25 Most Expensive Dog Breeds: Prices, Characteristics, and More!

Dogs are priceless!

They are the most precious things in our lives. We love them to bits and want all things best for them. If our house were on fire, and we had to pick one thing, it would be our dogs (they are not a thing but our family members).

Indeed, dogs are priceless. But if you were going to get a dog from a breeder or a pet shop, it would carry a price tag, which depending on the rarity and purity of the dog breed, would either be a hefty one or a small one. Besides the initial purchasing cost, it would also incur the cost of dog food, care, vet visits, dog toys, etc. Summed up, all these costs make certain dog breeds expensive and others a bit cheaper. In this article, we are going to uncover some of the most expensive dog breeds and discuss why they are so expensive to pet.

If you are planning to buy a big-budgeted puppy, have a look at the list of the most expensive dog breeds below to find out which one would make a perfect fit for your household.

25. Alaskan Malamute – Up to $1,000

Alaskan Malamutes are large dogs famous for their strength and capacity for pulling loads. Though the breed ranks lowest on the list, keeping the Alaskan Malamute as a pet can be costly due to the excessive grooming requirements and different health issues. The purchasing cost of Alaskan Malamutes is high due to their large size.

Alaskan Malamute dogs are about 12 centuries old. They have a woolly coat with various shades of mostly white and gray colors. They are great dogs – especially when their intelligence is concerned. In fact, they fall among the top 50 most intelligent dog breeds, according to the book “The Intelligence of Dogs” by Stanley Coren. Nonetheless, their maintenance expenses and difficult training can give the owners a tough time.

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24. Old English Sheepdog – $1,000

The Old English Sheepdog is a breed of large hunting pooches. Though they are adorable and make good family pets, their popularity and population are on the decline. Having medium size and cute looks, Old English Sheepdogs are costly to purchase from reputable breeders.

Old English Sheepdogs emerged in England during the 18^th century. They are easily distinguishable due to their thick coat and fur-covered eyes. Moreover, they are very affectionate and non-aggressive – in fact, they are sometimes called ‘nanny dogs’ due to their relationship with children.

Given that they are high-energy dogs and are large in size, they require spacious rooms to live and play in.

23. Golden Retriever – $1,000

Besides being costly to buy, Golden Retrievers are also high maintenance dogs, and their medical expenses can cost the owners as much as $18,000 over their lifetime.

Golden Retrievers are loaded with cuteness that is enhanced by their striking golden hue, floppy ears, and long muzzle. Today, they are among the most popular dog breeds in the United States because of their friendliness, working capacity, and high intelligence. It also explains why Golden Retrievers fall into the category of most expensive canines. Because of their growing popularity, they are mixed with other dog breeds to create interesting dog mixes like Golden Mountain Dog, Golden Shepherd, Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix, etc.

22. Newfoundland – $1,200

Newfoundland is a large dog breed. These canines originated in Newfoundland, Canada – thus taking their name after that place. Newfoundland dogs make it to the list of most expensive dog breeds because of their susceptibility to health issues, big appetite, and high maintenance.

The Newfoundland canines are known for their water-resistant coat. To maintain a healthy coat and contain shedding, you will have to thoroughly brush their coat at least once a week.

The Newfoundland breed is known to be very sweet by nature. However, before adopting a Newf pup, you should know that they are vulnerable to various health disorders and would incur heft vet bills throughout their lives.

Did You Know?

Hairy Dog, a Newfoundland, had rescued 180 Irish immigrants in 1832 from Despatch, a sinking ship.

21. Saint Bernard – $1,500

Saint Bernard is among the largest-sized dogs. They were originally bred for rescue operations. Today, they are among the expensive pooches due to high upkeep and medical expenses.

Saint Bernard canines have colors in various shades; however, their eyes are mostly brown. Personality-wise, they have a very gentle nature, and, therefore, they are affectionate as well. Nevertheless, they must be properly socialized to avoid any type of aggression.

20. Black Russian Terrier – $1,800

Black Russian Terriers are among the dogs which form close bonds with their ‘hoomans,’ making them popular pets. Combining working and friendly nature, Black Russian Terriers are expensive. They were bred in Russian during the 1940s and are since then being used as working and military dogs.

Appearance-wise, the Black Russian Terriers are large, dark-colored dogs. The prominent features of their personality include calmness and intelligence. Although they are good family pets, they can sometimes become stubborn. Furthermore, they can become aggressive dogs if they are ignored or chained.

19. Lakeland Terrier – $2,000

Often known as the ‘big dog in the little dog,’ the Lakeland Terrier is a famous breed because of its friendliness and hypoallergenic coat. They are expensive because they are widely sought-after and somewhat rare.

Originating in Northern England during the 18^th century, the Lakeland Terriers are small but long-legged canines. Since they are energetic, they need regular exercise and different physical activities, or they end up exhibiting an undesirable demeanor.

