What makes some dog breeds so expensive?

First, let’s take a look at why certain dog breeds command a hefty price tag. You’ve probably guessed that the most important factor when determining the cost of a dog is whether or not they are purebred. For example, a reputable French Bulldog breeder invests a lot of effort, time and money into breeding healthy French Bulldogs while still adhering to strict breeding regulations for each individual. alike. They also select parent dogs from excellent bloodlines, creating puppies that can even compete in dog shows.

In addition to the breeder and purebred status, the rarity and demand of a given breed will also greatly affect its price. Even within one breed there can be standard and rare color variations , making the price range even wider: the rarer the puppy, the higher their price! Now that you are familiar with the most important factors, let’s take a look at some of the most expensive dog breeds in the world! Please note that the price range is not fixed but is only a rough estimate.

1. Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is considered one of the most majestic and noble dog breeds in the world. Their huge size may be intimidating but they are actually very gentle and affectionate. They are also one of the most expensive breeds you can find, with prices ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 or more. The most expensive dog ever sold was a red Tibetan Mastiff named Big Splash for about $1.5 million!

2. French Dog

The French Bulldog is one of the most popular dog breeds and it’s no surprise why. These little bundles of joy are incredibly charming and make wonderful companions. Their exact price largely depends on various factors such as the color, gender, and age of the puppy. Whether you’re after a standard red wirehaired Frenchie or a rare red wirehaired Frenchie, you can expect it to fetch between $3,500 and $30,000. Read our ultimate French Bulldog Price List to find out why French Bulldogs are so expensive!

3. Löwchen

The Löwchen, or Little Lion Dog in German, is a small dog breed popular in Europe for over 500 years. Their fur is regularly trimmed to look like small lions. Löwchen is known for his affectionate nature and is as brave as a lion despite his small size. Their prices can range from $2,500 to $8,000.

4. Canadian Eskimo Dog

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is an ancient and rare breed believed to be the oldest sled dog breed in North America. This breed is known for its strength, intelligence and loyalty, making it the ideal companion for anyone looking for a unique and devoted dog. With its unique and ancient lineage, the Canadian Eskimo Dog is highly prized, ranging from $3,000 to even $8,500.

5. Samoyed

The Samoyed dog breed is famous for its smooth white fur and gentle nature. These sweet dogs have beautiful smiles that actually serve a purpose: their upturned mouth prevents drooling and thus ice formation when cold. Typically, a Samoyed dog will cost between 2,500 and 5,000 USD, but can cost up to 10,000 USD.

6. Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is a large and elegant breed with a soft, silky coat. This breed is known for its grace and beauty, and it is also a popular choice for show dogs. The price of a purebred Afghan Hound can vary widely, ranging from $2,500 to $7,000.

7. Pharaoh Hound

The Pharaoh Hound is an ancient and rare breed of dog, originating on the Mediterranean island of Malta. Nicknamed “Blushing Dogs,” they actually have the ability to blush when happy or excited, a rare trait in dogs! They are prized for their unique appearance and gentle, loyal nature. This rare and graceful breed will cost between $2,000 and $7,000.

8. Black Russian Terrier

The Black Russian Terrier is a large and powerful dog breed originating from Russia. It is a working dog bred for its strength, intelligence, and loyalty. This breed is known to be an excellent guard dog and is also a popular pet. High quality Black Russian Terriers can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 or more.

9. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a popular working dog breed originating from the Swiss Alps. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and beautiful fur. Thanks to their origins, they thrive in cold weather! In general, you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $3,500 for a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy.

10. King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a beloved breed that has been around for centuries. They are known for their sweet and gentle nature as well as their beautiful, silky coat. The average price of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can range from $2,500 to $3,500, but some can be even more expensive than that.

11. English Bulldog

The English Bulldog is a popular dog breed thanks to its distinctive appearance and friendly personality. With their drooping jaws, adorable expressions, and affectionate nature, it’s no wonder they’re so popular. Raising Bulldogs requires extensive knowledge from the breeder, making them quite expensive: on average from 2,000 to 4,000 USD.

12. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes are one of the oldest and largest sled dog breeds. These massive animals have been used for centuries to pull heavy loads in the Arctic. They are known for their strength and loyalty as well as their thick, double-layered fur, which protects them from the cold Arctic temperatures and gives them their unique appearance. An Alaskan Malamute usually costs between 2,500 and 4,000 USD.

13. Chau Chau

The Chow Chow is another dignified dog breed that originated in ancient China. These furry and adorable dogs are easily recognized by their huge majestic red fur. They have one distinguishing feature: their unique blue tongue! The Chow Chow is a loyal, eternal companion, with an average price ranging from $1,500 – $4,000.

14. Akita

Akita is a large, strong and dignified Japanese dog breed. It is considered a national treasure in Japan, famous for its loyalty and intelligence. The average price of an Akita breed is around $1,500 to $6,500, depending on the quality of the puppy, the breeder, and the location. Akita Inu, which is the original Japanese Akita, is usually more expensive than the American Akita.

15. Biewer Terrier

The Biewer Terrier is a relatively new breed, newly developed in the 1980s, recognized as a breed by the AKC in 2021. This small, lively terrier is known for its long, silky coat and big personality. . Despite its relatively short history, the Biewer Terrier has quickly become one of the most popular toy dog breeds in the world. Their average price ranges from $2,500 to $3,500.

16. Staffordshire terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier may have a dark past as a bully breed , but today they are considered one of the most suitable breeds for children. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and courage, making them great companions for any family. Employees typically cost between $2,000 and $3,500.

17. Larger Swiss Mountain Dog

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, strong dog breed known for its dense coat of black, white, and red markings. This large, powerful breed is known for its intelligence, loyalty and strength, and has a long history of use as a working dog. Today, they are also popular choices for families with children. In general, you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $3,000 for a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

18. Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is a large dog breed from Ireland and one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Male Irish Wolfhounds can grow up to 32 inches tall and weigh up to 140 pounds. Intelligent, strong and loyal, these dogs are often used for hunting as well as for companionship and protection. Their average price ranges from $2,500 to $3,000.

19. English Toy Dog

With short legs, long ears, and luxurious coat, the English Toy Spaniel is a lovable companion that is sure to bring joy to any home. First bred to be companions of kings, they can be proud and stubborn but are extremely affectionate towards their loved ones. Their average price ranges from $2,000 to $2,500.

20. Shikoku

Shikoku is another popular Japanese dog breed. They are native to the island of Shikoku, where they are prized hunters of wild boar. Shikoku looks a lot like a wolf and has a very strong connection to nature. They tend to be strong-willed but very devoted to people. You can expect to pay between $2,000 and $3,000 for a Shikoku.

21. Rottweiler

Rottweilers originated in Germany, but today they are extremely popular all over the world, especially in the United States. They have been used as guard dogs, police dogs, and even therapy dogs. Rottweilers are loyal and devoted to their owners, and they make excellent family pets. The average price for Rotties is $1,500–3,000, but a quality Rottweiler can cost significantly more, up to $9,000.

22. Dogo Argentino

Dogo Argentino is a large, strong and loyal dog breed that was first bred in Argentina to hunt large animals. They are still very popular for protection and companionship around the world. With his muscular body and affectionate nature, the Dogo Argentino can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $2,500 or even $8,000.

23. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large, muscular dogs. They are known for their unique strip of fur along their back, which is why they are named “Ridgebacks”. They are also known for their loving and affectionate personalities, making them great family pets. Their prices usually range from $1,500 to $2,500.

24. Azawakh

The Azawakh is a rare and unique dog breed that is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. This ancient African hunting dog is known for its lean, elegant body and exceptional physical characteristics. Their average price is around $1,500–$2,500.

25. Italian Spinone

The Spinone Italiano is another large dog breed that originated in Italy. They are known for their distinctive appearance: long, shaggy fur and large heads. The Spinone Italiano is a loyal companion, guard dog and excellent hunting dog, well suited for both water and land. These special dogs cost around $1,000–2,000.