The battle continues to rage on between dog lovers and cat lovers. Just as the animals themselves tend not to get along, those who have a preference for either of them have seen relationships and friendships end over their differences. Silly? Maybe. But, owning a pet is a critical part of a person’s life, which is why having someone who shares your philosophy is an important long-term strategy. It is also why people i.e., dog lovers, in the context of this article, are willing to shell out thousands or millions to own some of the best kinds, which also happen to be some of the most expensive.
From the Yorkshire Terriers to the Afghan Hound and the Great Dane, dog lovers are willing to fork out the big bucks to own their favorite breed. We take a look at fifteen of the most expensive dogs and their respective costs.
Most Expensive Dogs in the World
1. Tibetan Mastiff – $2 million
We know that when it comes to dogs, especially the rare breeds found in limited parts of the world, prospective owners can expect to pay a considerable amount of money to own one. In 2013, one potential owner was willing to shell out $2 million to own a rare red Tibetan Mastiff.
The Tibetan Mastiff is considered one of the most massive dogs in the world and when we say large, we really mean large. This dog can grow up to 84 cm tall and can weigh up to 160 pounds. It is native to the ancient nomadic tribes of China, Nepal, and Tibet, and they were used primarily to protect sheep from predators. With their size, it is not hard to see why.
Although an owner was willing to fork out $2 million for one of them, Tibetan Mastiff puppies are likely to cost between $2,500 and $7,000.
2. Samoyed – $11,000
The second entry on this list of the most expensive dogs in the world is the Samoyed. This Siberia native dog is a fluffy white breed that was used to herd reindeer and pull sleds.
Aside from the fact that they are aesthetically pleasing, they are also one of the best dog companions. They are gentle, intelligent, sociable, and devoted.
If you plan on owning one, though, you have to be willing to give them plenty of attention because they crave it. Asides that, the incredible cost of owning one can reach as high as $11,000. Other costs include regular grooming and brushing.
Still, we think it is a good price to pay for one of the rarest dogs in the world.
3. Löwchens – $10,000
In English, this dog’s name means Little Lion. While it bears no resemblance to the king of the jungle in size, this dog usually grows to look like one.
Their pricey status comes from their historical relationship with noble personalities. Several of them have been spotted in pictures with important dignitaries across history. Their high-status reputation, combined with the fact that they are one of the rarer breeds of dogs on the planet, puts this dog among the most expensive in the world.
4. Chow Chow – $8,500
The Chow Chow dog is one of the oldest breeds of dogs in the world today and that fact alone makes it one of the most desired and expensive.
This dog is native to China and aside from possessing abundant cuteness, is quite capable of hunting, herding, guarding, and pulling, which was their original purpose.
Today, they are great companions and come in different colors, from black to red, cinnamon, cream and even blue. They also possess a unique black tongue and all of these can be yours for $8,500.
5. Canadian Eskimo Dog – $7,200
If you are looking for a dog that could also double as a wolf and make Game of Thrones cosplay with you, the Canadian Eskimo is for you.
This dog is indigenous to Canada and has been a part of the Inuit culture for over 2,000 years. While there is a resurgence in the number of Canadian Eskimo dogs in the world, having faced extinction in 1963, they are still quite rare, and there are just over 500 in the United States.
To own one, you will have to part with $7,200, excluding maintenance costs.
6. Pharaoh Hound – $6,500
Due to the fact that they bear a resemblance to dogs in ancient Egypt, they have been aptly named Pharaoh Hounds, but in the real sense, they do not have an Egyptian ancestry. Still, they are great dogs with an abundance of intelligence and are quite friendly.
Aside from the similarity to dogs in ancient Egypt, another fun fact about this breed is, it blushes on its nose and ears when excited.
Beyond their cuteness, the Pharaoh Hound can be quite stubborn, and prospective owners will have to be ready for the challenge of owning one.
