is not surprising that a purebred Canadian Eskimo puppy can cost up to $8,750.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Due to its high demand as a show dog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the most expensive dog breeds available. This dog often costs between $1,500 and $2,500 to buy. However, grooming them just takes a few minutes and costs $50 per session.
These cute, fluffy, and playful puppies are sure to steal your heart. The Cavalier King Charles is a breed that is difficult not to like because of their magnificent long ears and their kind nature that are considerate of their owners’ needs.
This breed of dog has a 10- to 12-year average lifespan and is prone to a number of health issues, which could result in $1,350 in possible medical expenses.
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Chow
Chow Chows are among the oldest and rare dog breeds in the world. Some of the fluffiest creatures on earth are members of this native Chinese breed.
The normal price range for getting a Chow Chow of your own is between $1,200 and $2,000. Additionally, the average cost of grooming this medium-sized dog is $95. Chow Chows typically live eight to twelve years, and annual healthcare expenses can reach a staggering $11,000.
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Dogo Argentino
Due to their powerful stature and history of large game hunting, Dogo Argentinos are among the most expensive dog breeds in the world. The doggo can hunt wild pigs, mostly in South America and Asia, thanks to its powerful frame.
Their lifespan is 12–14 years; however, they are prone to deafness and hip dysplasia, which can cost $1,600 or more in vet fees. The Dogo Argentino is a lately recognized breed by the AKC, and if you’re considering bringing one home, you’ll need between $1,500 and $2,500 for constant and extensive training.
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English Bulldog
The English Bulldog often referred to as the British Bulldog, is a medium-sized dog that is incredibly well-liked throughout the world.
Since it doesn’t need a lot of exercise, making it the perfect apartment dog. This breed is, unfortunately, prone to a number of health problems. Buying a dog from a reputable breeder will put you at ease. You may spend up to $4,300 on a real English Bulldog puppy.
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French Bulldog
When it comes to the cost of a French Bulldog, big things may come in tiny packages. Depending on the breeder’s repute and the color of their fur, you could pay anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 for one of these short-legged puppies.
The short snouts of these energetic dogs have the drawback of increasing their vulnerability to health problems. Therefore, if you’re willing to spend money on a dog, be sure you have extra cash on hand for medical expenses.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are friendly, well-mannered dogs that are also used as herding dogs. Their prices typically range from $800 to $2,000. German Shepherds have an average lifespan of nine to thirteen years and cost about $60 to groom.
However, they are one of the more expensive dog breeds to acquire due to their prospective medical bills of $20,500, which are used to cure a variety of common ailments such as hip dysplasia and perianal fistulas.
Golden Retriever
Everyone adores Golden Retrievers, and it’s hard to blame them for their stunning, glossy coats. In America and the UK, where it first originated, this breed has risen to the top of the list of most popular canine breeds.
The Scottish gun dog can be trained to do many different jobs, from being a support dog to winning obedience competitions.
Although they cost between $1,200 and $2,000, we believe they are worthwhile because of their long lifespan (ten to twelve years).
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Ibiza Hound
The Ibizan Hound is one of the most expensive dogs to possess due to its high $2,000 to $2,500 purchase price. Both the smooth and wire coat varieties of this species, which can live up to 16 years, are simple to maintain and cost, on average, $40 to do so.
The average cost to treat common ailments in a purebred Ibizan Hound might be around $1,600. This is due to the breed’s low risk of developing hip dysplasia and medium risk of developing deafness.
Irish Wolfhound
Another sighthound on the list is the Irish Wolfhound, which is one of the tallest sighthounds. They have an advantage over other sighthounds due to their 32-inch height at the shoulder because they can see farther than their shorter relatives.
They are one of the tallest and largest sighthound breeds, weighing in at about 120 pounds.
Despite being wirey, its coat is wonderfully soft to the touch and lends the breed its distinctive old-man appearance.
Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years and costs between $2,000 and $2,500. However, the average cost of grooming is roughly $85. Additionally, the average cost of usual medical bills is at least $8,000 due to a variety of potential health issues.
Lakeland Terrier
The Lakeland Terrier is a smaller breed originally developed to hunt vermin in Northern England, and it typically costs between $1,500 and $2,800. Grooming typically costs $45.
