Many of us love dogs and it’s easy to see why. Loyal, loving, and adorable, these four-legged pups earned their moniker of man’s best friend for a reason and when it comes to our dogs, they certainly hold a special place in our hearts. Kept as companions for centuries, dogs are popular throughout the world, where around 30% of households own these lovable canines. These numbers increase significantly in the United States, where about 44% of homes own dogs.
Dogs have come a long way from their wolf ancestors and since their days as domesticated pets began, they have held a unique place in society – and continue to do so. They are the consummate animal companion whether they act as guardians, family members, or working farmhands. While some people love all dogs and may be particularly fond of mutts, others have a preference for the type of dog they want, and some are more sought after than others. (For more obscure dogs, click here for the newest dog breeds you’ve probably never heard of before.)
Although dog breeding has long been a pastime, demand for certain purebreds now commands astronomical prices. To compile a list of the most expensive dog breeds to own, 24/7 Tempo consulted a range of publications including dog and lifestyle sites as well as news pages such as Tom King Kennel and USA Today. We then cross-referenced the information to create a list of the most expensive breeds on average and then consulted sites like the American Kennel Club for historical and health information about the dogs.
French Bulldog
One of the most expensive dog breeds is the French Bulldog, a breed that began to appear in mid-nineteenth-century France. A canine of the toy variety, it was developed when lace workers from Nottingham, England, displaced by the Industrial Revolution, settled in Normandy, France where they began crossbreeding toy bulldogs with ratters breeds.
A companion dog, the French Bulldog is affectionate though stubborn, and requires close contact with humans. The breed is also prone to health issues such as skin wrinkles and Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome. This is a condition that often affects dogs with short noses like the Frenchie.
In recent years, the popularity of the French Bulldog has exploded. Not only did the breed win Best in Show at the National Dog Show but they were the number one dog breed registered with the American Kennel Club in 2023. This has led to increasingly high prices for purebred puppies of the variety. Though they come in a variety of colors, red or even the rarer fluffy French Bulldogs can run you anywhere between $3,500 and $30,000. (For other trendy breeds, explore the most popular dog breeds on Instagram.)
Tibetan Mastiff
This large dog, which can weigh anywhere from 70 to 150 pounds, was historically used to protect Buddhist monasteries from wolf or bear attacks. Bred high in the Himalayan Mountains, the Tibetan Mastiff is phenotypically distinct from other dogs of similar sizes.
This breed was originally trained as a guardian, typically for livestock, but it can thrive in domestic spaces if provided a large, fenced-in yard to play. While this breed is relatively relaxed in the space of humans, they can be more aloof regarding strangers. Since it was bred to guard through the night, they are often nocturnal.
The Tibetan Mastiff has fewer health problems on average than other breeds, but it still can suffer from illnesses like Addison’s disease, epilepsy, and hyperthyroidism. A purebred Tibetan Mastiff can still cost you an average of between $3,000 and $10,000. The most expensive dog ever sold was a red Tibetan Mastiff that fetched around $1.5 million.
Löwchen
The Löwchen, which is German for the “little lion,” is one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world and was once one of the rarest – several decades ago, only 65 dogs were registered (there are now believed to be around 9,000 dogs, of which about 100 are registered). The little lion was found as far back as the sixteenth century and is both a companion dog and something of an art piece for the elite. The breed can be traced back to breeding enthusiasts in Belgium and the Netherlands although its genetic history remains obscure.
A curious, smart, and often stubborn dog, the Löwchen is a small dog that has a long, flowing coat, often tapered up near the dog’s rear to give them the look of a lion. Compared to other breeds listed here, the Löwchen has relatively few genetic health problems. The dog, however, suffers from Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a condition affecting their eyes.
Due to their agreeable temperament and rare status relative to other similar dog breeds, the Löwchen can command pretty high prices. A purebred puppy of this variety can cost you anywhere between $2,500 and $8,000 on average.
Samoyed
This medium-sized dog was designed for herding and can weigh anywhere from 50 to 65 pounds. This breed is a basal breed of dog from areas in Northern Siberia, meaning they predate the emergence of modern breeds in the mid-19th century. Bred primarily by the Nenets people on the Yamal Peninsula of Northern Siberian, there’s evidence for the lineage as far back as two thousand years ago.
The Samoyed are known for their white and thick double-layered coats. A friendly and affectionate dog well into their old age, the Samoyed make poor guard dogs. However, since the Samoyed are also known for their tendency to bark, they can make good watchdogs. They also have an alert and pleasant expression, which is known as the “Sammie Smile,” which serves the practical purpose of preventing their drool from freezing.
Samoyeds are known to suffer from a kidney disease known as Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy. They are also known to suffer from hip dysplasia and a form of diabetes. Nevertheless, the Samoyed is an in-demand breed, with purebred puppies ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. Some even fetch prices of over $10,000.
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is another basal breed that predates many modern dogs. Most closely related to the Saluki, a type of sighthound, the Afghan Hounds can be found in at least thirteen types that are documented in Afghanistan and breeds of similar appearance can be found around the Caspian Sea.
