Some dogs are just fancy.
The breeds that turn heads at the park, the breeds that look like they should live in a castle and the ones that make your wallet cry just thinking about them.
Prestigious dog breeds don’t merely cost a lot upfront. They come with ongoing expenses that can seriously add up over time. We are talking grooming, vet costs, food, training and sometimes special care that regular dogs don’t need.
And, if you are a dog lover eyeing one of these elegant breeds, you should know exactly what you are signing up for.
Today we are breaking down nine such prestigious dog breeds and what it actually costs to own them. Not just the purchase price but the real expenses that come with having one of these furry companions in your life.
Prestigious Dog Breeds: What It Costs to Own
1. Samoyed
The Samoyed is one of those dogs that looks like a cloud with legs and they have that famous “Sammy smile” that melts hearts everywhere. But behind all that fluff is a serious price tag.
Samoyeds are among the most expensive dog breeds globally and it starts right at the purchase price. A purebred Samoyed puppy from a reputable breeder can cost anywhere between a WHOOPING $4,000 to $8,000, as noted by Spot Pet Insurance.
Sometimes even more if the bloodline is particularly prestigious.
But grooming is where it gets wild.
That gorgeous and thick and flowing coats? Samoyed needs regular grooming and we are not talking about a quick brush at home. Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks can run you $80 to $150 per session.
And if you skip it, good luck dealing with all the matting and shedding. Because, they are not really hypoallergenic dogs.
Then there’s the vet bills. Samoyeds are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to hip dysplasia and certain cardiac disorders, which means regular vet visits and potential health issues down the line.
Pet insurance claims are a smart move with this breed, but that is just another $50 to $100 per month.
Add in high quality food (because they are picky eaters), training, toys and regular exercise needs and you are looking at an annual cost of $3,000 to $5,000.
Is that worth it?
For dog enthusiasts who love this BIG fluffy dog, with their affectionate nature and playful personalities, ABSOLUETLY!! But, yeah. It is high cost.
2. Chow Chow
Chow Chows have a persona like they just walked out of ancient China with their lion-like mane and regal posture. And honestly, these dogs kind of act like royalty too.
The upfront cost for a Chow Chow puppy ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 or more, but it depends on the pedigree, breed and lineage. These are one of the oldest and rarest breeds in the world, so finding a reputable source can be tricky (and pricey).
But, the real expense is the grooming and health care.
Chow Chows boast a thick and dense coat that needs consistent grooming. We are talking about professional sessions every 4 to 6 weeks, as a good groomer can handle their bathing, hair and blow-drying, nail trimming and whatnot.
Plus, you need frequent daily brushing at home.
Skip the grooming and prepare for a matted mess that is just painful for the dog and expensive to fix.
Health-wise, Chow Chows are prone to hip dysplasia, joint problems and eyelid issues, as mentioned by PetMD. vet bills can rack up fast, mostly when they age. And because they require consistent training and socialization (they are naturally aloof and protective), you may need to invest in professional training, too.
And, lifetime costs of a Chow Chow can be up to $20,000 to $25,000 when you factor in grooming, vet visits, food and care.
They are one of the expensive dog breeds that demand both time and money.
But for those who want a loyal and protective furry friend with unique characteristics, no matter what the cost, Chow Chow is a great dog.
3. Tibetan Mastiff
QUICK FUN FACT!!
A red Tibetan Mastiff in China got sold for a jaw-dropping $2M in 2014, as reported by CNBC.
Yep, you read that right. For just a pet. World’s most expensive dog, maybe?
And we can testify that Tibetan Mastiff, the lion dog, is not just a dog but a statement. These dogs were originally bred in Himalayas to guard livestock and they still carry that guardian energy today.
This Mastiff-type dog breed is one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world. The purchase price for alone can cost for about $2,500 to $10,000 for a standard puppy. But, if you are looking at show-quality, rare bloodlines or purebred dogs, the price can surge. Like, up to $50,000. Or in extreme cases (like that $2 million sale), even more.
But the expenses don’t stop there.
These dogs are HUGE. It means, they eat a lot. High-quality dog food for a Tibetan Mastiff can cost $100 to $120. And they need regular exercise, space to roam and strong and secure fencing (because they are guard dogs by nature).
Health issues include hip dysplasia and other joint problems. Vet costs for a dog this size are not a joke. And, surgery or treatments can run into thousands.
Grooming is another factor. That thick and flowing coat needs regular brushing and occasional professional grooming to keep it healthy.
And because they are a rare breed, finding a vet or groomer who knows how to handle them can be tricky.
Annual costs are easily up to $5,000-$8,000, on the conservative side. They are highly sought after, yes. But, they are also one of the most expensive dog breeds to maintain.
4. Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest and rarest dog breeds in the world. “The Blushing Dog of Malta”, they were originally bred for hunting rabbits on the Maltese islands. They are stunning, athletic and… expensive.
A Pharaoh Hound will cost you anywhere from $7,000 to $7,500. They are a rare breed so finding a reputable breeder can take time and patience.
These are generally healthy dogs, but because they are so rare, vet costs can be higher simply because not all vets are familiar with the breed. Pet insurance claims for rare breeds tend to ask for more money, as well.
Pharaoh Hounds are highly intelligent and need regular exercise. They are hunting dogs at heart and they have got energy to burn. That means, daily walks, playtime and mental stimulation.
if you are not active, this is not the dog for you.
