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Top 20 Most Expensive Dog Breeds

Breeding Business is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.
Published on
Sunday 16 December 2018
Last updated on
Tuesday 9 May 2023
most expensive dog breeds
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A dog’s value is not a sign of how much love it gives – it is a mere number holding an anecdotal meaning. We’ve rounded up the most expensive dog breeds by computing their average selling price but also their record-breaking known sales.

Obviously, most of these expensive breeds can be purchased for a lot less except for their top bloodlines. The unconditional love and companionship of a dog do not always come cheap. So, here goes a list of the top most expensive dog breeds and why they cost that much more than your average house pet.

1. Tibetan Mastiff – $20,000

tibetan mastiff
A depiction of a Tibetan Mastiff (credits)

The Tibetan Mastiff is yet another precious dog breed, known for its unconventionally rugged looks and fierce nature. Originating in the Himalayan regions and Tibet and Nepal, a full-grown adult dog from this breed can cost you as much as $20,000. Dogs from this breed are huge and large-sized with a height of about 33″ and a maximum weight of 160 pounds.

The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed and the dogs were traditionally used by the Himalayan local tribes to protect their sheep from predators. They are powerful yet amicable and supposedly the most protective breed of dogs in the world.

2. Canadian Eskimo Dog – $16,000

Canadian Eskimo Dog (puppy)
A puppy Canadian Eskimo Dog.

Requiring you to spend as much as $16000, the Canadian Eskimo Dog is one of the oldest and rarest breeds of dogs, originating as working dogs in the Arctic region of North America. An adult Canadian Eskimo is about 60 cm tall and weighs about 35-40 kg. Available in black, white, grey and liver colors, a pooch from this breed can be extremely alert, loyal and intelligent.

These dogs have been a part of the Inuit culture for more than 2000 years with the breed being on the verge of extinction. There are not more than 500 dogs in the US, justifying their whopping price tag.

3. American Bully – $15,000

The Different Types of American bullies
The different varieties of American Bullies.

The American Bully is one of the best varieties of Pit Bulls, developed from American Staffordshire Terriers and American Pit Bulls. Heavy (about 110 lbs), short (about 20″), sturdy with a broad and muscular face structure, the American Bully is one of the best companion dogs, calling for a cost of up to $15,000.

The American Bully comes with a short, smooth and glossy coat. The dogs have a small litter size, about 4 puppies, which is a reason behind why they form one of the most expensive breeds of dogs. The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognizes this breed as loving and friendly, as a part of your family. Prices are similar to the other different types of pit bull breeds.

4. Samoyed – $14,000

two samoyeds
Two beautiful Samoyed dogs (credits)

Samoyed is one of the most expensive dog breeds, costing around $5000-$14000 but ensuring that it is worth every bit of your investment. With a height of about 19″-23″ and a weight of about 45-65 pounds for a male and 35-50 pounds for a female, Samoyeds are identified by their beautiful all-white thick coat that is meant to protect them from the brutally cold temperature in Siberia.

Samoyeds have a rare smile, which actually keeps the upturned corners of their mouth from drooling and thereby, preventing icicles from forming on the face. Samoyeds belong to the working dog breeds and have a life expectancy of 12-14 years. They are smart, mischievous and extremely social. These cute furry dogs that are becoming a rare species demand a lot of your love and attention.

5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – $12,000

four cavalier king charles dogs
A group of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs (credits)

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel comes across as a small pooch, often classified as the toy dog. With a height and weight of about 12″ and 7 kg respectively, the dogs are found in varying colors, out of which the tri-color ones are the rarest and most attractive.

The Cavalier King Charles is a breed that was developed with a distinctive purpose. These dogs were meant to resemble the court dogs of King Charles I and II. The dogs can cost you up to as much as $12,000. They are active, sociable and playful and are the happiest when taken for playing in the garden or a long walk coupled with some belly rubs and cuddles.

6. Chow Chow – $10,000

phylogenetic tree chow chow breed
Genealogical tree of the Chow Chow breed in comparison to other ancient dog breeds.

There are several reasons behind Chow Chow being one of the most expensive breeds of dogs, costing you up to $10,000. Small in appearance with a weight of about 70 lbs and a fascinating goofy smile in a teddy bear-like appearance, this is one of the oldest and rarest breeds originating in China. It was traditionally referred to as the Songshi Quan, which means a ‘puffy-lion dog’.

The dogs are loyal, attentive and independent in nature. The scowling expression of a Chow Chow is a hallmark of the breed. They are a bit aloof too, requiring a good amount of physical exercises to stay joyful and active.

7. Rottweiler – $10,000

Rottweiler exercising and working.
Rottweiler partaking in Schutzhund.

