Everything comes at a price. We have been domesticating dogs since thousands of years and even in the start when we feel had no cost of owning a dog, there always was one. Maybe not a monetary cost attached in terms of getting a pet dog but even the earlier humans paid a price in terms of sharing food, time and shelter and sometimes as a barter against something else. We now have developed a full-fledged monetary system with different currencies through which we attach a price to almost everything. Dogs also now are available in markets. Lets not make them sound as a commodity but rather a luxury that not everyone can afford because the love, affection and loyalty are priceless.
But talking about price, lets talk about the most expensive dogs out there. The price is generally decided based on the availability, demand, rarity, uniqueness in the features, etc. It doesn’t just stop at the initial price to get the dog but continues to vet costs, food, shelter, toys, treats, grooming, training, etc. Based on the above factors, the top 10 list includes –
10. Afghan Hound - $7,000
Price | $5,000-7,000 |
Lifetime Care Price | $3,000 |
Average Weight | 45-60 pounds |
Average Height | 25-30 inches |
Life Expectancy | 13 to 17 years |
Origin | Afghanistan |
Found in the mountains of Afghanistan, the Afghan Hound is one of the costliest dog breeds out there with an average cost of around $5000-$7000 with an additional around $3000 for their lifetime health care. The long hair and the unique looks caused them to become highly desirable show dogs and pets.
9. Pharaoh Hound - $7,500
Price | $7,000-$7,500 |
Average Weight | 110 to 130 |
Average Height | 50 to 55 inches |
Life Expectancy | 11 to 14 years |
Origin | Malta |
The Maltese breed of rabbit hunting dogs, Pharaoh Hound, is a rare and costly breed costing around $7000-$7500. Highly intelligent and athletic with natural makeup including a cute blush when happy makes them more attractive.
8. King Charles Spaniel - $5,000
Price | $3,000-5,000 |
Vet Lifetime Costs | $1,000-1,500 |
Average Weight | 9 - 14 Pounds |
Average Height | 8-11 Inches |
Life Expectancy | 10-15 Years |
Origin | Great Britain |
About King Charles Spaniel. These fur balls are one of the cutest and most expensive dogs with the average price ranging from $3000-$5000 with another $1000-$1500 in vet lifetime costs. They are equipped with the ability to sense what humans need be it a snuggle session to soothe anxiety or a cheerful distraction with their playfulness after a hard day.
7. Azawakh - $8,500
Price | $8,000-8,500 |
Average Weight | 45 to 65 Pounds |
Average Height | 25 to 30 Inches |
Life Expectancy | 10 to 12 Years |
Origin | Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger |
Comparatively a newer breed but yet one of the costliest ones, the Azawakh costs around $8000-$8500 along with its lifetime vet fees. These West African dogs are a hunting type and are distinct relatives to Middle Eastern and South Indian hounds.
6. Lowchen - $8,000
Average Weight | 12 to 18 Pounds |
Average Height | 12 to 14 Inches |
Life Expectancy | 13 to 15 Years |
Origin | France |
One of the rarest and thus among the most expensive dog breeds out there, the Lowchen is has been popular in Europe since the past 500 years. Outgoing, active, playful, attention seeking and healthy is everything that describes a Lowchen.
5. Akita - $7,000
Price | $3,000-7,000 |
Average Weight | 60 to 120 Pounds |
Average Height | 24 to 28 Inches |
Life Expectancy | 10 to 12 Years |
Origin | Japan |
The world-famous Akita dog, Hachiko, who waited for the master for 9 years after his death has made this breed very popular and attractive and hence demanding a high price for the loyalty. The price can be anywhere between $3000 to $7000 depending on the breeder. The breed loves outdoor space and can get frustrated and destructive if not given ample space to vent out its energy. Explore the financial considerations of owning an Akita here.
4. Shikoku - $6,000
Price | $4,000-6,000 |
Average Weight | 30 to 50 Pounds |
Average Height | 18 to 20 Inches |
Life Expectancy | 10 to 12 Years |
Origin | Japan |
The famous dog of ‘Game of Thrones’, Shikoku is a Japanese breed which finds its name in one of the most costly dog breeds because of the popularity. The average cost can be around $4000-$6000.
3. Chow Chow - $10,000
Price | $8,000 - 10,000 |
Average Weight | 40 to 90 Pounds |
Average Height | 18 to 22 Inches |
Life Expectancy | 11 to 13 Years |
Origin | China |
One of the oldest, rarest and the costliest breed in the world, the Chinese breed Chow Chow can be priced somewhere between $8000-$10,000. The costs of vet and everyday care also pile up pretty big. But given the beautiful looks, fluffiness, cuddly and protective nature makes it all worth it
2. Samoyed - $12,000
Price | $10,000-12,000 |
Average Weight | 45 to 65 Pounds |
Average Height | 18 to 22 Inches |
Life Expectancy | 12 to 14 Years |
Origin | Siberia |
The beauty standard of white fluffy dogs, the Samoyed is a treat to the eyes. Taking its name from the Samoyed tribe of Siberia, they are used for herding, hunting, protection and sled-pulling. These cousins of the Husky are prices at around $10,000 to $12,000. And just for that royal look, its all worth it.
1. Tibetan Mastiff - $10,000
Average Weight | 90 to 110 Pounds |
Average Height | 26 to 28 Inches |
Life Expectancy | 12 to 15 Years |
Origin | Tibetan Plateau |
The costliest dog ever sold on this planet was worth a whopping $1.5 million. And this was a 11-month-old, 180-pound Red Tibetan Mastiff named Big Splash. This in itself shows the value of these dogs that someone was willing to pay that much. But you won’t be much surprised when you look at the dog and fall in love with the beauty. Affection, love, care and protective are add-ons to the beauty.
There may be price attached to all these and other breeds of dogs and they show their worth as well but doesn’t mean that a cheaper dog would be any low on loyalty or affection. Even a shelter adopted dog may become the best pet you’ve ever had with its unconditional love and care towards you and your family. So shell out some dollars if you’re looking for something exotic and rare and it will definitely be worth it.
What are Some Expensive Procedures That Dogs May Have to Go Through?
Having a dog may lead to many expensive vet bills. Some breeds may be extra prone to cruciate ligament injuries. A cruciate ligament injury, often referred to as an ACL tear, is a common and debilitating condition that affects many dogs, particularly the larger breeds detailed in this article.
Another expensive illness that many dogs may have to deal with is Cushing's disease. Cushing's disease impacts the adrenal glands of dogs and may be expensive to treat.
As Spot’s resident cat enthusiast, I am dedicated to researching and sharing information that helps pet owners take the best care of their pets. Pet ownership comes with it’s share of challenges, but my goal is to help make this journey easier.
