Paying less than $1000 is common for many dog breeds that we all know, but which dog breeds have prices that go above and beyond?
This article will talk about 17 of the most expensive dogs, not including mixes, as we would be here all day if we included mixed dog breeds.
Poodle mixes are famous for costing thousands of dollars, so to keep things interesting for you (and this list about 100 breeds shorter), we will focus on the most expensive purebred dog breeds.
One thing you need to know before we begin is that all dogs are individuals and the information below on each breed are just generalizations based on research. All dogs are individuals and can be impacted by many things that shape their personality and behavior.
Table of Contents
Most Expensive Dogs In The World
Bernese Mountain Dog: $800 to $2,000
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a beautiful large breed that is known to be quite friendly. They love their family and don’t like to be away from them for long.
They are known to have a calm demeanor, but exercise is still required to ensure they don’t get bored or destructive.
Also, even though they are friendly and good family dogs, they may not be great for families with young children as their large size may knock them over during playtime.
On average, the cost of a Bernese Mountain Dog is around $1,200. However, if you are buying a top-quality Bernese Mountain Dog with exquisite lineage, they can cost you about $2,500 to $10,000.
Other costs you must factor in for this breed are vet bills. Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to many health issues that can get costly when looking for health care.
You must be especially careful when choosing your breeder because if you buy from an irresponsible breeder, you can be at high risk of many health problems that can cost you thousands in vet bills.
Unfortunately, this breed isn’t known to live very long, the average lifespan being 6 – 8 years.
Bichon Frise: $900 – $3,500
This hypoallergenic dog breed can cost you quite a bit of money when buying from a quality breeder. If you stay strictly to the puppy’s cost, the Bichon Frise costs about $1,500 on average for a good quality pup.
Keep in mind, though, buying from a quality breeder upfront can help you avoid thousands of dollars in vet costs that you would spend purchasing a $500 puppy from an irresponsible breeder.
Also, price isn’t a guarantee of the quality of a puppy. You should still do as much research as you can on the breeder to make sure they are reputable.
Getting onto what this fancy-sounding breed is like, they are friendly dogs that can be great for single people living in apartments.
They love receiving and giving love and being the main focus of attention in any room they enter.
This isn’t a hard thing for them to get as they have an adorable look that makes you want to hug them as soon as you see them trounce into a room.
As we touched on earlier, they are great apartment dogs, and their low-shedding coat will give you much less hair to clean after.
However, just because their coat may not shed much doesn’t mean you are exempt from grooming.
They will still need frequent brushing to keep their coat in good condition, and you may even want to get a professional groomer to help you keep it looking pristine.
Akitas: $1,000 – $5,000
This breed can get confusing quickly as in every other country, it is two breeds! The Japanese Akita and the American Akita are the subjects of much debate amongst Akita owners.
The Japanese Akita is more like the purebred Akita as they are a more fox-like dog that weighs between 50 – 85 pounds. Whereas the American Akita weighs around 80 – 145 pounds.
If you want to learn more about the Akita and why there is such a physical difference between this breed’s two variations, check out our article on the Akita Inu.
On average, an American Akita’s cost is $1,400, but this can go much higher for champion bloodlines. On average, a Japanese Akita’s price is $3,000, but this is known to go a lot higher than this for champion bloodlines and show dogs.
An interesting fact about show-quality Akita Inus is that in Japan, they can cost up to $75,000!
A summary of their personality is; difficult guard dogs that love their owners for life but need an experienced owner to train them.
These dogs can be aggressive, especially for large American Akitas; they can be hard to manage as they get older.
This makes it especially important to get them adequate training and socialization as a puppy to help shape them into a better adult.
This will be a challenge for the first-time dog owner, which is why we recommend this breed for experts.
Caucasian Ovcharka: $1,500 – $3,500
This breed is known for its amazingly enormous size! This can be partially attributed to the fact they come from the ancient Molossus breed from over 2,000 years ago.
