The World’s Most Expensive Dog Breeds
If you love animals, it's likely that at some point in your life you will adopt a dog. People love dogs because they are loyal, loving, and always happy to see you, even if you've only been gone for 10 minutes. But there are numerous breeds of dogs available, and it can be challenging to pick the right one.
If you happen to have a lot of money, you may be attracted to a more expensive breed. You often have to pay big bucks for dogs that are rare. If you want to join this exclusive club, check out the following costly canine companions...
An English Bulldog's Maintenance Costs Are Very High
If you want an English Bulldog, which is also known as a British Bulldog, expect to pay around $4,300 -- unless you're reality star/cosmetics entrepreneur Kylie Jenner. She and then-boyfriend Tyga reportedly paid $50,000 for one of the breed's puppies back in 2015.
They cost so much because it's hard for most of them to mate and give birth naturally. They are also prone to various health problems, and it can be expensive to take care of them. Bulldogs are known for their pushed-in noses and wrinkled complexion. They are one of America's most popular breeds.
Tibetan Mastiffs Are Very Rare
You have to have quite a bit of cash flow to get a Tibetan Mastiff as a pet. They cost, on average, $10,000. In 2014, one of the pups sold for almost $1.6 million at a Chinese luxury pet fair in Zhejiang. These dogs are huge and were initially bred to protect Tibetan sheep against wolves, bears, etc.
Nomads used to employ their services frequently; however, over time they became too extensive for them to maintain. Therefore, their numbers started to drop, and they are harder to come by these days. Their rarity makes them so costly.
Akitas Are Imported From Japan, Which Drives Up Their Cost
Some people mistake Akitas for Shiba Inus, but they are two separate breeds. They come from the mountainous regions of Japan, and there are two types: Japanese Akita and American Akita. You can tell them apart because they have different color variations.
These animals can cost between $3,500 to $6,500, and the reason why they're so expensive is because they are usually imported from Asia. However, if you're looking for a show dog, expect to fork over as much as $75,000.
Löwchens Are Known As "Little Lions"
Another very expensive dog are Löwchens, which are commonly referred to as "little lions." They can cost upwards of $12,000. They were very popular during the Renaissance, and noblemen frequently included the tiny dogs in their painted portraits. However, they started disappearing before the 20th century.
These toy dogs are very rare. In 1973, there were only 65 in existence. These days there are currently about 300 registered worldwide. Another reason why they're so expensive is because they are prone to eye issues, which aren't cheap to fix.
Bedlington Terriers Are Costly But Great With Kids
These unusual-looking dogs got their name from the town of Bedlington, Northumberland in North East England. They are small terriers and cost about $4,000 if you're thinking about adding one to your household. They were initially bred to hunt vermin. They've also been used in dog racing and other sports.
One of the reasons people love them so much is that they are great with kids. They also come in various colors, including blue. Save some cash if you're thinking of purchasing one of these beauties.
Samoyeds Come From Siberia
If you want to show off your wealth, you might want to get a Samoyed. They are super expensive and cost as much as $14,000. They are known for their white beautiful coat. These herding dogs came from Siberia and weigh about 50 pounds on average. They're very smart and sociable, which makes them very attractive to pet owners.
The reason why they are so costly is that they are super rare. So, if you want your own Samoyed, you'll have to pay a lot of money to bring one home.
Pharaoh Hounds Are Only Bred In Malta
If you want a Pharaoh Hound, you're going to have to shell out as much as $7,500. You may not be very familiar with this breed, which many believe is one of the world's oldest. However, you may have seen them depicted in Egyptian artwork. They are particularly rare because they are currently only bred in Malta.
They were first bred to hunt rabbits in the Maltese Islands. They weigh around 50 pounds and are very loyal. They are also very trainable, which makes them very appealing.
Chow Chows Look Like Teddy Bears
If you want to emulate dog owners Martha Stewart, Clark Gable, or Joan Crawford, then you may want to get a Chow Chow. These dogs cost about $11,000 to procure. They are one of China's oldest breeds and are very rare. They resemble lions and/or teddy bears and have black tongues.
They are extremely loyal despite having an aggressive reputation. If you get one of these animals, make sure it gets lots of exercise. Also, expect to pay a lot on grooming and vet bills.
The Irish Wolfhound Has Regal Connections
An Irish Wolfhound will set you back between $2,000 and $3,000. They are very tall dogs and a little odd-looking, but many people find them adorable. They come from Ireland and the breed is the official mascot of the Irish Guards regiment where they are often used for ceremonial duties.
English royalty is often pictured with the animals when they visit Ireland. Wolfhounds were bred as guard dogs. They're excellent hunters and can ward off wolves. They typically weigh around 150 pounds.
The Almond-Eyed Azawakh Is Hard To Get In The United States
You may have never heard of an Azawakh, which is a sighthound from West Africa. If you want one of these sleek-looking dogs, you'll have to pay around $9,500. They are known for their lean bodies and pretty almond-shaped eyes. They typically live around 10-12 years.
