Some dogs cost more than a car. No joke.
But for the most devoted dog lovers, it’s never about the price tag. It’s about the joy, the bond, and the once-in-a-lifetime experience. It could be a stunning beauty they are after, rare heritage, or sheer devotion that these breeds offer. Having one of the most expensive dog breeds to own is a full-on lifestyle commitment. It’s not just food and belly rubs.
You need to think about meticulous grooming, nutritious food, serious training, and yes! All these costs can lead to vet bills upwards of $10,000 a year for breeds prone to health issues, as CBC states.
Most Expensive To Own Dog Breeds
We have compiled a list of ten expensive dog breeds in the world. These are the kind of pups that make jaws drop and hearts melt.
1. Afghan Hound
With that flowing silky coat and aristocratic posture, this is one of the most eye-catching of all dog breeds. The Afghan Hound feels more like a living sculpture due to its sheer elegance and grace.
Bred for hunting rabbits in the mountains of Afghanistan, this purebred dog is a blend of athleticism and aloof grace. Their independent spirit makes them a challenge to train, but if you have made the right bond with them, you will get a loyal and mysterious dog straight out of a fairy tale, because the AKC says, “no animal can equal the Afghan Hound as a pet.”
Key Costs:
Daily grooming sessions to maintain that long, silky coat
High-end food for a sensitive digestive system (a low-fat diet, as noted by PetMD)
Professional grooming multiple times a month
Overall, the cost of keeping this dog breed can be as high as $7,000
Vet costs for issues like gastric dilation, bloating, cataracts, and thyroid dysfunction are common. But fans say it is all part of owning a work of art with paws.
2. Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest and rarest breeds still walking the earth today. PetMD notes that their roots go back to 4400 BCE in Egypt. Sleek, athletic, and surprisingly healthy, they still carry that royal air from the ancient past. These dogs are intelligent and alert, which makes them excellent hunting dogs. But they also have a playful side that delights families.
They are lean and relatively healthy dogs, but they come with high upkeep.
Key costs:
Premium diet to maintain their trim physique, 3-4 small meals daily, as mentioned by PetMD
Sensitive to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), need monitoring and vet visits
Pet insurance claims often include allergies and minor injuries from their energetic play
Overall, the cost of keeping this dog breed can be as high as $7,500
They are also incredibly sensitive and emotionally tuned in; some even blush when excited.
3. Dogo Argentino
Bred to hunt wild hogs and pumas in Argentina, the Dogo Argentino is as powerful as it is loyal. But their muscular build might fool you, because they are gentle giants with their families. The Dogo Argentino’s main ancestors are the Cordoba fighting dog and the Great Dane.
They were originally bred to be hunting dogs due to their dominant physical traits or to take part in big game hunting. Because of their strength and protective instincts, they need highly experienced owners, consistent training, and early socialization.
Not to mention, they are prone to several expensive health issues, such as Hip Dysplasia and skin problems (although their skin is not sensitive, they are prone to sunburn).
Key costs:
Extensive obedience training (because if you cannot do it yourself, you need to hire an experienced trainer)
Special diets to support muscle health
Higher-than-average pet insurance premiums, vet bills can go up to $1,600
Overall, the cost of keeping this dog breed can be as high as $8,000
The Dogo Argentino is not your casual dog. It is a full-time commitment to strength, loyalty, and love.
4. Canadian Eskimo Dog
The Canadian Eskimo is one of the most ancient dog breeds in the world. They have an almost 2,000-year-old history and were used by Inuit people for pulling sleds and hunting.
These dogs are extremely rare today. Some even consider them critically endangered. They are strong-willed and need plenty of activity. So if you own one, it means spending big, but also staying very, very active.
Purina mentions they need more than two hours of physical activity daily. Plus, they are vulnerable to many health issues, such as Gastric Torsion and Arthritis, which can increase the upkeep cost.
Key costs:
Limited availability and high breeder costs
Daily exercise and mental stimulation
Extremely susceptible to gastrointestinal issues, so you need to prepare high-protein food for them
Overall, the cost of keeping this dog breed can be as high as $8,750
Between their arctic history and soulful gaze, the Canadian Eskimo dog offers a connection that few breeds can match today.
5. Rottweiler
You might not expect to find a Rottweiler on the list of expensive dog breeds, but ask Rottweiler owners and they will tell you, this is not a budget dog.