18. Irish Wolfhound – $3,000

Originating from Ireland. Irish Wolfhound is one of the most popular Irish dog breeds. They were originally bred for hunting big games, but today they are one of the calmest dog breeds. They are distinct because of their large size and extreme friendliness. They are expensive because of these two features. Irish Wolfhounds with champion bloodlines are even more expensive.

Irish Wolfhounds can be very friendly and get along with children and other dogs, provided they receive adequate socialization training at a young age. They can be a problem for the owners because of their big size: they need everything in large amounts – be it space or meal. Moreover, due to the warm coat, keeping an Irish Wolfhound cool in summer can be challenging.

17. Bedlington Terrier – $4,000

Originating in Northumberland in the United Kingdom, the Bedlington Terriers are great family dogs. These pooches are rare, which explains why they are expensive. Moreover, their maintenance cost is also higher.

The Bedlington Terriers look very similar to lambs. Their prominent characteristics are a pear-shaped head, wavy coat, and graceful gait. A highlighting feature of them is their conflicting personality: sometimes they are highly energetic, while at other times, they are pretty relaxed.

16. English Bulldog – $4,500

The English Bulldog breed is popular – and thus expensive. However, it is vulnerable to certain health conditions, which can make it hefty to keep them.

The English Bulldogs originated in England by crossing the Asian mastiff and the Pug dogs.

They have loose skin and heavy wrinkles on the face. Moreover, they have a fine coat with a variety of colors. Coming to the temperament, they have a desirable demeanor; however, they might become aggressive when provoked.

15. Portuguese Water Dog – $5,000

The Portuguese Water Dogs are one of the most famous hypoallergenic dog breeds. Though the accurate history is not known, the breed originated in Portugal and is known to be the descendent of Asian herding dogs. Portuguese Water Dogs went near extinction in the 1930s, but a wealthy shipping magnate helped re-establish the breed. Saved from extinction,  they are still relatively rare, and you have got to pay for the rarity.  

Did You Know?

Former US President Barack Obama had a pet Portuguese Water Dog – Bo – between 2009 and 2021.

14. Saluki – $5,500

Resembling the Greyhound breed and having good personality traits, the Saluki is one of the weird-looking dog breeds. The genetic makeup, location, and breeder’s profile are also the factors that determine the price tag.

The Saluki is among the oldest canines in the world. As a matter of fact, their existence can be traced back to about five millennia.

The Saluki dogs are very intelligent and have a calm disposition. The downsides of these pooches include unsuitability for a busy family and their preference to be the only pet at home. Standing tall at around 23 to 28 inches, they are one of the tall skinny dog breeds. Their skinny body and long legs enable to them be one of the fastest dog breeds; they can run as fast as 42 mph.  

13. French Bulldog – $6,000

The French Bulldogs originated in England. When the English people started moving to Newfoundland, they naturally took the French Bulldogs with them. In the United States, the first French Bulldog show was organized in the year 1896.

Besides their popularity, what makes French Bulldogs expensive is the cost of breeding them. They need artificial insemination and C-sections to reproduce, which can cost breeders up to $3,000.

The French Bulldogs have a barrel-shaped body, an average-sized head, and long but somewhat pointy ears. They are intelligent and loving dogs and make great family pets. They are prone to obesity, and therefore you will have to be careful about their caloric intake. Here are some of the best dog foods for French Bulldogs.

12. Akita – $6,500

Akita is a large dog with a noble appearance. They originated in Japan and were originally used for guarding and hunting. Given their husky-like appearance and desirable traits, they are widely sought after and thus have a hefty price tag.

The Akita Dogs have a well-balanced and sturdy appearance. Another important feature is that they have a curled tail. They are loyal, affectionate, and great at guarding; however, they can often be too territorial and wary of strangers. Given their dashing appearances, they are mixed with other dog breeds to create interesting mixes like the Akita German Shepherd Mix.

11. Afghan Hound – $7,000

Afghan Hounds are very beautiful and impressive and, therefore, expensive dogs. The breed originated in Afghanistan and reached the United States during the 1970s.

Crowned with thick, silky, and flowing coats, Afghan Hounds have an aristocratic appearance. But keep in mind that maintaining the aristocratic look requires daily grooming and thus can be a bit costly. Personality-wise, they are a bit challenging to train and are not so good at watchdogging. However, they get along well when they are treated gently and kindly.

10. Pharaoh Hound – $7,500

Entering the top 10 most expensive dog breeds, the Pharaoh Hound is the first to be discussed. This breed is about five millennia old. Originally developed in ancient Egypt, Pharaoh Hounds are thought to be the companions of Egyptian kings. However, despite their Egyptian origin, Pharaoh Hounds are only bred in Malta and hence difficult to find elsewhere.

The breed got its recognition from the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1984.

The Pharaoh Hounds have a powerful build and are quite smart and entertaining. They love to act clownish and entertain their loving owners with their antics and mischiefs.

Did You Know?

The Pharaoh Hound is the national dog of Malta.

9. Argentine Dogo – $8,000

The Argentine Dogo is an expensive breed because of its rarity. Argentine dogs were originally bred for hunting in Cordoba, Argentina, back in 1928. Though they are notorious for being dangerous, they make great pets and turn out to be very friendly with their favorite human beings. However, if not properly socialized, they can become overly protective of their owners and thus come out as aggressive dogs to strangers.

