Dogs hold a truly unique place in society. Domesticated from wolves and evolved alongside civilization, they are the quintessential animal companion as guardian, family member, or working farmhand. While dog breeding has long been a pastime, demand for certain pure breeds now commands astronomical prices. This article explores the 10 costliest dog breeds sought after by owners today. (For more obscure dogs, discover the newest dog breeds you’ve probably never heard of before.)
To compile a list of the most expensive dog breeds, 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. From there, we cross-referenced the information to create a list of the most expensive breeds on average. After that, we 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 canine of the toy variety, the French Bulldog began to appear in mid-nineteenth-century France. This is because 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. 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
A large dog, the Tibetan Mastiff was historically used to protect Buddhist monasteries from wolf or bear attacks. Bred high in the Himalayan Mountains, this breed is phenotypically distinct from other dogs of similar sizes.
Though it was trained as a guardian, typically for livestock, the Tibetan Mastiff 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. What’s more, the Tibetan Mastiff was bred to guard through the night. This means they often sleep during the day and become active at night.
While the Tibetan Mastiff has fewer health problems on average than other breeds, it still can suffer from things like Addison’s disease, epilepsy, and hyperthyroidism. Even so, a purebred Tibetan Mastiff can cost you between $3,000 and $10,000 on average. What’s more, the most expensive dog ever sold was a Tibetan Mastiff for around $1.5 million.
Löwchen
The Löwchen, or the “little lion” in German, is another one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world. It is also one of the rarest dogs in the world. Even with this status, the Löwchen was found as far back as the sixteenth century. 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. Its genetic history, however, remains obscure.
A friendly, happy, and active dog, the Löwchen has asymmetrical proportions. It 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 on this list, 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 fetch pretty high prices. A purebred puppy of this variety can cost you anywhere between $2,500 and $8,000 on average. Sometimes, prices for Löwchen go even higher.
Samoyed
The Samoyed is a medium-sized dog designed for herding. An older variety, the Samoyed are 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.”
As for health problems, 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
Another one of the most expensive dog breeds is the Afghan Hound. A basal breed predating many modern dogs, the Afghan Hound is most closely related to the Saluki, a type of sighthound. While there are at least thirteen types of Afghan Hounds documented in Afghanistan, breeds of similar appearance can be found around the Caspian Sea.
The Afghan Hound is known for its majestic look. With its long, silky coat, the breed is often a favorite at dog shows. As for its temperament, the Afghan Hound can be both aloof and playful. While intelligent, the breed is known to be stubborn when following commands.
As for health issues, the Afghan Hound suffers from common dog conditions such as allergies, cancer, and hip dysplasia. It is also known to 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.
Pharoah Hound
Another of the most expensive dog breeds is the Pharoah Hound. Also known as Kelb tal-Fenek, the Pharoah Hound is a mid-sized hunting dog traditionally bred on the island of Malta. With a name like Pharoah, it’s assumed this breed descends back to ancient Egypt. This is a misconception, however, as it is closely related to other Mediterranean breeds such as the Podenco Andaluz and the Portuguese Podengo.
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.
Though designed for hunting small vermin, the Pharoah 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. Prized for their unique look, a Pharoah Hound can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000.
Black Russian Terrier
Bred for the first time in the USSR in the late 1940s to early 1950s, this breed was primarily designed to be a working or military dog. Bred solely for the state-owned Red Star Kennel for several years, puppies began to be sold to civilian breeders in the late 1950s.
Characterized by its large, nearly impenetrable black coat and large appearance, the Black Russian Terrier is also not a true terrier. Instead, it’s believed to be a mix of at least seventeen other dog breeds including the Rottweiler, the Giant Schnauzer, and the Caucasian Shepherd Dog.
Even for its size, the Black Russian Terrier suffers from relatively few genetic conditions. While it performs well in the company of other dogs, the Black Russian Terrier is primarily a working breed and needs a consistent job to be happy. 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 originated in Bern, Switzerland, and the surrounding Swiss Alps. As one of four types of Sennehund-type breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog was primarily bred as a jack-of-all-trades farming 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. The breed is known to suffer from some disorders including common ones like hip dysplasia. Cancer, however, is usually the biggest killer of this type of the Bernese Mountain Dog.
The Bernese Mountain Dog has, more often than not, a very sweet, affectionate, and even shy disposition. Though they are outdoor dogs at heart, the breed can function well inside if they are provided plenty of exercise. A purebred Bernese Mountain Dog puppy will typically cost you between $2,500 and $3,500.
English Bulldog
Another one of the most expensive dog breeds is the English Bulldog. Also known as the British Bulldog or just Bulldog, this medium-sized breed is 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.
As for its temperament, the English Bulldog is noble, dignified, and peaceful but also not one to back down from a fight. 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.
Health-wise, the English Bulldog unfortunately suffers from several health issues. The most major ones are due to its distinctive flat snout. Like its cousin the French bulldog, this breed also suffers from Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome as well as hip dysplasia. As for price, 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
Originating from the hunting dogs kept by John Churchhill, the 1st Duke of Malborough, the breed changed significantly in the 17th century when it was crossed with more flat-nosed varieties though it still retains elements of the breed Churchhill used to hunt.
The King Charles Spaniel has a highly affectionate, playful, and eager-to-please temperament. While active dogs, they adapt seamlessly to almost any environment including heavy urban areas. What’s more, the Calavier King Charles Spaniel is not too exercise-dependant. They can grow accustomed to being a lapdog relatively easily. They are not good guard dogs, however, because they treat all strangers as friends.
Health-wise, this breed is in good standing. However, its most common affliction 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 the most popular dog breeds in America.)