Dogs are loving members of our families, and their affection, loyalty, and companionship are priceless. That said, dogs can be expensive to purchase and own. We have listed the most expensive dog breeds on earth below. Expenses include both the initial price and the cost of healthcare, food, and grooming.
Top 31 Most Expensive Dog Breeds
Many of the most expensive dog breeds on earth are designer dogs, that is, hybrids that have gained global demand due to their hypoallergenic coats, long lives, and trainability. The other dogs on this list are pure breeds that are either very rare, very large, or controversial for their background as fighting dogs.
We will list the 31 most expensive dog breeds in random order because the initial price of the puppy may be higher in some breeds while the total lifetime costs are much higher in others. Therefore, costs can be a trade-off between high puppy prices with lower lifetime costs or vice versa. In the end, you can decide if you’re willing to shell out a high initial cost with a lower lifetime expense or if you want to buy a relatively cheap puppy but pay more over time.
31. Golden Retriever
The Golden retriever is a classic all-American family dog that is as lovable as they come. They are one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. and Canada especially, and while the average price for a Golden Retriever puppy may not be off the charts, they tend to have pricey health problems like hip dysplasia.
Average puppy price: $1000
Lifetime cost: $22,720
30. Kerry Blue Terrier
This sprightly and agile mid-sized dog originated in Ireland and was bred to hunt and control local pest animals, herd cows and sheep, and protect the herd from predators like foxes. They are intelligent, energetic, and affectionate companions. Their unique blue coat is also a big selling point.
Average puppy price: $2,000
Lifetime cost: $25,070
29. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier looks like a standard pit bull, and despite their tough appearance, they are very sweet and sensitive animals that make devoted companions.
Average puppy price: $2000
Lifetime cost: $20,235
28. Great Dane
The Great Dane is an excellent house dog that, believe it or not, does not need a lot of space because they are content to lie around the house most of the day. They are a beautiful and regal breed, coming in all coat colors.
They may not have a huge price tag at first glance, but they have a very short lifespan, so relatively speaking they are costly for the short period you get to spend with them.
Average puppy price: $1000
Lifetime cost: $20,015
27. Bernese Mountain Dog
These enormous, fluffy dogs originated in Switzerland as farm dogs who protect and offer loving companionship to owners. They only live an average of eight years, so they are an expensive breed considering their short lifespan.
Average puppy price: $1200
Lifetime cost: $19,420
26. Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are the quintessential designer dog. They are a mixed breed between a golden retriever and a poodle. They have the best of both worlds as they are intelligent, loving, and easy to train. Goldendoodles are also hypoallergenic.
Average puppy price: $2000
Lifetime cost: $32,675
25. English Bulldog
These little balls of muscle are sweet, friendly, and very patient, making them excellent family dogs.
Average puppy price: $2500
Lifetime cost: $16,135
24. French Bulldog
French bulldogs are popular city dogs because of their small stature and their easy-going temperament. They are content to do whatever their owners are doing, whether it be snoozing, playing, or sitting around.
Average puppy price: $2,800
Lifetime cost: $16,295
23. Akita
Originating in Japan, Akitas are large, athletic dogs with unique and interesting looks. They also have cat-like temperaments, tending to be standoffish with strangers and highly territorial.
Average price puppy: $1000
Lifetime cost: $25,920
22. Samoyed
Named for the Siberian peoples who domesticated them, these perfectly white, thick-coated herding dogs appear to always be smiling.
Average puppy price: $1850
Lifetime cost: $28,620
21. Chow Chow
Known for their black tongues, Chow Chows are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Other unique characteristics of Chow Chows are their completely straight hind legs and two extra teeth.
Average puppy price: $2,250
Lifetime cost: $21,660
20. Saint Bernard
These giant mountain dogs originated in the Italian and Swiss alps, bred to work through harsh winters at high altitudes. They are a noble and gentle breed despite their size.
Average puppy price: $1000
Lifetime cost: $21,455
19. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are known as the ultimate water dogs. They can swim long distances and their muscular bodies are engineered to withstand even the strongest currents. If you love swimming and water sports, these dogs are perfect for you.
Average puppy price: $1200
Lifetime cost: $24,675
18. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are large, graceful, and speedy animals that have been favorite pets of generations of monarchs and royalty.