They are a generally more common breed, but what pushes their ownership cost up is their health issues. Rottweilers are prone to several conditions that need consistent vet visits, such as Hip Dysplasia, heart issues, and even cancer.
Key costs:
Frequent vet trips and preventive care
Professional training from puppyhood
Pet insurance claims often top the charts
Overall, the cost of keeping this dog breed can be as high as $9,000
They are loving, protective, and deeply loyal, but you have got to be ready for the cost that comes with their big heart and even bigger body.
6. Azawakh
An elegant and rare breed from West Africa (pronounced as AH-ZA-WAHK), this is a slim, tall, refined, and incredibly fast breed. They are similar in appearance to the South Indian Hounds, and were bred for speed and stamina, originally used to protect nomadic tribes.
They form deep bonds but remain aloof from strangers. Training can be tricky, but once earned, their loyalty is absolute.
Key Costs:
Imported from overseas, so adoption costs are high
Need for special diets due to their low body fat
Risk of autoimmune diseases
Overall, the cost of keeping this dog breed can be as high as $9,500
An Azawakh is a connection to the rare and ancient lineage that few have the chance to experience.
7. Tibetan Mastiff
Towering and majestic, the Tibetan Mastiff is one of the most expensive dog breeds. Period.
This lion-like guardian was originally bred to protect sheep from leopards and wolves in the Himalayas. Today, their luxurious coat and regal demeanor stand out, but they are definitely not for first-time dog owners. Due to a muscular build, they are prone to a few hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and eye anomalies, which can increase the vet bills.
Key Costs:
Prices from reputable breeders can hit six figures
High-protein diet to support their massive frame
Specialized training and grooming
Overall, the cost of keeping this dog breed can be as high as $10,000
A Tibetan Mastiff is a statement, one that comes with fur, drool, and a whole lot of love.
8. Chow Chow
These beautiful dogs are often nicknamed the lion dog. They are one of the most popular dog breeds, and for good reason. With a mane-like coat and famously aloof attitude, this mischievous dog has been turning heads in China for thousands of years.
They need early socialization and consistent training to avoid behavioral issues because they are naturally stubborn. Their grooming needs are also next-level.
Key costs:
Require daily hair brushing and regular trips to the groomer
Prone to eye issues, skin problems, and hip dysplasia
Extremely sensitive stomachs need a high-quality diet
Overall, the cost of keeping this dog can go as much as $11,000
Chow Chows might be more independent than your average pup, but their beauty and loyalty are undeniable.
9. Lowchen
Affectionately called the little lion dogs, the Löwchen are among the rarest dog breeds. They were favored by European royalty and were once considered nearly extinct. Today, owning a Löwchen means owning a piece of history.
Key Costs:
Scarcity makes purchasing one incredibly expensive
High grooming standards are required to maintain their signature lion cut
Known for good health, but still benefits from pet insurance
Overall, the cost of keeping this dog can go as much as $12,000
Their cheerful and social personality makes them ideal for families, if you are lucky enough to find one. But if you do find one, you can have the time of your life; their average life expectancy is around 13-15 years.
10. Samoyed
With their permanent smile and fluffy white coat, Samoyeds are undeniably one of the most beautiful dogs out there, and #1 as the most expensive dogs, thanks to grooming, healthcare, and their sensitive nature. Grown males were bred to herd reindeer and sleep beside their humans to keep them warm, so they love attention. And lots of brushing.
Key costs:
Constant grooming (we are talking every few days)
Prone to Hip Dysplasia, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases
Need large-breed puppy food to keep them healthy
Overall, the cost of keeping this dog can go as much as a staggering $14,000
Samoyeds are sweet, silly, and social. But owning one means you have signed up for regular brushing sessions and a heart full of joy.
Conclusion
There you have it, the most expensive dog breeds to own. Be it Portuguese Water dogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, German Shepherd dogs, or Labrador retrievers, you have loyal hounds, some of the naturally stubborn and fiercest animals, but also the sweetest and outgoing dogs that may be expensive to keep, but they make great family pets.
While mixed-breed dogs or shelter dogs might cost less, they are just as full of love. If you are going to bring one of these breeds home, make sure you are ready not just emotionally, but financially, too.
