Owning a dog is not an affordable endeavor. Canine companions are expensive! From regular veterinary visits to frequently paying for must-haves like high-quality kibble, toys, and more, keeping your furry friend happy and healthy is a big expense. Of course, it's all worth it to bring a lovable canine into your family. But for some dog owners, the high costs come before their dog even has a name!
There are many ways to get dogs without breaking the bank. However, those looking for a specific breed may have to pay a pretty penny to bring a pup home. Many factors contribute to the costs that breeders charge, including rarity, pedigree, and overall demand. There are no guarantees in personality or temperament, and any dog is capable of loving you all the same. That said, many sought-after breeds have characteristics and physical attributes that people want and are willing to pay a small fortune for.
So, which dog breeds are the most expensive? Here are 10 of the highest-priced breeds on the planet!
1. English Bulldog
Average Cost from a Breeder: $4,250
This may be a surprise, but these stocky, wrinkly-faced beauties are among the priciest dogs around! English Bulldogs are a beloved breed, and it's not hard to see why. They're friendly, easy-going, and don't require much maintenance. Unlike more active breeds, English Bulldogs don't need to spend hours outside.
However, English bulldogs can have some health problems. They are a brachycephalic breed with flat faces and short noses, which could lead to breathing problems. The unique anatomy of an English Bulldog is a big part of why they're so expansive. Due to their stocky frames, more than 85 percent are born via cesarean section.
You can expect years of joy and love if you're lucky enough to add an English Bulldog to your family. These dogs have an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years. They weigh 40 to 50 pounds and rise 14 to 15 inches at the withers.
2. French Bulldog
Average Cost from a Breeder: $4,250
Second on our list of the most expensive dogs is another brachycephalic breed. Frenchies are a bit smaller than their English counterparts. Full-grown adults weigh just 19 to 28 pounds and stand tall at about 13 inches.
Like the English Bully, Frenchies have a stocky build and adorably squishy, flat faces. They're lovable dogs that do great with kids. These pups also love attention and playtime but don't need much exercise to stay in great shape. The average life expectancy of a French Bulldog is 10 to 12 years.
The high costs of this breed are due to low supply and high demand. Similar to English Bulldogs, many Frenchies are born via cesarean section and require artificial insemination. Pair that with small litters, and there aren't enough Frenchies to meet the demand for one of the United States' most popular breeds, resulting in higher costs.
3. Tibetan Mastiff
Average Cost from a Breeder: $4,000
Tibetan Mastiffs are an intimidating breed. They're massive, standing up to 26 inches tall and tipping the scales at up to 150 pounds! With a lifespan of 10 to 12 years, they can offer many years of companionship and protection. Tibetan Mastiffs are natural-born guardians. With their bear-like looks, would-be intruders will second-guess their approach once they see these dogs!
Despite their scary looks, Tibetan Mastiffs can be affectionate towards family. They're independent and aloof, but they will shower owners with love. Tibetan Mastiffs are rare, contributing to their high costs. The average is around $4,000, but the price can go significantly higher. For example, one of the most expensive dogs ever sold was a red Tibetan Mastiff that went for $1.5 million in 2014!
4. Chow Chow
Average Cost from a Breeder: $4,000
Chow Chows are another bear-like breed, albeit smaller than the Tibetan Mastiff. The largest adults weigh between 45 and 70 pounds and stand 17 to 20 inches tall. They have a shorter lifespan of around 8 to 12 years, but they're still highly sought-after by dog lovers.
These pups have thick coats of gold-colored fur. However, their tongues are a unique bluish-purple. They carry a seemingly permanent scowl, but Chow Chows can be playful when they want to be. Most of the time, they're independent. Many compare them to cats due to their strong will and non-clingy vibes.
5. Samoyed
Average Cost from a Breeder: $3,750
These beauties are revered for their stunning good looks. Covered in fluffy white fur, they're like living teddy bears. However, as a spitz-type dog breed, they have expressive faces and ears that give them a fun personality. Samoyeds weigh between 35 and 60 pounds and stand 19 to about 23.5 inches tall. Their life expectancy is 12 to 14 years.
