If you are planning to bring a furry friend home, you need to consider a variety of factors, including size, temperament, and lifestyle. Likewise, you need to look into your budget as well. Some dog breeds stand out from others due to their high price tags.
The expensive dog breeds are usually rare or in high demand. Some breeds can cost you an arm and a leg due to their high initial purchase price, while others have higher maintenance costs. Price can also vary depending on the pedigree.
For instance, if you want to trace the lineage back to several generations, you’ll need to pay more. Puppies whose parents have won dog shows also cost more. Remember, purchasing the dog from a reputable breeder typically costs more than adopting a pet.
Here are 10 exclusive dog breeds with high ownership costs.
Exclusive Dog Breeds With High Ownership Costs
1. Tibetan Mastiff
Price Range: $2,000-$6,000
Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed hailing from China, that was bred to guard sheep and households against predators like wolves, leopards, and bears. These intimidating, aloof, and watchful guardians are one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world.
PetMD mentions that purchasing a Tibetan Mastiff puppy from a reputable breeder can cost as much as several thousand dollars, especially if they have the American Kennel Club registration. This rare breed is considered a status symbol in China.
Its imposing presence and ferocious reputation contribute to its high cost. The most striking feature of a Tibetan Mastiff is the fur around its neck and shoulder, which gives an expression of a mane. With consistent training and early socialization, Tibetan Mastiffs make great family pets.
2. Samoyed
Price Range: $1,500-$6,000
Samoyed is a versatile working dog that excels at herding, agility, hunting, and pulling sleds. Their athletic build, signature ‘Sammy smile,’ and beautiful white coat make them stand out from other breeds. The Samoyed is a relatively rare dog breed.
These friendly, fluffy, and social canines were originally bred in Siberia. Their high cost is reflected in their rarity and vulnerability to certain health issues in life. During their life, Sammys are prone to certain conditions like corneal dystrophy, autoimmune diseases, and cardiac disorders.
Like Tibetan Mastiffs, Samoyed pups can also cost up to several thousand dollars. Since it is not a common breed, you may have a hard time finding the right breeder. Samoyeds are also high maintenance in terms of grooming.
3. Canadian Eskimo Dog
Price Range: $600-$2,000
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is one of the rarest breeds in the world, currently threatened with extinction. As of 2022, there are only 300 purebred dogs left. Canadian Eskimo Dogs were brought to North America from Siberia around 1,000 years ago.
Their numbers mainly declined due to Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) dog killings in the 1900s. The breed is prone to health issues like entropion, gastric torsion, heat intolerance, and arthritis. This can contribute to higher veterinary expenses.
Canadian Eskimo Dogs are said to be very territorial and often overreact to small disturbances, which makes them unsuitable for homes with smaller children. According to Purina, these Spitz dogs have a playful, curious, and affectionate nature.
4. Dogo Argentino
Price Range: $1,000-$4,000
Dogo Argentino is a big hunting dog with a muscular build and an imposing presence. They possess strength, intelligence, and the ability to respond quickly in crucial situations. It is illegal to own a Dogo Argentino in the UK, Colorado, and New York City.
While purchasing a purebred dog from a reputable breeder, prepare yourself to pay around $2,000 to $3,000. However, the price can vary greatly depending on the bloodline and other factors. It makes them one of the costliest dog breeds in terms of purchase price.
In their lives, Dogos can suffer from health issues like deafness and hip dysplasia. This can lead to higher veterinary expenses. However, regular exercise and vet checkups can help reduce these costs.
5. Pharaoh Hound
Price Range: $1,500-$5,000
Pharaoh Hounds are one of the oldest and rarest breeds in recorded history. It bears a striking resemblance to the paintings of dogs found in the tombs of ancient Egypt. Its unique physical and behavioral traits make it one of the most expensive dog breeds.
When excited, this sighthound blushes, and its ears and nose will glow redder. That is why they are named ‘blushing dogs.’ The national dog of Malta can set you back around $1,500 to $5,000. Pharaoh Hounds were initially bred as hunting dogs.
