The 25 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in the World (2024)

Tomkings

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If you’ve read ourUltimate French Bulldog Price List, you already know that Frenchies are one of the most expensive dog breeds and not without a reason. Owning them is still absolutely priceless, similarly to so many other breeds out there. Although it’s almost impossible to compile a comprehensive list, we’ve decided to round up 25 different dog breeds that are considered some of the most expensive in the world. If you’re curious which these are, check out our list!

What makes certain dog breeds so expensive?

First of all, let’s look at why certain dog breeds come with a hefty price tag at all. You have probably guessed already that the most important factor when determining a dog’s cost is whether they are purebred. For example, a reputable French Bulldog breederinvests lots of effort, time and money into breeding healthy French Bulldog puppies while needing to follow strict breeding regulations for each breed. They also select parent dogs from excellent bloodlines, producing puppies that can even participate in dog shows.

In addition to the breeder and the purebred status, the rarity and demand for a certain dog breed will also hugely influence their cost. Even within a breed there may berare and standard color variations, making the price range even wider: the rarer the puppy, the higher their price! Now that you’re familiar with the most important factors, let’s see which are some of the most expensive dog breeds around the world! Please note that the price ranges are not set in stone but are rough estimates.

1. Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is considered one of the most majestic and noble dog breeds in the world. Their huge size may be intimidating but they’re actually very mellow and affectionate. They’re also one of the most expensive breeds you can find, with prices ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 or more. The most expensive dog ever sold was a red Tibetan Mastiff named Big Splash going for some $1.5 million!

2. French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is one of the most popular dog breeds, and it’s no surprise why. These little bundles of joy are incredibly charming and make wonderful companions. Their exact price largely depends on various factors like the color, gender and age of a puppy. Whether you’re after a standardredor a rarefluffy Frenchie, you can expect it to be anywhere between$3,500 and $30,000.Read ourUltimate French Bulldog Price Listto find out why Frenchies are so expensive!

3. Löwchen

The Löwchen, or Little Lion Dog in German, is asmall dog breedthat has been popular in Europe for more than 500 years. Their coat is regularly clipped so as to look like mini lions. The Löwchen is known for its affectionate nature and being brave as a lion despite their small size. Their price may range from $2,500 up to $8,000.

4. Canadian Eskimo Dog

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a rare and ancient breed that is believed to be the oldest sled dog in North America. This breed is known for its strength, intelligence, and loyalty, making it an ideal companion for anyone looking for a unique and devoted canine. With its unique and ancient lineage, the Canadian Eskimo Dog is highly valued, from $3,000 to even $8,500.

5. Samoyed

The Samoyed breed is known for its fluffy white coat and its gentle nature. These sweet dogs have a beautiful smile which actually serves a purpose: their upturned mouth prevents drooling and thus the forming of icicles in the cold. Generally, a Samoyed puppy will cost between $2,500and $5,000, but that may go up to even$10,000.

6. Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is a majestic and elegant dog breed with asilky, flowing coat. The breed is known for its grace and beauty, and it is also a popular choice for show dogs. The cost of a purebred Afghan Hound can vary greatly, ranging from$2,500 to$7,000.

7. Pharaoh Hound

The Pharaoh Hound is a rare and ancient dog breed, originating in the Mediterranean island of Malta. Nicknamed as “Blushing Dog”, they’re indeed capable of blushing when happy or excited, a rare trait for dogs! They’re highly prized for their unique look and loyal, gentle nature. This rare and graceful breed will cost anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000.

8. Black Russian Terrier

The Black Russian Terrier is a large and powerful breed of dog that originated in Russia. It is a working dog that was bred for its strength, intelligence, and loyalty. This breed is known for being a great guard dog and is also a popular pet. Show-quality Black Russian Terriers can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 or more.

9. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are a popular working dog breed originating from the Swiss Alps. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and beautiful coats. Thanks to their origin they thrive in cold weather! Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,500 to $3,500 for a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy.

10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a beloved dog breed that has been around for centuries. They are known for their sweet and gentle nature, as well as their beautiful, silky coats. The average price of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can range from $2,500 to $3,500 USD, but some may go for even more.

