As a longtime dog lover and breed researcher, people often ask me – what are the most expensive dogs to buy? Why do some breeds command such sky-high prices compared to family favorites like Labradors and Golden Retrievers? Are they worth the money?
The answers reveal much about the history, rarity and uniqueness of certain specialized dogs. Let‘s explore the top 10 priciest breeds worldwide, understand why they cost so much and whether they make sensible pets.
Why Some Dogs Carry Such High Price Tags
Many factors account for lofty price tags on particular breeds, including:
Scarcity – Rare or newly created breeds have smaller gene pools, limiting supply despite high demand from puppy buyers. This lets top breeders charge more.
Social cache – Some cultures prize rare dogs as status symbols, valuing their exclusivity. Having something others covet heightens bragging rights.
Special skills – Dogs bred for intelligence, acute senses, stamina or abilities (like retrieving hunted fowl) are tremendously popular despite their premium prices.
Breeding costs – Ethical, health-focused breeding is expensive for large or high-maintenance dogs. Extensive health testing and care of breeding stock raises expenses. But doing this right enables breeders to produce sound, long-lived puppies.
Let‘s see how these economic realities play out for 10 breeds with jaw-dropping price tags!
#10 – The Patient Saint Bernard: $1,500+
[Saint Bernard image]Hailing from treacherous Alpine mountain passes between Switzerland and Italy, the legendary Saint Bernard represents a dog built for cold weather rescue. Their ancestors carried flasks of brandy to revive stranded climbers!
Today‘s Saints maintain these genetic traits – tall, powerful builds, dense coats and a phenomenal sense of direction for finding lost travelers buried in snowdrifts.
Fun Facts
- Height: 27+ inches
- Weight: 120-200+ pounds
- Originally bred by monks to save people trapped in snowstorms
- Requires regular brushing/grooming due to heavy shedding
Despite towering size, Saint Bernards move with disciplined grace and remain eager to please their owners. But beware – they drink and slobber copiously! Without plenty of exercise they can also easily become couch potatoes.
Price Range: $1,500+ from responsible breeders
Buyer Beware: Saint Bernards commonly suffer elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, making mobility painful. Reputable breeders screen parent dogs.
#9 – The Aristocratic Chow Chow: $3,000+
[Chow Chow image]With his distinctive ruff and scowling face, the Chinese Chow Chow presents an air of dignity and even snobbery. Yet beneath his lordly facade you‘ll find a loyal companion.
Once the chosen dog of nobles and Mongolian warlords alike, today Chows enjoy recognition from major kennel clubs and discerning fanciers drawn to the breed‘s independence and attachment to their people.
Fun Facts
- Average lifespan: 8-12 years
- Height: 17-20 inches; Weight: 40-70 pounds
- Require scheduled brushing to prevent matting/tangles
- Among the world‘s oldest dog breeds – DNA links them to Arctic wolf ancestors
Price Range: $3,000+ from quality breeders
Buyer Beware: Chows can be aggressive toward dogs they don‘t know and aloof with strangers. Early socialization is critical.
#8 – The Sweet Gentle Giant: Irish Wolfhound $1,900+
Few sights inspire awe like that of an Irish Wolfhound in full stride. Considered the tallest breed in existence today, they were originally bred to hunt deer, wolves and opponents in battle. Despite formidable appearances, Wolfhounds mask peaceful easygoing temperaments.
Fun Facts
- Height: Minimum 32 inches tall at shoulder
- Weight: 120-180 pounds
- Lifespan: 6-8 years, though prone to bone cancer
- Among the oldest breeds – revered as symbols of nobility and loyalty by Celtic kings
The Wolfhound‘s gentle nature and tolerance of smaller pets makes them excellent companions. The one caveat? Their wiry coat requires regular brushing and maintenance to remove dead hair. Daily exercise is also a must even into their senior years.
Price Range: $1,900 and up from reputable AKC breeders
Buyer Beware: Irish Wolfhounds‘ rapid growth means they‘re prone to bloat. Owners should feed them small, frequent meals.
#7 – The Pharaoh Hound: $2,500+
With his sharp ears cocked forward and hard-muscled hindquarters, the Pharaoh Hound turns heads wherever he goes. And true to his noble Egyptian theme, they also "blush" when excited! Increased blood circulation causes the tan hair on ears and noses to flush vivid pink. Originally bred to hunt gazelles and hares, Pharaohs move with extreme speed and athleticism. But they shine brightest simply lounging with their loved ones at home.
Fun Facts
- Height: 21-25 inches tall
- Weight: 45-55 pounds
- Thrives on brisk daily jogs and interactive games
- A national symbol of Malta gracing local coinage and postage stamps
Pharaoh Hounds form intense bonds and suffer separation anxiety. Thus, they don‘t suit working owners who leave them lone for prolonged periods. But for the properly matched owner, they promise adventure and delight in a striking package!
Price Range: $2,500+ from imported bloodlines
Buyer Beware: Must live indoors – their short coats offer no weather protection. They also have sensitive digestive tracts requiring careful diet monitoring.
#6 – The Bold Protector: Rottweiler $2,500+
Although often maligned as aggressive bullies, in capable hands Rottweilers prove themselves bright, trainable and eager to work. Originally herding cattle drovers in Germany, they later graduated to police and security roles. That strong guarding instinct remains, but properly socialized Rotties love their families – including children and other pets they‘re raised with.
Fun Facts
- Height: 22-27 inches tall; Weight: 85-130+ pounds
- Prized as search, rescue and therapy dogs for intelligence and desire to serve
- Named "Rottweiler Metzgerhund" for the cattle merchants traveling from Rottweil town
- Coat colors range from rich black with rust to red and mahogany markings
Rottweiler puppies average $2,500+ from breeders specializing in European bloodlines. Be prepared to invest in obedience training plus speak sternly to curb dominant tendencies. In return, you‘ll receive a faithful companion till the end – this breed enjoys life expectancies over 10 years and ages gracefully.