Pharaoh Hounds are energetic dogs with a playful personality. The good news is that Pharaoh Hounds are exceptionally healthy for purebred dogs. They also shed very little and have low grooming needs and require only occasional baths.
6. Afghan Hound
Price Range: $1,000-$3,000
Originally bred to hunt in the mountains of Afghanistan, Afghan Hounds are one of the most beautiful dogs with long, flowing coats. They require regular grooming to keep their coat free from mats and tangles.
They are predisposed to conditions like cataracts and hyperthyroidism, which means they need specialized veterinary care. This can lead to higher grooming costs and vet bills. Afghan Hound puppies usually cost between $2,000 and $3,000.
The American Kennel Club describes them as ‘aloof and dignified aristocrats of sublime beauty.’ Afghan Hounds are reserved towards strangers but are immensely loyal to their humans and exhibit a streak of silliness with them.
7. Lowchen
Price Range: $2,000-$4,000
Also dubbed as ‘little lion dog,’ Lowchen is an outgoing dog breed hailing from France. One of the rarest dog breeds in the world, Lowchens are recognized by their lion-like mane. Currently, there are only 300 dogs registered each year worldwide.
These active and playful dogs are a perfect match for families and children. They need constant attention from their humans and become unhappy when left alone for extended periods. According to Omlet, Lowchens are loving dogs who tend to be the happiest when they are with you.
Lowchens are clever and funny dogs with an eager-to-please nature. They learn quickly and enjoy games and tricks. Lowchens also excel in a variety of dog sports like obedience and agility training competitions.
8. French Bulldog
Price Range: $2,500-$8,000
French Bulldogs are popular due to their playful and loving nature. These adorable companions make wonderful lap dogs and love entertaining their owners with their silly antics. They are one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world.
The average price of a French Bulldog puppy can range between $1,500 and $4,500. Rare varieties like fluffy Frenchies can be even more expensive. Apart from a high initial purchase price, Frenchies also have higher maintenance costs.
They are low maintenance in terms of coat grooming, but are brachycephalic. It means they are prone to certain respiratory problems and overheating when exercising too much or taken out on a hot and humid day.
So you need regular veterinary care for your Frenchie, which can make it one of the costliest dogs in the long run. French Bulldogs also have high breeding costs. Females are usually inseminated artificially, and puppies are delivered via C-sections.
9. Chow Chow
Price Range: $1,000-$5,000
Another of the oldest and rarest breeds in the dog world, Chow Chows are one of the most expensive dog breeds. Purchasing a Chow Chow puppy can cost you an arm and a leg, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Chow Chows are expensive to maintain as well. They are susceptible to a wide range of health issues, such as entropion, elbow dysplasia, and hip dysplasia. Chow Chows also have high grooming costs. They need professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks, which may cost around $80 to $150.
Chow Chows are notoriously stubborn, which means they are hard to train. It makes them better suited for experienced handlers who know how to handle a strong-willed pooch. With consistent training and socialization, they make excellent pets.
10. Akita
Price Range: $1,000-$3,000
Akita is a large, powerful, and dignified dog known for its incredible loyalty to their humans. Their thick double coats, muscular build, and guard dog instincts make them stand out among other breeds in the dog world.
Akita puppies may cost between $600 and $2,000, depending on the bloodline and some other factors. Their fluffy coats have high grooming needs to keep looking beautiful. Professional grooming costs can vary between $70 and $110 every 6 to 8 weeks.
Akitas are strong-willed dogs who were bred to work independently. They need proper training and early socialization to turn into well-behaved pets. Akitas enjoy activities like scent walks, barn hunts, and rally.
Conclusion
Some exclusive dog breeds are loved for their unique physical and behavioral traits, but are heavy on your pocket. Expensive dog breeds are either rare or high in demand. Sometimes they have a high initial cost.
In other cases, their high maintenance makes them the costliest dogs. Some of these canines have higher coat grooming cost,s while others are susceptible to certain diseases, which can lead to hefty vet bills. However, their loving personalities make every penny worth it.
