When dog lovers picture expensive dog breeds, they usually think of English Bulldogs, Frenchies, or maybe even Afghan Hounds.
Sure, these breeds are costly, but you don’t know even the half of some of the most expensive dog breeds; uncommon and rare breeds in the world… the ones with eye-watering price tags, who quietly end up in rescues or shelters, waiting for a second chance at finding a new home.
It’s not always because they are the “bad dogs”. Sometimes, it is the high cost of care, sometimes mismatched owners, and sometimes the sheer reality that rare and high-maintenance dogs need more than love… they need structure, spaces, and proper care.
So, if you are curious about (and you can afford) the uncommon expensive dog breeds in search of new homes, we have rounded up seven of these unique pups that might surprise you.
FUN FACT!!
A Tibetan Mastiff, named “Big Splash”, once sold for $1.5 million in China, as per CBS. One of the truly most expensive dogs ever purchased, an 11-month-old, 180-pounds, purebred baddie. Yet today, some Tibetan Mastiffs show up in the U.S. rescues because their size and protective nature overwhelm the unprepared owners!!
Uncommon Expensive Dog Breeds In Search Of New Homes
1. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a legend. Massive dog, lion-like mane, and a presence that clearly shouts “ancient breed ahead”.
Once prized as guard dogs in the Himalayas, they have become a status symbol worldwide. But maybe, because of a hefty price tag, some of these gentle giants end up needing new homes.
Tibetan Mastiffs are kind of stubborn dogs; independent but protective by nature. Their sheer size (up to 150 pounds), paired with high-maintenance coats and strong personalities, means not every family is ready to commit long term.
Things to know about this expensive dog:
Cost to buy in 2025: $2,000 to $6,000 per puppy. Considered to be one of the most expensive dog breeds, but adoption fees are much lower when they land in rescues.
Protective nature = wary of strangers and other dogs
Grooming a thick lion-like mane requires regular grooming and patience
Vet bills can be high; large dogs are prone to joint issues and hip dysplasia.
The Tibetan Mastiff is breathtaking, but they are not an easy “pet project”. Families who can give them space, consistent training, and proper care do get rewarded with one of the most loyal companions in the world.
2. Pharaoh Hound
Straight out of ancient Egypt vibes…. the Pharaoh Hound is elegant, sleek, and a rare breed. They are known for their distinct appearance, athletic grace, and a rare “blushing” persona.
But these medium-sized dogs carry a high cost because reputable breeders keep numbers small. Yet, sometimes, even Pharaoh Hounds end up looking for new families.
Things to know about this expensive dog:
Average cost in 2025: $6,000 to $8,000. One of the uncommon expensive dog breeds.
Elegant appearance comes with a high cost, but rescues sometimes rehome them at lower fees.
They need regular exercise to stay balanced; a bored Pharaoh Hound can chew, dig, and escape.
Sensitive souls… harsh training methods can backfire. Positive reinforcement techniques, only!!!
As per Purina, a Pharaoh Hound will turn heads everywhere, but they are not “couch-only” dogs. They need activity, patience, and owners who understand loyal hounds.
3. Lowchen
Nicknamed the “little lion dog,” the Lowchen looks like royalty shrunk down into lap size. Once a prized companion dog in Europe, they are now one of the rarest dog breeds in the world.
Despite their rarity and cost, some Lowchens do end up surrendered due to grooming and lifestyle mismatches.
These are playful and affectionate little dogs that thrive on constant companionship.
Things to know about this expensive dog:
Average cost in 2025: Starts from $4,000 and can go as high as $8,000.
Regular grooming is a BIG YES!! Their flowing coats mat quickly.
Their loyalty means they dislike being left alone for long periods.
Health issues are fewer than in some breeds, but vet bills still add up with proper care.
Lowchens are delightful companion dogs, but they are not “easy”. Their rarity and high cost often clash with real-world family schedules, ultimately landing them in rescues.
