Dogs truly are “man’s best friend.” No matter which breed you choose or how much they cost, your dog is sure to shower you with love and loyalty. And if you’re a dog lover, you don’t need anyone to tell you how adorable these furry friends can be.
However, it is true that some breeds are more expensive than others. The price of a dog depends on their features, rarity, and other factors. It can also be quite expensive to maintain a dog. Below is a list of dogs that are total head-turners but can also be a little financially extravagant.
Most Expensive Dogs
The Afghan Hound ($7000)
Afghan Hounds found in the mountains and hilly areas of Afghanistan, is considered one of the most beautiful breeds. Their curly tails and flowing coats are their signature characteristics. Afghan Hounds need to be brushed daily because their long and shiny hair can quickly become tangled.
Afghan Hounds have an average life span of 10–14 years. You will also have to consider the cost of properly maintaining their health, as they are predisposed to conditions like hypothyroidism and cataracts, driving the cost of this puppy up even more.
The Pharaoh Hound ($7500)
The Pharaoh Hound was mainly used for hunting purposes in the islands of Malta. These dogs are brilliant and highly athletic, tending to weigh around 45–55 pounds.
The average life span of this dog breed is around 11–14 years, but they can be extremely sensitive to stress, which can cause severe neurotic and digestive issues. However, their genetic makeup makes them extra loyal as well as suitable for large families.
The Dogo Argentino ($8000)
The Dogo Argentino is mainly used for big game hunting due to their muscular structure, which allows them to hunt wild hogs in regions of South America and Asia.
This breed dates back to 1928, and the primary ancestors of this dog are the Great Dane and the extinct Cordoba Fighting Dog. Because of the dog’s dominant features, it is illegal to own them in New York, Colorado, and the UK. Their life expectancy is 12–14 years, but they suffer from conditions like deafness and hip dysplasia. Without proper exercise, the Dogo Argentino’s health issues will only get worse, which will also increase vet costs.
The Canadian Eskimo Dog or Canadian Inuit Dog
The Canadian Eskimo Dog or Canadian Inuit Dog is one of the rarest breeds of dog. They are facing extinction. According to a survey from 2008, only 300 members of this breed were left in the world.
These dogs were brought to North America from Siberia a very long time ago, and their numbers have been decreasing since then. The main reason for their decrease in number is that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police killed 20,000 of them from 1950 to 1970. The slaughter of these Inuit sled dogs was intended to disrupt the Inuit way of life.
The Canadian Inuit breed is prone to entropion and gastric torsion. With this condition, a dog’s eyelids roll inward, and they also suffer from arthritis and heat intolerance. These dogs are considered quite territorial, and they often react to minute disturbances, which is the main reason they are not considered for children and families.
The Tibetan Mastiff ($10,000)
The Tibetan Mastiff is a huge dog breed that came to the United States from Tibet, where it protected sheep from predators like bears, leopards, and wolves. Grown male Mastiffs can weigh up to 150 pounds.
Tibetan Mastiffs are very expensive to maintain and eventually began to decrease in number. The breed is overall very healthy but prone to several hereditary conditions like hypothyroidism, eye anomalies, and dysplasia.
The Chow Chow ($11,000)
The Chow Chow originated in Northern China. It is one of the rarest and oldest breeds of dog in the world. They are expensive to purchase, and owners will need to shell out a considerable sum for their food, vet bills, treats, health issues, and grooming.
Chow Chows need regular exercise, sometimes more than four walks per day. They are one the most stubborn dog breeds. Their primary health issues include dysplasia, eyelid entropion, and thyroid infections. Their life expectancy is 8–12 years but can be longer if they are properly cared for.
The Löwchen or “Little Lion Dog” ($12,000)
The Löwchen or “Little Lion Dog” have been popular in European countries for more than 400 years. They originated in France. It was once one of the rarest dogs in the world in 1973. At the time, only 65 existed worldwide.
As of now, 300 Löwchen are registered. They are one of the most outgoing breeds, highly active and playful, making them perfect for children and families. They also need a lot of attention and love and become sad when they are left alone for long periods. One fantastic advantage of owning this breed is that they won’t rack up your vet bills as they are surprisingly healthy.
The Samoyed ($14,000)
The Samoyed is considered the most expensive dog in the world. They originated in Siberia. This rare breed is famous for its eager-to-please attitude and smiling face. They love to wander, so owners should give them opportunities to roam freely.
They are brilliant, mischievous, social dogs that always want attention and love, making them a great fit for families and children. Since they are very rare dogs, they can come with huge vet bills. Their health conditions include cardiac disorders, corneal dystrophy, and autoimmune issues.
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is the national dog of Czechoslovakia; however, this breed is very rare and can be found only in Czechoslovakia. The breed started in 1955 when a working line of German Shepherds was crossed with Carpathian Wolves. The aim was to create a breed with the stamina of wolves and the mind of a German Shepherd. The price of this dog is said to be $50,000 because, in order to purchase one, you need to travel to Czechoslovakia (the area currently known as the Czech Republic and Slovakia).
Conclusion
In addition to being the most expensive dogs in the world, most of the dogs mentioned above are high maintenance and will cost you a considerable sum of money every year. So, before you get any of these dogs, it is important to make sure that you are capable of maintaining them. And if you really want to get one, it would be a good idea to get them insured as well.
