What Is The Most Expensive Dog In The World? Priciest Breeds And Puppies

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Image Grid of 9 Expensive Dog Breeds (caption: Most Expensive Dog Breeds)

Some dog owners are willing to pay a hefty price for the pup of their dreams. But, how much is too much to pay for the doggie love of your life? Many of us have to draw the line somewhere, but some people think you can’t put a price on love or a puppy. Our experts explore the outlandish prices of the top 10 most expensive dog breeds.

Why Are Some Dogs More Expensive Than Others?

Typically, the highest prices paid are for pure breeds. When you understand all that goes into ensuring the “purity” of the breed, one can understand why these dogs are more expensive.

Breeds go up and down in price based on many factors, including:

  • Overall popularity or demand
  • Specialization for specific jobs (hunting, police work, etc.)
  • Scarcity or how few dogs of the breed exist
  • How long the breed has been in existence
  • Whether it’s a status symbol
  • The “C” or celebrity factor (think Paris Hilton and micro Pomeranians)

What Is The Most Expensive Dog Breed?

It’s fairly well-known that the Tibetian Mastiff is the most expensive dog breed. So much so that they have become a status symbol in China.

Generally speaking, all dogs can be expensive to own. Most owners forget to factor in the basic dog expenses they must pay for over the lifetime of their pup. These include vet bills, medications, dog food, dog equipment (like a crate, bed, leash, toys, etc.), dog walking or dog sitting, etc. But when you start with a very high purchase price, some pooches may seem a bit overrated.

Most Expensive Puppies

Most pure-bred puppies can be pretty pricey. There are also a lot of designer puppy mixes that can be costly. If you’re going to get an expensive puppy, make sure you find a reputable breeder so you can ensure your pup is well cared for and you are getting true value for the high price tag.

Top Ten Most Expensive Dog Breeds

Now that we understand why certain breeds cost more, everyone wants to know which dogs are the most expensive. So without further ado, here is our countdown of the top 10 most expensive dog breeds, ending with the most expensive. Follow the links for more information on each breed.

10. Akita
9. Saluki
8. Rottweiler
7. Pharaoh Hound
6. Chow Chow
5. English Bulldogs
4. Samoyed
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
2. German Shepherd
1. Tibetan Mastiff

10. Akita

Cost: $1,000-$4,000

Akita

Large, powerful, and alert, the Akita has long been used as a hunting or guard dog in its native Japan. Akitas are an independent breed, often aloof with strangers but very loyal and affectionate with their family members. They need to be well-trained to avoid behavior that is too aggressive or territorial.

9. Saluki

Cost: $2,000-$4,000

Saluki

Salukis are powerful sighthound hunters with the endurance to chase down prey over long distances and rough terrain. This royal dog of Egypt is one of the oldest known domesticated dog breeds in the world. Salukis are very independent and require patience and consistency in obedience training. And with its instinct to chase anything that moves, it must be kept on a leash or a fenced yard and allowed daily vigorous exercise.

8. Rottweiler

Cost: $2,000 – $7,000

Rottweiler

Rottweilers are highly intelligent and happiest when given a job to perform. They are often police dogs, herders, service dogs, and therapy dogs. Rottweilers love to play around with their families and are very loyal. They can also be very protective and territorial and do not welcome strangers unless properly introduced. Obedience training and socialization are a must with this breed, along with daily exercise.

7. Pharaoh Hound

Cost: $2,500 – $6,000

Pharaoh Hound on green grass

One breed that’s history goes back to 3,000BC is the Pharaoh Hound. Its sleek athletic build lends itself to speed, and these dogs are very fast, capable hunters. Friendly, playful, and highly intelligent, the Pharaoh Hound also has a willingness to please. This trait makes them very easy to train for obedience, hunting, and lure coursing. They require daily exercise and a fenced yard since they love to chase small animals.

6. Chow Chow

Cost: $3,000 – $8,000

Chow Chow

Originally from China, Chow Chows are known for their thick double coats that make them look like small puffy lions. They’re also very readily identified by their blue/black tongue. Chow Chows are strong, sturdy dogs that are very affectionate with their families but reserved with strangers. They’re usually independent, but some might say they’re a stubborn breed that benefits from early socialization and training. Chow Chows require regular grooming and bathing to maintain their beautiful manes.

5. English Bulldogs

Cost: $3,000 – $9,000

English Bulldog

English Bulldogs are medium-sized with a stout, muscular build. Because of their wide-set front legs, they tend to have a characteristic shuffle gait. English Bulldogs are generally laid back, gentle, and protective and form strong attachments to their owners. They can be energetic and may overheat quickly.

4. Samoyed

Cost: $4,000 – $11,000

Samoyed

With their snow-white coat, bright eyes, and “smile,” Samoyeds have captured many owners’ hearts. Developed in Siberia as a working sled dog, Samoyeds are very smart and happiest when kept busy. They’re gentle, loving dogs but, without daily exercise, could become quite stubborn and mischievous. Finally, their coats require regular brushing once a week or more often, depending on the season, to prevent matting.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cost: $2,000 – $14,000

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This fashionable lap dog has been seen as a family companion since the 17th century. Originating in England, the breed was named for King Charles II. Friendly and easy to train, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels thrive on attention from the whole family. These little dogs adapt quickly to almost any environment. They do require a good brushing regularly but no trimming.

2. German Shepherd

Cost: $3,000 – $24,000

German Shepherd

Originally developed in Germany as herding dogs, the German Shepherd is popular today as a working dog and family companion. The breed is large and muscular. They are direct and fearless but also approachable. German Shepherds love to play and can be quite fond of kids once a relationship forms. These dogs take well to training and need regular exercise. Because of their versatility, a well-trained German Shepherd from the right breeder can be very expensive.

1. Tibetan Mastiff

Cost: $2,000 – up to $1.9 Million

Tibetan Mastiff

As their name suggests, these dogs are massive, easily reaching well over 100 pounds. This ancient mountain dog is from Tibet, where it was a guard dog. Tibetan Mastiffs are extremely independent and intelligent. Because of their protective instincts, it could be difficult to bring outsiders into the home. Typically the breed has been scarce, but the Tibetan Mastiff is a status symbol in China.

The Most Expensive Dog In The World

This four-and-a-half-minute video from Listopedia reports on the five most expensive dogs. The most expensive dog ever sold was a Tibetan Mastiff sold at an auction for around $2 million. For that amount of money, you could buy nearly 17,000 rescue puppies.

Protect Your Investment

Spending thousands of dollars on a dog may seem crazy, but anyone who adores these expensive breeds would be wise to protect their investment. Consider pet insurance to reduce the financial risk of accidents or illnesses your pup may encounter. You can also opt for a wellness plan to minimize the amount you pay out-of-pocket for preventative care.

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