From popular dog breeds like the Golden Retriever to trending toy dogs like the Löwchen to large dogs like the Tibetan Mastiff—if you’re wondering what the most expensive dog breeds in the world are, you’ve come to the right place.
The truth is, any dog will cost you a fair amount of money if you decide to buy from a reputable and reliable dog breeder that adheres to strict breeding regulations—the best way to save money when acquiring a new puppy is to adopt a rescue dog and only pay the small adoption fee.
On the other hand, if you want a purebred puppy you should source it from a reputable breeder—but more often than not, purebred puppies from experienced breeders have a higher price tag than your average run-of-the-mill pup.
Of course, buying a new puppy is only the first step toward being a responsible dog owner—there are always additional expenses that come with owning a dog, such as toys, food, treats, grooming, training, dog boarding, dog walking, and of course, vet bills and pet insurance.
The 25 Most Expensive Dog Breeds Ranked
We’ve decided to focus on the initial price tag as our main criteria for this list of the most expensive dog breeds in the world—and since dog prices are not set-in-stone and will vary slightly or greatly depending on various factors, we’ll be focusing on the average price of these individual dog breeds.
We’ll also rank these dog breeds from least expensive to most expensive—if you’re looking for the number one most expensive dog breed in the world, go ahead and scroll to the end.
So, without beating around the bush, let’s check out what the 25 most expensive dog breeds in the world are.
25. The German Shepherd—$1000
The German Shepherd is arguably one of the most iconic dog breeds in the world, it’s usually the first image that pops into your mind when you think of the word ‘dog’.
German Shepherds are renowned for their intelligence, obedience, and versatility—as well as being wonderful family dogs, GSDs are often employed by police and military forces due to their amazing work ethic.
Both male and female German Shepherds are easily trainable and are incredibly skilled at various tasks, such as search and rescue, bomb detection, and tracking, as well as being excellent guard dogs.
The price of an average, purebred, pet-quality German Shepherd puppy in the US is between $800 and $1000—however, purebred GSD puppies that come from the finest bloodlines can cost anywhere between $3000 and $5000.
Julia, the most expensive German Shepherd dog ever sold, had a price tag of a staggering $230,000.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 24 to 26 inches.
Weight: 66 to 88 pounds.
Temperament: Vigilant, intelligent, obedient, protective, and loyal.
Lifespan: 9 to 13 years.
Price range: $800 to $1000.
24. The Akita Inu—$1200
The next spot on the list of the most expensive dog breeds in the world goes to the Akita Inu—the largest of the six native Japanese Spitz breeds.
The Akita Inu dog breed originated in Japan and was bred to serve as a working dog and hunting dog—it was predominantly used to hunt deer, elk, and black bears.
Today, Akita Inus are used as Japanese police dogs and are kept by families as loyal companion dogs—both male and female Akita Inus are brave and alert, which makes them excellent watchdogs and guard dogs, but they also have a soft spot for their family, which makes them good family dogs.
Did you know that there are two main types of Akitas? Find out more about their differences in our article on Japanese vs. American Akita Inus.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 26 to 28 inches.
Weight: 85 to 130 pounds.
Temperament: Intelligent, bold, courageous, protective, willful, and affectionate.
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years.
Price range: $900 to $1500.
23. The Saint Bernard Dog—$1500
The Saint Bernard dog breed originated in the Western Alps of Switzerland and Italy in the 16th century—it was bred by the monks of the Great St. Bernard Hospice to serve as a rescue dog, but today, this breed is mostly kept as a family pet.
Even though the Saint Bernard’s sheer size might be intimidating (and the popular 1981 Stephen King novel and subsequent movie, Cujo, paint an unflattering image of this dog breed), this big dog breed is known for its incredibly gentle disposition—which is why it’s regarded by many as a good family dog.
This gentle giant is a great addition to any family that is prepared to take it on—purebred Saint Bernard pups cost around $1500 on average.
If you decide to buy a St. Bernard puppy, you’ll definitely need a St. Bernard growth chart to keep track of your puppy’s growth and to make sure it’s hitting all of its developmental milestones.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 28 to 30 inches.
