The 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds

Key Points

• The most expensive dog breed is the Tibetan Mastiff, with puppies costing around $3,000. These dogs require regular grooming, which owners can expect to run them roughly $70 per session. Additionally, they can suffer from severe health problems needing surgery, which can rack up insane vet bills.
• With puppies going for about $2,000, Black Russian Terriers are the second most expensive dogs. They also require grooming and usually a lot of veterinary care.
• Since they don’t require as much medical attention, Portuguese Water Dogs come in third, though they cost about $2,500.

When looking for a furry companion, it is important to keep in mind that dogs are an investment of energy, time, and money. Some breeds are more expensive than others when it comes to the upfront selling price, while other breeds require more grooming or health care maintenance throughout their lives than others. Purebreds have a strong market demand for particular dog owners or competitive dog showers.

Another thing to think about is food. If you’re going to invest in a very expensive dog, especially one with many potential health problems, it only makes sense to feed that dog the highest quality food. Buying the best dog food out there to ensure the best nutrition will inevitably add up and result in even higher costs, especially for large dogs who eat more food.

Here are the top ten most expensive dog breeds based on a compilation of initial purchase price, grooming costs, and lifetime medical expenses.

#10: Newfoundlands – $1,500

Newfoundlands are gentle giants, great for family life. About $1,500 to purchase, these dogs are pricey when it comes to health care, as a larger stature leads to more orthopaedic and cardiological problems. Massive with long, thick fur, these dogs are high maintenance and expensive to groom.

#9: Chow Chow – $1,250

Chow chows are a protective breed, making good guard dogs. Living about 12-15 years, medical expenses can be higher than other mentioned breeds because of joint issues and autoimmune disorders. Grooming costs are also higher for these dogs with their thick, luscious coats.

#8: Alaskan Malamute – $1,000

Highly energetic and companionable, Alaskan Malamutes cost around $1,000 upfront and live around 13-16 years. In addition to being one of the most expensive dog breeds, medical expenses can be high due to health issues, such as diabetes mellitus. Their heavy coats make for expensive trips to the groomer, as well.

#7: Saint Bernard – $1,500

Saint Bernards pretty much act how they look: calm and aloof. An initial cost of around $1,500 is nothing compared to the cost of medical expenses, around $8,000 or more. For such a large dog, grooming can rack up excessive costs as well.

#6: Golden Retrievers – $1,500

One of the most well-tempered breeds, Golden Retrievers are about $1,500 to purchase from a breeder. Living about 10-13 years, these dogs are faithful companions but are predisposed to serious health conditions, especially orthopaedic cancers, skyrocketing veterinary visit costs during their lifetime. Golden retrievers also require regular grooming.

#5: Old English Sheepdog $1,250

Well known from the movie “The Shaggy Dog,” Old English Sheepdogs are intelligent and loyal herding dogs, great for families with kids. These furry pals need to be groomed and can be gotten from breeders for about $1,250. Due to health problems such as deafness, cataracts, gastric torsion, otitis externa, etc., healthcare may cost over $7,000 for this breed, making them one of the most expensive dog breeds. 

#4: Irish Wolfhound – $1,900

Massive but kind, Irish Wolfhounds make wonderful family pets. However, puppies cost around $1,900 and grooming costs run high for such a large dog. As a larger breed, these dogs do develop specific health issues, running up the costs of veterinary visits each year to over $5,000. Other health issues such as von Willebrand’s Disease (a problem with blood clotting), progressive retinal atrophy, and megaesophagus may present in this breed.

#3: Portuguese Water Dog – $2,500

While more expensive to purchase than Black Russian Terriers at around $2,500, Portuguese water dogs do not usually require as much healthcare, making them somewhat less expensive to own. Again, these dogs require grooming and live about 12-15 years.

#2: Black Russian Terrier – $2,000

Following the great Tibetan Mastiff are Black Russian Terriers. Puppies cost up to $2,000 and adult dogs require regular grooming and wellness visits. These dogs develop ocular and orthopaedic health issues, such as elbow dysplasia, typically later in life, requiring increased cost in spending on veterinary visits.

#1 Most Expensive Dog Breed: Tibetan Mastiff – $3,000

Not only is this extra-large breed an incredibly beautiful dog, it is also the most expensive breed to own based on purchase price, grooming, feeding, and healthcare. Puppies from breeds run about $3,000 and have a lifespan of about 10-12 years. These majestic, fluffy dogs require frequent grooming, about $70 each visit. While their large size makes for good protection, it also comes with various health issues such as hip dysplasia, seizures, autoimmune diseases, and inherited demyelinative neuropathy. Veterinary visits for problems such as these can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars with potential surgeries.

While purebred dogs are popular for specific reasons, adoption services are a better option to breeders, as these dogs have either been abandoned or given up due to unforeseen circumstances. Adopted dogs are less expensive and have already had medical expenses taken care of for initial examinations and such. If using a breeder, make sure they are reputable and provide early health checks to young puppies, and are aware of any health issues that may present in the litter.

The 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds Summary

Up Next…

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