These dogs are also very rare and very hard to come by in the United States and Canada. But if you happen to have a little extra cash laying around, you can get one of these pups.
Portuguese Water Dogs Are American Royalty
One of the most famous Portuguese Water Dog pet owners used to be the most powerful family in the country. Their dog, Bo, was born in 2008 and was often referred to as the First Dog. He was later joined by Sunny, another Portuguese Water Dog. The breed comes from Portugal and is characterized by its wavy, curly coat.
These animals cost about $5,000 to buy. They are popular because they don't shed and can live for up to 14 years.
Rottweilers Are A Popular Breed Among Celebrities
Despite their rough reputation, many celebs have owned Rottweilers, including Will Smith, Bruno Mars, and Leonardo DiCaprio. These German dogs can cost as much as $9,000 and were initially called "Rottweiler Metzgerhund." Their purpose was to pull carts of butchered meat, but they also herded livestock.
Since they're so big and aggressive looking, many people are afraid of this breed. However, they are actually quite sweet, loyal, and obedient when properly trained. That's why so many stars have opted to bring them into their homes.
The Canadian Eskimo Dog Is Going Extinct
One of the oldest working dogs is the Canadian Eskimo Dog. They come from the Arctic, and over 1,000 years ago the Thule people transported them from Siberia to North America. These days they're really rare. On the cusp of the '70s, their population dropped due to infectious dog diseases and the proliferation of snowmobiles.
The Canadian Eskimo dog is on the brink of extinction, and there are reportedly only 300 in existence. That's why they cost about $8,750 to own.
St. Bernards Became Popular After The Film Beethoven
Anna Kendrick, Jerry O'Connell, and Bobby Kennedy are just a few celebs who've had love affairs with St. Bernards. These animals are working dogs that hail from the Italian and Swiss Alps. It costs about $1,500 to own one of these delightful animals, which were initially bred for rescue on the Great St. Bernard Pass on the Italian-Swiss border.
In the early 1990s, there was a little move named Beethoven that captured audiences' hearts. People then wanted to scoop them all up, and that probably led to them becoming a little costly to own. There have been a total of eight films in the franchise.
The Argentinian Dogo Argentino Was Created For Boar Hunting
If you have $8,000 laying around, you can get a Dogo Argentino. These dogs are characterized by their white color and large muscles. They were originally bred in Argentina for big game hunting, including wild boar. They were created out of the Cordoba Fighting Dog mixed with other breeds, such as the Great Dane.
These dogs were bred for bravery and loyalty, and they make great family pets, even though they look a bit intimidating. If you're thinking about getting one, be sure to give it plenty of exercise.
Afghan Hounds Have Distinct Black Faces
One of the most regal-looking dogs on this list is the Afghan Hound. They are characterized by their ring curl tail and silky-looking hair. These animals were bred in the mountains of Afghanistan. Their coats come in a variety of colors, including gold and cream, and they have black facial features.
Less desirable specimens have white markings around their faces. Top dogs will have pure black faces. They are very unique and vary from dog to dog, and that's why you have to pay around $7,000 for one of them.
French Bulldogs Are Tough To Breed
French Bulldogs are super popular with the Hollywood elite, including Hugh Jackman, Madonna, The Rock, and Reese Witherspoon. These dogs are a cross between Parisian ratters and English Bulldogs. They first entered the scene in the 1800s, and they're known for just being freaking adorable.
However, you have to be part of an exclusive club to own one of these animals because they are very rare and pricey (around $6,000). The reason why is because they're tough to breed due to their narrow hips.
The Unconventional Looking Saluki Is A Product Of The Middle East
The Saluki is another expensive sighthound, a dog that hunts largely by sight instead of scent. Nomadic tribes bred these animals to hunt game. They come from the Fertile Crescent, a region in the Middle East that includes modern-day Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan.
The Saluki typically live 12-14 years and are distinguished by their long legs and lanky frame. They also have long pointy faces. If you interested in owning one of these animals, expect to pay about $5,500.
Black Russian Terriers Are Big And Shaggy
There's something about a shaggy dog that's just irresistible. And when they're big and shaggy, they're even more adorable. If you're interested in a Black Russian Terrier, you better have about $3,500 in your pocket. They're definitely worth the money because they are particularly good with children.
The USSR bred these animals in the 1940s and 1950s and used them as military and working dogs. They're known for being quite quiet because they hardly bark.
The Lakeland Terrier Is A Hypoallergenic Breed
This is one of the "cheaper" breeds on our list. Although, "cheap" is a relative term. If you want to get a Lakeland Terrier, it will cost you around $2,000. They are named after the Lake District in England. These dogs are rather small and don't weigh very much. They're also appealing because they are hypoallergenic.
As a result, they don't shed very much, which is very helpful, particularly if you're a clean freak and don't like seeing dog hair all over the couch. They are also great family pets.