Rottweiler is one of the most fearless and hardworking dog breeds out there, compelling you to spend about $1000 to as much as $10,000 for an adult large-sized dog. A male Rottweiler has a height and weight of 61-69 cm and 50-60 kg respectively while its female counterpart has a height and weight of 56-63 cm and 35-48 kg respectively.

With an average lifespan of 8-10 years, these dogs are steady, obedient and good-natured. They were known in Germany as the Rottweil butcher’s dogs and were meant to guard herd livestock and pull carts carrying butchered meat. Today, intelligence and attentiveness of the breed and of specific bloodlines make them one of the most expensive dogs that often play the role of police dogs or rescue dogs.

8. Lowchen – $8,000

lowchen dog show
Celeste, a beautiful Lowchen from MusicBox Bichons & Lowchen.

The Lowchen is an ancient breed of dogs that were among the first to be recognized as breeds since the time of the Renaissance. The breed was so popular among the noblemen that you can find these dogs featured on the popular Renaissance paintings. These are small dogs, often identified as toy dogs with a weight of just 8 kg and a height of 30-35 cm. Their cute appearance and long-hairs have earned them the name of “little lions”.

Lowchens are extremely rare, almost on the verge of extinction and securing one can cost you up to $8000. They can be found in various colors and are usually non-sporting and friendly in nature. Their litter size is also small, about 3-5 puppies.

9. Dogo Argentino – $8,000

adult dogo argentino
Shot of an adult Dogo Argentino (credits)

Dogo Argentino, as one of the most expensive dog breeds, originated in Argentina and was traditionally developed to be involved in big-game hunting. The average weight and height of a male Dogo Argentino are 65 kg and 27″ respectively while the same for a female is 60 kg and 23″ respectively. The dogs have a white and large well-muscled body with a short coat and a deep-set chest.

The dedicated and protective nature of a Dogo Argentino justifies its price often nearing $8000. The dog can be a perfect pet as he/she is also easy to train and loves to snuggle. However, the breed demands an active owner to be trained well because it has a dominant nature.

10. Afghan Hound – $7,000

afghan hound portrait
A beautiful portrait of an Afghan Hound (credits)

With a height and weight of about 73 cm and 27 kg respectively, the look of a fully coated Afghan Hound is unique enough to justify its high costs of about $7000. The dog has a distinguished look by virtue of its fine, thick, silky coat coupled with a ring curl at the end of its tail.

An Afghan Hound can be found in varying colors like Fawn, Gold, Red, Cream and even Tri-Color. Its local name in Afghanistan is Tazi Spay and it is usually known to be aloof and yet dignified and playful in happy situations.

11. French Bulldog – $6,000

french bulldogs c-section
Due to their morphology, over 80% of French bulldogs are given birth through c-section.

A small breed of domestic dogs, the French Bulldog originated in the 1800s as a cross breed between local ratters in Paris and Bulldogs from England. These lively and affectionate dogs weigh about 11 kg and are petite and short in structure.

A French Bulldog is difficult to breed dog and rare, which calls for their high costs of around $6000. This is because the dogs can hardly breed naturally owing to their narrow hips. The litter size is too small, about 2-3 puppies only. Most females need a C-section for delivery and the breed, as a whole need a lot of care and attention.

12. Pharaoh Hound – $6,000

egyptian pharaoh hounds
Three incredibly expensive Egyptian Pharaoh Hounds (credits)

Rare and precious in terms of both appearance and disposition, the Pharaoh Hound or the Pharaoh Hound can cost more than $6000 for certain bloodlines. This breed is the national hound of Malta and its native name is Kelb tal-Fenek, which means the Rabbit Dog. They were traditionally used for hunting rabbits in the Maltese islands.

A Pharaoh Hound is 18-27 kg in weight and 53-63 cm in height. They are sociable, intelligent, playful, active and affectionate in nature. Pharaoh Hounds are identified by their royal look and athletic disposition. They can be trained very well and made an inseparable part of a family.

13. Saluki – $5,000

Saluki dog
Picture of a Saluki dog.

Saluki is an ancient and rare breed that can cost you up to $5000 or more. With a lifespan of about 12-14 years and a height and weight of 23-28 “and 40-60 pounds respectively, a Saluki has an extremely unconventional appearance with its deep chest and long legs. Salukis have been the royal dogs of Egypt, known for their friendliness with mankind since the age of the Pharaohs. The breed originated in the Fertile Crescent.

These dogs have traditionally worked as sighthounds. They are independent and gentle. With patient training, this breed of dogs can turn out to be one of your most trusted companions.

14. Akita – $5,000

akita dog
The irresistible and fluffy Akita dog.

Akita is a Japanese dog breed that can cost up to $5000. Weighing about 34-50 kg (female) and 45-59 kg (male) with a height of about 58-64 cm (female) and 64-70 cm (male), the Akita can be found in some rare colors like Red Fawn, Sesame and Pinto that is a primary reason behind their high costs. These dogs are powerful, dominant and independent, aloof with strangers but warm and affectionate with family members. They are sensitive to certain drugs.