Average puppy price: $2000
Lifetime cost: $17,480
17. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These sweet and fearless dogs are the perfect mix of sporting dogs and lapdogs. They have plenty of energy to accompany you on hikes and outdoor play but are equally content to be a lap dog.
Average puppy price: $1,500
Lifetime cost: $17,300
16. Cavapoo
Cavapoos are a hybrid mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles. They vary in size depending on the size of their poodle parent, but they are friendly and hypoallergenic.
Average puppy price: $1500
Lifetime cost: $19,000
15. Norwich Terrier
One of the most endearing breeds, the Norwich Terrier originated in England as a small rodent hunter. They may have a high initial cost, but they live a long life and have relatively few health issues.
Average puppy price: $3500
Lifetime cost: $19,555
14. Dogue de Bordeaux
These giant wrinkly pups are a type of Mastiff. Like most large dogs, this breed is a gentle giant. They are also the oldest known French breed.
Average puppy price: $1500
Lifetime cost: $17,725
13. Cockapoo
This hypoallergenic designer dog breed is a mix between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. They have the sweet and eager to please personality traits of cocker spaniels and the trainability and intelligence of the Poodle.
Average puppy price: $2000
Lifetime cost: $19,685
12. Afghan Hound
The regal-looking, long-haired Afghan hound has an equally glamorous personality type. They are independent, intelligent, and the star of many movies and cartoons due to their elegant stature and coat.
Average puppy price: $2,250
Lifetime cost: $27,540
11. Pharaoh Hound
A type of Maltese hunting dog, the Pharaoh hound was bred specifically to hunt rabbits. They are sporty and friendly dogs.
Average puppy price: $2000
Lifetime cost: $22,550
10. Dogo Argentino
These large, short-haired white dogs originated in Argentina and are excellent rescue animals and guide dogs to the blind.
Average puppy price: $2,500
Lifetime cost: $20,160
9. Bouvier des Flandres
As per their name, these herding dogs originated in Flanders, Belgium, and today they are often police dogs in Europe.
Average puppy price: $1,800
Lifetime cost: $27,720
8. Rottweiler
Despite their bad-rap as intimidating guard dogs or fighting dogs, Rottweilers are obedient, even-tempered, and loving pets.
Average puppy price: $1150
Lifetime cost: $21,670
7. Azawakh
Originating in the Saharan region of Africa, this athletic and confident leader of the pack has a reserved temperament but warms up quickly to their owner.
Average puppy price: $3000
Lifetime cost: $20,000
6. Lowchen
These “Little Lions,” as their name translates, are one of the rarest dog breeds in the world, which along with its hypoallergenic coat, small size, and sociable temperament, make it an expensive dog to own.
Average puppy price: $3000
Lifetime cost: $20,000
5. Caucasian Ovtcharka
Originating in Russia, these giant puffy bear-like dogs are still used as herders and guardians of farms in Russia. They are hard to find in most parts of the world.
Average puppy price: $3000
Lifetime cost: $27,180
4. Saluki
The Saluki is one of the oldest breeds in the world. They are a sighthound variety with their characteristic aloof, independent, and intelligent temperaments. Like greyhounds, they are quite fast, making great running companions.
Average puppy price: $2400
Lifetime cost: $24,025
3. Cane Corso
These giant grey Italian Mastiffs only recently made a global appearance as they were only found in Italy until the mid-’80s.
Average puppy price: $1,500
Lifetime cost: $23,600
2. Portuguese Water Dog
While the average price for a puppy is expensive, these dogs can go for up to 6,000 a puppy depending on where you live. True to their name, they have webbed toes to facilitate swimming as they were originally bred to herd fish into Portuguese fishermen’s nets.
Average puppy price: $2,200
Lifetime cost: $22,355
1. Tibetan Mastiff
These enormous, double-coated Mastiffs were bred by nomadic herdsmen in Tibet to assist them in herding and protecting their flocks. They are reserved, gentle, and devoted family members. Despite their size, they eat considerably less than many other large dog breeds.
Average puppy price: $2500
Lifetime cost: $32,485
For more information on pet care and how to stay up to date on all things pups, be sure to follow our daily tips.
