Owning a dog is one of life’s greatest joys, but it’s no secret that caring for a four-legged friend comes with expenses. From food and grooming to vet visits and training, the bills add up quickly. Yet, beyond these everyday costs, certain rare dog breeds carry astonishingly high price tags right from the start—making them companions reserved for those who can truly afford the luxury.
So why are some dogs more expensive than others? Experts point to several factors, including rarity, pedigree, and regional availability. A breed’s popularity in the dog world also influences its cost, with some fetching thousands simply because they are so difficult to find.
Many rare breeds owe their exclusivity to limited numbers and centuries-old lineage, driving their value higher than most family pets.
For devoted dog lovers, the steep price isn’t just about ownership—it’s about embracing history, prestige, and companionship in one remarkable package. In this guide, we’ll uncover the best rare dog breeds you simply can’t afford to miss.
Best Rare Dog Breeds You Can’t Afford
1. Shikoku
The Shikoku, also called the Kochi-ken, is a rare Japanese breed that traces its roots to the rugged mountain ranges of Shikoku Island in the Kochi Prefecture. AKC says the Shikoku Ken is a highly alert and energetic dog, with strong endurance, sharp senses, and a natural, straightforward character.
Originally prized by hunters for its stamina and courage, this medium-sized dog was bred to track and hunt wild boar. Standing well-balanced and muscular, the Shikoku typically weighs 35–55 pounds and measures 17–22 inches tall.
Its harsh, straight outer coat with a dense undercoat comes in striking shades of red, black-and-tan, or sesame—a blend of red, black, and white hairs. With pricked ears and a curled or sickle tail, it carries a wolf-like appearance that adds to its allure among rare dog breeds.
Energetic and alert outdoors yet affectionate with its family, this hunting dog thrives in colder climates and relishes vigorous activity. It has a high prey drive and a natural connection to nature, making it unsuitable for sedentary households but rewarding for active owners who can meet its exercise needs.
Fun Fact: Shikoku’s growing popularity in recent years has been influenced by media portrayals of wolf-like dogs in shows like Game of Thrones and Outlander.
2. Kooikerhondje
The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, often nicknamed the “little decoy dog,” is a rare spaniel-type breed from the Netherlands with origins dating back to the 17th century.
PetMD says this recently recognized AKC sporting breed originated in the Netherlands in the 17th century as a duck decoy dog, but today it is treasured as a companion.
Bred to lure ducks into traps, this elegant dog nearly disappeared after World War I until Baroness Hardenbroek van Ammerstol revived the line in the late 1930s. Recognized officially by the Dutch Kennel Club in 1971, the breed remains rare outside Europe but has slowly gained recognition, including with the American Kennel Club in 2014.
Standing about 14–16 inches tall and weighing 20–30 pounds, the Kooikerhondje is compact yet athletic. Its silky coat of white with rich red patches, black-tipped ears, and a plumed, feathered tail gives it a distinctive and eye-catching appearance.
With a life expectancy of 12–14 years, this lively, intelligent, and agile breed thrives on activity and human companionship. However, its rarity and limited availability make it an expensive choice for dog lovers seeking something unique.
Fun Fact: The Kooikerhondje once played a role in preserving Dutch wetland culture, assisting hunters in guiding ducks into traps called “eendenkooi.”
3. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, also called československý vlčák or vlčiak, is one of the most unique and rare breeds in the dog world. Developed in the 1950s as part of a military experiment led by biologist Karel Hartl in Czechoslovakia, German Shepherds were crossed with Carpathian wolves to create a hardy service dog for border patrol in harsh climates.
Officially recognized as a national breed in 1982 and later accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1989, this striking hybrid stands 24–26 inches tall and weighs 55–90 pounds. Its silvery-gray coat, athletic build, and wolf-like appearance make it instantly recognizable.
Highly intelligent and energetic, the Wolfdog excels in activities like tracking, agility, search and rescue, and obedience work. However, ownership is challenging—its strong pack instincts and stamina demand experienced handlers and consistent training. Acquiring one can cost several thousand dollars, often reaching up to $8,000.
Fun Fact: In June 2024, the American Kennel Club granted the breed Miscellaneous Status, officially recognizing the Czechoslovakian Vlciak Club of America as its national parent club.
4. Spinone Italiano
The Spinone Italiano, one of Italy’s oldest hunting breeds, is known for its versatility in the field and affectionate nature at home. Originating in Italy, this solidly built gun dog stands between 22–27 inches tall and weighs 61–85 pounds. Purina states that they are a large and calm dog breed.
Its dense, wiry coat comes in several shades, including white, orange roan, brown roan, or white with orange markings. With its square frame, muscular body, and expressive eyes framed by shaggy brows and a bearded muzzle, the Spinone carries undeniable Old World charm. The breed typically lives 10–12 years.
