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27 Expensive Dog Breeds You’ll Love (With Pictures)

Owning a dog is one of the best decisions you can make. They’re affectionate, smart, and fun. It’s also one of the costliest decisions you can make, depending on which breed you choose of course.

That’s because dogs, whether purebred or mixed, aren’t sold cheap. Plus, they incur a lifetime of costs when taken care of properly.

From breeding and dog food costs to grooming and health fees, having a dog can dig into your pocket. These are all factors you should consider before getting your furry friend so that you can provide them the life they deserve.

Even with their expenses, these precious canines are a worthwhile investment thanks to the years of joy they provide families and kids.

brown king charles cavalier drinking water

27 Most Expensive Dog Breeds

1. Golden Retriever

Loving, playful, affectionate, and friendly are some of the words used to describe this incredible large dog. Their docile nature makes them popular with families and does great with kids and other dogs.

As popular purebred dogs, they cost between $1 000 and $4 000 when purchased from quality breeders. Their grooming costs total $70 per session on average thanks to their thick and messy coat.

golden retriever with tongue out panting

Their healthcare costs are one of the most expensive here as they’re prone to cancer, entropion, hip dysplasia, and more.

2. St. Bernard

Despite its appearance, this massive hound, originally used as a guard dog, is affectionate, obedient, friendly, and great for families.

As one of the cheapest canines (on this list), it costs between $1 000 and $2 000. An average grooming session of their thick coats will set you back $65 per visit.

saint bernard most aggressive dog breeds

St. Bernards are prone to health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions, epilepsy, and more. Ensure you’re ready for lots of drooling before you get this dog.

3. Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are true gentle giants as they’re affectionate and friendly, and their high-intelligence makes them easy to train.

On average, they cost between $1 000 and $2 000 from a good breeder. Due to their large coat, they require a lot of grooming and an average session costs around $65.

Newfoundland expensive dog breeds

They suffer from health conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, gastric torsion and more. Although rare, they can also suffer from von Willebrand’s disease.

4. Lakeland Terrier

Lakeland Terriers are a great breed that’s confident, intelligent, bold, independent, and friendly. They’re easy to train and make for great companions to families with dogs, although not other terriers as they seem to think of themselves as “better”. They’re also one of the hounds that don’t shed a lot, meaning they’re perfect for dog lovers with allergies.

Lakeland Terrier

This breed generally costs at least $1 000 when bought from a reputable breeder, making them one of the more affordable breeds here. As one of the lesser-known terrier hounds, finding a knowledgeable groomer can be challenging. An average grooming session costs $65.

The most common health issues affecting this breed are eye conditions, including lens luxation, cataracts, and microphthalmia.

5. Spinone Italiano

This Italian breed is an affectionate, docile, gentle, loyal, and friendly hound that was originally used for hunting. Despite its love to please, it can be independent at times and requires a firm but loving owner.

Spinone Italiano

Spinone Italianos cost between $1 300 and $2 000 to purchase from a genuine breeder. A visit to the groomer will cost around $55 due to its thick coat.

Potential health concerns for this breed include hip dysplasia, skin conditions, eye problems, epilepsy, bloat, and more.

6. Irish Wolfhound

Irish Wolfhounds have a large heart that matches their stature. This gentle giant is a loyal and dignified hound that loves nothing more than spending time with its family.

irish wolfhound white

On average, the breed costs between $1 500 and $2 500 from quality breeders. Grooming sessions will cost at least $65 per visit.

Common health concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, heart issues, and more.

7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are fearless dogs that are sociable, affectionate, gentle, and love playing. These small dogs are perfect additions to families with young kids or novice dog owners.

On average, you can expect to pay between $1 500 and $2 500 to a quality breeder. Being small sized, their grooming costs are relatively cheap at just $45 per session.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

They’re prone to several conditions including hip dysplasia, cataracts, syringomyelia, and allergies. Mitral valve disease, a heart condition, develops in nearly 50% of all Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

8. Dogo Argentino

The Argentinian Mastiff is a muscular dog that’s normally affectionate, friendly, and loyal. This isn’t extended to strangers though as they’re also protective and have a mean bark.