On average, these dogs weigh about 110 to 220 pounds, with gender being a varying factor. Typically males are larger and weigh more than females.
Caucasian Ovcharkas are not dogs you see often, and this scarcity certainly drives their price up. On average, a Caucasian Ovcharka will cost you about $1,500.
However, they can go up to $3,000 and beyond depending on certain factors such as bloodline.
In addition to their large body, they also have a heavy coat prone to LOTS of shedding. So if you are sensitive to that kind of thing, this is not the breed for you.
Being a guard dog, they will love their family; however, their protective nature can make them wary of strangers and make them, well, not the best with other dogs.
Their guard dog nature even dates back to these dogs being used as guard dogs for the Berlin Wall, and even the USSR used them as guard dogs for the prisoners.
Being such a large dog, it is essential to get these dogs early training and socialization so as they get bigger and more powerful, they know how to act.
This responsibility should be left to more experienced owners that know how to train a dog right. You don’t want a dog of this size to act irresponsibly as it could cause much harm.
St. Bernard: $1,500 – $4,000
Here is another giant dog breed for those big dog enthusiasts out there! These big dogs can weigh up to 180 pounds and 30 inches in height.
On average, a St. Bernard will cost you about $1,500 but can end up costing you much more if you buy a dog with an impressive bloodline.
The St. Bernard’s funny trait is that they are known to be puppies for a long time. Mentally it will take them longer to mature, but this doesn’t have to be negative.
Also, they are known to be quite friendly to their family and the people they meet. Even towards strangers, they will rely on their excellent nature when making a first impression.
Of course, with any dog of this size, an experienced trainer is recommended as you want to make sure you train your very giant dog to be the best boy or girl.
One last thing you should know about this breed is that their coat will shed a lot, so be prepared. You will need to brush their fur, as well as clean up plenty of hair from your floor.
Afghan Hound: $2,000 – $3,000
This breed is known for its unique long coat that covers their slender body. This lightweight build makes them not very tolerant of pain or cold weather.
On average, an Afghan Hound costs around $2,000 but can cost up to $3,000. Although that may be the typical range, like any breed, there are outliers on both sides.
Some breeders may charge less than $1,000, which can be a sign of an irresponsible breeder, and other breeders may cost much more than $3,000 if they are from a champion bloodline.
These dogs have an independent mentality, but they will need plenty of exercise to stay happy. That exercise should look like a mile or two minimum daily, and this can be walking.
You will need to keep them on a leash as they have a high prey drive and take off if they see an animal moving.
It’s also a good measure to have a fenced-in yard to prevent them from chasing things out into the street. Of course, if you live in a house, these dogs can also do well in apartments when provided with enough daily exercise.
Irish Wolfhound: $2,000 – $3,000
Behold, you are looking at the tallest breed in the world! Well, at least on average, the tallest dog in the world is Zeus the Great Dane, who measured in at 44 inches tall.
This gentle giant isn’t known for aggression and is quite sensitive to those around them.
They enjoy others’ company and have a NEED to spend time with their owner so they can soak up all that love.
On average, an Irish Wolfhound costs $1,900, which is for the puppy’s cost alone. However, for a dog of this size, there will be plenty of expenses in food, toys, vet visits, and other variable costs.
As you probably assumed, these dogs are best in homes with large backyards where these dogs can stretch out their long legs.
Apartments are, without a doubt, the least comfortable environment for this dog breed.
This dog does need a decent amount of exercise, which usually adds up to be around 40 minutes.
This is also where a yard is useful since it can be a good place for your dog to safely run around and burn off any extra energy after a couple of walks.
Lastly, unlike other giant dogs on this list, the Irish Wolfhound is a moderate shedder, slightly less than the heavy shedding Caucasian Ovcharka.
Saluki: $2,000 – $4,000
These majestic looking dogs make great running companions and are also hypoallergenic!
Unfortunately, these dogs are also quite rare, which will hike that price up quite a bit, IF you can even find a breeder.
