Worth every penny? Pedigree, location, and demand can make some dog breeds more expensive than others
Before you can bring your new pup, you’ll need to prepare your bank account, too, especially if you're bringing home one of the most expensive dog breeds.
The initial cost of purchasing a dog can vary wildly depending on where you live, as well as whether you adopt from an animal shelter or buy from a reputable breeder. The price also varies from breed to breed, with some trendy pups and highly prized types topping out at more than $4,000.
The Average Price of an Expensive Dog Breed
Curious to know which pooches command the highest prices? Here’s a snapshot of some of the most expensive dog breeds around, based on average prices currently listed on Good Dog, a platform for breeders, shelters, and rescues.
But how far would you be willing to pay for your pup? We do everything for our pups and spend a lot of money every single day. While some prices might be higher for breeders than animal shelters, no matter where your precious pup comes from, we love them nonetheless.
Americans spend an average of $1,675 per year on their dog, and purebred dogs cost five-times more than a mutt or mixed dog. While that might seem like a lot, there are way more expensive dogs out there than purebreds and these are the top-10 most expensive dog breeds to own in 2024.
10. Afghan Hound – $6,000
The Afghan Hound comes from the mountains of Afghanistan and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful dogs with their flowing coats and curly tails. They even require daily hair brushing because their long silky coats become tangled very easily.
This ancient breed of hounds have a life expectancy of 10-14 years, and their health conditions might cost you some more money. They’re predisposed to cataracts and hypothyroidism, which can cost up to $3,000, driving the price of this pup up even more.
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9. Pharaoh Hound – $7,500
Meaning “rabbit dog” in Maltese, the Pharaoh Hound is generally used for hunting rabbits in the Maltese Islands. These dogs are highly intelligent as well as athletic and tend to range from 45-55 pounds.
The breed has an average life expectancy of 11-14 years but is extremely sensitive to stress. Stress can lead to severe digestive and neurotic issues which can cost more than $1,500 to treat. The positive is their genetic makeup; they’re loyal hounds that can be trained well for families and larger groups.
8. Dogo Argentino – $8,000
Originally developed for big game hunting, due to its muscular stature, Dogo Argentinos are one of the most expensive dogs in the world. Their muscular body allows the doggo to hunt wild hogs in South America and Asia mainly.
First bred in 1928, the Dogo Argentino’s main ancestors are the extinct Cordoba Fighting Dog and the Great Dane. They are a powerful dog breed, and because of their dominant physical traits, it’s illegal to own in the UK, Colorado and New York City. Because Dogo Argentinos were originally developed to hunt big game, those genes still run through their veins. They are serious athletes who crave daily physical and mental activity, especially games that utilize their keen sense of smell.
Their life expectancy is 12-14 years, but they can suffer from hip dysplasia and deafness, leading to vet bills upwards of $1,600. However, without regular daily exercise, health issues can increase, as well as the vet costs.
7. Canadian Eskimo Dog – $8,750
The Canadian Eskimo dog is one of the rarest breeds in the world and is currently facing extinction with less than 300 dogs remaining in 2018. They were brought to North America from Siberia more than 1,000 years ago and had been decreasing recently since the 1960s.
Their numbers decreased mainly due to the invention of the snowmobile and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) dog killings of 1950-1970. The Canadian Police killed up to 20,000 Canadian Eskimo Dogs to intentionally disrupt the dog’s way of living, and the breed has never recovered.
The breed is also prone to gastric torsion, entropion, where the eyelid folds over itself, heat intolerance and arthritis. Canadian Eskimo Dogs are also said to be very territorial and often overreact to small disturbances, which is why they’re not ideal for families with children.
6. Rottweiler – $9,000
This one might surprise some people because Rottweilers are a generally more common breed than all the other puppers on this list. While they’re initially not crazy expensive to buy, normally an average price of $1,500 initially, they rack up money in vet bills due to health issues.
The breed is extremely susceptible to almost every single disease and/or cancer for dogs, especially hip and joint issues, which is why their pet insurance claims are the highest among any other breed. Rottweiler owners can expect to pay more than $300 annually on their dog insurance and even more for a claim.
Their lifespan is also significantly lower than other dogs at only 8-10 years. However, they’re considered a great family pet because of their loyalty and obedience to their owners. They also make excellent guard dogs.
Also Read: 8 Easy Tips For Dog Grooming At Home for Pet Parents
5. Azawakh – $9,500
As one of the newest breeds in 2019, the Azawakh is also one of the most expensive. Hailing from West Africa, they were mainly used as hunting dogs and are distinct relatives to Middle Eastern and South Indian hounds.
The breed is scarce in North America but is gaining popularity after being recognized by the AKC in early 2019. Being hunting dogs, Azawakhs quickly recover from injuries and have few hereditary conditions; they only suffer from epilepsy or Wobbler disease.
Azawakh’s average lifespan is 12-15 years with high-quality pet care and daily walks or runs. They only exercise in the presence of their owner so they’ll keep you in shape too!
4. Tibetan Mastiff – $10,000
This massive doggo made its way to America from Tibet where it protected sheep from predators like wolves, leopards, and bears. The mastiff can reach more than 150 pounds, for grown males, and fends off some of the fiercest animals.
While they were initially used as guardians and protectors, they became too expensive for their owners to maintain and they slowly began to vanish. The breed is very alert and will protect your family at a moment’s notice.
Tibetan Mastiffs are relatively healthy but are prone to hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and eye anomalies. Feel free to get them tested often.