Weight: 140 to 180 pounds.
Temperament: Gentle, intelligent, friendly, calm, and watchful.
Lifespan: 8 to 10 years.
Price range: $550 to $2000.
22. The Rhodesian Ridgeback—$2000
The Rhodesian Ridgeback (also known as the African Lion Hound) is a sighthound and scent hound that‘s known for its loving disposition and distinct appearance.
It originated in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in the 16th century and was bred to hunt lions and other big game—today, these agile hunters are mostly kept as companion dogs, but they still have a keen hunting instinct and are fiercely protective of their loved ones.
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are intelligent, obedient, and easily trainable, and when given proper training and socialization early on, they are able to get along well with small dogs and small children—which makes them a good choice for families who want an exotic family pet.
These dogs are also known for being amongst the most expensive dog breeds in the world since a purebred Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy will set you back anywhere between $1500 and $2500.
If you want to buy a purebred Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy, make sure to source your new pup from a trustworthy breeder—check out our article on the best Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders in the US if you need some help finding a reputable breeder.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 25 to 27 inches.
Weight: 70 to 85 pounds.
Temperament: Strong-willed, loyal, sensitive, intelligent, and protective.
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years.
Price range: $1500 to $2500.
21. The Saluki—$2400
The Saluki (also known as the Persian Greyhound) is one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds in the world—they are believed to have descended from the first dogs, and the oldest archeological records show that they were bred as far back as 5000 years ago.
They originated in the Fertile Crescent and were bred by nomadic tribes as hunting dogs and for coursing hare and gazelle.
Salukis have retained their hunting instincts and prey drive—albeit, today they are mostly kept as companion dogs.
Salukis tend to be aloof or a bit timid around strangers, but they are affectionate toward their loved ones—they are content with spending hours beside their owners and are gentle with children, which makes them good family dogs.
However, this is a high-energy breed that needs plenty of daily exercise in order to stay healthy in the long run—every Saluki dog needs to run around and explore their surroundings daily but also needs to be monitored around small animals due to its high prey drive.
Check out our article on the 5 best Saluki breeders of all time if you need help finding a reputable Saluki breeder in the US.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 24 to 27 inches.
Weight: 45 to 65 pounds.
Temperament: Intelligent, aloof, calm, devoted, and energetic.
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years.
Price range: $1800 to $2400.
20. The Portuguese Water Dog—$2500
The Portuguese Water Dog is an ancient dog breed that is believed to have originated around 700 BC on the central Asiatic steppes—it was bred to be used for water work, basically to serve as an all-round fisherman’s helper.
These dogs are brave, agile, tough, intelligent, and obedient, all of which enable them to be the best at their job—today, Portuguese Water Dogs are usually kept as companion dogs.
Their calm disposition and low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats make them a great choice for families with small children and people who suffer from dog hair allergies—they also have a sharp sense of smell and are excellent watchdogs.
Some common minor health issues that these dogs face are hip and elbow dysplasia, alopecia, and juvenile cardiomyopathy, and one major health problem that affects Portuguese Water dogs is progressive retinal atrophy.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 19 to 22 inches.
Weight: 42 to 60 pounds.
Temperament: Intelligent, obedient, brave, quarrelsome, and protective.
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years.
Price range: $1500 to $3000.
19. The Newfoundland—$2500
The Newfoundland dog breed originated in the early 1800s in the rugged, windswept regions of Newfoundland and Labrador—these powerful, large dogs were bred as working dogs and were meant for hauling, carting, and fishing.
Despite their incredibly large size, which makes them appear fierce and intimidating, Newfoundland dogs are one of the most laid-back and easy-going dogs you’ll ever come across.
Newfies are extremely gentle, patient, obedient, and eager to please their owners—their gentle dispositions enable them to get along well with other animals and young children, which is why they make wonderful family dogs.
