Taking care of any dog requires money, but purchasing certain canines can be costly right off the bat—some breeds even fetch as much as $10,000.
Becoming a dog owner can be an incredibly rewarding experience. These loyal and loving animals aren’t called “man’s best friend” for nothing. However, as the old adage goes, taking care of a pet is a big responsibility—one that comes with its fair share of expenses.
From paying for regular vet visits to purchasing essential supplies, providing quality care is something that requires money (which many experienced fur parents can attest to).
A 2023 article by Forbes revealed that the average dog owner spends around $730 for their beloved pooch annually. This cost can compound depending on the needs of a particular dog or breed, with some that require an extra amount of care than usual.
What’s more, those who opt to purchase purebred canines can expect a hefty price compared to adopting a dog. Certain breeds are more expensive than others—with some even fetching prices of up to $10,000. These figures are usually affected by factors like the complexity of the breeding process and a breed’s rarity.
With that in mind, below are five dog breeds that can fetch for thousands of dollars, based on data from Reader’s Digest:
Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan mastiffs—also referred to as “Do-Khyi”—can cost around $3,000 to $5,000, making them some of the most expensive canines in the world. According to Dr.Bruce Fogle’s The Encyclopedia of the Dog, these giants can measure a whopping 24 to 28 inches in height, with a weight of 140 to 180 pounds.
The Tibetan mastiff was originally bred to protect livestock in the Himalayas and Tibet, hence its massive size. Though these pooches are naturally aloof with strangers, they’re loyal and easygoing companions that are affectionate towards their masters.
So what’s the reason behind this canine’s high price tag? It has a lot to do with their rarity and pure bloodline. In fact, genuine Tibetan Mastiffs are almost as precious as panda bears. That’s why the Chinese consider this breed to be a status symbol, and owning one is a luxury that only the wealthy can afford. Case in point, a red Tibetan mastiff named “Big Splash” sold for a jaw-dropping $1.5 million in 2011.
Black Russian Terrier
Terriers are normally quite small, but this 140-pound breed is certainly an exception to the rule. The black Russian terrier, also referred to as the “Chornyi Terrier,” can measure 25 to 29 inches in height, according to The Encyclopedia of the Dog. On average, this breed can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000, likely due to its rare line and unusual origins.
Scientists from the Soviet Union Red Star Army developed the terrier as part of their genetics program. They did this by breeding a variety of other canines like the Giant schnauzer, Airedale terrier, and Rottweiler to achieve a certain set of desirable “superdog” traits.
The result was a large terrier built to act as a watchdog. Much like the Tibetan mastiff, the black Russian terrier is naturally aloof with strangers due to its intended purpose as a security canine. That said, the American Kennel Club (AKC) describes it as a courageous, intelligent, and confident pooch with an overall friendly personality towards their family.
Samoyed
The Samoyed is another Russian breed that makes the list for most expensive pooch.These fluffy canines can cost $2,000 to $5,000 due to their pedigree status. Originally bred to herd reindeers, today’s Samoyeds are incredibly friendly and gentle companions. They seem to be smiling all the time due to an upturned mouth—a physical trait that prevents them from drooling, as saliva could freeze into icicles in the frozen environments they originated from.
Samoyeds are great with young kids and naturally affectionate. However, they do have an obstinate nature commonly found in spitz breeds, according to The Encyclopedia of the Dog. As such, training them requires a great deal of time and patience—but many owners of the breed can attest that their irreplaceable companionship is well worth the effort.
French Bulldog
Almost everyone can spot a French bulldog thanks to the breed’s quirky face, bat-like ears, and rotund shape, which are all irresistibly charming traits. Purchasing one of these pooches can be a pricey investment though, as they can cost $2,500 to $4,000. This is mainly due to the complex process of breeding these canines.
French bulldogs normally can’t give birth without artificial insemination and c-sections—operations that can cost a lot of money. What’s more, litter sizes can’t keep up with popular demand. Female French bulldogs have small pelvises, so they can only birth around two to three pups per litter.
Many people love these dogs due to their affable and silly personalities. Though the French originally bred these bulldogs for hunting rats in the 1800s, they quickly became go-to companions for the working class in Paris.
According to the AKC, French bulldogs are incredibly affectionate, amazing with children, and generally friendly towards other dogs.
Löwchen
The Löwchen is a small but mighty breed with a hefty price tag. These dogs can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $4,000—though some have even sold for $10,000. The earliest record of Löwchens dates back to 1442, in a Jan van Eyck painting (“The Birth of John the Baptist”), no less. Though experts can’t give a specific place of origin for the breed, they suspect it originated somewhere in Northern Europe.
Stories suggest that ladies of the high court had these dogs as companions to keep them warm while they slept. Sadly, Löwchen numbers dwindled greatly by 1944. Only breeding efforts were able to save the dog from going extinct, though their population is still quite small—hence their expensive status.
People also call Löwchens “Little Lion Dogs” due to their shaggy mane and “lion-clip” coat styling that makes them look like, well, tiny lions. These canines are also strong-willed and robust, which adds to their noble name. Much like French bulldogs, they make for affectionate family dogs and loyal companions.
Banner photo by Peri Stojnic via Unsplash.
