In the world of dog breeds, cost is more than a number.
It’s a statement.
From the regal Samoyed to the majestic Tibetan Mastiff, each dog on my list of the 12 most expensive dog breeds in the US brings a unique blend of luxury.
#1 Tibetan Mastiff: $2,000 – $12,000
Tibetan mastiffs have become a prized status symbol. They cost between $2,000 and $12,000.
A black Tibetan Mastiff is on the lower end of the price range, while a red Tibetan Mastiff is more expensive due to its rarity.
Female Tibetan Mastiffs go into heat only once per year, which is another reason for their high price.
In 2014, the New York Post reported that a 1-year-old golden-haired Tibetan mastiff was sold for $1.9 million.
A fully-grown Tibetan Mastiff will range between 70 and 150 pounds. However, this mastiff was 31 inches tall and weighed about 200 pounds.
#2 Samoyed: $4,000 – $8,000
Samoyeds are gorgeous, fluffy, and smart white dogs. Named after the Samoyedic people of Siberia, it is a playful, adventurous companion for people of all ages. The breed was formally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1906.
A Samoyed puppy costs between $4,000 and $8,000, and a Samoyed’s total lifetime expense can range between $28,600 and $55,000. Life expectancy for the breed is about 12–13 years
#3 Löwchen: $4,000 – $8,000
The Löwchen, also referred to as the “Little Lion Dog,” probably originated in the 15th century, when it was favored as a companion by the nobility in Europe. Bred to be lapdogs, you must know that the Löwchen isn’t a canine designed to live outdoors.
Puppies are accompanied by a high price since the breed is still rare. The typical price range of $4,000 and $8,000.
#4 Chow Chow: $1,000 – $4,000
The Chow Chow is a spitz-type dog breed originally from Northern China. They have a teddy bear-like appearance (it’s actually hard to tell if it is a dog or a teddy bear!) and a unique blue-black tongue. They are suited to rural and semi-rural homes.
Chow Chows can cost between $1,000 and $4,000. Also, insurance is expensive and becomes more expensive each year. When choosing a puppy, look for a breeder who health tests their dogs.
#5 Azawakh: $2,500 – $3,000
Azawakh is a tall, elegant hound that comes from the West African Sahara Desert. The coat is very short and almost absent on the belly. In Africa, these speedy dogs chase down fleet-footed prey like gazelles and hares.
Azawakhs usually cost between $2,500 and $3,000. One of the main reasons for Azawakh’s high price is that there are only around 500 Azawakh dogs spread across the US at the moment. The first litter was born in the United States on October 31, 1987.
Editor’s Pick
#6 Rottweiler: $1,500 – $4,000
The Rottweiler is considered to be one of the oldest surviving dog breeds. Rottweilers are a medium-large breed with a strong, muscular build. They have been selected for guarding and protection work.
Rottweilers typically cost between $1,500 and $4,000. I find Rottweilers really expensive since their lifetime expense varies between approximately $18,000 and $36,000.
#7 Canadian Eskimo Dog: $600 – $3,500
It is a pre-Columbian breed that has a thick and dense coat with hard, stiff guard hairs. As far as I know, the Canadian Eskimo Dog does not adapt well to temperate climates.
Canadian Eskimo Dogs cost between $600 and $2,500.
With a 2008 estimate of only 300 purebred dogs, the breed is threatened with extinction.
#8 Dogo Argentino: $1,000 – $3,000
The Dogo Argentino is a pack-hunting dog. They have a strong head, a well-balanced, muscular body, dark almond-shaped eyes, and athletic grace. It was bred in the early 20th century in Córdoba.
You can expect to pay somewhere between $1,000 and $4,000 for a Dogo Argentino. The price could even go higher depending on the bloodline.
Not ideal for first-time dog owners, and I suggest raising a Dogo Argentino only if you are an experienced handler.
#9 French Bulldog: $1,500 and $8,000
The breed is a very fashionable household companion kept by the upper class. The French bulldog is among the most frequently registered dogs in the United States. I love Frenchies since they have a temperament that thrives on attention.
They feature heavy bones and thick muscles. They feature heavy bones and thick muscles. They are not noisy, and most of them are very fond of people.
The cost for a French Bulldog puppy is between $1,500 and $8,000. Larger cities typically have higher bulldog prices.
#10 Pharaoh Hound: $1,000 – $7,500
The Pharaoh Hound originated in ancient Egypt. His original purpose was to track small game. It may be expected to live for some 11 to 14 years. The dog is eager to run but is laid-back at home.
Pharaoh hound puppies cost between $1,000 and $7,500. The cost of a Pharaoh Hound from a well-known breeder is significantly higher.
#11 Akita: $1,500 – $3,500
The Akita is a muscular, double-coated dog of ancient Japanese lineage. It is known for its loyalty, courage, and independence. The Akita is generally seen as territorial about its property.
A purebred Akita from a reputable breeder can cost between $1,500 and $3,500.
#12 Afghan Hound: $1,000 – $3,000
The breed originates in the cold mountains of Afghanistan. The Afghan Hound first appeared in the United States in 1926.
Afghan Hounds usually cost between $1,000 and $3,000. Their long, fine-textured coat requires considerable care and grooming, which adds to their high maintenance cost.