On average, a Saluki can cost $2,500, but depending on the old economics of supply and demand, the price can vary greatly.
Although these dogs may have a beautiful long coat, under all that is a body very similar to the Greyhound.
This makes this breed more sensitive, which is a challenge, especially in households with younger children that may not always treat dogs with a gentle touch.
You will need to set aside plenty of time to exercise these dogs as they have high energy levels, which need to be expelled appropriately with lots of exercise.
It is said this breed needs a minimum of two hours of exercise per day. So if you don’t exercise frequently or just don’t have the time, this is not the breed for you.
When you are going for your daily runs or walks, make sure you keep them on a leash because their high prey drive can send them zooming towards other small animals.
For this reason, this breed is also not recommended for homes with cats, small dogs, or other small pets that you may have.
The preferred company for a Saluki is another Saluki. They much rather prefer their breed over other dog breeds.
Rottweiler: $2,000 – $6,000
It’s so lovely to see a familiar face on this list! Although more popular than the other breeds on this list, Rottweilers are known to cost quite a bit of money!
On average, you can buy a Rottweiler for around $1,000, but you may not be buying from the best quality breeder. For an AKC-registered breeder, you could be paying $2,000 for a higher quality Rottweiler.
You may ask yourself, “Why would I pay double the cost?” to that which I say because you could be paying much less by buying from a more reputable breeder.
Irresponsible breeders or puppy mills may breed and sell dogs without a proper health screening. This means they could be passing on genetic diseases that will end up not only putting your dog in bad health but also costing you several thousands of dollars.
Of course, your Rottweiler can still have health issues, but you could be improving your odds just by buying from a responsible breeder.
Moving onto what a Rottweiler is like, they are quite affectionate dogs with their family but have the power to protect, which has a reputation.
Because of their very intimidating, large size, they may be seen as a scary dog to the extent of not being allowed in specific neighborhoods.
You should also be aware that some people may prejudge your dog when walking on the street, even if you have a well-trained, friendly Rottweiler.
Rottweilers are pretty intelligent dogs, and with the right trainer starting at a young age can be easy to train.
What makes it more difficult is the noticeable size difference that makes them less manageable as they get older.
Make sure you start training them young and get them tons of socialization, so they learn to be friendly with other people and dogs.
The last thing any Rottweiler owner wants is a scared dog that can weigh more than 100 pounds!
Pharaoh Hound: $2,500 to $6,500
That’s not just a name. These dogs can be dated back to more than 5,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. Only by looking at their lightweight body and short coat you can see why they did well in that hot climate.
On average, a Pharaoh Hound costs around $2,500 but depending on the availability, bloodline, and other factors, this is known to fluctuate.
Onto personality, these dogs love their owners and don’t want to be away from them for long. If you do spend most of your days away from your dog, here are some dogs that can be left alone.
Unlike many other dogs on this list, these are good dogs for first-time owners. They don’t require a whole ton of exercise and are relatively easy to train.
Like other dogs of their stature, they are quite sensitive and may not be great for homes with young children.
Pharaoh Hounds are also not great for homes with small dogs, cats, or other animals as they have a high prey drive and tend to chase them.
One last thing that makes this breed unique is they have a low shedding coat, which is better for people with sensitivities. This also makes them much more comfortable to groom as there isn’t much hair to groom!
Lowchen: $3,000 to $6,000
The Lowchen, which stands for “little lion dog,” was at one point the rarest dog breed. Although they no longer hold that title, they are still dangerously close to being extinct.
On average, the Lowchen costs around $2,000, but for higher quality bloodlines, you can end up paying between $3,000 and $6,000.
Of course, if you can find a Lowchen breeder and one of good quality that sells healthy pups.
Due to their compact size and relatively low amount of exercise needed, these dogs can be great for apartment owners. Lowchens are smaller dogs, so they only need about 20 minutes of exercise minimum per day.