Buyer Beware: Some aggression and territorial behavior must be handled firmly by experienced owners.
#5 – The Ultimate Family Dog: Golden Retriever $3,000
What list of superlative dogs could exclude the perpetually grinning Golden Retriever? Developed to retrieve waterfowl inScotland, Goldens retain exuberant love for field work while excelling at obedience, assistance and therapy roles – they seemingly live to please people!
Fun Facts
- Consistently rank among the top 3 most popular U.S. breeds
- Height: 21.5-24 inches tall; Weight 55-75 pounds
- Require significant grooming and vacuuming up loose fur
- Score extremely high for trainability, patience and gentleness with children
Golden Retrievers‘ famously sweet dispositions mean they adapt readily to any environment with a modicum of exercise. But remember their lush double-coat sheds heavily year-round. Brushing multiple times weekly helps control those fur tumbleweeds!
Price Range: $3,000+ from champion AKC bloodlines
Buyer Beware: Cancer and hip/elbow dysplasia run high in some lines. Ask the breeder for proof of health testing in parent dogs.
#4 – The Playful Little Lion Dog: Löwchen $4,000
Don‘t let his toy size fool you – the spunky Löwchen carries himself like a lion! Weighing just 12-14 pounds fully grown, "little lion dogs" trace back to the 1500s as pampered lap warmers and lively companions. Their name reflects the traditional show clip leaving fur manes ringing faces and chests.
Fun Facts
- Non-shedding coat ideal for those with allergies
- Height: 12-14 inches tall; Weight 10-15 pounds
- Small but surprisingly sturdy and active into old age
- Records indicate Löwchen popularity across royal courts from Spain to Russia!
Löwchen cheerfully play the clown one moment and cuddle contentedly the next. Despite their wee legs, daily walks help maintain well-being for both dog and owner! Seek out breeders performing genetic tests to ensure buying a healthy, long-lived pup.
Price Range: $4,000+ from imported European lines
Buyer Beware: Their tiny size makes housebreaking a lengthy process. Supervision prevents accidents!
#3 – The Majestic Samoyed $4,000+
One glance at the magnificent Samoyed and you may mistake him for an arctic wolf! Bred by Siberia‘s Samoyede tribespeople, they herded reindeer and kept children warm through frigid nights. Today Sammies make faithful hiking and sledding partners with boundless endurance.
Fun Facts
- Height: 19-23.5 inches tall; Weight: 35-65 pounds
- Distinctive "Sammy grin" from turned up mouth corners!
- Double-layer coat withstands -60 degree Celsius temperatures
- Require extensive blow drying and removal of shed fur twice annually
Despite heavy grooming needs, few dogs equal Samoyeds‘ agility or trainability – they take well to obedience, tricks and even overall patience. Just don‘t leave them alone for long…their strong pack drive means they‘ll anxiously await your return!
Price Range: $4,000+ from champion show dog lines
Buyer Beware: Prone to early onset glaucoma. Reputable breeders screen parent dogs.
#2 – The Black Russian Terrier $4,000
After World War II the Russian army required a new giant breed to fill military working roles. Out of 17 types they created the confident, protective Black Russian Terrier blending Airedales, Giant Schnauzers, Rottweilers and more. Despite close guarding instincts these "Black Pearls of Russia" delight in family life – once trained not to dominate.
Fun Facts
- Height: 27-30 inches tall; Weight: 80-140+ pounds
- Originate from former USSR state kennels under strictly supervised breeding
- Highly adaptable nature – functions as guard, military or athletic companion
- Non-shedding coat requires frequent stripping by professional groomers
Black Russian Terrier puppies command $4,000+ today reflecting their rarity globally and challenges importing new breeding stock. But for determined owners this versatile breed delivers unwavering courage and devotion for work or home life.
Price Range: $4,000+ from imported breed lines
Buyer Beware: Will strongly test boundaries – requiring extensive "nothing in life is free" obedience lessons beginning early.
#1 – The Ultimate Guardian: Tibetan Mastiff $7,000+
Towering with lion-like dignity and endowed with a booming voice that gives intruders pause, the legendary Tibetan Mastiff has no equal as estate guardian. This ancient colossus evolved battling predators and confronting trespassers across the vast Tibetan plateaus. Their astounding adaptability lets them thrive everywhere from mountaintops to busy city streets today.
Fun Facts
- Can weigh between 90-160+ pounds fully grown
- Double coat with mane resists temperatures from -40F to +90F
- Originally classified among China‘s national treasures
- Ferocious barking coupled with massive size deters unwanted guests!
While devoted guardians, Mastiffs equally enjoy lounging with loved ones when off duty. Owners praise their loyalty and surprising sensitivity despite bulk. Well-bred examples should cost $7,000+ – but promise companionship exceeds dollars and years alike! Just be ready for substantial expenditures in food, veterinary care and property damages from all that protective zeal if you welcome one of these magnificent beasts into your life!
Price Range: $7,000+ from imported Asian bloodlines
Buyer Beware: Powerful territorial instincts demand proper
socialization and training from an early age – Mastiffs take poorly to mistreatment.
Parting Thoughts on Finding Your Canine Soulmate
I hope illuminating why exceptional dogs command equally exceptional prices inspires you to better appreciate their uniqueness! Rather than decrying outrageous costs, consider what years of honed abilities or rare traits you‘re investing in with one of these elite breeds. Yet I always maintaining matching lifestyles and energy levels matters more than prestige when choosing a furry companion. No amount of money or rarity replaces developing that profound bond with "man or woman‘s best friend" over a lifetime of adventures together!
