The 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds In The World

From popular breeds like the Golden Retriever to trendy toy dogs like the Löwchen or large breeds like the Tibetan Mastiff, some of the world’s most expensive dogs can come with a hefty price tag. Buying from a reputable breeder ensures quality but often means paying more, while adopting a rescue dog is a more affordable option, typically involving just a small adoption fee.

Owning a dog goes beyond the initial purchase. Additional expenses like toys, food, grooming, training, boarding, walking, and veterinary bills including pet insurance are essential parts of being a responsible dog owner.

1. The Samoyed—$14,000

The Samoyed, known for its fluffy, cloud-like coat and personable nature, ranks as the most expensive dog breed in the world. Originating in Siberia, this ancient breed was developed by the nomadic Samoyed tribe for herding reindeer and pulling sleds. Today, they are beloved as companion and show dogs, with their pure white coats now considered the breed standard due to selective breeding.

Energetic and sociable, Samoyeds thrive with regular exercise and companionship. Without these, they can become rambunctious and destructive. If you’re interested in bringing home one of these beautiful dogs, explore our guide to finding the best Samoyed breeders in the US.

Breed Characteristics

• Height: 19 to 23 inches.
• Weight: 50 to 65 pounds.
• Temperament: Lively, intelligent, sociable, affectionate, energetic, and playful.
• Lifespan: 12 to 14 years.
• Price range: $3000 to $14,000+.

2. The Löwchen—$12,000

Taking second place on the list of the most expensive dog breeds is the Löwchen, also known as the Little Lion Dog. This small, fluffy breed has a rich history, dating back to the medieval era, where it was a favorite companion of German and French royalty. Though they resemble breeds like the Bichon Frise or Havanese, Löwchen dogs are incredibly rare.

Playful, affectionate, and eager to please, Löwchens make excellent family pets. Their high price is attributed to their scarcity by 1973, only 65 registered Löwchens remained, and today, their population remains in the low hundreds globally.

Breed Characteristics

• Height: 12 to 14 inches.
• Weight: 9 to 18 pounds.
• Temperament: Friendly, active, playful, goofy, affectionate, and obedient.
• Lifespan: 12 to 14 years.
• Price range: $7000 to $12,000+.

3. The Chow Chow—$11,000

The Chow Chow takes the third spot on our list of the most expensive dog breeds. Originating from China, this ancient breed was initially used for hunting, working, and guarding, but today they are often kept as companion and show dogs. While purchasing a Chow Chow can cost up to $11,000, the true expenses come from their ongoing care.

Chow Chows are prone to health issues such as joint dysplasia, eye entropion, and thyroid problems, which can lead to significant vet bills. Additionally, they have a distinctive blue or black-colored tongue, a unique feature of the breed. If you’re interested in owning a Chow Chow, be sure to consult our guide to the best Chow Chow breeders in the US.

Breed Characteristics

• Height: 17 to 20 inches.
• Weight: 50 to 75+ pounds.
• Temperament: Smart, aloof, stubborn, quiet, independent, and loyal.
• Lifespan: 9 to 15 years.
• Price range: $2000 to $11,000+.

4. The Tibetan Mastiff—$10,000

Native to Nepal and China, the Tibetan Mastiff is not only one of the largest dog breeds but also one of the most expensive. This ancient breed, known for its aloof and watchful nature, was originally used to protect Buddhist monks and monasteries in Tibet from predators like snow leopards, wolves, and bears.

In the U.S., purebred Tibetan Mastiff puppies typically cost between $1,500 and $12,000. However, the most expensive Tibetan Mastiff ever sold set a record, fetching an astonishing $1.95 million.

Breed Characteristics

• Height: 24 to 26 inches.
• Weight: 70 to 150+ pounds.
• Temperament: Intelligent, aloof, protective, affectionate, and strong-willed.
• Lifespan: 10 to 12 years.
• Price range: $5000 to $10,000+.

5. The Azawakh—$9500

The Azawakh, a slender and agile sighthound from West Africa, takes the fifth spot on our list of the most expensive dog breeds. While it may resemble Santa’s Little Helper from The Simpsons (a Greyhound), the Azawakh is a unique breed with distinct features. Known for its majestic and beautiful appearance, it stands out from many common dog breeds.

Energetic and lively, the Azawakh requires plenty of exercise to stay physically and mentally fit. When properly trained and socialized, it can thrive in a loving home and get along well with other dogs and children.

Breed Characteristics

• Height: 25 to 29 inches.
• Weight: 44 to 55 pounds.
• Temperament: Aloof, affectionate, attentive, devoted, and obedient.
• Lifespan: 10 to 12 years.
• Price range: $3000 to $9500.