11. English Bulldog

The English Bulldog is a beloved breed known for its distinctive looks and friendly personality. With their droopy jowls, endearing expressions and affectionate nature, it’s no wonder that they’ve become so popular. Breeding Bulldogs requires great knowledge from breeders, making them quite expensive:$2,000–$4,000 USD on average.

12. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes are one of the oldest and largest breeds of sled dogs. These majestic animals have been used for centuries to pull heavy loads in the Arctic. They’re known for their strength and loyalty as well as their thick, double-layered coat, which protect them from the cold temperatures of the Arctic and gives them a unique look.An Alaskan Malamute usually goes for$2,500–$4,000.

13. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is another dignified dog breed originating from ancient China. These fluffy and cuddly dogs are easily recognized by their huge majestic red coat. They have another distinctive feature: their unique blue tongue! Chow Chows are eternally loyal companions, having an average price of$1,500–$4,000.

14. Akita

The Akita is a large, powerful and dignified Japanese dog breed. It is considered a national treasure in Japan, renowned for its loyalty and intelligence. The average price of an Akita dog breed is around $1,500 to $6,500, depending on the quality of the pup, the breeder, and the location. An Akita Inu, which is the original Japanese Akita, is typically more expensive than an American Akita.

15. Biewer Terrier

The Biewer Terrier is a relatively new breed, having only been developed in the 1980s recognized as a breed by the AKC in2021. This small, lively terrier is known for its long, silky coat and big personality. Despite its relatively short history, the Biewer Terrier has quickly become one of the most popular toy breeds in the world. Their average price ranges from$2,500 to $3,500.

16. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier may have the dark past ofbully breeds, but today they’re considered some of the most suitable breeds for children. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and courage, making them a great companion for any family.Staffies usually go for$2,000–$3,500.

17. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy breed that is known for its dense coat of black, white and red markings. This large, powerful dog is known for its intelligence, loyalty and strength, and has a long history of being used as a working dog.Today, they’re also popular choices for families with kids. Generally, you can expect to pay from$2,500 to $3,000for a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

18. Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is a large dog breed from Ireland and is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Male Irish Wolfhounds may reach up to 32 inches tall and weigh up to 140 pounds. Being intelligent, strong and loyal, these dogs are often used for hunting, as well as for companionship and protection. Their average price ranges from$2,500 to $3,000.

19. English Toy Spaniel

With its short legs, long ears and luxurious coat, the English Toy Spaniel is an adorable companion that is sure to bring joy to any home. Being first bred to be the companion of kings, they can be proud and willful, but extremely affectionate with their beloved humans. Their average price ranges from$2,000 to $2,500.

20. Shikoku

The Shikoku is another popular Japanese dog breed. They originate from the island of Shikoku where they were valued wild boar hunters. Shikoku look a lot like wolves and have a very strong connection to nature. They tend to be strong-willed but very devoted to their humans. You can expect to pay from$2,000 to $3,000 for a Shikoku.

21. Rottweiler

Rottweilers originate from Germany, but today they’re immensely popular worldwide, especially in the United States. They have been used as guard dogs, police dogs, and even therapy dogs. Rottweilers are loyal and devoted to their owners, and they make amazing family pets. The average price for Rotties is$1,500–$3,000, but a show-qualityRottweiler may cost considerably more, up to$9,000.

22. Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino is a large, powerful, and loyal dog first bred in Argentina to hunt big game. They are still very popular for protection and companionship all around the world. With its muscular body and affectionate nature, a Dogo Argentino may go for$1,200–$2,500or even$8,000.

23. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgeback are large, muscular dogs. They’re known for their unique ridge of fur along their back, which is why they’re named “Ridgebacks”. They’re also known for their loving and affectionate personalities, making them great family pets. Their price usually ranges from$1,500 to $2,500.

24. Azawakh

The Azawakh is a rare and unique dog breed that is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. This ancient African sighthound is known for its lean, elegant body and its distinctive physical characteristics. Their average price is around$1,500–$2,500.

25. Spinone Italiano

The Spinone Italiano is another large breed originated in Italy. They’re known for their distinctive look: a long, wiry coat and a large head. The Spinone Italiano is a loyal companion, excellent guard dog as well as hunting dog, being well-suited for both water and land. These special dogs cost around$1,000–$2,000.

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