7 Expensive Dogs That Are Worth The Price, Ranked

Some dogs are more expensive than others, whether via pedigree, special diet, or healthcare needs. Designer couture pets and rare breeds can easily cost thousands of dollars for a healthy puppy. As these animals grow, they tend to continue to need advanced grooming and other breed-specific care. Although they require a little extra cash to care for, the most expensive dog breeds make wonderful pets that outweigh their cost.

Most pet owners spare no expense for their furry family members. In fact, the average pet owner spends more than $4,500 on their pet’s basic needs every year, according to a new poll. Two in five pet parents agree that having a pet is just as, if not more, expensive than raising a child. In fact, 61 percent confirm that having a pet is more costly than they initially thought. The survey of 2,000 dog and cat owners looked at their spending habits regarding their furry companions and found that half of the respondents spend more on their pets every year than on themselves.

If you want to own a pet, then be prepared to have an annual budget of over $3,500 for their essential needs. A new study of 2,000 pet owners reveals that half of all respondents have set up a monthly budget for their pets (52%) with an average cap of $308. Pet owners, on average, spend $276.40 on their furry pals each month, which translates to $3,316.80 annually. While nearly all respondents have gone over their monthly budget (98%), four in five admit they actually “don’t care” (79%), showing their true dedication to their furry friend.

Many of the breeds on our list are quite rare, though in some cases they are pricey due to popularity. We have reviewed 10 expert sources to come away with this list of the most expensive dog breeds. Let us know your thoughts on these costly canines in the comments below!

These Are The 7 Most Expensive Dogs, According to Experts

1. Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is a rare dog. This is perhaps a major aspect of why they can be so costly. The breed resembles a fluffy bear that is just begging to be hugged. AZ Animals says their grooming and healthcare can cost a pretty penny. Let’s also not forget how much food is required to feed these big pooches. Also, to initially buy one will cost you about $3,000.

They certainly don’t come cheap! Reader’s Digest mentions that the most expensive dog ever sold was a Tibetan Mastiff named Big Splash. At 180 pounds, the 11-month-old puppy sold for $1.5 million.

As far as the breed’s history, they were bred to be guard dogs in the Himalayas. This instinctually shines through in modern day Tibetan Mastiffs. They are known for being protective of their owners, according to The Dog People.

2. Samoyed

Samoyeds are a snowy breed that is close cousin of Huskies and Malamutes. They have affable personalities and can make great pets. According to Dog Pack, this ancient breed hails from Siberia and were very important to the survival of the people living there. On average, puppies cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000.

As far as their temperament, World Animal Foundation says they are loving, social, and eager to please. They do pose a bit of a flight risk and should be leashed whenever they are out.

Due to their history as sled dogs, Hundeo explains that they require a lot of training and exercise. As long as you are ready to make a commitment to their care, these fluff balls make for great pets.

3. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are couture pets thanks to their picture-perfect looks. Wealthy city-dwellers may find that they have both the disposable income and room in their life for one of these bougie pups. Tomkings Puppies says their price can range based on their color, gender, and age. Like the Samoyed, they can cost between $1,500 and $3,000 to buy.

Luckily, they are not a demanding breed to care for once you drop the cash. They don’t require a lot of physical activity and their grooming is affordable. Unfortunately, they are prone to many health conditions which can also get pricey, averaging $4,300 or more for healthcare costs (Yahoo). They make for great pets, with huge personalities that are definitely worth the cost.

4. Löwchen

This small European dog is one of the priciest in the United States. The Löwchen is a very rare breed with a small worldwide population. You likely won’t see one walking at the local park because they are not super common. Prudent Pet calls them “little lion dogs.” Hailing from France, the Löwchen has a long reputation of European popularity for more than 500 years. Currently, only 300 of these pooches are registered each year around the globe. They can cost as much as $4,500.

According to Reader’s Digest, their name actually means “little lion dog” in German. They might resemble the ferocious beast, but there isn’t much to fear with these little pups. They only weigh about 15 pounds and stand a little over a foot tall. They also make great pets and are very attached to their owners.

5. Chow Chow

Chow Chows are big dogs from China. As seen with other dogs from Asia and Russia, pedigree dogs from the far east tend to be costly in the United Staes. AZ Animals claims that they make great guard dogs due to their natural inclination towards being protective. Due to how often they develop joint issues and autoimmune disorders, the Chow Chow does come with a tendency for high vet bills. Plus, their fluffy coats require a lot of grooming. They cost around $800 to $1,200 as puppies.

Of course, we can’t mention Chow Chows without talking about their unique bluish-black tongues. Thes rare pups may cost a lot, but they might just be the perfect pet for you.

6. Azawakh

Azawakh are an unusual breed that was only recently recognized by the American Kennel Club. As such, they are very rare and difficult to find in the United States. World Animal Foundation talks about their history as hunting dogs in West Africa. They have hunted gazelle for over 1,000 years. They also guarded nomadic tribes. You can snag your own for $2,000 to $3,000 on average.

They do have a tendency to develop certain health issues, though. According to Prudent Pet, “The breed is scarce in North America but is gaining popularity after being recognized by the AKC in early 2019. Being hunting dogs, Azawakh’s quickly recover from injuries and have few hereditary conditions; they only suffer from epilepsy or Wobbler disease.”

7. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are common dogs that accumulate bills not from their rarity, but from their chronic health issues. Despite this, Rottweilers remain highly desired as watchdogs and for home protection. Yahoo describes the breed as being alert, fearless, and intelligent. They do cost about $50 on average for grooming and healthcare costs can reach an average of $7,800. You can buy a puppy for $1,500 to $2,500. So, be sure you are ready for the price that comes with these pooches.

Unfortunately, Prudent Pet says this breed is super susceptible to just about every disease or cancer for dogs. They also may suffer from joint issues, making their pet insurance higher than most.

You might also be interested in:

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• Most Social Dog Breeds
• Bravest Dogs
• Ugliest Dog Breeds

Sources:

• AZ Animals
• Reader’s Digest
• The Dog People
• Dog Pack
• World Animal Foundation
• Hundeo
• Tomkings Puppies
• Yahoo
• Baxter’s Blog
• Prudent Pet

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