They will want to spend plenty of time with you, though, as they are not dogs that like being left alone for long. They love their family, and when you are gone for long, they may even experience separation anxiety.
It should also be known these dogs are known to bark quite a bit, so if they aren’t happy about something, you will learn about it (and so will your neighbors).
Fortunately, they are easy to train, so training them good behavior won’t be too difficult, or at least it won’t have the extra hassle some other dogs can add to the training.
Chow Chow: $3,000 – $8,000
Chow Chows are a very odd dog breed as they don’t act like dogs. Many people liken their behaviors to that of a cat, which may be suitable for people that want an independent dog.
On average, a Chow Chow costs $1,500; however, if you buy a Chow Chow of high bloodline quality, it can cost you closer to $3,000 and beyond.
These dogs aren’t very affectionate, which is the opposite of what many other dog breeds tend to be. Generally, they may choose one person to be loving towards and won’t give much to other family members.
These dogs prefer to do their own thing and aren’t interested in cuddling or stuff like that.
Chow Chows will still need plenty of exercise to keep off the weight. They are prone to gaining weight and obesity, so they should stay moving and have the right portions at mealtime to remain in good health.
Chow Chows aren’t known to be kind to strangers or other dogs. With their territorial nature, they may even get physical with other dogs if they don’t like the situation.
Of course, all of these are generalizations of the breed based on research, and all dogs are individuals that are heavily impacted by socialization and training during their puppy years.
English Bulldog: $3,000 – $10,000
You’ve seen these adorable, jolly dogs strutting around the neighborhood before. They have a very distinct look that makes them impossible to miss!
On average, you will probably spend around $3,000 to get an English Bulldog of good quality. However, better bloodlines can vary the cost significantly, and it isn’t uncommon to see this price go as high as $10,000 per puppy and beyond.
The primary reason why these adorable dogs cost more than other breeds is that they need a mandatory C-section since their birth canals aren’t big enough to birth the puppies.
C-sections can cost the breeder $1,500 or higher, which is an additional cost many other breeders of other dog breeds may not have to pay.
The costs don’t just stop there though, English Bulldogs are not cheap dogs to live with.
They have several health problems that need special care, and as many Bulldog owners will state, you are essentially buying a child with a Bulldog.
They are worth the money and time, though! English Bulldogs are loving dogs that love their family and new people!
They can even do well with other pets in the family, but they can be wary when it comes to strange dogs.
Samoyed: $3,000 – $11,000
These beautiful snow-white dogs have an exotic coat that comes at a high cost. There is also much debate as to whether or not these dogs should be considered hypoallergenic.
On average, Samoyeds from a good quality bloodline can cost around $3,000, but this can go up very quickly as you get into champion bloodlines.
Back to the Samoyed hypoallergenic debate, these dogs are listed by some websites as hypoallergenic because they are low dander dogs, but they shed A LOT. Twice a year, they will have a huge shed that will create piles of hair.
These dogs will require plenty of grooming to keep their hair in excellent condition and free of loose hair. Even though they may be low-dander, very allergy-sensitive people may still have an issue with this breed.
Onto personality, these dogs are known to be affectionate towards most people. They carry a good-natured attitude and will want to spend plenty of time with the family.
They will need a fair amount of exercise for a dog their size; about an hour a day should suffice. Since they are prone to getting overweight, you should stay consistent with this so they can remain in good health.
As you can imagine, they are better in colder weather because of their fluffy white coat, and you should make sure they are comfortable when things get hotter.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: $2,000 – $14,000
You have most likely seen this dog before, and just at a glance, you can understand why they are expensive. They are beautiful dogs with a friendly disposition that makes them easy to approach.
On average, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel costs $4,000 but can easily cost you more as you scale up in the bloodline’s quality.
If you are new to being a dog owner, this is a great dog to start with. They are easy to train, smart, want to spend time with you, and are generally very kind to everything they encounter.
Walking down the street, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will want to meet as many people as they can to get the maximum amount of petting per day.