In addition to their sweet and friendly temperaments, Newfies are not high-maintenance dogs exercise-wise—they only need a leisurely stroll once or twice a day in order to stay healthy and happy in the long run.
If you decide that you want a Newfie to be your new best friend, you’ll need a Newfoundland growth chart—a useful tool to help you to keep track of your new pup’s physical development.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 26 to 28 inches.
Weight: 130 to 150 pounds.
Temperament: Easy-going, laid-back, sweet-tempered, gentle, and obedient.
Lifespan: 8 to 10 years.
Price range: $1500 to $3000.
18. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel—$3000
The next spot on our list of the most expensive dog breeds in the world goes to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel—a toy dog breed that was bred to warm the laps of the British gentry in the early 1900s.
Cavaliers are still used as lap dogs today and are regarded as one of the most popular toy dog breeds in the world, according to the American Kennel Club.
These regal companion dogs are sensitive to their owner’s needs, very affectionate, and always down to cuddle up with their favorite person on the couch—for hours if need be.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle with kids, get along well with other dogs, are excellent emotional support dogs, and are eager to please their owners—which is why even though they are expensive, they’re well worth a pretty penny.
These dogs also come in a variety of different coat colors—if you want to know exactly how many and what makes them unique, check out our article on Cavalier King Charles Spaniel colors.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 12 to 13 inches.
Weight: 13 to 18 pounds.
Temperament: Affectionate, playful, patient, gentle, adaptable, and friendly.
Lifespan: 9 to 14 years.
Price range: $2500 to $3500.
17. The Golden Retriever—$3000
Ah, the Golden Retriever, a breed that’s practically synonymous with the word ‘dog’—it’s one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and for good reason.
The Golden Retriever is a gundog that originated in the Scottish highlands in the late 1800s, and since its debut in 1908 at the UK’s Crystal Palace dog show, it has maintained its reputation and popularity all around the globe.
Goldies are renowned for their beautiful golden coat, sweet temperaments, obedience, and intelligence—their versatility makes them excel as therapy and service dogs, in obedience events, and at dog sports, fieldwork, and hunting… you name it, they can do it!
Both male and female Golden Retrievers are an excellent choice for any loving family who wants an obedient, loyal, friendly, affectionate, and lovable companion dog.
The average price for a Goldie is between $1500 and $3500 if you’re looking for a high-quality, purebred pup—however, English Cream Golden Retrievers and Field Golden Retrievers are even more expensive.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 23 to 24 inches.
Weight: 65 to 75 pounds.
Temperament: Intelligent, friendly, devoted, obedient, goofy, and easy-going.
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years.
Price range: $1500 to $3500.
16. The Irish Wolfhound—$3000
The next dog breed on our list of the most expensive dog breeds in the world is the Irish Wolfhound—it’s one of the largest sighthounds and weighs an impressive 120 pounds and stands at around 32 inches tall at the withers.
The Irish Wolfhound (also called the Irish Greyhound) is an ancient dog breed that was bred to serve as a guard dog and a hunting dog—mainly for protection against wolves and to hunt wolves.
As tough as these dogs appear, they are known to have a soft side and are not at all aggressive watchdogs—temperament-wise, they are sensitive, sweet, easy-going, and obedient.
Irish Wolfhounds need a lot of daily exercise in order to stay healthy, but they don’t need a lot of maintenance grooming-wise— a little plucking and hand-stripping is all that is required in order to keep their coats clean and healthy.
These dogs cost between $2500 and $3500 on average for a purebred puppy from a reliable and reputable breeder in the US.
If you’ve got your heart set on an Irish Wolfhound and you want to buy a puppy for yourself, check out our article on the 4 best Irish Wolfhound breeders in the US.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 30 to 32 inches.
Weight: 100 to 120 pounds.
Temperament: Dignified, loyal, obedient, intelligent, and sweet-tempered.
Lifespan: 6 to 10 years.
Price range: $2500 to $3500.
15. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier—$3500
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is among the scariest dog breeds in the world due to its incredibly fierce appearance—this dog breed usually gets a bad rap due to its history of being used in dog fighting, but the truth about its temperament might surprise you.
