Dogs are the most valuable possession for many dog lovers. Their unconditional love, affection, and unwavering loyalty are priceless, but some breeds come with a hefty price tag. These most expensive dogs are either rare or in high demand.
Some dogs are costly to breed, due to which you have to pay a high initial price for them. Cost can also vary depending on pedigree and maintenance. According to Forbes, dogs are the most popular pets in the U.S., and people spend an average $15,333 on their dogs annually.
Do you know? The most expensive dog in the world is Cadabomb Okami, a hybrid between a wolf and a Caucasian Shepherd. The dog is the first of its kind and was sold for price tag of $5.7 million.
Here are the top 7 most expensive dog breeds (in fact, most priceless) in the world.
Most Expensive Dog Breeds
1. Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs are the massive dogs hailing from Tibet, where they guarded livestock, property, and monasteries. Tibetan Mastiffs have an impressive appearance and can be easily characterized by their lion-like manes.
These gentle giants make excellent guard dogs. Tibetan Mastiffs are expensive to maintain, due to and they began to vanish. Their rarity makes them popular among elite owners. Their thick coats and pure bloodlines also drive a high price, especially from reputed breeders.
Do You Know? The most expensive dog ever sold was a Tibetan Mastiff named Big Splash. Weighing around 180 pounds, the 11 month old puppy was sold for $1.5 million.
Tibetan Mastiffs are generally healthy, but can suffer from conditions like hyperthyroidism, hip dysplasia, and eye anomalies. So you need to schedule appointments with the vet for regular checkups. A Tibetan Mastiff, being one of the most expensive dog breeds, can cost up to $10,000.
2. Samoyed
Samoyeds are fluffy white and friendly dogs with having playful nature and smiling faces. They were originally bred in Siberia for pulling sleds and herding reindeer. These thick-coated canines are ideal for active owners who love adventures.
Samoyed, affectionately known as Sammie, is a rare yet popular dog in the U.S. This priceless dog has a strong urge to run away and roam, explains the AKC. So you have to make sure they are always on leash. Sammies are brilliant, social, and demanding.
They keep craving for attention, making them perfect for families and children. Samoyeds can rack up your vet bills like no other breed. They are vulnerable to health problems such as autoimmune conditions, cardiac issues, and corneal dystrophy. A Sammie costs somewhere between $4,000-$8,000.
3. Afghan Hound
Having a regal posture and long flowing and silky coat, Afghan Hounds look like they are coming straight from a fashion show. But beauty comes with a cost! The lifetime expenses of these expensive dog breeds can exceed several thousand dollars.
Their silky hair can get tangled easily, so regular grooming is required to keep the coat in top-notch condition. The health conditions of your Afghan Hound can also cost you some extra money. It is a rare breed, and high demand adds to its cost.
An Afghan Hound puppy can cost up to $7,000. If you are planning to purchase a show-quality dog, the prices will inevitably increase. Afghan Hounds are intelligent and dignified fellows who bond closely with their owners and are very loyal to them.
4. Chow Chow
Chow Chow is another expensive dog breed popular for having a lion-like mane and a blue-black tongue. It is one of the oldest and rarest breeds in the world. Chow Chows were originally bred in China as hunting dogs and guard dogs.
The initial purchase price of a Chow Chow can range up to $3,000. The life expectancy is 8 to 12 years, and the lifetime expenses of these most expensive dog breeds can reach up to $11000. During this period, they can suffer from diseases like hip dysplasia and hyperthyroidism, contributing to their cost.
Chow Chows are intelligent, social, and outgoing dogs having an independent streak. Hill’s Pet explains that they can be a bit aloof towards strangers. They need a fair amount of exercise, such as four or more walks per day, to stay happy and healthy.
5. Dogo Argentino
Dogo Argentino is a muscular dog that was originally bred for big game hunting. The hunting dog was first bred in 1928 by crossing a Great Dane with the extinct Cordoba Fighting Dog. They are well-suited for various roles, including guarding and police work. Their rarity and versatility justify their cost.
Dogo Argentino is illegal to own in the U.K., Colorado, and New York City due to their dominant physical features. The life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, during which this majestic white dog can suffer from health problems like deafness and hip dysplasia, leading to higher vet bills.
This dog is worth around $8,000, and its rarity outside Argentina is the reason behind its high price. Dogo Argentino requires regular daily exercise to stay happy and healthy, just like all other dog breeds. Otherwise, the vet bills can increase. They also require discipline training.
6. Pharaoh Hound
One of the oldest dog breeds, the Pharaoh Hound is the popular “rabbit dog” from Malta. Its history dates back thousands of years. Pharaoh Hounds are very intelligent and athletic dogs that can live up to 14 years.
Regal posture, elegant appearance, and affectionate nature are the most prized traits of this breed. Pharaoh Hounds are very sensitive and get stressed very easily due to a lack of routine or a harsh training environment.
Stress can lead to digestive and neurotic problems, which can cost around $1,500 to treat. Their good genetic makeup and unwavering loyalty make them an ideal choice for many pet parents. Pharaoh Hounds can cost around $7,500 on average.
7. Rottweiler
Rottweiler is a very common breed, but its high-quality bloodlines can cost a fortune. While they do not have a high initial cost, they rack up money in vet bills due to health problems. They are susceptible to every single disease, from hip and joint issues to cancer.
This is the reason Rottweilers’ pet insurance claims are higher than many other dog breeds. Rotties have a life span of 8 to 10 years, significantly less than many other dogs. Their loyalty and obedience towards their owners make them a wonderful family pet.
Rotties are muscular dogs who were initially bred to pull carts for butchers and herd cattle. Now, these calm and confident canines are known for their confidence, courage, and versatility. Rottweilers make devoted and affectionate companions.
Conclusion
The dog world is full of intelligent and loving fellows having unique and exotic traits. Some are known for their beauty while others for their gentle temperament. Although their loyalty is priceless, some breeds cost more than others. The high prices may be the result of their rarity or pure bloodlines.
This article enlists some expensive dog breeds from the regal Afghan Hound to the lovely Rottweiler. Always consider your budget and maintenance costs along with the initial purchase price while adopting a dog!