Due to the breeding standards adhered to for this large, white breed, they can cost between $1 500 and $2 500 to purchase. Because they aren’t too demanding for grooming, they can be taken care of at home with weekly brushing or a grooming session which costs $35.

Dogo Argentino - Argentine mastiff white dog breed

The breed is prone to issues such as hip dysplasia, deafness, skin conditions, and more.

9. Canadian Eskimo Dog

Canadian Eskimo Dogs, originally bred for working, are intelligent, alert, and affectionate hounds. They’ll show loyalty and courage for their families thanks to the pack mentality, and while they’re friendly, they may show aggressiveness towards strangers.

canadian eskimo dog white

An incredibly rare breed, with under 400 registered, they can be quite expensive. On average, breeders charge between $1 500 and $3 500 for the breed. Thanks to their demanding grooming needs, an average session can cost around $80 per visit.

They’re generally healthy but can suffer from conditions such as hip dysplasia, bloat, eye disease, overheating, and more.

10. French Bulldogs

French bulldogs are cute canines with pointy ears and an affectionate and loyal personality. They’re perfect for loving families and enjoy nothing more than being showered with love and hugs.

french bulldog

On average, this adorable canine can cost between $1 500 and $3 000. Their short hair isn’t too demanding when it comes to maintenance, and grooming sessions can cost around $30.

Unfortunately, Frenchies can suffer from many ailments that are expensive to treat. This includes thyroid problems, spinal issues, cherry eye, and von Willebrand’s Disease.

11. English Bulldog

Much like its French counterparts, this English canine is a gentle companion perfect for families with kids. They are determined and courageous, even bordering on the side of stubbornness. They can also be a bit aggressive towards dogs they aren’t familiar with.

bulldog

Similar to the Frenchies, you can expect to pay between $1 500 and $4 000; with pricing increasing for popular colors. They’re low maintenance too, with grooming costs starting from around $35.

Like the Frenchy, the breed is plagued by issues such as gip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, eye problems, and more.

12. Bedlington Terrier

The sheep-like Bedlington Terrier is an intelligent, affectionate, courageous, and attention-loving dog originally used for hunting. They prefer being the only dogs in the house and love playing.

To own this breed, expect to pay at least $1 500 to a reputable breeder. Their grooming needs aren’t too demanding, with an average session costing around $55.

Bedlington Terrier

Per their health, they normally suffer from liver conditions, eye disease, and kneecap problems during their lifetime.

13. Rottweiler

Rottweilers are a breed of assertive, brave, confident, and devoted dogs most often used as guard dogs. While they are great companions, they do tend to be aggressive and aloof towards strangers. As such, they need a firm owner who’ll be able to tame their wild side.

rottweiler dog barking

On average, you’ll find this breed being sold for $1 500 to $2 500. Thanks to their short coat, their grooming needs aren’t too demanding and an average session can cost around $40.

Their most prevalent health issues are related to their eyes and they need frequent eye testing to ensure they’re still well.

14. Pharaoh Hound

Pharaoh Hounds have been used historically for hunting rabbits and similar animals on the Maltese islands. Today, these intelligent and loyal canines make for great family companions that can be easily trained.

Pharaoh Hound

Prices range from $1 500 to $5 000, and may be higher if you’re getting them as show dogs. Grooming costs are relatively low thanks to their short hair, with sessions costing around $25 on average.

Generally healthy, they can suffer from stress that leads to digestive and neurotic issues which can be costly to treat.

15. The Old English Sheepdog

The majestic-looking Old English Sheepdog (OES) dons a beautiful grey and white fluffy coat that feels great to hug. The gentle giant is an affectionate companion that’s smart, playful, and sociable with humans and canines alike.

On average, this breed costs between $1 800 and $3 000 to purchase and the average grooming session costs at least $60.

white old english sheepdog

Common health conditions for this breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, eye issues, deafness, and more.

