Owning a dog is a dream for many, but for some breeds, that dream comes with a luxury price tag. In fact, the average high-maintenance dog can cost over $3,500 annually, not including unexpected emergencies. From weekly grooming bills to specialized diets and round-the-clock care, these breeds require more than just belly rubs and daily walks—they demand serious commitment and cash.
And it’s not just about expenses. These dogs often need a full-on lifestyle adjustment, with dedicated time for training, exercise, and even climate control (yes, some pups have their own AC preferences!). As pet guardianship rises globally, many are surprised to learn that some of the most popular or photogenic breeds are also the most demanding, financially and otherwise.
This article will help you explore dogs that might just rival a luxury car in upkeep, from the elegantly fluffy to the endlessly energetic. So, if you’re thinking about adding one of these furry fashionistas to your life, you might want to check your budget first.
High-Maintenance Cost Dog Breeds
1. Tibetan Mastiff
With a majestic appearance and an independent streak, the Tibetan Mastiff is one of the most expensive dog breeds to own—and for good reason. Primarily bred as a guardian in the Himalayas, this breed commands both admiration and a pricey tag.
The initial purchase price from reputable breeders ranges between $2,000 and $6,000. But the real cost comes after, with monthly expenses soaring to $1,420 due to professional grooming, large-breed food, and extensive veterinary care.
These large dogs are prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and other health conditions, which means frequent check-ups and sometimes steep vet bills.
According to WebMD, their thick double coat requires frequent grooming, or you risk matting, shedding, and hygiene issues. Add in pet insurance averaging $50–$200 per month, and you can see why this breed isn’t for casual owners.
Still, for experienced dog enthusiasts who appreciate this breed’s fierce loyalty and protective instincts, the Tibetan Mastiff is a noble—if costly—companion. Just be prepared: this isn’t your average family pet. This is a breed that thrives on respect, space, and a serious financial commitment.
2. Newfoundland
Nicknamed the “gentle giant,” the Newfoundland is adored for its sweet temperament, but caring for one comes with a pretty penny attached. With adult males weighing up to 150 pounds, their sheer size alone brings ongoing costs in food, grooming, and medical expenses.
Despite being one of the more family-friendly breeds, Newfoundlands are prone to serious health issues like hip dysplasia, bloat, and heart problems. Routine animal care and pet insurance are must-haves to manage potential emergencies. Their thick, double coat sheds heavily and needs daily grooming to prevent matting and odor.
Because this mountain dog thrives on companionship and space, they’re not well-suited for apartments or low-activity homes. Their love for swimming and outdoor play can also mean extra cleaning, and sometimes, extra expenses in home maintenance.
Though their warm nature makes them beloved family dogs, Newfoundlands are undeniably among the high-maintenance dog breeds. For those ready to invest time, money, and floor space, these dogs offer unconditional love in an oversized, slobbery package.
3. Afghan Hound
With its flowing, silky coat and regal presence, the Afghan Hound is the epitome of elegance—but that beauty comes with a high price. Known for their aloof charm and independent spirit, these dogs rank among the most costly dog breeds, as per Hillspet.
Expect a significant initial purchase price, often ranging from $2,000 to $3,000, especially from recognized breeders. But the true expense lies in their grooming. That luxurious coat demands frequent brushing, weekly baths, and professional styling, making maintenance a regular commitment.
Afghan Hounds also come with unique health risks, including hip dysplasia and bloat, which can drive up pet medical bills and underscore the need for pet insurance. Their independent streak makes training a challenge, especially for first-time dog owners.
While they may not crave constant affection, Afghan Hounds are loyal in their own dignified way. Still, this particular breed is better suited to experienced owners who value style, grace, and don’t mind spending a little extra to maintain it.
4. Pharaoh Hound
Lean, athletic, and statuesque, the Pharaoh Hound looks like a creature straight out of ancient Egypt—and keeping one healthy and happy today isn’t cheap. With an average life expectancy of 12–14 years, these sleek runners come with some stealthy additional expenses.
Despite their short coat and clean appearance, Pharaoh Hounds are anything but low-maintenance. They’re highly active and thrive on physical stimulation, so owners must factor in costs for structured exercise, secure fencing, and even pet ownership accessories like coats in colder climates.
While not very common, Pharaoh Hounds are still vulnerable to serious health problems like dysplasia, eye issues, and even heart problems. This makes routine veterinary care and a solid pet insurance plan essential.
Their high price tag isn’t just due to rarity—it’s the upkeep of their needs, from diet to mental enrichment. This expensive dog breed may be stunning, but it’s best matched with active owners ready for a financial and lifestyle commitment.
5. Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino is powerful, loyal, and athletic—but it’s also one of the most expensive dog breeds to maintain. Historically bred for big-game hunting, this muscular breed requires experienced ownership, daily training, and significant physical activity.
Though the initial cost ranges between $1,000 and $3,000, it’s the ongoing care that really adds up. The Dogo is prone to health conditions like hip dysplasia, deafness, and bloat, making regular animal care and pet insurance critical. Surgeries like gastropexy or corrective procedures can push pet medical bills into the thousands.
While their short coat is low-shedding, their intense energy and strength make them a challenging fit for most households. These dogs aren’t suited to apartment living, and many require fenced-in yards and professional training, adding to the overall expense.
Because of their protective instincts and bold personality, Dogos aren’t ideal for novice owners. But for the committed dog lover who can meet their mental and physical needs, this particular breed offers deep devotion wrapped in a high-maintenance package.
