If you’ve read our Ultimate French Bulldog Price List, you already know that Frenchies are one of the most expensive dog breeds and not without a reason. Owning them is still absolutely priceless, similarly to so many other breeds out there. Based on our years of breeding experience, we believe that while some breeds can cost thousands of dollars due to rarity, pedigree, or high demand, the true value of a dog is found in the love and companionship they provide. In this guide, we’ll look at 25 of the world’s most expensive dog breeds, what makes them unique and why people are willing to pay such high prices for them.
Key Takeaways
- The most expensive dog breeds are usually rare, purebred, or difficult to breed.
- Prices range from $2,000 to over $10,000 depending on bloodline, demand, and breed-specific factors.
- While price can indicate rarity, it does not guarantee better health or temperament.
- Health, companionship and fit with your lifestyle matter more than cost.
What makes certain dog breeds so expensive?
First of all, let’s look at why certain dog breeds come with a hefty price tag at all. You have probably guessed already that the most important factor when determining a dog’s cost is whether they are purebred. For example, a reputable French Bulldog breeder invests lots of effort, time and money into breeding healthy French Bulldog puppies while needing to follow strict breeding regulations for each breed. They also select parent dogs from excellent bloodlines, producing puppies that can even participate in dog shows.
In addition to the breeder and the purebred status, the rarity and demand for a certain dog breed will also hugely influence their cost. Even within a breed there may be rare and standard color variations, making the price range even wider: the rarer the puppy, the higher their price! Now that you’re familiar with the most important factors, let’s see which are some of the most expensive dog breeds around the world! Please note that the price ranges are not set in stone but are rough estimates.
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1. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is considered one of the most majestic and noble dog breeds in the world. Their huge size may be intimidating but they’re actually very mellow and affectionate. They’re also one of the most expensive breeds you can find, with prices ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 or more. The most expensive dog ever sold was a red Tibetan Mastiff named Big Splash going for some $1.5 million!
Their high price is partly due to their rarity outside of Asia and the cost of raising such a massive breed. Their luxurious double coat also requires frequent grooming, which adds to the lifetime cost of ownership.
2. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is one of the most popular dog breeds, and it’s no surprise why. These little bundles of joy are incredibly charming and make wonderful companions. Their exact price largely depends on various factors like the color, gender and age of a puppy. Whether you’re after a standard red or a rare fluffy Frenchie, you can expect it to be anywhere between $3,000 and $12,000.
Frenchies are also costly to breed, since many litters require artificial insemination and C-sections. Combined with their global popularity and demand, this makes them one of the priciest small dog breeds worldwide. Read our Ultimate French Bulldog Price List to find out more about why Frenchies are so expensive!
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3. Löwchen
The Löwchen, or Little Lion Dog in German, is a small dog breed that has been popular in Europe for more than 500 years. Their coat is regularly clipped so as to look like mini lions. The Löwchen is known for its affectionate nature and being brave as a lion despite their small size. Their price may range from $2,500 up to $8,000.
Because they are among the rarest breeds in the world, breeders carefully preserve their bloodlines, which significantly raises their value. Their long, flowing coat also needs regular professional grooming, adding to the overall cost of ownership.
4. Canadian Eskimo Dog
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a rare and ancient breed that is believed to be the oldest sled dog in North America. This breed is known for its strength, intelligence, and loyalty, making it an ideal companion for anyone looking for a unique and devoted canine. With its unique and ancient lineage, the Canadian Eskimo Dog is highly valued, from $3,000 to even $8,500.
Their high price is also due to their scarcity: there are only a few hundred left worldwide, making preservation efforts costly. These dogs are very energetic and thrive in cold climates, so they need plenty of exercise and space, which adds to the challenge of ownership.
5. Samoyed
The Samoyed breed is known for its fluffy white coat and its gentle nature. These sweet dogs have a beautiful smile which actually serves a purpose: their upturned mouth prevents drooling and thus the forming of icicles in the cold. Generally, a Samoyed puppy will cost between $2,500 and $5,000, but that may go up to even $10,000.
Their price is also driven by the difficulty of breeding and maintaining their pure white coat. Samoyeds shed heavily and need daily grooming, plus they require lots of exercise to stay happy, which makes them a more demanding breed to own.
6. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is a majestic and elegant dog breed with a silky, flowing coat. The breed is known for its grace and beauty, and it is also a popular choice for show dogs. The cost of a purebred Afghan Hound can vary greatly, ranging from $2,500 to $7,000.
Their high price is due to their rarity and the careful breeding needed to preserve their distinct appearance. Their long coat requires daily grooming and professional care, making them one of the most maintenance-intensive breeds.
7. Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is a rare and ancient dog breed, originating in the Mediterranean island of Malta. Nicknamed as “Blushing Dog”, they’re indeed capable of blushing when happy or excited, a rare trait for dogs! They’re highly prized for their unique look and loyal, gentle nature. This rare and graceful breed will cost anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000.
Their price reflects both their rarity and the careful breeding programs needed to maintain their lineage. Being very athletic, they also require daily exercise and mental stimulation, which makes them better suited for active families.
8. Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier is a large and powerful breed of dog that originated in Russia. It is a working dog that was bred for its strength, intelligence, and loyalty. This breed is known for being a great guard dog and is also a popular pet. Show-quality Black Russian Terriers can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 or more.
Their higher price is linked to their limited availability and the expertise needed to breed such large, healthy dogs. They also have a dense double coat that requires regular grooming, and their size means they need plenty of space and consistent training.
9. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a popular working dog breed originating from the Swiss Alps. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and beautiful coats. Thanks to their origin they thrive in cold weather! However, their relatively short lifespan (often 7–9 years) and the health screenings responsible breeders carry out make them more costly to raise. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,500 to $3,500 for a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy.
10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a beloved dog breed that has been around for centuries. They are known for their sweet and gentle nature, as well as their beautiful, silky coats. Their higher price is also linked to health screenings, as this breed is prone to heart conditions like mitral valve disease, which responsible breeders work hard to minimize. The average price of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can range from $2,500 to $3,500 USD, but some may go for even more.
11. English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is a beloved breed known for its distinctive looks and friendly personality. With their droopy jowls, endearing expressions and affectionate nature, it’s no wonder that they’ve become so popular.
They are also costly to raise because most births require C-sections and puppies often need extra veterinary care in the first weeks. Breeding Bulldogs requires great knowledge from breeders, making them quite expensive: $2,000–$4,000 USD on average.
12. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are one of the oldest and largest breeds of sled dogs. These majestic animals have been used for centuries to pull heavy loads in the Arctic. They’re known for their strength and loyalty as well as their thick, double-layered coat, which protect them from the cold temperatures of the Arctic and gives them a unique look.
Because they require plenty of space, exercise, and food, their upkeep can be demanding, which adds to their overall cost. An Alaskan Malamute usually goes for $2,500–$4,000.
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13. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is another dignified dog breed originating from ancient China. These fluffy and cuddly dogs are easily recognized by their huge majestic red coat. They have another distinctive feature: their unique blue tongue!
Because of their thick coats, they need frequent grooming and are prone to certain health issues, which makes responsible breeding expensive. Chow Chows are eternally loyal companions, having an average price of $1,500–$4,000.
14. Akita
The Akita is a large, powerful and dignified Japanese dog breed. It is considered a national treasure in Japan, renowned for its loyalty and intelligence. Their rarity outside of Japan and the costs of importing or breeding from strong bloodlines contribute to their high price.
The average price of an Akita dog breed is around $1,500 to $6,500, depending on the quality of the pup, the breeder, and the location. An Akita Inu, which is the original Japanese Akita, is typically more expensive than an American Akita.
15. Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier is a relatively new breed, having only been developed in the 1980s recognized as a breed by the AKC in 2021. This small, lively terrier is known for its long, silky coat and big personality.
Despite its relatively short history, the Biewer Terrier has quickly become one of the most popular toy breeds in the world. Their price is driven up by their rarity and the demand for well-bred dogs with show-quality coats. Their average price ranges from $2,500 to $3,500.
16. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier may have the dark past of bully breeds, but today they’re considered some of the most suitable breeds for children. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and courage, making them a great companion for any family.
