When you think of putting a price on your beloved canine companion, it seems impossible. They’re priceless creatures! But many purebred pups have hefty price tags. Discover 12 of the most expensive dog breeds! We list the average cost of each puppy when purchased from a reputable breeder. But you can expect additional expenses throughout the pup’s lifetime, including high-quality food, grooming, and veterinary care.
To compile this list, 24/7 Tempo researched various reputable sources such as the American Kennel Club and ASPCA, among others. While these costs may vary by location and other factors, many down owners still spend a pretty penny for their favorite dog breed.
1. Tibetan Mastiff
Would you pay nearly two million dollars for a puppy? In China, a Tibetan mastiff puppy made news when it was sold for 1.95 million dollars! The purchase was made in 2014 and while it is considered the most expensive puppy ever sold, in general, Tibetan mastiffs are not nearly that expensive. Typically, the range is between $2,000 and $6,000 but if you’re looking for a Chinese Tibetan mastiff, the price rises, reaching over $10,000. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), these pups are intelligent, reserved, and independent. They can grow to weigh up to 150 pounds and stand as tall as 26 inches. They have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
2. Löwchen
These pups are known for their positive, affectionate, and friendly nature. They’re small, weighing approximately 15 pounds and standing at 12 to 14 inches. They have a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years. They’re often referred to as “little lion dogs.” They’re a rare breed and at one point they were considered the rarest. In 1973, there were only 65 of these unique pups found throughout the globe! These are active dogs with extremely playful personalities—some might even call them needy. But their companionship is held in high regard, which is why they can cost between $4,000 and $8,000. In some cases, the cost could rise upwards of $11,000.
3. Chow Chow
The AKC describes chow chows as serious-minded, sharp, and distinguished. These dogs can weigh anywhere between 45 and 70 pounds and can grow as tall as 20 inches. They have a life expectancy of eight to 12 years. These pups are affectionate and characterized by their fluffy coats, wrinkly faces, and blue-black tongues. These are ultra-clean doggos, earning them a comparison to the careful and thorough nature of cats. They’re irrevocably loyal and you’ll notice they display an aloof nature around new people. The price of a chow chow isn’t as high as some others on this list, often ranging from $1,000 to $4,000.
4. Samoyed
The Samoyed is a gentle and friendly pup with a beautifully adaptable personality. They can grow to weigh up to 65 pounds and can stand as tall as 23.5 inches. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, which allows you to enjoy their affectionate nature for over a decade. These pups make great family dogs, especially since they’re so good with young children. Also known as Sammies, these dogs have endearing faces, displaying a perma-smile with the upturned corners of their mouths. On average, these pups cost between $1,500 and $4,000. The final price depends on several factors, including the puppy’s lineage.
5. Azawakh
These dogs stand tall with a dignified and graceful appearance, reaching up to 29 inches. They can grow to weigh up to 55 pounds if male and 44 pounds if female. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Known for their independent yet deeply affectionate nature, the Azawakh makes a loyal companion, especially if you’re a runner. They’ll happily join you, showing off their lean legs and ultrafine coats. The cost of these dogs ranges but on average, you can expect to spend between $2,000 and $2,500 per puppy.
6. Rottweiler
These pups are known for their protective nature. They make wonderful guardians and display both loyalty and a loving personality. They’re large dogs, growing to weigh up to 135 pounds and reaching up to 27 inches in height. Their life expectancy is between nine and 10 years. These are wildly affectionate dogs, sometimes forgetting their size, so they may not always be good with children or other dogs. When properly socialized and trained, this pup has a cool, calm, and collected attitude that screams confidence. These pups have an average cost of $1,500 but when you’re purchasing from a reputable breeder and the rottie is from a champion bloodline, the cost could skyrocket to about $8,000.
7. Canadian Eskimo
Eskimo dog
The Canadian Kennel Club describes the Canadian Eskimo dog as strong, powerful, resilient, and hard-working. The breed is rare and can survive even in the worst conditions. These pups have long been a part of the Inuit cultural heritage and though the government nearly eradicated their population, these purebred dogs have survived. There are notable differences between males and females, with males typically sporting a thicker coat with a mane over their necks. The males can grow to weigh up to 88 pounds while the females are a bit smaller, reaching a weight of up to 66 pounds. Though they’ve survived, their population is still at risk of extinction. Caring for these pups is not suggested for families, as they are highly territorial and sensitive to even the smallest disturbance. These pups cost, at minimum, $3,500, but they can be more expensive depending on the breeder.
8. Dogo Argentino
The AKC calls this pup loyal, courageous, and athletic. These dogs can grow to weigh between 80 and 100 pounds, have a life expectancy of nine to 15 years, and can reach a height of 26.5 inches. If you’re looking for an affectionate pup, the dogo Argentino is a great option. They’re a loving breed with a bulky head and neck and a muscular body. Though they may appear slow, this breed is impressively agile. On average, these pups cost between $1,500 and $5,000.
9. Pharaoh Hound
A very beautiful dog Pharaoh Hound stands and poses on a stone on a summer evening.
This pup makes up part of the hound group and is known for its friendly nature, noble personality, and intelligence. These pups can weigh anywhere between 45 and 55 pounds and can grow as tall as 25 inches. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. They’re extremely affectionate with their families and are rather eager to please, which allows for an easier time during training. Considering their intelligence, they need daily mental stimulation and won’t be content simply lounging around. They’re fast runners and have an elegant appearance, moving gracefully while always alert. The cost of a pharaoh hound ranges between $1,500 and $2,500.
10. Afghan Hound
This dog is both sweet and independent and has the kind of coat that makes you look twice. Its ultra-long, silky coat flows like a shawl over its lean, agile body. They have extra-large paw pads, which have helped them travel on some of the worst terrain. They’re a regal breed with a rather aloof nature; however, their loyalty is unsurpassed. These pups are originally from Afghanistan and on average, cost between $2,000 and $2,500 when purchased from reputable breeders.
11. Black Russian Terrier
This adorable dog can grow to weigh up to 130 pounds and reach up to 30 inches tall. Black Russian terriers have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. Their coats are coarse, and they were bred as guardians and protectors. These are big dogs with cool confidence and ingrained courage. They display high intelligence and are surprisingly nimble despite their size. On average, these dogs cost between $1,000 and $2,500.
12. French Bulldog
These small dogs weigh under 28 pounds, live for 10 to 12 years, and grow up to 13 inches tall. French bulldogs are playful pups that display their smarts and adaptable nature alongside their owners. They’re exceptionally affectionate and wonderful in homes with young children. They’re also good with other dogs in the home. These dogs are easily recognizable, appearing much like bulldogs, only in miniature form. They can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $3,000 on average. Ultimately, the breeder and your location are factors in how much you end up paying for a French bulldog puppy. (Click to read about the most popular dog breeds in America.)