16. Saluki

Salukis are essentially one-family dogs due to their aloof and reserved nature. Originally used for scent hunting, they’re quiet and intelligent.

black saluki dog

They’re one of the most expensive breeds in the world thanks to their regal appearance. On average, expect to pay between $1 800 and $2 700 for the breed. To maintain their majestic appearance you’ll have to pay $45 per grooming session.

Salukis are most prone to heart issues as well as hip dysplasia which can lead to arthritis. 

17. Afghan Hound

Afghan Hounds are an elegant breed that looks amazing with model-like long limbs and incredible silky hair. This breed is dignified, aloof, and independent thanks to its history as a hunter, although it’s got a happy side reserved for its owner.

afghan hound dog white

The breed costs between $2 000 and $2 500 when bought, and grooming costs average out to around $80 per session.

Common health concerns include the von Willebrand disease, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye issues, and so on.

18. Azawakh

This relatively new breed is a hunter dog known for its aloof yet affectionate and playful nature, coupled with a fierce and rugged personality.

Azawakh brown

This exotic mutt gets sold on average for between $2 000 and $2 500, although it can be hard finding a breeder. Thanks to their short coat, they just need a good brushing which can be done at home weekly.

They’re relatively healthy but can suffer from common conditions such as hypothyroidism, spinal problems, and more.

19. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Despite their fierce appearance, the staffy breed are loving companions that are intelligent, protective, and playful – perfect for families. It’s been nicknamed the “Nanny Dog” due to its love for kids. 

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

On average, they cost between $2 000 and $4 000 and you can expect to pay $50 per grooming session.

The greatest health concerns for the Staffies include hip dysplasia, eye issues, skin problems, and more.

20. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are another gentle giant finding its way here. The breed is intelligent, loyal, affectionate, and is one of the best dogs for kids.

The average Bernese Mountain Dog sells for between $2 000 and $3 500. As the owners of thick, furry coats, they are demanding for grooming and an average session can cost around $80.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Unfortunately, this breed has a short lifespan due to suffering from health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, bloat, and other less common conditions.

21. Black Russian Terrier

Black Russian Terriers are an energetic, brave, and lively breed that was originally used to guard cattle. They make for great companions for active families or those with playful kids.

Black Russian Terrier

On average, they sell for at least $2 000 and sometimes as high as $4 000. Due to their large coat, they have expensive grooming needs, with an average session costing around $65.

They’re prone to issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye conditions, gastric torsion, and more.

22. Portuguese Water Dog

This breed was originally bred for hunting near bodies of water and therefore loves being active. They’re affectionate, docile, obedient, brave, and playful, making them perfect for fun loving and novice owners.

Portuguese Water Dog brown and white puppy

Expect to pay between $2 000 and $3 000 to a reputable breeder for a puppy. An average grooming session will cost around $50 per visit.

They suffer from minor issues such as hip dysplasia, rare heart conditions, hair loss, and more.

23. Coton de Tulear

This small adorable canine is lively, affectionate, intelligent, and loves to play. Being easy to train, it’s a perfect dog for families with other dogs as well as young kids.

The portable Coton de Tulear sells for between $2 000 and $3 000 when bought from a good breeder. While its beautiful coat demands serious maintenance, it only costs around $50 per grooming session to maintain thanks to its small size.

Coton de Tulear

While generally healthy, the toy-sized canine can suffer from issues such as hip dysplasia and von Willebrand’s disease.

24. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan malamutes are affectionate, devoted, friendly, and loyal and were originally used for sledding in the snow. They’re perfect companions for families with kids and dogs living close to neighbors as they’re friendly with everyone.

On average, this dog costs between $2 500 to $4 000 when bought from quality breeders. Their grooming needs are demanding and an average session can cost around $80.

Alaskan Malamute dog

They face health conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hip dysplasia, metabolic issues, and more. Plus, they’re heavy shedders – although you can use this pet vacuum cleaner to combat this issue.