Did You Know?

The Argentine Dogo is banned in Australia and New Zealand.

8. Canadian Eskimo Dog – $8,500

The Canadian Eskimo is one of the rarest breeds that are currently on the brink of extinction. Hence, these dogs are costly.

Canadian Eskimo Dogs entered the Americas all the way from Siberia about a thousand years ago. The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) registered the breed in the year 1963.

Canadian Eskimo Dogs are larger, have wedge-shaped heads, and their ears are pricked. In fact, they look a lot like the Husky or the Malamute dogs. They are pack-oriented and get along with their families very easily.

7. Rottweiler – $9,000

The Rottweiler is a medium to large dog breed. The purebred ones can be very expensive as they are kept for show purposes or to carry on the bloodline. So, if you are getting a Rottweiler from an authentic German breeder or the progeny of a show dog with a profile, you will have to pay even a heftier price. Pet Rottweilers can be hard to maintain because of the vet bills they produce.

Rottweilers are thought to be the descendants of the drover dogs left by the Romans in Germany back in the 2^nd century. Nowadays, their primary uses are in guarding, police, and rescue operations.

Rottweiler dogs have bulky bodies and massive heads. Personality-wise, they do not make friends easily and require firm disciplining.

6. Azawakh – $9,500

The Azawakh is a sighthound breed that aced the height of popularity in the year 2019 after it was granted recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Their rarity, coupled with some unique features and characteristics, explains their high price tag.

Azawakh dogs originated in the Sahel region of Africa and were initially used for guarding and hunting purposes. The breed entered the United States during the last half of the 20^th century.

Azawakh pooches are very lean, and the outlines of ribs and hip bones are often visible. These dogs are good at bonding with people. Though they have desirable personality characteristics, their strong prey drive can be a problem.

5. Tibetan Mastiff – $10,000

Due to their large size, mane-like fur around their neck, and rarity, Tibetan Mastiff dogs are very expensive – ranging from thousands all the way to millions.

The Tibetan Mastiff breed originated centuries ago in Tibet, China. In 1974, the American Tibetan Mastiff Association, the first-ever club specifically dedicated to this breed, was founded, and the first show including them was held in 1979.

Tibetan Mastiff dogs are massive and very sturdy. They are excellent with children; however, they are well suited only for people who are patient with dogs.

Do You Know?

Yang, a Chinese Businessman, paid USD 1.5 million for a red Tibetan Mastiff in the year 2014.

4. Chow Chow – $11,000

Chow Chow pups are expensive due to their rarity and large size. They are costly to maintain as well, mainly because of several health issues that may prop up in them.

Originating in Mongolia and Northern China, Chow Chow is among the oldest dog breeds in the world. Back then, they were used for hunting, herding, guarding, and pulling sleighs.

Chow Chow are medium-sized dogs and have a deep muzzle and a broadhead. They are usually independent and aloof, which makes them more catlike in personality. Furthermore, they cannot tolerate heat.

Do You Know?

US President Calvin Coolidge kept a Chow Chow pet in the White House.

3. Löwchen – $12,000

The Löwchen is among the rarest dog breeds in the world, which is why they are so expensive. However, the breed has a good lifespan, and the health issues are almost negligible.

The Löwchen dogs are about five centuries old, and there are various theories associated with the place of their origin. Some say that they originated in Northern Europe, while others contend that they hail from Russia.

The Löwchen is a compact dog, having a strong body and a short but broad skull and muzzle. They were originally bred for companionship, and hence, they are quite affectionate and pleasing. They tend to develop separation anxiety when left alone for a long time. Some people find them to be quite vocal.

2. Samoyed – $14,000

Hailing from Russia, Samoyed is one of the most expensive Russian dog breeds. The elegant and charming looks truly make the Samoyed dogs eye-catching. Samoyed puppies In addition to their purchasing price, they are also costly to maintain.

They were originally used by the Samoyedic people for hunting and herding purposes. They were a part of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic journey during the 20th century as well.

They are akin to the Huskies in appearance. Moreover, they are quite fluffy and have curly tails. The Samoyed furry friends are affectionate and enjoy the company of others. They are one of the 6 big hypoallergenic dogs and make a perfect fit for dog lovers with allergies. Nevertheless, they are still a hunter at heart and can often end up chasing small animals. So, always keep them on a leash.

1. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog – Up to the $50,000

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog tops the list of pooches with the heftiest price tags – thanks to their rarity. Not just this, to get one, people have to mostly travel to their native land, i.e., the Czech Republic.

The breed originated during the middle of the last century and is a result of crossing the German Shepherds and the Carpathian wolves. Today, the breed is common in guarding and patrolling jobs.

Physically, they are only slightly different from wolves. They have a sturdy body with a thick, insulating coat on it and a thick tail at the rear end. Before getting a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, you should know that they do not get along with children and are quite difficult to train.