6. Azawakh
Rare and refined, the Azawakh is a sighthound with origins in West Africa—and a reputation for exclusivity. Its lean build and aristocratic posture make it a standout, but owning one means embracing its unique needs and hidden costs.
According to PetMD, Azawakhs are one of the more high-maintenance dog breeds, not because of grooming, but due to other factors like health monitoring, specialty diets, and limited access to reputable breeders. With prices ranging from $2,000 to $3,000, the purchase price alone reflects their rarity and prestige.
Despite their minimalist fur type, Azawakhs are not exactly minimal maintenance. These elegant dogs are prone to serious health issues such as autoimmune disorders, heart and hip problems, requiring consistent veterinary service and reliable pet insurance.
Their sensitivity and high prey drive mean they need careful socialization and experienced handling. They bond deeply with their people but remain reserved with strangers, making them better companions for confident owners than casual pet seekers.
Azawakhs may be stunning athletes, but owning one requires preparation, dedication, and a flexible budget.
7. Samoyed
With a fluffy white coat and a perpetual smile, the Samoyed looks like a cloud come to life—but this charming breed hides a mountain of upkeep beneath all that fluff. Originally bred to work in freezing Siberian climates, Samoyeds have thick, double-layered coats that demand frequent grooming and plenty of patience.
Grooming costs alone can hit hundreds monthly, thanks to seasonal shedding and the need for professional maintenance. This makes the Samoyed a standout among high-maintenance dog breeds. Despite their popularity as family dogs, they’re not for the faint of heart—or light of wallet.
Health-wise, Samoyeds are prone to hip dysplasia, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Pet insurance is strongly recommended to offset medical expenses, especially as the breed ages.
Energetic and vocal, they require lots of exercise and mental stimulation. While undeniably adorable, owning a Samoyed means signing up for a lifestyle filled with brushing, vet visits, and more vacuuming than most canine enthusiasts bargain for.
8. Chow Chow
A walking teddy bear with a lion’s mane, the Chow Chow is as majestic as it is mysterious. But behind the plush exterior lies one of the most expensive dog breeds to care for, both in time and cost.
That iconic coat—dense, woolly, and often tinted in rich hues—requires regular grooming to prevent mats and skin issues. Professional upkeep can quickly inflate monthly expenses, especially during shedding season.
The Chow Chow is also prone to health problems like skin folds, dysplasia, and heart disease, making veterinary care and pet insurance essential. Add in behavioral training (these dogs can be famously aloof and stubborn), and you’re looking at a breed with a hefty price tag in more ways than one.
Though they may resemble oversized plush toys, Chow Chows are not your average cuddle companions.
Their aloof temperament and high-maintenance needs make them better suited to experienced owners who appreciate a challenge—and can afford the ongoing cost of keeping them looking and feeling their best.
9. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a bold, powerful companion known for its loyalty and protective instincts, but this strength comes with a serious financial and time investment. While they may not have long coats like some other dog breeds, their needs still add up fast.
Primarily bred for herding and guarding, Rottweilers require daily exercise, mental stimulation, and ongoing training—especially during their adolescent years. Professional obedience classes are often necessary due to their size and confidence, adding to the breed’s overall expense.
Medical care is another major cost factor. Rottweilers are susceptible to hip dysplasia, heart problems, and various health issues that can lead to high animal care costs over time. Pair that with quality food for a large, muscular frame and pet insurance, and you’re looking at a sizable ongoing commitment.
This isn’t a breed for first-time owners. But for those prepared to manage their power and pay for the upkeep, Rottweilers are among the most devoted and protective family dogs around.
10. Great Dane
Don’t let their laid-back personality fool you—Great Danes are kind-hearted giants with colossal needs. From towering crates to truckloads of kibble, everything about this breed is, quite literally, oversized—including the cost.
These dogs can grow to over 150 pounds, and their sheer size means more food, bigger accessories, and higher medical expenses. Great Danes are especially prone to bloat, hip dysplasia, and other serious health conditions, making regular veterinary care and pet insurance essential.
Despite their low-maintenance coat type, grooming isn’t the issue—it’s the cost of keeping a massive body healthy. Their shorter average lifespan (typically 7–10 years) doesn’t necessarily translate to fewer costs. If anything, it means steeper vet bills concentrated into a shorter time span.
Often called the “Apollo” of dog breeds, the Great Dane is majestic, lovable, and commanding. But owning one isn’t just about space—it’s about budgeting for a dog that brings both enormous affection and enormous expenses.
Conclusion
From the regal Afghan Hound to the gentle Newfoundland, one thing’s clear—these high-maintenance cost dog breeds are anything but ordinary. Sure, they may come with extra grooming, bigger pet medical bills, and a few more zeros on the receipt, but they also bring unmatched personality, loyalty, and heart. Each breed on this list offers something truly special—whether it’s elegance, strength, charm, or an uncanny ability to shed on every surface imaginable.
While some dogs require an extra budget line for spa days or orthopedic beds, they all reward their owners with companionship that’s hard to put a price on. These breeds aren’t just pets—they’re family members with specific needs and enormous love to give.
Of course, owning one of these fabulous fluffballs (or sleek sprinters) isn’t for everyone. But for those who are up for the challenge, the payoff is huge—sometimes literally, in the case of Great Danes.
So whether you’re a seasoned dog parent or still dreaming of your perfect pup, remember: it’s not just about what a dog costs—it’s about what they bring into your life. And sometimes, a little extra maintenance is a small price to pay for a whole lot of love. Now, who’s ready to invest in a little fur-covered joy?