Although patient and kind, Spinoni are not ideal for first-time dog owners. They thrive under a consistent leader and require firm but gentle training. Playful and clownish, they are known to use their goofy personalities to avoid scolding, making them both entertaining and lovable companions.
As versatile hunters, they excel in endurance more than speed, but they’re equally content hiking trails or lounging with family. Prices for puppies usually range from $1,500 to $3,000, reflecting their rarity outside Europe.
Fun Fact: Despite their stamina and hunting heritage, Spinoni are famously easygoing—many are just as happy napping on the couch as they are trekking outdoors.
5. Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound, also known as the Kelb-tal Fenek or “rabbit dog” of Malta, is one of the world’s oldest and rarest breeds, with ancestry tracing back thousands of years to the hounds of ancient Egypt.
Preserved on the island of Malta, where it became the national dog, this elegant sighthound was bred to hunt rabbits across rocky terrain.
Standing 21–25 inches tall and weighing 45–55 pounds, it has a lean, aerodynamic frame, a short tan coat, amber eyes, and a distinctive white-tipped tail. With a life expectancy of 11–14 years, it balances speed, stamina, and grace.
Despite its regal looks, the Pharaoh Hound is affectionate and loyal, often showing a quirky ability to “blush” when excited—its nose and ears turn a rosy pink. Sensitive to stress, it requires gentle handling and thrives in active homes where exercise and companionship are plentiful. Due to its rarity and heritage, this breed often carries a premium price among dog enthusiasts.
Fun Fact: Admirers have long celebrated the Pharaoh Hound’s unique trait of smiling and blushing, with ancient writings noting, “His face glows like a god.”
6. Otterhound
The Otterhound is a rare and remarkable breed that originated in medieval England, developed specifically for hunting otters in rivers and streams. Large and powerfully built, they stand 24–27 inches tall and typically weigh between 80–115 pounds.
Their rough, waterproof double coat, which comes in a variety of colors, along with broad chests and muscular shoulders, equips them perfectly for endurance swimming. Add in their large, webbed feet and highly sensitive nose, and it’s clear why they were unmatched trackers of aquatic prey.
Sadly, with otter hunting banned in 1978, the breed nearly disappeared and is now considered more endangered than the giant panda, with fewer than 50 puppies registered annually in the UK.
Despite their rarity, these loyal dogs are affectionate, boisterous companions that thrive with space and exercise. They are known for their deep, carrying “bay” and a quirky habit of submerging their entire nose underwater when drinking. Because of their scarcity, an Otterhound puppy can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on lineage.
Fun Fact: Otterhounds are such strong swimmers that they can track an otter’s scent underwater for miles, blowing bubbles while they dive.
7. Lowchen
The Lowchen, whose name translates from German as “little lion,” is a rare and historically prized companion breed. Its exact origins are debated—some historians trace it to the Mediterranean and the Bichon family, while others suggest ties to Germany or even Tibetan Terrier ancestry.
Regardless, records show the breed’s presence in Europe since at least the 1500s, especially in France’s Lyon region. Once nearly extinct—with only about 40 dogs known in 1969—the Lowchen has since recovered but remains rare and costly, often ranking among the most expensive dog breeds.
Standing just over 12 inches tall and weighing 10–15 pounds, the Lowchen is sturdy yet elegant, with a trademark “lion clip” that leaves a full mane and plumed tail while shaving the hindquarters.
Its long, flowing coat can appear in many colors and combinations, and despite its glamorous look, it is a non-shedding breed. Outgoing, affectionate, and playful, the Lowchen thrives on attention and companionship, making it a devoted family pet.
Fun Fact: Known as the “Little Lion Dog,” the Lowchen has been adored by European nobility for over 500 years, celebrated as both a portable pet and a symbol of status.
Conclusion
Rare dog breeds may come with high price tags, but their history, elegance, and unique qualities make them irresistible to passionate dog lovers. From old breeds preserved for centuries to a fascinating new breed emerging with modern demand, these pups often carry a story as rich as their lineage.
While they are certainly great dogs, it’s important to remember that even the rarest companions can face health issues and require dedicated care. Breeds like the Great Pyrenees remind us how working breeds balance beauty and utility, standing as loyal guardians through generations.
Still, not every dog worth loving needs to be rare or costly. Mixed-breed dogs, shelter dogs, and those waiting at your local shelter can be just as rewarding, offering unconditional love and companionship.
Whether you’re drawn to a Golden Retriever, a noble Great Pyrenees, or a little-known breed far from New Hampshire, every dog has the potential to be the perfect companion. After all, rare or common, they all share one thing in common: they’re undeniably cute.