Samoyeds are highly active dogs. They are furry balls of energy, making them great adventure companions despite their posh looks. They are also highly affectionate, animated, and upbeat when not active. A big reason why Samoyeds are so expensive is their rarity. They're a sought-after breed, contributing to higher prices than your average canine companion.
6. Biewer Terrier
Average Cost from a Breeder: $3,500
Here's a dog breed many have never heard about before. The Biewer Terrier is a toy breed that weighs just 4 to 8 pounds. It stands tall at only 7 to 11 inches and has a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years. Biewer Terriers are as sweet as can be. Bred for lap-loving and docility, many refer to these pups as the perfect toy breed. They're personable, fun to be around, and affectionate enough to melt your heart!
The interesting thing about the Biewer Terrier is that it's relatively new. The American Kennel Club (AKC) only recognized it as a breed in 2021. Because of the newness of the Biewer Terrier, they're quite novel. Pair that with growing demand, and breeders charge a pretty penny to adopt one.
7. Portuguese Water Dog
Average Cost from a Breeder: $3,500
Portuguese Water Dogs, also known as Porties, are a beautifully spunky breed with much love to give. Physically, these dogs are unique. They have thick coats of curly, multi-colored fur. While the curls don't shed, they require frequent grooming to avoid mats. They're medium-sized dogs, making them a great choice for most dog owners. Adults weigh 35 to 60 pounds, stand 17 to 23 inches tall, and live 11 to 13 years.
Porties are intelligent creatures. They're active and adventurous, requiring ample exercise to stay healthy. These pups are also affectionate and get along with the entire family. Pair all that with their hypoallergenic coats, and it's not hard to see why more and more dog lovers are seeking Porties.
8. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Average Cost from a Breeder: $3,250
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, or Swissies, are a beautiful breed with a long legacy. They're one of the oldest Swiss breeds, and their ancestors played a big part in developing other beloved breeds like the Saint Bernard and Rottweiler. You can see the physical similarities, too. These pups are big, weighing 85 to 140 pounds. They stand up to 28.5 inches tall and live for 8 to 11 years.
Originally bred to work in the mountains, these dogs are strong. They require plenty of exercise, but they can adapt to most lifestyles. They're surprisingly loving and family-focused, making great companions for your entire clan!
9. Irish Wolfhound
Average Cost from a Breeder: $3,250
Here's another dog with a formidable look and build. Irish Wolfhounds are massive, standing 30 to 32 inches tall and weighing as much as 120 pounds! Unfortunately, their larger build does lead to a shorter lifespan. Most only live 6 to 8 years. However, those years will be full of love.
Despite how intimidating the Irish Wolfhound looks, it's a big old softy! They're non-aggressive pups that are relaxed, sweet, and good with children or other pets. They're surprisingly gentle and trusting. That's not great if you want a guard dog, but it's perfect for a gentle giant.
10. Newfoundland
Average Cost from a Breeder: $3,250
Rounding off our list is the Newfie. Newfoundlands are big dogs, contributing to their higher costs. Healthy adults weigh 100 to 150 pounds. They can stand as tall as 28 inches and have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years. Like other large dogs on this list, Newfies can look pretty scary. They have thick, double coats of dark fur. At a distance, you could easily mistake these pups for bears! However, they don't have the temperament of one.
These dogs are low-key and friendly. They get along great with most people and don't require much exercise. They still need regular walks to stay healthy, but Newfies will be just as happy lounging around. Newfoundlands are also notorious for being woefully unaware of their size, attempting to sit on owner laps for cuddles!
How Much Are You Willing to Pay for Canine Companionship?
There you have it! As you can see, some dogs go for eye-wateringly high prices. Keep in mind that the prices we gave are just the average! Pedigree dogs and those from renowned breeders can cost even more.
While most people are just as happy adopting a mutt at a local shelter, those with money to spend have plenty of options when they want a more novel companion. These dogs are special, and their high price tags are understandable when considering rarity and breeding challenges.
You don't have to spend a fortune to adopt a loving pup, but it doesn't hurt to dream about calling these unique pups your own!
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