Dogs are the most popular pets on the planet and figures from the American Veterinary Medical Association show that 62 million households in the U.S. have a dog. That makes up a staggering 44.6 percent of all American households. There are an estimated 83,739,829 to 88,853,254 dogs living here and the average household spends around $367 per year on vet fees for their dog. However, this is just a small fraction of the total cost. Dogs are expensive and some dogs are extremely expensive! This is something that potential owners would do well to bear in mind before taking a pooch on.
After the purchase cost of the pup, in addition to vet’s fees, there are the costs of food, toys, treats, and accessories such as beds and blankets. Some dogs require special diets because of their breed or health issues such as allergies. In general, specialist dog foods are more expensive. That said, the love and devotion that dogs give you in return is priceless! It is a cost worth paying.
There are countless different breeds of dogs available. Some, such as the golden retriever, are very familiar but there are also lots of new dog breeds that you may not have heard of.
The costs of pups vary considerably by the breed and also by region. To compile a list of the most expensive dog breeds, 24/7 Tempo consulted a range of publications including dog and lifestyle sites. We cross-referenced the information to create a list of some of the most expensive breeds on average.
French Bulldog
- Description: a toy dog breed of French origin
- Cost of puppies: $3,500 and $30,000
- What makes pups cost more: unusual colors and fluffy coats
- Expensive potential health issues: skin wrinkles and Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome
Tibetan Mastiff
- Description: huge dog originating from Buddhist monasteries
- Cost of puppies: $3,000 and $10,000 but can be a lot more
- What makes pups cost more: coat color, pedigree and bloodline
- Expensive potential health issues: Addison’s disease, epilepsy, and hyperthyroidism
Löwchen
- Description: an ancient breed from Belgium or Netherlands
- Cost of puppies: $2,500 and $8,000
- What makes pups cost more: breeder experience and bloodline
- Expensive potential health issues: heart conditions
Samoyed
- Description: medium-sized dog designed for herding
- Cost of puppies: $2,500 to $5,000 but can be more
- What makes pups cost more: region and bloodline
- Expensive potential health issues: kidney disease, hip dysplasia and a form of diabetes
Afghan Hound
- Description: ancient sighthound breed
- Cost of puppies: $2,500 and $7,000.
- What makes pups cost more: show quality, color and coat texture
- Expensive potential health issues: allergies, hip dysplasia, chylothorax
Pharaoh Hound
- Description: mid-sized hunting dog from Malta
- Cost of puppies:$2,000 to $7,000.
- What makes pups cost more: breeder reputation and lineage
- Expensive potential health issues: hip dysplasia, cancer
Black Russian Terrier
- Description: bred first in USSR in 1940s
- Cost of puppies:$3,000 to $5,000.
- What makes pups cost more: breeder reputation and lineage
- Expensive potential health issues: hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia
Bernese Mountain Dog
- Description: originated in Bern, Switzerland
- Cost of puppies:$2,500 and $3,500.
- What makes pups cost more: bloodline and breeder reputation
- Expensive potential health issues: Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, hip dysplasia, cancer
English Bulldog
- Description: noble, dignified, and peaceful
- Cost of puppies:$2,000 and $4,000
- What makes pups cost more: bloodline and breeder reputation
- Expensive potential health issues: dermatitis, cherry eye, cancer
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Description: affectionate, playful, and eager-to-please
- Cost of puppies:$2,500 and $3,500.
- What makes pups cost more: coat color and bloodline
- Expensive potential health issues: hip dysplasia, eye disorders