Pet lovers know – you can't put a price on your loyal companion! However, some breeds are more expensive than others. Especially individual dogs from famous lines can really cost a fortune. Let’s introduce you to ten of the most expensive dog breeds.
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The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world.
Before any reader gets a shock seeing their dream dog named here: The following dog breeds are, on average, more expensive than other dogs. However, this does not mean that fans of these breeds will always have to pay astronomical sums.
Some prices of the most expensive dog breeds relate to rare lines or prestigious individual dogs. From A like Affenpinscher to Z like Miniature Schnauzer, if you’re looking for a specific breed, you should contact a breeder recognised by a reputable club. They sell the dogs at a fair price, neither a bargain nor overpriced.
The price for the Tibetan Mastiffs herd protection dog from the Himalayas is no higher than many other breeds. However, individual lines of these dogs, kept as guard dogs in Tibetan monasteries, can fetch much higher prices.
In 2009, a Chinese millionaire bought a male dog named “Yangtze No. 2” for the equivalent of €400,000. Four years later, a gold-coloured Do Khyi male changed owners for €1.4 million. In China, Tibetan Mastiffs are considered a status symbol, which drives prices to astronomical heights.
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The name “Cavalier King Charles Spaniel“, one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world, goes back to Kings Charles I and Charles II, who reigned in the 16th century.
Compared to the King Charles Spaniel, these dogs are larger and have more of a “nose”. Many representatives of the breed are available from reputable breeders at an affordable price.
However, dogs bred according to the rules of “Premium Kör-Zucht” can be much more expensive. Premium Kör-Zucht involves not only numerous health tests of the parent dogs but also a particularly typical appearance.
The valuable breeding dogs are only allowed to breed from the age of 2.5 years. To control the hereditary diseases unfortunately more common in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, buying a dog from Premium Kör-Zucht makes perfect sense.
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The most famous Akita Inu is Hachiko, who waited every day at Shibuya Station in Tokyo for its deceased owner. Its story was made into a film starring Hollywood actor Richard Gere.
The past of this Asian canine is equally impressive: it was known as the companion of the Samurai. The breed is currently experiencing a boom in Europe, as is the smaller Shiba Inu. High demand and few breeders lead to a relatively high price, double that of other breeds.
This is even more extreme for the very rare breeds Shikoku Inu and Kishu Inu. For most Europeans, some other Japanese Spitz-type breeds are practically unaffordable: it is forbidden to export Kai Inu and Hokkaido from Japan.
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The elegant silhouette of the Pharaoh Hound resembles the Egyptian god of the dead, Anubis. This hunting dog from Malta specialises in rabbit hunting and is one of the ancestors of the Spanish Podenco.
On Malta, there are still many dogs that look like Pharaoh Hounds; however, they do not have official papers. Pharaoh Hounds from registered breeding are therefore very rare and among the most expensive dog breeds.
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These dogs are working dogs of the Inuit, regarded as real all-rounders: pulling sleds, guarding, or hunting together were part of their duties. Due to a lack of breeding efforts, the breed was almost considered extinct.
However, in 2018, the FCI set a new standard. A Canadian Eskimo Dog is very difficult to get due to the few breeders available.
Additionally, they require demanding care: simple walks are not enough for the industrious Eskimo Dog. It takes not only money, but also a lot of time to live happily with such an impressive Northern Light.
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Elegant sighthounds like the Saluki are rare and can therefore be very expensive. This breed, bred for six millennia, impresses with its dignified appearance.
Those who value specific Arabian lines must dig much deeper into their pockets. A similar situation applies to the Azawakh, which is especially popular in France.
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The Ridgeback, originating from South Africa, is considered proud and dignified. No wonder – its original use was lion hunting. Compared to other breeds, most potential owners have to dig a bit deeper into their pockets if they want to purchase a Rhodesian Ridgeback.
Typical for the Ridgeback is the distinctive strip of hair along the back. The Thai Ridgeback and the not FCI-recognised Phu Quoc Ridgeback share this feature with the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Notably, the Phu Quoc Ridgeback from Vietnam is one of the very exclusive dog breeds, with only around 700 present.
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Even 1,000 years ago, the hairless dogs in their native Peru were considered something very special. Today, this exclusivity reflects in the price, making these dogs one of the most expensive breeds.
There are very few reputable breeders in Europe, who, in turn, charge slightly higher prices for their puppies. Another hairless breed, the Mexican Hairless Dog, is also more expensive than most other breeds. The also “hairless” Chinese Crested Dog is more commonly found and, thus, more affordable.
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The Löwchen is one of the most expensive dog breeds. Some attribute this to its rarity. However, other breeds like the Pekingese, Affenpinscher, or the previously mentioned Azawakh are much rarer.
With the Löwchen, breeding animals and dogs with rare features can be particularly costly.
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This traditional sled dog impresses fans of the breed with its striking appearance and unique character. However, it requires a lot of exercise and its training can be challenging.
Despite these traits making the Samoyed uncommon, reputable breeders offer puppies at a price comparable to other breeds. However, pure white specimens from old Siberian lines are far more expensive.
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With over 250 dog breeds, exceptions prove the rule. Of course, within every breed, there are dogs with numerous show successes or rare desirable traits that are more expensive. Therefore, individual Rottweilers, German Shepherds, or Bearded Collies may cost more than a Samoyed from reputable breeding. Including training, prices for Golden Retrievers or Poodles often exceed those of a new mid-range car.
Every breeder should ensure their dogs are vet-checked for breeding suitability and well-fed. Naturally, the food cost for larger dogs is higher than for a 2kg Chihuahua. Still, this does not explain the significant price differences between breeds.
If the breeding dogs are tough to get, breeders often pass this cost on to puppy buyers. Sometimes it’s as simple as supply and demand.
Tip: Breed-specific clubs can provide information on a reasonable price range for these dogs. High demand explains why hybrid breeds like the Labradoodle are pricey. Even “breeders” with minimal health precautions and dogs without papers charge four-figure sums for puppies of the popular crossbreed.
For many of the mentioned breeds, you can find puppies at a regular price from a reputable breeder. Have you fallen in love with the elegant look and graceful nature of a Pharaoh Hound, a Saluki, or an Azawakh but don’t want to spend four-figure sums?
Check out animal welfare organisations for sighthounds in need. Sometimes even dogs with papers are seeking new homes there. If you’re attracted to Samoyeds and Akitas, consider looking into the Spitz breed – available in various sizes.
Especially in animal welfare, you’ll find adult dogs who are just as charming as expensive ones, yet only require an adoption fee. This fee supports animal welfare efforts. Avoid so-called bargain prices and breeders without club membership.
Additionally, remember: The initial cost is just a fraction of ongoing expenses. There are regular costs for food and care. Vet bills can also quickly reach four-figure sums.
The zooplus editorial team consists of a dedicated team of experts with many years of experience in the field of animal husbandry: Luisa with her White Swiss Shepherd Elyos, Laura, Julio, and Florian. Together with a large network of animal experts, we work to make the zooplus magazine a trusted source of information for all animal owners and lovers. Our goal is to provide exciting animal knowledge and relevant information on the proper care of pets.
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