The truth is, Staffies are known to be adorable, loving, sweet-tempered, and easy-going companion dogs when they’re raised and treated properly.
I myself have an adorable female Staffie named Betta who is literally the best dog you could ever want—she is calm and loving toward anyone who approaches her and is what’s usually called a velcro dog, so she rarely leaves my side.
However, even though my Staffie is as calm and as friendly as they come, she is an avid watchdog and guard dog the minute she is left alone in the house—so, no one but our family members and family friends dare to go anywhere near the property if we’re not home.
Even though they’re a bit on the pricier side, I wholeheartedly recommend getting a Staffordshire Bull Terrier to anyone that wants a loving family dog with a protective instinct.
If you’re yearning for a Staffie of your own, check out our article on the 10 best Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeders in the US in order to find the right breeder and the right puppy for you.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 14 to 16 inches.
Weight: 30 to 40 pounds.
Temperament: Intelligent, affectionate, fearless, energetic, devoted, friendly, and protective.
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years.
Price range: $2000 to $4000.
14. The Bernese Mountain Dog—$3500
The Bernese Mountain dog (also colloquially called the Berner) is an incredibly versatile working dog that originated in the farmlands of Switzerland in the early 1900s—it was mainly bred to serve as a herding dog and to haul carts, but today, it’s mostly kept as a wonderful family companion.
Although they’re a large breed, Bernese Mountain Dogs are affectionate, agile, devoted, sweet-tempered, and intelligent canines that will most likely melt your heart with how friendly they actually are.
Berners are also very gentle with small children and other small animals but are known to shed a lot year-round and are not a hypoallergenic breed—so regular grooming is a must in order to keep their coats healthy and beautiful.
If you want a Berner puppy for yourself and you need help finding a good breeder, check out our article on the best Bernese Mountain Dog breeders in the US.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 25 to 27 inches.
Weight: 80 to 120 pounds.
Temperament: Intelligent, faithful, affectionate, protective, and gentle.
Lifespan: 6 to 8 years.
Price range: $2500 to $4000.
13. The Black Russian Terrier—$4000
This is the part where we’re getting into serious digits on the list of the most expensive dog breeds in the world.
The Black Russian Terrier (also called the Chornyi Terrier—Chornyi meaning black in Russian) is most often recognized for its large stature, which is atypical considering that it’s one of the Terrier dog breeds.
These dogs stand at around 30 inches tall and weigh around 140 pounds, so it’s easy to see why they’re not your typical run-of-the-mill Terrier.
Although they’re muscular and powerful dogs that make excellent guard dogs, these gentle giants are also intelligent, affectionate, and eager to please their owners—all of which make them a good choice for someone who needs a large but gentle family companion.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 28 to 30 inches.
Weight: 125 to 140 pounds.
Temperament: Energetic, confident, brave, affectionate, and obedient.
Lifespan: 10 to 11 years.
Price range: $3000 to $4000.
12. The English Bulldog—$4000
The next spot on our list of the most expensive dog breeds in the world goes to the English Bulldog—a fan-favorite companion dog that’s loved for its laid-back personality and obedient nature.
English Bulldogs originated in the early 5th century in England, where they were bred forbull-baiting and to help butchers control their livestock.
At first, English Bulldogs used to display aggressive behavior but through selective breeding over time, this characteristic has been bred out of the breed—today, English Bulldogs are docile, friendly, and affectionate, which makes them wonderful family pets.
British Bulldogs don’t require lots of daily exercise and are well suited to apartment living, in addition to that, their calm dispositions make them get along well with other dogs and small children.
However, this brachycephalic dog breed is known for its predisposition for certain health issues such as brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome, skin fold dermatitis, and allergies, to name just a few.
Purebred English Bulldog puppies in the US cost between $1500 and $4000, depending on various factors—rare colored dogs, such as the Merle English Bulldog, can cost as much as $10,000!
Breed Characteristics
Height: 14 to 16 inches.
Weight: 50 to 54 pounds.
Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, laid-back, and obedient.
Lifespan: 8 to 10 years.
Price range: $1500 to $4000.
11. The French Bulldog—$6000
If you’re the type of person who would prefer to own a smaller (and cuter) version of the standard English Bulldog, look no further than its French cousin—the French Bulldog.
Frenchies rank as the second most popular dog breed in the US (the number one most popular dog breed is the Labrador Retriever), and for good reason—their adorable appearance, coupled with their charming and goofy personality, is what makes these pups so irresistible.
French Bulldogs are fun-loving, friendly, affectionate, curious, and lively—all of these traits make them the ideal companion dogs for any loving family.
However, this breed is not without its faults—Frenchies need a lot of attention from their owners in order to stay happy, and they shed a lot all year-round, which is why regular grooming is a must.
The price for a purebred French Bulldog puppy in the US is between $2000 and $6000, depending on various factors—rare colored Frenchies, such as the Isabella French Bulldog, can cost up to $10,000.
If you’re wondering why these little cuties have such a big price tag—find out the reasons behind their high price in our article on French Bulldog cost.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 10 to 12 inches.
Weight: 16 to 28 pounds.
Temperament: Easy-going, affectionate, lively, and curious.
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years.
Price range: $2000 to $6000.
10. The Afghan Hound—$7000
Ok, now we’ve finally got to the top ten most expensive dog breeds in the world, and the tenth spot on the list goes to the Afghan Hound—an absolutely beautiful sighthound that originated in the mountains of Afghanistan.
Although the Afghan Hound is dubbed as the world’s dumbest dog breed, it makes up for its lack of intelligence with undying loyalty and an eagerness to please its owners.
In fact, Afghan Hounds are simply aloof and self-willed dogs that are hard to train due to their stubbornness, which doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re dumb—they just like to do things at their own pace and in their own way.
When properly trained, Afghan Hounds make wonderful family pets, not to mention the amount of head-turning they elicit when going on walks—if you want a dog that will be the center of attention anywhere you take it, look no further than the loyal Afghan Hound.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 25 to 27 inches.
Weight: 50 to 60 pounds.
Temperament: Aloof, reserved, nervous, independent, and lively.
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years.
Price range: $1500 to $7000.
9. The Pharaoh Hound—$7500
Being the national dog of Malta, the Pharaoh Hound garners a lot of attention due to its unique appearance and disposition, in addition to being one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world.
Called the Kelb Tal-Fenek in Maltese (which means rabbit dog), the Pharaoh Hound was bred to hunt rabbits on the Maltese islands—this breed is regal, agile, powerful, fast, and most importantly, well-tempered and obedient.
One unique thing about these dogs is the fact that they can blush—when it’s happy or excited, the Pharaoh Hound’s ears and nose turn a deep rose color.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 23 to 25 inches.
Weight: 45 to 55 pounds.
Temperament: Intelligent, affectionate, friendly, playful, and obedient.
Lifespan: 11 to 14 years.
Price range: $2500 to $7500.
8. The Dogo Argentino—$8000
Also known as the Argentinian Mastiff, the Dogo Argentino is a large and powerfully built dog breed that was first bred in 1928 in Argentina to hunt big game such as mountain lions and wild boars.
Due to their fierce reputation, Dogo Argentinos are banned in some countries, such as the UK, Norway, Turkey, Australia, Denmark, and several other countries—certain areas in the US also have restrictions on owning this particular breed.
Of course, when properly trained and socialized at an early age, Dogo Argentinos make wonderful companion dogs for people who can handle them—they are known to be affectionate toward their owners and are loyal to the bone.
Because of their scarcity and several other factors in play, purebred Dogo Argentino puppies that come from quality bloodlines can fetch a hefty price of up to $8000.
If you want to buy one of these fierce protectors for yourself, check out our list of the best Dogo Argentino breeders in the US in order to find reputable breeders.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 24 to 27 inches.
Weight: 90 to 100 pounds.
Temperament: Affectionate, protective, friendly, loyal, and obedient.