Akitas look cute with a Japanese kind of appearance and a short double coat that is also rare and found mostly in the northern spitz breeds like the Siberian Husky. A few long-coated dogs can be found in certain litters too.

15. Portuguese Water Dog – $5,000

Barack Obama and his Portuguese Water Dog
Barack Obama and his Portuguese Water Dog

Made famous by the US President Barak Obama’s dog called Bo, this breed brings you some of the priciest dogs or puppies. They are characterized by their wavy and curly coat and non-shedding qualities. A male Portuguese water dog is 50-57 cm in height and 19-27 kg in weight while the female one is about 43-52 cm in height and 16-23 kg in weight. They have a lifespan of 10-14 years.

The interesting history of the origination of the Portuguese Water Dog breed can make your investment of up to $5000 on it worthy. The dogs of this breed are from the Portugal coast region where they were used by the fishermen to retrieve lost gear, herd fish into nets and even deliver messages to the boats.

16. English Bulldog – $4,000

English Bulldogs and Bull-Baiting
The bulldog breed was selectively bred especially for bull-baiting competitions.

Also simply referred to as the Bulldog, this breed brings you some of the priciest dogs costing up to $4000. Bulldogs are known for their muscular and hefty structure with a broad, wrinkled face and the English Bulldog is no exception. An English Bulldog has a height and weight of 2 feet and 55 lbs (male) respectively while the female one has a height and weight of 1 foot and 45 lbs (female) respectively.

English Bulldogs have poor health and vet costs on them are typically higher, adding to their expensive factor. They are playful and energetic as puppies but mostly lazy as adults, loving to snore lying on the couch.

17. Bedlington Terrier – $4,000

bedlington terrier
The weird-looking Bedlington Terrier dog (credits)

With a height of just 1 foot and weight of about 10 kg, the Bedlington Terrier is one of the priciest dogs/puppies mainly because of their rare colors and unconventional looks. The coat texture is uniquely curly and crisp. There is a distinct topknot that gives it a cute appearance.

This rare breed originating in North East England and used for the purpose of hunting vermin can cost up to $4000. The dogs are identified for their contradictory nature. They can be extremely good with kids on the one hand and aggressive enough to kill another dog of their weight, on the other.

18. Lakeland Terrier – $3,000

lakeland terrier
An adult Lakeland Terrier (credits)

Deriving its name from the Lake District in England, the Lakeland Terrier is an expensive breed of dogs, requiring you to spend about $3000 to make them a part of your family. They are about 8 kg in weight with a height of about 38 cm. Found in different colors including black and tan and blue, these dogs are bold, confident, intelligent, and extremely trainable.

Quite adaptable in nature, a Lakeland Terrier can prove to be a perfect pet. However, the breed is getting rarer because of their small litter size of just 3-4 puppies.

19. Irish Wolfhound – $3,000

irish wolfhound
A huge Irish Wolfhound (credits)

Weighing about 150 lbs with a height of 30″-32″, an Irish Wolfhound can cost you up to $3000. It is a rare breed that can survive and live well only in cold weather. Their stature is a bit bizarre with a disproportionately long face. The dog derived its name from its traditional use as a hunting dog or a guard dog. The dogs were known for hunting wolves and elks in Ireland decades back.

By nature, these dogs are sweet-tempered and unconditionally loyal to their family members. As a puppy, they can be a bit clumsy and demand good attention before they mature.

20. Azawakh – $3,000

azawakh
The leggy Azawakh dog.

Identified by its exceptionally thin structure and almond eyes, the Azawakh is one of the priciest dog breeds, costing you about $3000 and up. An Azawakh has a lifespan of 10-12 years, is 15-25 kg in weight with a height of about 61-74 cm. These dogs can be found in varying colors through their feline gait remains basically constant.

A rare African breed, Azawakhs are affectionate, attentive, refined, fierce and rugged. It is among those rare breeds that are available for ownership in the US and Canada. An Azawakh is quite lively but has a tendency to get aloof. That is why; owners need to involve these dogs in physical activities to keep them joyful and cheered up.

4 comments on “Top 20 Most Expensive Dog Breeds”

  1. Michael Badu

    I would like to buy a dog, can someone help me.

  2. Tenzin Norbu

    I am from Tibet and I am a dog lover. I have one giant Tibetan mastiff at my home in Lhasa. The Tibetan mastiff is the best and most expensive dog in Tibet! This dog is used for herding the sheep and yaks in the nomad’s areas.

    1. Linda Turrey

      I love this information!
      Thank you for sharing :)

  3. Nana James

    No Pomeranian?

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