A Lakeland Terrier will cost you around $1,000 in medical expenses over the course of its 12- to 16-year lifespan, despite the breed’s low prevalence of health problems.
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Löwchen
The Lowchen is the next most expensive dog breed on the list. If you’re anything like me, this dirty little dog is unknown to you. And here is why,
with only 65 pups remaining in the world at the beginning of the 1970s, lowchens were almost extinct. The breed became the rare dog breed in the world as a result of the extraordinarily low number of individual canines.
The Lowchen is frequently referred to as the “small lion dog.” Due to breeding efforts, these dogs have made a comeback, yet they are still worth between $2,000 and $12,000.
Lowchen puppies cost a small sum, but they are easy to care for, rarely get sick, and typically live for up to 15 years.
Miniature Bull Terrier
The Miniature Bull Terrier is one of the most expensive dog breeds due to its high average purchase price (between $2,500 and $3,500). The typical lifespan of these canines is 10 to 12 years, and their grooming costs $30.
They are typically in good health, with average minimal healthcare costs of $1,500. Just make sure to purchase from a trustworthy breeder.
Newfoundland
The size of a Newfoundland may be intimidating, yet these beautiful giants are surprisingly gentle. In fact, they are among the world’s most laid-back dog breeds.
These canine social creatures adore playing with other dogs, taking leisurely strolls in their favorite park, and taking care of young children.
Do not overlook the fact that they don’t drool much and don’t shed much, which makes them the ideal cuddle buddy, especially if you don’t mind spending up to $2,500 and live in a cold climate.
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Old English Sheepdog
The Old English Sheepdog makes a superb watchdog and gets along well with children. This is one of the most expensive dogs breeds you can purchase, with a price range of $1,800 to $3,000, regular grooming charges of $100 or more per visit, and prospective healthcare costs of $7,600. The usual lifespan of this dog is 10 to 12 years.
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Pharaoh Hounds
The Malta-born Pharaoh Hound has a tendency to “blush” when joyful or enthusiastic. Blood squirting from the nose and ears causes this rare phenomenon.
They will shake their entire body and open their mouth so wide that you could do a dental inspection when they are deliriously happy (excited over nice food or just happy to see you).
Despite being the National Dog of Malta and resembling the jackal god Anubis from ancient Egypt remarkably, it is one of those uncommon dog breeds that you probably weren’t aware of. However, those who do own Pharaoh hounds as pets are aware of their gentleness, love for kids, and devotion to cuddling.
If you’re looking to purchase this dog breed, expect to pay between $1,800 and $2,500.
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Portuguese Water Dogs
The fact that two Portuguese Water Dogs entered the White House with their owner Barack Obama certainly has much to do with the breed’s sociable, clever, and adventurous nature.
However, the webbed feet of these dogs are what set them apart. A few breeds have webbed feet, which makes swimming easier for them. It should come as no surprise that you can frequently encounter this breed swimming in a nearby waterhole given its name, Portuguese Water Dog.
The best swimming buddy might set you back between $1,500 and $2,500.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The unique hair stripe running down the back of the Rhodesian Ridgeback was bred into the breed. Their term “ridge” comes from the fact that the hair grows down their spine in the opposite manner.
Despite the fact that these dogs were formerly crossed by breeders with wild African dogs, they are graceful, affectionate, and protective of young children. They are an excellent breed for families and well worth their $1,800 to $2,500 price range, thanks to all these qualities.
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Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a huge breed that costs between $1,200 and $2,000 and has an eight to eleven-year lifespan. This short-haired dog, who is alert, courageous, and intelligent, will cost you an average of $50 to groom.
Due to a multitude of health issues, Rottweilers are very expensive to own as pets, with potential medical expenses costing an average of $7,800.
Samoyed
This expensive dog breed is the lovely and fluffy Russian type, which is well known for its contagious smile. That smile not only warms our hearts, but it also serves a useful function. The pups’ lips’ turned-up corners stop them from drooling, which stops icicles from growing on their faces.
Samoyed puppies can cost up to $3,000 on average, though prices can vary. However, you might be looking at costs closer to $14,000 if you get a purebred Samoyed from a reputable breeder.