Well-bred Staffies from trusted breeders can be costly because of careful health screening and the breed’s popularity as a family dog. Staffies usually go for $2,000–$3,500.
17. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, sturdy breed that is known for its dense coat of black, white and red markings. This large, powerful dog is known for its intelligence, loyalty and strength, and has a long history of being used as a working dog. Today, they’re also popular choices for families with kids.
Their price reflects not only their size and care needs, but also the fact that they are relatively rare outside of Europe, making reputable bloodlines harder to find. Generally, you can expect to pay from $2,500 to $3,000 for a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
18. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a large dog breed from Ireland and is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Male Irish Wolfhounds may reach up to 32 inches tall and weigh up to 140 pounds. Being intelligent, strong and loyal, these dogs are often used for hunting, as well as for companionship and protection.
Their size and relatively short lifespan compared to other breeds make responsible breeding and health care especially important, which also contributes to their higher price. Their average price ranges from $2,500 to $3,000.
19. English Toy Spaniel
With its short legs, long ears and luxurious coat, the English Toy Spaniel is an adorable companion that is sure to bring joy to any home. Being first bred to be the companion of kings, they can be proud and willful, but extremely affectionate with their beloved humans.
Their rarity outside the UK and their need for regular grooming to keep their coat healthy add to their cost. The average price for an English Toy Spaniel ranges from $2,000 to $2,500.
20. Shikoku
The Shikoku is another popular Japanese dog breed. They originate from the island of Shikoku where they were valued wild boar hunters. Shikoku look a lot like wolves and have a very strong connection to nature. They tend to be strong-willed but very devoted to their humans.
Their limited population outside Japan and the challenges of importing them make the breed more costly compared to others. You can expect to pay from $2,000 to $3,000 for a Shikoku.
21. Rottweiler
Rottweilers originate from Germany, but today they’re immensely popular worldwide, especially in the United States. They have been used as guard dogs, police dogs, and even therapy dogs. Rottweilers are loyal and devoted to their owners, and they make amazing family pets.
High demand for well-bred Rottweilers, combined with the cost of health testing and training, drives their prices higher. The average price for Rotties is $1,500–$3,000, but a show-quality Rottweiler may cost considerably more, up to $9,000.
22. Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino is a large, powerful, and loyal dog first bred in Argentina to hunt big game. They are still very popular for protection and companionship all around the world.
Because they are banned or restricted in some countries, responsible breeders are harder to find, which increases their cost. With its muscular body and affectionate nature, a Dogo Argentino may go for $1,200–$2,500 or even $8,000.
23. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgeback are large, muscular dogs. They’re known for their unique ridge of fur along their back, which is why they’re named “Ridgebacks”. They’re also known for their loving and affectionate personalities, making them great family pets.
Their higher cost often comes from their relative rarity and the need for careful breeding to preserve the ridge trait without health issues. Their price usually ranges from $1,500 to $2,500.
24. Azawakh
The Azawakh is a rare and unique dog breed that is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. This ancient African sighthound is known for its lean, elegant body and its distinctive physical characteristics.
Their rarity outside West Africa and the limited number of responsible breeders make them expensive and harder to find. Their average price is around $1,500–$2,500.
25. Spinone Italiano
The Spinone Italiano is another large breed originated in Italy. They’re known for their distinctive look: a long, wiry coat and a large head. The Spinone Italiano is a loyal companion, excellent guard dog as well as hunting dog, being well-suited for both water and land.
Their grooming needs and relatively small breeding population outside Europe contribute to their higher price. These special dogs cost around $1,000–$2,000.
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FAQ
The top ten most expensive dog breeds are the Tibetan Mastiff, French Bulldog, Löwchen, Canadian Eskimo Dog, Samoyed, Afghan Hound, Pharaoh Hound, Black Russian Terrier, Bernese Mountain Dog and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
The most expensive dog ever sold was a red Tibetan Mastiff named Big Splash going for $1.5 million.
Not necessarily. The price usually reflects rarity and demand, but health depends more on responsible breeding practices.
They are among the most popular breeds worldwide, and their unique breeding challenges make them costly to raise.
Focus on finding a responsible breeder who prioritizes health and well-being, not just price.
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The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for more than 15 years. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies, or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article.