Grooming is low-maintenance (short coat, minimal shedding), but food costs can add up, because they need high-quality nutrition to maintain their athletic build.
Annual costs typically range from $2,000 to $4,000 which is lower than some other expensive dog breeds, but still its major when you factor in their unique needs and rarity.
5. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are working dogs with a reputation for being protective, intelligent and seriously devoted to their families. But owning one… it is not about the tough-guy image. It is about the cost.
A purebred Rottweiler puppy from a reputable breeder costs between $1,000 to $3,500. Not the highest on this list, but not very cheap either.
But this is where the expenses add up: training, health care, and food.
Rottweilers are highly intelligent dogs that need daily training and proper socialization since day ONE!! Professional training can cost as well, if you want them trained for specific tasks, like police work or guard duty.
Health-wise, Rotties are prone to hip dysplasia, heart issues and joint problems. Regular vet visits are needed, and as they age, these vet bills can climb. Add in pet insurance, and you are looking at another $50 to $100 per month.
They are also big dogs, which means they eat a lot. Expect to spend around $100 to $150 per month on good food.
But, this dog is worth it for families who want a loyal and protective furry friend but the cost is real.
6. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are everywhere right now. In fact, they have been the #1 most popular dog breeds in the U.S., since last 3 years. They are trendy, adorable and have that signature bat-ear look that people go crazy for.
But they are also an expensive dog breed to own.
A French Bulldog puppy can cost anywhere from $2,400 to $5,500, and sometimes even more for rare colors or show-quality pups.
The demand is insane and breeders know it.
But, the real cost is health issues.
Frenchies are prone to breathing problems, hip dysplasia, skin issues and spinal disorders. They are basically walking vet bills. Routine vet visits, surgeries, medications and treatments can easily cost thousands per year.
Pet insurance is almost a must with this breed and premiums can run $80 to $150 per month because of all these health issues.
Grooming-wise, these are low-maintenance dogs, short coat, yes. But, they need regular cleaning of their facial folds to prevent infections. And because they cannot regulate their body temperature well, you will need to be careful with exercise and climate control.
Lifetime cost of these wrinkly dog breeds is around $7,000 to $10,000. And, that’s not even counting emergency vet visits. French Bulldogs are lovable, yes. But, they are also one of the expensive dog breeds that needs serious financial commitment.
7. Azawakh
The Azawakh is a sighthound from West Africa, originally bred for big game hunting and guarding. They are sleek, fast and one of the rarest dogs in the world.
Because, they are so rare, Azawakh puppies can cost $2,000 to $3,000 or more. Finding a breeder in the U.S. is tough which drives the price tag even higher.
These dogs are generally healthy, but because they are a rare breed, vet costs can be high simply due to lack of familiarity. Not every vet knows how to handle an Azawakh, so, special care is needed.
These are hunting dogs, so they will need regular exercise and space to run. They are not apartment dogs, and they are not couch potatoes. If you don’t have time for daily activity, this is not the breed for you.
Grooming is minimal (short and silky coat), but high quality food and training are much-needed. Lifetime costs usually range up to $20,000 and it depends on location and care need.
8. Canadian Eskimo Dog
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is one of the oldest dog breeds in North America. These working dogs were bred to pull sleds in Arctic and they are still incredibly strong and resilient.
Finding a Canadian Eskimo dog puppy is tough because they are so rare, and an ancient breed. The purchase price can range up to $8,750 and it depends on the breeder or the bloodlines.
But the ongoing costs are rather tricky.
These dogs need regular exercise, consistent training and a lot of space. They are not suited for apartment living or warm climates. If you live in the South, the air conditioning bill alone can make you cry.
Health-wise, they are generally okay, but hip dysplasia and other joint issues can pop up. Vet bills, food (they eat a lot) and grooming (that thick coat needs brushing) all add up.
Annual costs can go up to $2,000 to $3,000. Not the highest like other dogs on this list, but it is still a serious commitment with this expensive breed.
9. Lowchen
The Lowchen, also known as the “little lion dog”, is one of the rarest breeds. And rare means expensive dog.
A Lowchen puppy can cost from $2,000 to $6,000, as per Spot Pet Insurance, and sometimes more. There are a very few breeders and the demand is high among dog lovers. Highly sought after, yes.
Grooming is a must. That “lion cut” look is not all natural. You will need professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks and that can cost $50 to $100 per session.
These small dogs don’t usually have much health issues popping up every now and then, but like all purebred dogs, they can have some issues. Regular vet visits, vaccinations, and preventive care are super-important.
Annual prices ranges from $300 to $900. They are not a common breed, but rather a unique dog with a lion like mane and a playful nature, and the price tag is totally worth it.
Conclusion
Owning a prestigious dog breed is amazing.
But, it is also expensive. Like, really expensive.
Purchase price or grooming, vet bills, food, training and more… these furry friends need a serious commitment. Other expensive dog breeds are Afghan Hound, English Bulldog, Dogo Argentino, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and even the Great Dane all come with their own costs too.
If you are ready for the responsibility, the cost, and the commitment, these dogs are absolutely worth it. You may not find them at animal shelters but your heart will be filled once you bring them home.
They are loyal, beautiful, and bring so much joy. Just make sure your wallet is ready too.