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years.
Price range: $1000 to $8000
7. The Canadian Eskimo Dog—$8750
Our next spot on the list of the most expensive dog breeds in the world goes to a dog that’s also one of the rarest in the world—the Canadian Eskimo Dog, also called the Qimmiq or the Inuit Dog.
Being one of the wolf-like dog breeds and one of the rarest breeds in the world—the Canadian Eskimo Dog is currently facing extinction, with approximately only 300 dogs remaining in the world as of 2018.
These dogs were brought to America from Siberia more than a millennium ago, but their bloodlines date back even further than that, to as far as 4000 years ago—they were originally used for hunting and pulling sleds by the native Inuit people in both the North and South poles.
Canadian Eskimo Dogs are known to be territorial and tend to overreact to external stimuli, even when trained, which is why they’re not an ideal choice for families with small children.
Due to their rarity, Canadian Eskimo Dogs can cost as much as $8750 dollars a pup.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 23 to 28 inches.
Weight: 40 to 65 pounds.
Temperament: Intelligent, alert, brave, loyal, resilient, and affectionate.
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years.
Price range: $3500 to $8750.
6. The Rottweiler—$9000
Another fan-favorite among the world’s most expensive dog breeds is the powerful and intimidating Rottweiler—a dog breed that also ranks ninth on the list of the 20 smartest dog breeds in the world.
Although they’re generally more commonly seen than some other dogs on this list, it might surprise you that Rottweilers are on this list because they are extremely expensive to keep, as well as being expensive to acquire.
The initial purchase of an average purebred Rottweiler puppy might set you back anywhere from $1500 to $4000 (with some purebred puppies costing as much as $9000), but the amount of vet bills they rack up during their lifetime is comparatively higher than most other dog breeds.
Unfortunately, Rottweilers are extremely sensitive and are prone to almost every common canine health problem that exists, especially hereditary joint problems—which is why statistics show that their pet insurance claims are higher than any other dog breed’s.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 22 to 27 inches.
Weight: 80 to 120+ pounds.
Temperament: Intelligent, fearless, devoted, energetic, alert, calm, and obedient.
Lifespan: 8 to 10 years.
Price range: $2000 to $9000.
5. The Azawakh—$9500
The fifth spot on the list of the most expensive dog breeds in the world goes to the incredible Azawakh—a slender and agile sighthound that originated in West Africa.
Even though it resembles Santa’s Little Helper from the animated TV show The Simpsons (which is actually a Greyhound), this majestic and beautiful dog is a completely different dog breed.
As one of the weirdest dog breeds, the Azawakh’s unique appearance sets it apart from the majority of common dog breeds.
This dog is very energetic and lively, so it needs plenty of daily exercise in order to stay fit both mentally and physically—when trained and socialized properly, the Azawakh is able to fit into any loving family and will get along well with other dogs and small children.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 25 to 29 inches.
Weight: 44 to 55 pounds.
Temperament: Aloof, affectionate, attentive, devoted, and obedient.
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years.
Price range: $3000 to $9500.
4. The Tibetan Mastiff—$10,000
Native to Nepal and China, the massive Tibetan Mastiff is one of the largest dogs in the world, as well as being one of the most expensive dog breeds.
This aloof and watchful breed has existed for thousands of years and is considered to be one of the ancient dog breeds—it was used to protect the Buddhist monks and their monasteries in Tibet from animals such as snow leopards, wolves, and bears.
Purebred Tibetan Mastiff puppies in the US cost anywhere between $1500 to $12,000—but the most expensive Tibetan Mastiff, and the current record holder for the most expensive dog in the world, was sold for a staggering $1.95 million.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 24 to 26 inches.
Weight: 70 to 150+ pounds.
Temperament: Intelligent, aloof, protective, affectionate, and strong-willed.
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years.
Price range: $5000 to $10,000+.
3. The Chow Chow—$11,000
The third spot on our list of the most expensive dog breeds in the world goes to the Chow Chow—a Chinese dog breed that is one of the oldest and rarest breeds in the world.