4. Spinone Italiano
Big, shaggy, soulful-eyed, a densely-coated hunting dog. The Spinone Italiano is a rare breed that is both clownish and loyal. These dogs from Italy are lesser-known in the U.S., which makes them expensive and uncommon to find.
Spinone Italiano are intelligent, affectionate, and slow to anger. Hence, excellent family dogs. But their size and energy level need space and ample exercise. Some owners underestimate the needs, which can lead to rehoming.
Things to know about this expensive dog:
Average buying cost in 2025: $1,200 to $2,000
Require regular exercise, an underworked Spinone Italiano becomes restless.
Grooming needs are moderate but consistent; that wiry coat is not of a low-maintenance dog.
Vet bills for large breeds add up, especially if hip dysplasia develops.
These hunting dogs are warm, funny, and loyal, but they are not “cheap” in any sense of the word. Still, when they land in shelters, they are beautiful souls waiting for someone who understands their quirks.
5. Samoyed
Ah, the Samoyed with their cloud-like coats and million-dollar smiles. These fluffy northern dogs from Siberia are Instagram darlings, but also one of the expensive dogs that sometimes surprise people with just how high-maintenance they are.
Samoyeds were originally bred to herd reindeer and guard livestock in freezing Siberia more than 5,000 years ago, as noted by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Today, their flowing white coats, social nature, and joyful vibe make them sought-after but not always easy to manage.
Things to know about this expensive dog:
Average cost in 2025: $1,500 to $4,000
Prone to health issues like joint problems, which lead to higher vet bills
Pack-oriented dogs don’t leave them alone for long; they might get stressed
The smiling Samoyeds are surrendered when the shedding gets overwhelming.
These dogs are joyful, loyal, and fun-loving, but they are truly high-maintenance. Adoption saves both the pup and the owner from mismatched expectations.
6. Canadian Eskimo Dog
One of the rarest dogs in North America, the Canadian Eskimo dog is a working breed with deep roots in the Arctic. Often vital sled dogs, they are now considered endangered, with only a small number of purebred dogs left worldwide.
These are powerful, intelligent, and demanding. They thrive in active and working environments, but can overwhelm the average family home.
Things to know about this expensive dog:
Average cost in 2025: $600 to $2,000. As rare breed survivors, they carry a high cost when purchased.
These dogs need ample exercise and space… apartment living is tough.
Their protective nature means they may not be the best around small children and other pets.
Health issues like joint problems and the cost of feeding large dogs can lead to rehoming.
Canadian Eskimo dogs are stunning and loyal companions, but they are not “starter pets”. Their rarity makes them expensive, but their needs make them priceless in the right hands.
7. Azawakh
Slender, elegant, and lightning-fast, the Azawakh is a sighthound from West Africa. Rarely seen in the U.S., these hounds are expensive dogs with an exotic heritage. Yet, they too sometimes appear in the rescues due to mismatched homes.
Azawakhs are sensitive, intelligent, and deeply bonded to their families. They need early socialization to balance their protective streak and can be aloof with strangers.
Things to know about this expensive dog:
Average cost in 2025: Typically $2,000 to $3,000. Rare breed with high cost, but lower adoption fees when rehomed.
Require regular exercise; they are built to sprint across deserts, not nap all day.
Sensitive dogs, harsh training doesn’t work. Positive methods do.
Vet bills can add up due to health conditions in the breed.
The Azawakh is a unique and elegant companion, but their uncommon status means fewer people understand it. When they land in rescues, the right adapter gains a once-in-a-lifetime happiness friend.
Conclusion
Uncommon expensive dog breeds in search of new homes are not broken. They are not “rejects”. They are simply rare breeds that ended up mismatched with families who were not ready and well-suited for the cost, grooming, vet bills, and lifestyle these mischievous dogs demand.
The dogs on this list are all extraordinary. But they need more than a big wallet. They need patience, structure, and a family in life who understands that an expensive dog is not just about the purchase price only, but it is all about lifelong commitment.
So if you are ready, adoption might just put one of these rare breeds into your life. And… there’s nothing RICHER than you!!