6. The Rottweiler—$9000

The Rottweiler, known for its power and intimidating presence, is another fan-favorite among the world’s most expensive dog breeds. Ranked ninth among the smartest dog breeds, Rottweilers are not only costly to acquire, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $4,000 (and some reaching up to $9,000), but they also come with high lifetime expenses.

Due to their sensitivity and susceptibility to common canine health issues, particularly hereditary joint problems, Rottweilers often incur higher vet bills than most breeds. This results in their pet insurance claims being some of the highest among all dog breeds.

Breed Characteristics

• Height: 22 to 27 inches.
• Weight: 80 to 120+ pounds.
• Temperament: Intelligent, fearless, devoted, energetic, alert, calm, and obedient.
• Lifespan: 8 to 10 years.
• Price range: $2000 to $9000.

7. The Canadian Eskimo Dog—$8750

Next on the list of the most expensive dog breeds is the rare and endangered Canadian Eskimo Dog, also known as the Qimmiq or Inuit Dog. With fewer than 300 dogs remaining in the world as of 2018, this breed is facing extinction. Originating from Siberia over a millennium ago, their bloodlines trace back as far as 4,000 years. The Inuit people once used them for hunting and pulling sleds in both the North and South poles.

Known for their territorial nature, Canadian Eskimo Dogs can be reactive to external stimuli, even with training, making them less suitable for families with young children. Due to their rarity, these dogs can cost up to $8,750 each.

Breed Characteristics

• Height: 23 to 28 inches.
• Weight: 40 to 65 pounds.
• Temperament: Intelligent, alert, brave, loyal, resilient, and affectionate.
• Lifespan: 10 to 15 years.
• Price range: $3500 to $8750.

8. The Dogo Argentino—$8000

The Dogo Argentino, also known as the Argentinian Mastiff, is a large and powerful breed originally developed in 1928 in Argentina for hunting big game like mountain lions and wild boars. Due to their fierce reputation, they are banned in several countries, including the UK, Norway, Turkey, Australia, and Denmark, with some US states also having restrictions on owning them.

When properly trained and socialized, Dogo Argentinos can make excellent companion dogs, known for their loyalty and affection toward their owners. Due to their rarity and quality bloodlines, purebred puppies can cost as much as $8,000. If you’re looking to acquire one, be sure to check our list of reputable Dogo Argentino breeders in the US.

Breed Characteristics

• Height: 24 to 27 inches.
• Weight: 90 to 100 pounds.
• Temperament: Affectionate, protective, friendly, loyal, and obedient.
• Lifespan: 10 to 15 years.
• Price range: $1000 to $8000

9. The Pharaoh Hound—$7500

Being the national dog of Malta, the Pharaoh Hound garners a lot of attention due to its unique appearance and disposition, in addition to being one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world.

Called the Kelb Tal-Fenek in Maltese (which means rabbit dog), the Pharaoh Hound was bred to hunt rabbits on the Maltese islands—this breed is regal, agile, powerful, fast, and most importantly, well-tempered and obedient.

One unique thing about these dogs is the fact that they can blush—when it’s happy or excited, the Pharaoh Hound’s ears and nose turn a deep rose color.

Breed Characteristics

• Height: 23 to 25 inches.
• Weight: 45 to 55 pounds.
• Temperament: Intelligent, affectionate, friendly, playful, and obedient.
• Lifespan: 11 to 14 years.
• Price range: $2500 to $7500.

10. The Afghan Hound—$7000

The Afghan Hound secures the tenth spot on the list of the most expensive dog breeds in the world. Originating from the mountains of Afghanistan, this stunning sighthound is known for its elegance and striking appearance. While often labeled as the world’s dumbest dog breed, the Afghan Hound compensates for its lack of intelligence with unwavering loyalty and a strong desire to please its owners.

Though Afghan Hounds can be stubborn and difficult to train, their aloof nature doesn’t mean they’re unintelligent—they simply prefer to do things at their own pace. When trained properly, they make excellent family pets. If you’re looking for a dog that will turn heads and draw attention wherever you go, the Afghan Hound might be the perfect choice.

Breed Characteristics

• Height: 25 to 27 inches.
• Weight: 50 to 60 pounds.
• Temperament: Aloof, reserved, nervous, independent, and lively.
• Lifespan: 12 to 14 years.
• Price range: $1500 to $7000.

In Conclusion

Now that we’ve covered what the 25 most expensive dog breeds in the world are, you’ll surely be able to whip out some new fun facts the next time that you’re with a group of friends.

Keep in mind that no matter which breed you opt for, a dog is first and foremost a member of the family, and should be treated as such.

The best way to go about buying a new puppy is to source it from a reliable and reputable breeder who adheres to ethical and responsible breeding practices—this ensures that you end up with a healthy and happy dog that will stay that way in the long run.