As “man’s best friend,” dogs hold a special place in many of our hearts. From small lap dogs to large guard dogs, different breeds appeal to different personalities and lifestyles. While mixed-breed dogs adopted from shelters can make wonderful pets, some people desire a purebred dog. And a few exclusive breeds come with price tags as high as luxury cars! Whether looking for a fancy show dog or just a devoted companion, check out these most expensive dog breeds in the world.
Background on Pricing
A few key factors impact the prices of purebred puppies: rarity, pedigree, breed popularity, and appearance. Some breeds simply have very small populations, making each puppy a scarce commodity. Documentation of a puppy’s pure bloodlines spanning many generations also increases values. Then certain Kennel Clubs designate some breeds as more desirable in the show ring, hiking up pricing. And dogs with unique coats and colors tend to fetch higher dollars too.
The Samurai Dog: Akita
The akita breed hails from Northern Japan, where it was favored by samurai warriors. With their sturdy build, alert nature, and unrelenting loyalty, akitas made for formidable guardians and companions.
Appearance and Temperament
Powerfully built, the akita breed sports a lush double-coat that can range from white to reddish brown. They carry themselves with great dignity and make devoted family pets. However, akitas can be strong-willed and aggressive with strangers if not properly socialized. With early training, though, these natural protectors do well in most households.
Pricing
For their regal bearing and fierce protectiveness, expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $4,500 to add one of these samurai pups to your clan.
The Tireless Herder: Australian Cattle Dog
While akitas guarded Japanese nobility, the Australian cattle dog earned its keep across the Pacific. As the name suggests, Aussies excel at herding cattle across wide grazing lands.
Bred to Work
With their alert nature, energetic spirit, and sharp nipping ability Aussies can maneuver even the most stubborn bovine. Lean and swift, they have incredible stamina to work all day beneath the baking Australian sun. While high-energy, with plenty of exercise and activity, blue heelers and red heelers make pleasing and protective pets.
Investment
For their working ability and pure breeding, prices range from $3,500 to $5,500 depending on bloodlines.
The Ancient Hound: Pharaoh
Reaching far back in time, pharaoh hounds originated as hunting companions of Egyptian royalty. Their sleek build and keen sight and scent make them excellent runners and hunters.
Regal Bearing
Slim and elegant in profile, the pharaoh hound sports a short, tidy coat of rich red colors. They carry themselves with an upright dignity, though with proper exercise make pleasing and affectionate pets. As descendants of ancient royal hounds, they do like lounging on the furniture!
Cost
For their rarity and royal pedigree, pharaoh hounds range upwards of $6,500 with some breeders asking over $10,000.
The Furry Lifeguard: Portuguese Water Dog
While akitas and heelers herd on land, the Portuguese water dog excels at maneuvering around water. Originally bred to aid Portuguese fishermen, they make excellent swimmers, working water rescue, and companions.
Built to Swim
A dense, curly coat in black, brown, white, or combinations waterproofs the Portuguese water dog for retrieving nets and tackle, herding schools of fish, and even rescuing people from stormy seas. High-energy and eager to please, they thrive when given plenty of exercise and activity.
Price Tag
Bred for specialty work and increasing popularity have Portuguese water dogs ranging from $2,500 up to $6,000 and even more for show-quality pups.
The Lovable Lion: Löwchen
Going back to at least the 1400s, the löwchen charmed European royal courts with their lively, leonine appearance. Their long, fluffy coat gives them a puppy-like look into adulthood.
Big Personality
Despite their toy size, the löwchen overflows with pep and personality. They form tight bonds and want to be involved in everything the family does. Smart and attentive, they’re easily trained and get along well with kids, other pets, even strangers who will no doubt find them irresistible.
Investment
For their long purebred history and endearing nature, löwchen pups start around $5,000 ranging up to $10,000. Show-quality dogs with a pedigree can demand even higher prices.
The Ancient Mountain Guardian: Tibetan Mastiff
Towering in size with a thick double-coat, the Tibetan mastiff protected sheep and goat flocks from predators on the high Asian steppes. Their frightening appearance and booming bark turns away all but the most foolish intruder.
A Formidable Presence
Weighing over 150 pounds, Tibetan mastiffs seem carved from stone with noble features framed by a thick mane of hair. Though mellow by nature their size and protectiveness make them better suited as outside guardians. With extensive socialization as a pup, they accept strangers but won’t hesitate to sound the alarm if something seems amiss.
Sticker Shock
Prime breeding stock Tibetan mastiffs can sell for $5,000 to $8,000 though record prices have exceeded $1 million at Chinese dog shows!
The Arctic Sprite: Samoyed
Bred by the Samoyede people of Siberia, samoyeds helped herd reindeer and even pull sleds across the frozen tundra. Their lush, white coat insulates them from the harshest Arctic cold.
Winter White
The samoyed cuts a striking figure with a thick, double-layer coat of snowy white fur. Incurable romantics, samoyeds sport a perpetual smile that endears them to all. Upbeat and affectionate, they thrive when included in family activities. Originally working dogs, samoyeds also need consistent exercise and stimulation.
Cost
Their winning personality, stunning coat, and history as cold weather workers drives samoyed prices from $4,000 to $11,000 based on breeding.
The British Gentleman: Bulldog
Known for their stocky build and sour mug, bulldogs seem ready to administer a thrashing. But their ferocious appearance hides a friendly, patient nature that makes them an endearing (if gassy) family companion.
More Than Meets the Eye
The bulldog’s undershot bite and loose skin might underwhelm at first glance but their affectionate, non-aggressive nature continually rank them among the top 5 most popular breeds. They form close bonds and generally prefer naps on the sofa to long exercise. Along with steady supply of dog treats!
Cost
English and continental breeders ask $2,500 to $9,000 per pup depending on breeding with show-quality dogs commanding the highest prices.
The Mysterious Ink Dog: Peruvian Inca Orchid
Shrouded in mystery, Peruvian Inca orchids accompanied Incan nobility as symbols of their status and power. Valued for their unique skin and lithe forms, they have an otherworldly elegance.
Hairless but Not Hopeless
While Xoloitzcuintli may be hard to pronounce, once seen the Peruvian Inca orchid is impossible to forget. Hairless except for a Mohawk ridge along the spine and tufts on the feet, their skin ranges from black to speckled white. While their bald bodies require extra care from sunburns, they have robust constitutions and make excellent runners, guardians, and family dogs.
Cost
For their rarity and purity of breeding, Peruvian Inca orchid pups range from $1,500 to $3,000.
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