These puppies cost a lot of money, and it doesn’t end with the first purchase. Samoyeds require regular grooming of their thick coats, which makes them quite expensive to keep.
Shikoku
Like anything else, if something becomes popular in the media, its cost will increase. And with the Shikoku, that’s exactly what transpired. You might also want a dog that looks like a wolf if you’ve ever watched Game of Thrones or Outlander.
The Shikoku, which took its name from a Japanese island, resembles its wolf predecessors in every way, which accounts for its price tag of up to $3,000.
Shikoku is exceptionally strong and has a strong desire to hunt. Out of the six indigenous dog breeds of Japan, they are regarded as the rare breed.
Spinone Italiano
The Spinone Italiano is a big breed native to Italy that typically costs between $1,200 and $2,000 per animal. These family-friendly pets have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years and cost about $60 to groom.
Despite the breed’s overall good health, common health problems, including hip dysplasia and gastric dilatation volvulus, could result in average prospective medical costs of $3,000.
St. Bernard
What about that slothful giant? Despite its laziness, Saint Bernard was developed as a working dog to find missing travelers on the treacherous and icy Great St. Bernard Pass between Italy and Switzerland.
Today, this enormous dog is content to keep an eye on the kids and make a wonderful couch buddy. A puppy typically costs $1,500.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Sadly, dogs like Pitbulls, Bull Terriers, and American Staffordshire Terriers are sometimes confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Additionally, despite their background in blood sports, Staffies are actually quite affectionate canines.
In addition to guarding your home, these guard dogs are very devoted and will stick by your side no matter what.
The average cost to buy a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is between $1,500 and $2,500. These lively, medium-sized dogs enjoy taking long walks and just require occasional grooming, which will run you about $45 each time. You can anticipate the lifespan of a dog of this breed to be around a dozen years. Be prepared to spend about $3,500 for general medical care.
Swiss Mountain Dogs
The Great Swiss Mountain Dog is a different breed from Switzerland that contributed to the development of the Rottweiler and St. Bernard breeds.
When you compare the three breeds side by side, you can notice how similar their strong bodies and tri-color coats are. Since this breed flourishes when it has a job to accomplish, people continue to use Great Swiss Mountain Dogs for working purposes. Additionally, they all share the distinction of being expensive breeds.
The typical Greater Swiss Mountain Dog costs between $2,500 and $3,000.
Tibetan Mastiff puppy
The Tibetan mastiff is the most expensive dog breed. These enormous creatures, native to China and Nepal, previously guarded their homes against wolves and leopards.
The most expensive and one of the biggest breeds in the world, male purebred dogs can weigh up to 160 pounds.
Tibetan mastiffs are easily identified by the fur on their neck. They have what looks like a mane when their hair is fully grown, and we all know which other animal also has this trait.
In addition to their reputation for viciousness, these mastiffs cost a lot since they are prized as status symbols in China.
Purebred puppies can cost anything from $2,000 to millions. And you’re undoubtedly wondering what “millions” means. A Chinese billionaire spent $1.95 million for “Big Splash,” a Tibetan mastiff puppy, in 2014.
What is the most expensive dog breed?
The Tibetan mastiff puppy sold in China for $2 million in 2014 is perhaps the most expensive dog ever sold. The Tibetan Mastiff, one of the most expensive dog breeds, also has high maintenance needs in terms of grooming, medical care, and food.
Puppies of specific breeds often cost around $3,000 and can live up to 12 years. It costs around $70 to regularly groom one of these magnificent fluffy puppies.
There are a number of health problems associated with their large size, including hip dysplasia, seizures, autoimmune illnesses, and hereditary demyelinating neuropathy, despite the fact that their size provides adequate protection.
Costs associated with trips to the vet to treat these conditions, including any necessary procedures, can easily run into hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Our Two Cents
Adoption services are a better alternative for breeders because these dogs have either been abandoned or given up due to unforeseen circumstances, despite the fact that purebred dogs are popular for certain reasons and among the most expensive pets to acquire. Adopted dogs are less expensive and have already had their initial tests and other medical costs covered. If you use a breeder, ensure that they are reliable, give young puppies early health tests, and are aware of any health issues that may have occurred in the litter.
