When thinking about the most expensive dog breeds, you may picture something rare, exotic looking or with special skills like an Australian Shepherd, but this isn’t always the case.
While some of the most expensive breeds are also among the most popular, others cost a lot because of their scarcity. Some breeds will not only set you back several thousand dollars to buy, but also might cost much in vet fees over the course of their lives.
There have been some eye-watering sales of particularly special dogs in the past five years, with one Mastiff selling for $1.5 million, but in general, if we look at the upfront costs of bringing home a puppy for the first time and potential cost of owning a dog and their care over a lifetime, there are some clear winners for the most expensive dog breeds.
Here are the top 10 most expensive dog breeds according to Reader’s Digest, and all the essential info about them.
Most expensive dog breeds
10. Newfoundland
Height: 26–28 inches
Weight: 100–105 pounds
Life expectancy: 9–10 years
Average cost: $3,250
Not only are Newfoundlands among the biggest in the canine kingdom, they are also one of the most obedient large dog breeds – both eager to please and easy to train. Unlike many dogs on the larger side, they’re also fantastic swimmers.
Their coat needs a lot of maintenance, and even if you intend to groom your dog at home, you will need to invest in several combs, rakes and brushes to keep them in tip-top shape. They’re also pretty big droolers, but this is easy to overlook thanks to their loving, happy-go-lucky natures.
9. Irish Wolfhound
Height: 30–32 inches
Weight: 105–120 pounds
Life expectancy: 6–8 years
Average cost: $3,250
Another of the largest dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound is a docile companion in the house but, true to its original wolf-coursing purpose, also requires a good couple of hours of exercise daily. They are pleasant, loving and amenable, but as sighthounds have a high prey drive you will need to do need plenty of recall training.
They are a breed prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and can sometimes only live for 6-8 years, so bear this in mind before investing in one of these gorgeous pups.
8. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Height: 23–28.5 inches
Weight: 85–140 pounds
Life expectancy: 8–11 years
Average cost: $3,450
Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are similar to the Bernese Mountain Dog in look and temperament, although their grooming needs are much less intensive due to having a much shorter coat.
Great Swisses are wonderful family dogs with obedience and gentle humour in spades. They get on very well with children and teenagers and enjoy life best in an active family.
Can’t decide between a Bernese Mountain Dog vs Greater Swiss Mountain Dog? We’ve got everything you need to know covered.
7. Portuguese Water Dog
Height: 17–23 inches
Weight: 35–60 pounds
Life expectancy: 11–13 years
Average cost: $3,500
Portuguese Water dogs are one of the most popular dog breeds for many reasons, one being that they achieved First Dog status when President Obama brought Bo to the White House in 2008 and the Portie joined the list of US presidents’ dogs.
Another keen swimming breed, the Portie is an active and capable little dog with an outgoing personality – they are happy to be everyone’s friend. Plenty of daily exercise is a must, and they excel in dog sports liek dock diving where they can show off their swimming prowess.
6. Biewer Terrier
Height: 7–11 inches
Weight: 4–8 pounds
Life expectancy: 16 years
Average cost: $3,500
This tiny toy dog is a terrier at heart with lapdog tendencies. Newly recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Biewer Terrier sports a long and silky coat, whose upkeep is a reasonably tall order. Don’t be fooled by this cute character’s diminutive size – they have plenty of energy to burn and can even keep up with hikers!
They are a relatively robust little pooch, too. Their only complaint is a propensity for gastro-intestinal issues, although this can be managed with a carefully controlled diet.
5. Samoyed
Height: 19–23.5 inches
Weight: 6–14 pounds
Life expectancy: 10–15 years
Average cost: $3,750
Akin to a cloud in appearance, a Samoyed puppy has high grooming requirements, so this is something you should bear in mind if you’re considering getting one of these dogs.
However, if you can stomach a daily grooming sesh and a whole lot of shedding, you will be richly rewarded with a playful, active dog who loves nothing more than to be on the go with their favourite human.
Samoyed’s are generally healthy, but it’s important to ensure any puppy is health tested for Samoyed Hereditary Glomerulopathy, which tends to affect males and can cause kidney failure.
4. Chow Chow
Height: 17–20 inches
Weight: 45–79 pounds
Life expectancy: 8–12 years
Average cost: $4,000
The strong, square and lion-like chow chow is known for its blue-black tongue and curly tail. They have a long ancestry spanning back centuries and are pretty strong-willed, so you’ll need to get your puppy training started early!
Chows are vocal, independent and a little standoffish, but they are extremely devoted to their owners. While youngsters will need sufficient play and walking to burn their energy, adult chows are fairly sedate and will be content with up to an hour’s daily exercise with toys and chews to amuse themselves with in between.
The chow’s thick coat can leave them at risk of overheating and heatstroke, so it’s important to monitor this in hot weather.
3. Tibetan Mastiff
Height: 24–26 inches
Weight: 70–150 pounds
Life expectancy: 10–12 years
Average cost: $4,000
Tibetan Mastiffs are pretty rare, which helps contribute to their hefty price tag, but if you’re looking for a fluffy giant who’s relatively easy to groom thanks to low shedding, a Tibetan Mastiff could be the dog you’re looking for.
As natural guard dogs, they are fiercely loyal and it’s therefore very important to thoroughly socialize a young Tibetan Mastiff. They are also highly intelligent and can be stubborn, so consistent training is a must.
2. French Bulldog
Height: 11–13 inches
Weight: under 28 pounds
Life expectancy: 10–12 years
Average cost: $4,250
Charming, cute and always up for a good time, the French Bulldog’s sunny disposition is as infectious as it is delightful. This pint-sized playmate loves short bursts of play, but his true passion in life is snoozing on the sofa with his best human pal.
Unfortunately, French Bulldogs are notorious for their health problems as a brachycephalic dog breed. Even with the best pet insurance, you may find yourself paying a lot in medication and vet bills over the lifetime of the dog.
1. English Bulldog
Height: 14–15 inches
Weight: 40–50 pounds
Life expectancy: 8–10 years
Average cost: $4,750
Another dog that loves living life in the slow lane, the English Bulldog is a feisty but friendly little character who is a true couch potato. They are extremely loyal dogs and are very tolerant of children and different pet species, making them ideal candidates for a multi-pet household.
Bulldogs often also come with health problems that drive up the overall lifetime cost even higher. Their squashed faces can cause issues with breathing and chronic skin conditions, which can be expensive to treat.
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
