Top 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds

Don’t let that irresistible fluff and precious face fool you–this breed is meant to protect its home before anything else. Chow Chows are loyal dogs, and that loyalty can sometimes present in aggression to strangers and other dogs. If you want one of these purple-tongued puppies, be prepared to shell out between $500 and $8,000, and that’s just for the dog itself. Some insurance companies consider Chow Chows to be a high-risk breed, so owning one can make your homeowner’s insurance premiums go up. Unfortunately, Chow Chows are also prone to autoimmune issues, which means vet bills can be more expensive over time. And of course that luscious coat needs to be groomed, so be prepared to stock up on supplies or take them in for professional care on a regular basis.

This breed is perhaps most well-known for the story of the loyal Hachikō, an Akita who waited for his owner to return to the train station for more than nine years after the man’s passing. During Hachikō’s life, only 30 Akitas were registered, and the breed nearly went extinct during World War II a few years later. Thankfully, revitalization efforts saved the breed. Although they are not as rare today, Akitas can still be quite expensive, with puppies costing between $1,000 and $5,500. Akitas are prone to health conditions such as diabetes and bloat, which can lead to increased veterinary care costs. Akitas are banned in some areas, so before you bring one into your home, be sure to check your local laws.

They’re one of the most popular sports mascots, but these wrinkly dogs are more likely to need to fight off sleepiness than fight bulls. If you want to add one of these adorable puppies to your home, be prepared to pay between $1,500 and $4,000. Over the years, English Bulldogs have been bred to have more extreme features, and this has sadly led to some major health problems in the breed. Cardiac and hip issues are prevalent, and those precious squished faces can actually cause breathing problems, which can in turn lead to overheating. And because their heads are so large, English Bulldog puppies might get stuck during whelping, so most are born via C-section to limit risks for both the mom and the pup. No wonder they’re so expensive!

These powerful pups were originally bred to herd livestock and pull carts full of meat for butchers. Rottweilers are a popular breed, and if you want to add one of these muscular dogs to your home, purchasing one from a reputable breeder can cost between $1,200 and $4,000. Once you bring your pup home, make sure you take extra care to keep them protected from parvovirus, because this breed is especially susceptible to serious outcomes from the virus. As a larger breed, Rottweilers may develop health conditions such as hip dysplasia as they get older. Finally, before you add one of these dogs to your family, be sure to check your local ordinances, as Rottweilers are banned in some areas.

Also called Kelb tal-Fenek, this stunning dog is the only breed from Malta that is recognized by the FCI. Pharaoh Hounds were originally bred to hunt rabbits, but their affectionate natures make them excellent pets as well. These pups have an adorable blush that pops up when they are happy. If you want to purchase one of these gorgeous dogs, though, your bank account might not be tickled pink. Because of the Pharaoh Hound’s rarity, you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $6,500 for a puppy, and that’s before transportation costs from the breeder. Thankfully, Pharaoh Hounds are not prone to many diseases, so if you are able to find and afford one, you will likely get a healthy and happy dog.

Originally bred to hunt game, this ancient breed is among the fastest in the entire world. These stunning sighthounds can reach speeds up to 42 miles per hour, and owners must use caution when walking them so they do not escape. Despite their intense prey drive and extraordinary speed, adult Salukis have gentle and shy personalities. If you want to add one of these gorgeous dogs to your family, though, it’s going to cost you. Purchasing a Saluki puppy will set you back between $2,500 and $10,000, depending on the breeder. Once you get your pup home, be sure to give it lots of soft spots to lay on as they love being cozy when they’re indoors. Same, Saluki, same!

They might resemble cartoon characters brought to life, but these walking clouds are tougher than they look. Samoyeds were bred to herd reindeer and pull sleds in Siberia, making them excellent working dogs. Their fluffy coats and cuddly personalities are the result of selective breeding to keep people warm during harsh winter nights. These photogenic darlings have faces and dispositions just as sweet as marshmallows, but that “Sammie smile” will cost you a pretty penny. Expect to spend between $1,500 and $6,000 on one of these puppies. As you can probably guess, Samoyeds’ gorgeous coats require constant upkeep, so investing in grooming tools or regular grooming appointments is a must. You might want to get an extra vacuum, too, while you’re at it.

#3: Löwchen

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These adorable dogs once made up the rarest breed in the world, with only 65 Löwchens registered in 1973. Nowadays, the little lion dog is a bit more plentiful, but they’re still uncommon. Their happy and intelligent temperaments make them excellent family dogs, and because they don’t shed much, Löwchens are a good fit for people with mild allergies. These precious pups have noble ancestry as companion dogs, and their price tag definitely reflects it. Because of their scarcity, Löwchens cost between $4,000 and $8,000. If you do add one of these rare gems to your family, they usually live long and healthy lives, but you will need to groom them frequently to keep their skin and fur in tip-top shape.

These stunning dogs are the result of breeding German Shepherds with Carpathian wolves, and their attributes definitely reflect their ancestry. Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs develop strong social bonds with their families and with other dogs, reflecting the pack mentality of wolves. This breed is relatively rare, and its hefty price tag reflects that rarity. Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs can cost anywhere from $800 to $8,000, and that’s not even counting the price of transportation from one of the few breeders where you can buy these pups. Before you start pulling from your savings account, keep in mind that Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs are banned in several areas, so check your local laws.

We know that the love of a dog is worth a fortune, but very few of us would actually drop millions of dollars on a pup from the get-go. Well, that’s exactly what happened in 2014 when a property developer spent $1.95 million on a Tibetan Mastiff. While not all Tibetan Mastiffs cost that much, they top this list for a reason. A puppy will usually set you back between $1,500 and $5,000. Their beautiful coats require maintenance, so make sure you have proper tools or are able to take them in for grooming appointments. Unfortunately, this breed is prone to some health issues, such as hip dysplasia, which can lead to higher veterinary bills. Like a few other breeds on this list, the Tibetan Mastiff is banned in some areas, so be sure to check local laws before purchasing one of these giant dogs.