Known for its majestic look, with its long, silky coat, the breed is often a favorite at dog shows, even though it is known to be stubborn when following commands. An intelligent breed, the Afghan Hound can be both aloof and playful. It is known to suffer from common dog conditions such as allergies, cancer, and hip dysplasia but can also suffer from a rare condition called chylothorax, which causes large amounts of fluid to leak into the dog’s chest cavity.
Even so, the Afghan Hound is a sought-after breed with prices for a purebred ranging between $2,500 and $7,000.
Pharaoh Hound
A very beautiful dog Pharaoh Hound stands and poses on a stone on a summer evening.
Also known as Kelb tal-Fenek, the Pharaoh Hound is a mid-sized hunting dog traditionally bred on the island of Malta that ranges in size from 21 to 25 pounds. Many assume this breed descends from ancient Egypt but this Pharaoh is closely related to other Mediterranean breeds such as the Podenco Andaluz and the Portuguese Podengo. It is also a relatively newer breed, and based on DNA evidence, is said to have split genetically from the Sicilian Cirneco dell’Etna.
Defined by its slim and elegant appearance, the Pharoah Hound comes in a range of colors with its short, glossy hair including chestnut or tan. The dog also has the unique trait of “blushing” when it’s excited or happy. This causes its ears and nose to turn a bright pink color. Originally intended for hunting small vermin, the Pharaoh Hound can make a good companion pet with proper training.
It is also one of the rare breeds that suffers from nearly zero genetic disease, although they are prone to hypothyroidism, which may show as a dry coat and skin, and hair loss. Prized for their unique look, a Pharoah Hound can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000.
Black Russian Terrier
Black Russian Terriers were first developed in the 1940s and ’50s in the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), now Russia, for use primarily as working or military dogs. State-owned Red Star Kennel was the sole breeder until the late 1950s when puppies were sold to civilian breeders.
Not a true terrier, but instead believed to be a mix of at least seventeen other dog breeds including the Rottweiler, the Giant Schnauzer, and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog, the Black Russian Terrier is characterized by its large, nearly impenetrable black coat and large appearance and suffers from few genetic conditions. Similar to many other breeds, it is prone to hip dysplasia and heart issues.
Primarily a working breed, the Black Russian Terrier does do well in the company of other dogs, but to be happy, it needs a consistent job. A great guard dog, Black Russian Terriers can cost anywhere between $3,000 to $5,000.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese mountain dog is a large breed that ranges in size from 66 to 120 pounds. Originating in Switzerland, it is one of four types of Sennehund-type breeds and was primarily bred as a jack-of-all-trades farming and herding dog. Its other uses include guarding property and helping shepherd cattle long distances through the mountains.
It is characterized by its large, heavy frame and primarily dark coat with underside shadings of white and brown. This breed also features what is called a “Swiss cross” or “Swiss Kiss” due to a white undercoat on its chest. Although the Bernese mountain dog is known to suffer from common disorders like hip dysplasia, cancer is usually the biggest killer of this breed.
Typically very sweet, affectionate, and even shy in its disposition, this breed loves the outdoors but does function well inside as long as there is plenty of exercise. A purebred Bernese mountain dog puppy will typically cost you between $2,500 and $3,500.
English Bulldog
The English bulldog, also known as the British bulldog or just the bulldog, is a medium-sized breed known for its distinctively wrinkly and jowled face. Bred as a companion dog from the now-extinct Old English Bulldog, the Bulldog has grown into one of the most popular dog breeds on earth and can range in size from 40 to 55 pounds.
This breed is noble, dignified, and peaceful and though stubborn in training, they have become excellent family companion pets, particularly due to the strong bonds they can form with children. Even with their stocky legs, the English Bulldog is very muscular and requires a fair amount of exercise.
Bulldogs unfortunately suffer from several health issues, which are often a result of their distinctive flat snout. Like its cousin the French bulldog, this breed also suffers from Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome as well as hip dysplasia. A purebred English Bulldog can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $4,000. (For breeds that don’t live long, click here for a list of the dogs with the shortest lifespans.)
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are believed to date back to the 1600s when they were kept by their namesake, King Charles I of England, and later a favorite of his son, King Charles II. However, the breed changed significantly by the 19th century when it was crossed with more flat-nosed breeds from Asia. In the early 20th century, British breeder Roswell Eldridge embarked on a journey to recover that original long snout from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel of earlier years.
The King Charles Spaniel is an active dog suitable to almost any environment. Highly affectionate, playful, and eager to please, they can grow accustomed to being a lapdog relatively easily. They are not good guard dogs, however, because they treat all strangers as friends. Although relatively healthy, the most common health issue for this breed is mitral valve disease which can lead to heart failure. The breed also suffers from hip dysplasia and various vision disorders.
As for price, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can cost anywhere between $2,500 and $3,500. (For another dog-based list, click here for the most popular dog breeds in America.)