7. Rottweiler – $6,000
The Rottweiler is one of the most popular kinds of dogs, especially when it comes to the ones used as guards and it is not difficult to see why. They are natural protectors, as well as great guides, which is why they are commonly used as search and rescue dogs, police dogs, and guide dogs. They can get quite big and weigh up to 132 pounds and 69 cm tall.
The popular breed of this dog is native to Germany, having been taken there by ancient Romans who used them to guard stock and pull meat carts.
8. French Mastiff – $5,000
The French Mastiff was bred to be fighting dogs and it is a trait that still exists long after they have been relieved of that purpose. They are large, strong, and can be very fierce. Some French Mastiffs have been known to weigh up to 145 pounds and grow to a height of 75 cm.
While that might project an image of a difficult dog to control, they are quite known to be loving, gentle, and loyal. Their high price has been down to rare status, having faced extinction during the 20th century.
9. Akita – $4,500
The Akita, though a comparatively small dog, is one of the most expensive dogs in the world. It’s a rare breed of dog native to the northern part of Japan. Over the years, two distinct breeds of this dog have come to exist – the Japanese Akita and the American Akita.
Both of them have thick fur coats and are perfect in colder climates. Also, despite their small size, they are highly protective of their owners.
Both breeds have their differences and fetch high prices as puppies, which can reach as high as $4,500.
10. Dogo Argentino – $3,900
The Dogo Argentino might cost a lot, enough to be featured among the most expensive dogs in the world, but if you are an active owner, this is a dog breed you might want to consider.
The Dogo Argentino is a strong, muscular, and athletic dog that fits an active owner. Throughout their existence, they have been known to be used for fighting and hunting.
Just as they can be aggressive, they can also be incredibly sweet and tend to enjoy lying on your feet and snuggling with their owner.
11. Yorkshire Terriers – $3,500
The Yorkshire Terriers might come across as tiny dogs, but they possess a big personality that makes them the dog of choice for several Hollywood female celebrities.
Even though these dogs weigh seven pounds, they tend to rule their environment and have the aesthetic to go with it. They are full of energy, adventurous, and can be quite intelligent.
They might be small in size but come with a significant price tag of $3,500, making them one of the most expensive dogs in the world.
12. English Bulldog – $3,200
The bulldog is one of the adorable dogs in existence and the English bulldog maintains that reputation. Despite striking the image of aggressive breeds, the English bulldog is, in fact, one of the friendliest breeds of dogs, and it takes a whole lot to get them riled up.
While they can become very lazy when they grow up, the puppies are mostly playful and energetic, which makes them perfect for an active owner.
To own one, you will have to be prepared to part with $3,200, outside of their maintenance cost, and those adorable gifts you will buy for them.
13. Azawakh – $3,000
The Azawakhs are native to nomadic African tribes. They are known to be hunting dogs, capable of incredible speed. Azawakhs can reach up to 40 miles per hour and they are faster than greyhounds.
Their incredible speed comes from having a slim and tall body that can grow to a height of 74 cm. The fact that even when they are well fed, their bones still show might not make the Azawakh the most aesthetically pleasing dog, but it has enough in value to be one of the priciest dogs in the world.
14. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – $3,000
This breed of dogs has been named after royalty because they tend to be owned by one, specifically English kings Charles I and Charles II.
They are small dogs that enjoy getting a belly rub and sharing cuddles with their owners. They are also incredibly active dogs and are very much capable of going on long walks.
So, if you happen to have a large estate with plenty of space to roam, you might want to consider this dog.
15. Saluki – $2,500
Wrapping up our top fifteen most expensive dogs in the world is the Saluki, which is also known as the Royal Dog of Egypt. It is one of the oldest breeds in the world and is known to be the dog of choice when merchants traveled across China’s Silk Road.
They have a body similar to the greyhound, i.e., long, slim, and tall. A Saluki can grow to a height of 71 cm and weigh up to 60 pounds.
For $2,500, it is the cheapest on this list of the most expensive dog in the world.