Chow Chows were originally developed as multi-purpose, working dogs that excelled at hunting, working, pulling, and guarding—but today, they’re mostly kept as companion dogs and show dogs.
Even though the acquisition of a Chow Chow will set you back as much as $11,000, that’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to keeping this gentle giant.
The breed is prone to lots of health issues, such as joint dysplasia, eye entropion, improper thyroid function, and many more—which means that their vet bills can quickly rack up.
Keeping a Chow Chow weight chart close by will come in handy for any Chow Chow owner in order to prepare for their puppy’s inevitable growth spurts.
Another strange but true fact about Chow Chows is that they have a uniquely blue or black-colored tongue, which is also part of its breed standard.
If you want to own your own gentle giant and you need help finding reputable breeders, check out our article on the 8 best Chow Chow breeders in the US.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 17 to 20 inches.
Weight: 50 to 75+ pounds.
Temperament: Smart, aloof, stubborn, quiet, independent, and loyal.
Lifespan: 9 to 15 years.
Price range: $2000 to $11,000+.
2. The Löwchen—$12,000
Coming in second on the list of the most expensive dog breeds in the world is the Löwchen, also called the Little Lion Dog.
This small, fluffy dog breed dates back to the medieval era, when it was kept as a companion dog for German and French royalty—and although they are similar in appearance to some common dog breeds, like the Bichon Frise or the Havanese, Löwchen dogs are a rare find.
Löwchens are playful, affectionate, devoted, and eager to please their owners, which is why they are regarded as good family pets.
These small dogs have such a big price tag due to their rarity—in 1973, their numbers dwindled to as low as only 65 registered individual dogs, and even today, their numbers are still in the low hundreds worldwide.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 12 to 14 inches.
Weight: 9 to 18 pounds.
Temperament: Friendly, active, playful, goofy, affectionate, and obedient.
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years.
Price range: $7000 to $12,000+.
1. The Samoyed—$14,000
And finally, the number one spot on the list of the most expensive dog breeds in the world goes to the Samoyed—a rare Siberian dog breed that is known for its unique, cloud-like, fluffy coat and personable nature.
An ancient breed, the Samoyed is believed to have been bred by the nomadic Samoyed tribe of Siberia for herding reindeer and pulling sleds—but today, these beautiful canines are usually kept as companion dogs and show dogs.
These versatile dogs originally came in a variety of different coat colors but through the years of selective breeding practices, their coats have become completely white—and this is considered to be the breed standard.
The Samoyed is an energetic and sociable breed that requires an outlet for its energy and a friend to keep it company—without plenty of exercise and socialization, Samoyeds tend to become destructive and rambunctious.
If you want a Samoyed of your own and you need help finding a good breeder, check out our article on the best Samoyed breeders in the US.
Breed Characteristics
Height: 19 to 23 inches.
Weight: 50 to 65 pounds.
Temperament: Lively, intelligent, sociable, affectionate, energetic, and playful.
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years.
Price range: $3000 to $14,000+.
What Makes A Dog Breed Expensive?
Some dog breeds are initially cheaper to buy but are more expensive to maintain down the line, and vice versa—some dogs might cost a small fortune to purchase but are cheaper to keep.
The price of a certain dog breed depends on several different factors, such as the pedigree of the individual dog, the popularity of the breed, the rarity of the breed, and the reputation of the breeder.
Another factor that dictates the price tag of a dog is whether you want a pet-quality pup or a show-quality pup—if you want to buy a purebred dog with breeding rights (a full AKC registration), this will cost you even more.
In Conclusion
Now that we’ve covered what the 25 most expensive dog breeds in the world are, you’ll surely be able to whip out some new fun facts the next time that you’re with a group of friends.
Keep in mind that no matter which breed you opt for, a dog is first and foremost a member of the family, and should be treated as such.
The best way to go about buying a new puppy is to source it from a reliable and reputable breeder who adheres to ethical and responsible breeding practices—this ensures that you end up with a healthy and happy dog that will stay that way in the long run.
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