Like most breeds, there are a variety of different personalities you may get. Not all dogs are the same, even if they are of the same breed.
Sometimes, a dog is just more energetic or develops to be totally contrary to general information about the breed.
These dogs are purely companion dogs, and they are far too friendly to be used in any guarding duties. Plus, they would much rather prefer following you around over patrolling the house.
Being smaller dogs, they remain more sensitive, so they aren’t ideal for homes with young children that don’t know how to act around dogs.
German Shepherd: Up To $24,000
Ah yes, the German Shepherd, a wonderfully large dog that we have often seen both in film and as working dogs in real life. They are alert and active dogs, yet they are also very affectionate to their family.
On average, a German Shepherd costs $1,000, but if you want to buy from a higher quality breeder, it may cost you closer to $3,500.
Then, of course, for people looking for a show-quality German Shepherd, you can end up paying up to $24,000!
To my surprise, these dogs were ranked #2 on the 2019 list of most popular dog breeds by the AKC, only being beaten in popularity by the Labrador Retriever at #1.
German Shepherds are commonly seen these days as good family dogs (with proper training) as well as good guard dogs.
They know how to be affectionate towards their family while still protecting them from what they may see as suspicious.
Fortunately, these dogs are very open to training and learning new things, so they are often described as easy to train. Paired with their high intelligence, it isn’t shocking they are used in many different jobs.
They are known to bark, though, which is suitable for a watchdog but expect your German to start barking when they hear the doorbell or see someone approaching the door.
Before getting a German Shepherd, you should know they are notorious for their very high shedding levels.
A reliable vacuum and mop will be a good idea before getting this breed, as you will be finding hair all over the place!
Tibetan Mastiff: $3,000 to $1,900,000
Tibetan Mastiff puppy taking a nap.
Tibetan Mastiffs are amazing dogs with a big fluffy coat and an impressive size that can amount to over 150 pounds!
This dog is frequently purchased for hundreds of thousands of dollars, or even more than a million dollars in China. Not too long ago, a Chinese businessman purchased one of these majestic dogs for 1.9 million dollars!
Before that, one Tibetan Mastiff named “Big Splash” sold for 1.5 Million dollars in China. Why? Because this particular Tibetan Mastiff was said to be the perfect specimen!
On average, the Tibetan Mastiff costs around $3,000 on the lower end. However, if you are looking for one of the top-quality, you can spend anywhere from $5,000 to 2 Million!
So what are these pricey, giant dogs like? Well, they are smart dogs that are known to be challenging to train because of their independent thinking and stubbornness.
They appreciate your company, though, and will show affection towards you. Having spent much time around people in their past, it’s clear they have an understanding of people and their emotions.
This can be a good thing and a bad thing, though. If your dog picks up on an argument with your partner, then they may pick up on the anger and start to become frustrated themself.
Also, at their core, they are guard dogs. They can get territorial and apprehensive around strangers, often trying to feel if a stranger is good or bad.
With good socialization, you can improve their feelings toward strangers and other dogs. So be sure to start socializing with them as they are young.
Considering all this, it is probably best you only take on a Tibetan Mastiff if you have the experience and knowledge to train them to be a good dog as it won’t be easy.
Conclusion
If you decide to get any of the dogs on this list, be ready to pay top dollar!
But remember that when you buy a dog, the price shouldn’t be as much of a concern as purchasing a good quality puppy that will be healthy.
Puppy mills are a real problem in the United States, and they are run by irresponsible breeders that don’t care for the dogs, which can cause many problems.
If you want to know the signs of a puppy mill, check out this resource.
Lastly, before you get any puppy, make sure you research the breed beforehand to make sure you know what you are volunteering for.
It is essential to get a breed that fits your lifestyle, so you have the best odds of succeeding and making your new dog feel like they fit right into your life.
Enjoy the journey of having a dog, it goes quickly, but it is an experience you will never forget.