Adopting a dog is a great thing to do, but the price tag may be a problem for some people. Many dog breeds aren’t too expensive, but some breeds are very expensive because they are hard to find, have special needs, or are rare. Most of the time, these breeds need more care, training, and sometimes even a lot of cleaning.
Some dogs, like the beautiful Tibetan Mastiff and the cute French Bulldog, are worth more than others because of their history, bloodlines, and special needs. If you want a loyal friend or a dog that would look good at a dog show, these 9 most expensive dog breeds will win your heart—and your wallet. If you want to spend a lot of money on a dog, here are the coolest dogs in the world.
1) Afghan Hound
People love the Afghan Hound because it looks so beautiful with its long, flowing hair and graceful walk. This breed has been respected for hundreds of years. In old Afghanistan, it was used to hunt big game. Because of how much care and upkeep their long, fluffy hair needs, Afghan Hounds are one of the most expensive dog breeds. It takes a lot of time and effort to groom these dogs, and their smooth fur often needs professional help.
Their high cost is also due to the fact that they are independent and have special health needs. The average price of an Afghan Hound is between $1,500 and $2,500, but very rare dogs with prize genes can fetch even more. People who like dogs love them because they are beautiful and look royal, but people who want to get one should be ready for the duty that comes with having such a high-maintenance breed.
2) Barbet
A French water dog breed called the Barbet is smart and easy to train. The Barbet is great at many things, like hunts and agility events, thanks to its curly, waterproof hair. The Barbet’s hair needs to be brushed often to keep it from getting matted, but its friendly and loving personality makes it a great pet for families.
There aren’t many Barbets outside of France, but their fame has been slowly growing thanks to their friendly nature and ability to do well in both work and sports. Barbets can be adopted for anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000. Prices depend on the dog’s history, health, and supply. Due to their soft nature and intelligence, Barbets are very popular with dog owners who want a busy, loving pet that does well in both family and competitive settings.
3) Tibetan Mastiff
As you might guess, the Tibetan Mastiff is one of the most pricey dog breeds in the world. This huge breed comes from the Himalayas and was originally used to keep animals like wolves and leopards away from sheep. Because they are so big and have thick, rich coats, Tibetan Mastiffs need a lot of room to move and a lot of care, like being groomed often and getting regular exercise.
Because they are independent and have strong guarding traits, they make great guard dogs, but they can be hard for first-time dog owners to train. The price of a Tibetan Mastiff can be anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. However rare, high-quality dogs from top breeders can fetch even higher prices, with some going over $1.5 million for a single dog.” Their high value comes from being hard to find, being very big, and having historical importance.
4) French Bulldog
Due to its small size and friendly nature, the French Bulldog has become very famous in recent years, especially among people who live in cities and celebrities. French Bulldogs are very cute, with ears that look like bats, short noses, and friendly personalities. Because these dogs are known for being calm, they make great pets for people who live in small areas like flats.
The price of well-bred French Bulldogs has gone up, though, because they are so famous. They now cost between $2,000 and $8,000. The price can change based on the dog’s hair color, its family history, and its general health. Because they have brachycephalic faces, they are more likely to get some health problems, especially breathing problems. This makes them more expensive to own. People who are thinking about getting this breed of dog should know that their health problems can cost a lot in veterinary bills over time.
5) Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a big, friendly dog breed that is known for its beautiful tricolored coat and friendly personality. The Bernese Mountain Dog was first bred in the Swiss Alps to be a farm dog. It is known for being loyal, hardworking, and loving its family. But because the breed is so big, it has some problems, like higher costs for food and medical care.
Because they need to be groomed and exercised all the time, they can also be very expensive to keep up. A Bernese Mountain Dog usually costs between $1,000 and $3,000. However, very rare and exceptional dogs, especially those with championship genes, can cost more than this. Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle and loving, so many people think they would make great family pets. However, they do need a lot of care and room to run. The fact that they only live about 7 to 10 years can sometimes make the price go up, too, because they often get health problems like hip dysplasia and cancer.
6) Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are famous for being very big and calm and gentle. Saint Bernards were first bred by monks in the Swiss Alps to help lost tourists. They are admired for being smart and hardworking. These dogs, which usually weigh between 120 and 180 pounds, are big and friendly. Because they are so big, Saint Bernards can be very expensive to own. This includes the price of the dog itself, as well as the cost of feeding, cleaning, and medical care.
There are different breeders with different reputations, so the price of a Saint Bernard can go up or down from $1,500 to $2,000. Because of their size and weight, they are more likely to have problems with their joints and hearts, which can mean higher medical bills over the course of their lives. Even though they are big, Saint Bernards are known to get along well with kids and families. This makes them a great pet for people who can handle their big, loving personality.
7) Shikoku
Japan’s Shikoku is a medium-sized dog breed that is linked to the more well-known Akita and Shiba Inu. The Shikoku is a skilled hunter and a busy dog that looks a lot like a fox. This makes it a great choice for families who like to do things outside. Even though the breed is smart, loyal, and independent, it needs constant training to keep it from becoming stubborn.
Shikokus are very hard to find outside of Japan, which makes them very expensive. Prices range from $1,500 to $2,500 but can go up depending on where they are and how well-bred they are. Because they have a lot of energy and are naturally hunters, they need to be active and mentally stimulated all the time. If someone wants to own a Shikoku, they should know that they will have to live a busy life to keep it happy and healthy, which can lead to higher care costs.
8) Akita
From Japan comes the Akita, a strong and honorable breed of dog. The Akita has a history of being used to guard and hunt big game like bears and boars because it is loyal and brave. People love the Akita breed because it has a thick double coat and a strong attitude. It is especially popular in places where people want a dog that is brave and protective.
Akitas can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000, based on where they come from and how well-known the owner is. Akitas are usually shy and independent dogs that need to be socialized and trained consistently from a young age to keep them from being violent, especially with other animals. The cost of owning them goes up because they need to be groomed, especially when they shed. Large and strong, Akitas need experienced owners who can lead them with love and firmness to make sure they do well as family pets.
9) Pharaoh Hound
The old and beautiful Pharaoh Hound is known for its sleek, powerful body and striking looks. This breed of dog comes from Malta and was originally bred to catch small animals like bunnies. They are incredibly fast and agile. The unique Pharaoh Hound hair is short and smooth and can be red or tan. It doesn’t need much care.
Even though they don’t need much care, the Pharaoh Hound is a rare and expensive breed that usually costs between $2,000 and $6,000. The breed is hard to find, but it has great hunting skills and a unique look that make it a popular pet for people who want an active and smart dog. Pharaoh Hounds are known for being friendly and playful, which makes them a great addition to busy families. However, they may be shy around strangers. They need a lot of exercise and have a lot of energy, which makes them a great choice for homes with busy people.
Bottom Line:
There are good and bad things about having an expensive dog breed. For many dog fans, the unique traits, companionship, and loyalty they give make them worth the money. That being said, it’s important to know how much it will cost for things like cleaning, medical care, and general upkeep. Prepare yourself for the responsibility of taking care of one of these top breeds if you want to adopt one.
FAQs:
Why do some dog breeds cost so much?
Some dog types are pricey because they are hard to find, look different, and need special care. Prices tend to be higher for breeds that need special breeding or are in high demand.
Are dogs that cost a lot harder to take care of?
Not always, but some expensive breeds need more cleaning, medical care, and specialized training, which makes taking care of them more expensive and time-consuming.
Can I get a pricey dog from a shelter?
Some expensive breeds do show up in shelters sometimes, but not very often. You can always adopt from a rescue, though, if you want to save money on the first cost.
What kinds of dogs cost the most to adopt?
The Tibetan Mastiff, the Afghan Hound, and the French Bulldog are some of the most expensive dog breeds. Prices can range anywhere from $2,000 to over $10,000, based on the breed and its bloodline.