25. Löwchen

These are one of the rarest dogs in the world, with less than 500 registered Löwchens registered. The small cute canine is intelligent, friendly, and playful.

Löwchen dog

Due to their rarity, they can cost anywhere from $3 000 and $8 000. As there aren’t many Löwchens in the world, grooming costs aren’t easy to estimate. Although you groom them yourselves using nail clippers and a grooming brush for their coat.

They’re one of the healthiest dogs out there and haven’t had many reported medical conditions.

26. Samoyed

Samoyeds are one of the best breeds in the canine kingdom thanks to their incredible smiles and majestic white coats. They were originally used for herding and now they’re affectionate, smart, and mischievous canines, perfect for families with kids.

They love running in open plains and like to explore for miles and miles. Consider a quality leash or one of these dog GPS trackers to ensure you never lose them.

samoyed dog white

Due to their rarity and difficulty to breed, expect to part with at least $3 000 when purchasing. Plus, maintaining their beautiful coat will set you back around $60 per grooming session.

Also, these dogs are exposed to several health issues including cardiac, liver, and corneal ailments that are costly to treat.

27. Tibetan Mastiff

This massive canine is an Asian dog breed that’s affectionate and gentle, so long as it knows you. Thanks to its history as a flock protector, it’s a natural guard dog that’s alert and wary of strangers. You need to be a firm and confident owner if you aim to tame its independent and stubborn personality.

Tibetan Mastiff

The usual price of a Tibetan mastiff ranges from $3 000 to $5 000 when purchased from breeders. In fact, this breed has a history of being sold for a price even more expensive than that. A Tibetan mastiff that, according to the breeder, had lion blood in its ancestry sold for nearly $2 million in China.

Apart from the purchase price, these dogs require frequent grooming which can cost $50 to $70 per session.

Generally healthy, you won’t need to take them to the vet very often. However, they can suffer from conditions such as eye anomalies, hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Most Expensive Dogs

What makes certain dog breeds more expensive than others?

The price of a dog breed can vary based on several factors. Breeds that are more expensive often have a high demand, limited availability, or are known for their unique characteristics, such as rare coat colors or specific breed traits. Additionally, breeds with a long history of health testing, champion bloodlines, or exceptional lineage may also command higher prices.

Are expensive dog breeds healthier than less expensive ones?

The price of a dog breed does not necessarily correlate with its overall health. Health can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, breeding practices, and individual care.

Can I find less expensive alternatives to expensive dog breeds?

If the price of a particular breed is a concern, there are often alternatives available that share similar traits or appearances. These alternatives may be mixed breeds or lesser-known breeds that possess similar characteristics but are more affordable. Rescuing or adopting a dog can also provide an opportunity to find a loving companion without the high cost associated with purchasing a purebred dog.

How can I ensure that I’m not overpaying for an expensive dog breed?

To ensure you are not overpaying for an expensive dog breed, it is essential to research and compare prices from multiple reputable breeders. Take the time to understand the breed’s average price range and familiarize yourself with the breeder’s reputation, health testing practices, and overall quality of care provided to their dogs. Beware of excessively high prices that may be indicative of unethical breeding practices or breeders taking advantage of demand.

How Much Are You Willing to Spend on Your Next Dog?

Having read the above, you should now have an understanding of how expensive dogs can be to purchase from quality breeders. Their prices depend on a number of factors including the dog’s popularity, scarcity, breeding demands, and more.

Also, you should budget for after-purchase costs to ensure you can handle whichever dog you get, be it the Coton de Tulear or an Alaskan Malamute. Costs to consider include grooming fees, dog food expenses, pet insurance and vet bills. Now, which dog are you getting to add some priceless joy to your life?

saluki big white dog breed

Moné

Thursday 17th of February 2022

Please change your pictures of Rottweilers. They are NOT aggressive but loving and loyal lap dogs. Please it’s the only dig breed you depict this way. Have you seen how cute the puppies are?

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