3. Chow Chow – $11,000
The Chow Chow originates from northern China and is one of the oldest and rarest breeds in the world. The dog itself is expensive to buy, but the costs to own a Chow Chow don’t stop there. You’ll rack up the bills for food, treats, vet bills, grooming, and health issues, which can total around $11,000 for their life.
They require a decent amount of regular exercise, such as four or more walks per day. The breed is also naturally stubborn, which can impact trainability and potentially hinder the relationship between you and your pup.
Primary health issues for Chow Chows include eyelid entropion, hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies and thyroid function. The life expectancy is 8-12 years but can be increased with proper care.
2. Löwchen – $12,000
Also known as the “little lion dog,” the Löwchen has been popular among Europeans for more than 500 years, as it originated in France. It was once the rarest dog in the globe in 1973 when only 65 were left in the world; currently there are only 300 remaining dogs registered each year worldwide.
The Löwchen is also one of the most outgoing dogs in the world; they’re very active and playful which makes them perfect for families and children. With that being said, they need the persistent attention of humans; they’re unhappy when they’re left alone for long periods.
While it’s not the most expensive dog in the world, these little dogs are surprisingly healthy, so you won’t go into debt paying for their health issues, but the problem is the upfront cost of the pup. You also get a lot of bang for your buck; Löwchens can live for 13-15 years.
1. Samoyed – $14,000
Coming in at the #1 overall spot for the most expensive dog breed in the world is the Samoyed originating from Siberia. The rare breed is known for its kind, loving, and eager to please attitude along with their smiling faces.
The world’s most expensive dog breed has a strong sense to run away and roam for miles on end, so always make sure they’re on a leash. They’re also brilliant, social, and mischievous dogs that always demand attention, making them perfect for families and children.
The samoyed breed do tend to rack up vet bills like no other dog. They’re prone to expensive health issues, such as corneal dystrophy, autoimmune conditions, and cardiac disorders that can mount to an average cost of $5,000.
Lifetime Costs of Owning a Dog
Whether you choose an expensive or inexpensive breed, remember that the cost of owning a dog goes way beyond the initial purchase price. Before you commit to your next pet, consider the ongoing costs of caring for one.
Dog enthusiasts spend money on food, municipal licensing fees, vaccines, dental hygiene, grooming, toys, beds, leashes, boarding for when you go on vacation, and plenty more. And those are just the routine costs of pet ownership—don’t forget to save a little extra for surprises, like emergency vet visits (pet insurance can help with this, too).
So, how do you know when you’re financially ready to adopt your loyal companion? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but a good place to start is by taking a closer look at your income and expenses.
How much money do you have coming in every month, and how much are you spending? Is an expensive breed right for you? And how might those expenses change once you bring a pup home?
Adopt, Don’t Shop
Did you know: around 25 to 30 percent of dogs in shelters are purebreds. This includes even the costliest dog breeds. Have you considered adopting a dog from a shelter? Many people don't even think of this because they have their heart set on a specific breed of dog. Indeed, some folks hoping to add a purebred dog to their family may think buying one is the only option.
The number of purebred dogs and puppies struggling to find homes has reached alarming levels. Despite the initial surge in pet adoptions during the pandemic, changing circumstances, namely inflation, have led to an influx of shelter animals exacerbating an already dire situation. Those shelter populations now include the types of dogs you might expect to see on breeder websites, not in need of rescue.
Social Media and Influencer Culture
The pervasive influence of social media and influencer culture cannot be ignored as a contributor to this problem. Instagram and TikTok often showcase adorable pets, portraying an idealized image of pet parenting without fully addressing the responsibilities and challenges involved. Influencers promoting specific breeds or showcasing designer puppies may inadvertently contribute to impulsive purchasing decisions by their followers, who may not fully understand the commitment required to care for these animals.
Influence from social media and influencer culture has sparked a trend in pet parenting, with followers often seeking out trendy designer dogs. However, the allure of these trendy or cute breeds sometimes overshadows the responsibility of having a pet.
As a result, some pet parents realize they can’t afford the demands of caring for these specific breeds and end up surrendering them. We urge dog parents to understand the responsibility of pet parenthood and to think through the next fifteen plus years before jumping on the bandwagon of a ‘cute’ breed they saw on TikTok.
Ultimately, the pressure to keep up with trends and appearances on social media can lead to impulsive purchases of purebred dogs without considering adoption or responsible breeding practices. As a result, many of these pets end up abandoned or surrendered to shelters when their pet parents realize they are unable to meet their needs or maintain their desired image.
The American Kennel Club's Most Popular Dog Breeds
Every year the American Kennel Club releases their ranking of the most popular dog breeds based on AKC registration statistics for the previous year. But just because they are the most popular, doesn't mean they are the most expensive dogs. (But yes, when purchased from a breeder, they still come with a hefty price tag!)
The French Bulldog continues to top the rankings at the No. 1 spot for the second year in a row. The Labrador Retriever, who had a 31-year run as the most popular breed, is in the No. 2 spot for the second year in a row.
2023-2024:
- French Bulldog
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd Dog
- Poodle
Conclusion
Remember, the most expensive dog breeds are typically rare or in high demand. Some pups are also more costly to breed, and those extra expenses are reflected in the initial purchase price. Cost can also vary depending on pedigree—for example, if you want to be able to trace your pup’s lineage back several generations, you’ll likely pay more. Puppies whose parents have won dog shows and competitions also usually cost more.
Prices vary greatly depending on the location, breed lineage, and other factors. If you’re interested in a particular breed, shop around to get a sense of the going rate for a dog in your area, or be sure to visit your local shelters, where many of these purebred dogs end up! Always research a potential breeder or rescue organization to avoid terrible puppy mills and backyard breeders.
