While adopting from a shelter is always a wonderful option, some dog enthusiasts have their hearts set on specific purebred dogs. If you’re curious about which breeds command top dollar, get ready for some sticker shock! These prestigious pooches come with price tags that might leave you howling.
1. Tibetan Mastiff
Average Price: $2,500 – $7,000 (Record sale: $1.9 million)
The undisputed champion of canine costs, the Tibetan Mastiff made headlines when a wealthy Chinese businessman paid a staggering $1.9 million for a pure red Tibetan Mastiff puppy. While typical prices are much lower, these ancient guardian dogs from the Himalayan region remain among the most expensive breeds globally. Their lion-like mane, massive size, and regal bearing make them particularly prized in Asian countries.
2. Samoyed
Average Price: $5,000 – $10,000
With their stunning white fluffy coats and perpetual “Sammy smile,” Samoyeds are both beautiful and rare. Originally bred by the Samoyede people of Siberia for herding reindeer and pulling sleds, these Arctic working dogs are now prized companions. Their scarcity, hypoallergenic qualities, and high maintenance grooming needs contribute to their hefty price tags.
3. Löwchen
Average Price: $5,000 – $8,000
The Löwchen (meaning “little lion” in German) has been a companion to European nobility since the Renaissance. This rare breed almost went extinct in the 1960s, with only 65 registered dogs worldwide at one point. Even today, fewer than a few hundred Löwchen puppies are registered annually around the globe, making them one of the most expensive small dog breeds.
4. Chow Chow
Average Price: $3,000 – $8,500
With their distinctive lion-like appearance, blue-black tongues, and proud bearing, Chow Chows have been treasured companions in China for over 2,000 years. Their thick double coats require extensive grooming, and they’re prone to several health issues, contributing to their high initial price and ongoing care costs.
5. English Bulldog
Average Price: $2,500 – $9,000
Despite their popularity, English Bulldogs remain one of the priciest breeds due to their breeding difficulties. Almost all require artificial insemination and C-sections for delivery. Combined with their predisposition to numerous health problems requiring ongoing veterinary care, the true cost of Bulldog ownership extends well beyond the initial purchase price.
6. French Bulldog
Average Price: $2,000 – $8,000
The trendy “Frenchie” has soared in popularity and price in recent years. Like their English cousins, French Bulldogs typically require artificial insemination and C-sections. Rare colors like blue, lilac, or merle can command prices upwards of $15,000. Their compact size and adaptability to apartment living have made them particularly desirable in urban areas.
7. Azawakh
Average Price: $3,000 – $6,500
This elegant sighthound from West Africa is a relatively recent addition to AKC-recognized breeds (2019) and remains extremely rare in North America. Originally bred by nomadic tribes as hunting dogs and guardians, Azawakhs are prized for their speed, loyalty, and distinctive appearance with prominent bones and lean physique.
8. Rottweiler
Average Price: $2,000 – $8,000
Proper breeding and training of these powerful working dogs comes at a premium. Top-pedigree Rottweilers from champion bloodlines can easily exceed $10,000. Their popularity as protection dogs and family guardians keeps demand high, while responsible breeders carefully screen for health issues like hip dysplasia, heart conditions, and cancer predispositions.
9. Canadian Eskimo Dog
Average Price: $3,000 – $7,000
Once on the brink of extinction, this ancient Arctic working breed remains one of the rarest in the world, with fewer than 300 purebreds estimated to exist. Originally used for transportation and hunting by the Inuit people, finding a reputable breeder is extremely difficult, driving prices up for these powerful sled dogs.
10. Dogo Argentino
Average Price: $2,500 – $5,000
Developed in Argentina for big-game hunting and as working guard dogs, these athletic white dogs are both rare and specialized. Often banned or restricted in certain countries and cities due to their hunting background, finding a reputable breeder can be challenging, contributing to their high price tag.
11. Pharaoh Hound
Average Price: $2,500 – $6,500
One of the oldest domesticated dog breeds in the world, the Pharaoh Hound can trace its lineage back to ancient Egypt. Recognizable by their elegant appearance and unique “blushing” when excited (their ears and nose turn a rosy color), these gorgeous sighthounds are extremely rare outside their native Malta, where they’re the national dog.
Remember that the initial purchase price is just the beginning of dog ownership costs. Veterinary care, quality food, grooming, training, and other expenses can add thousands of dollars annually to the cost of owning any dog, regardless of breed or initial price. If you’re looking for a canine companion, consider adoption first—many wonderful dogs of all types are waiting for loving homes at a fraction of these prices!