Top 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in 2024 View Larger Image

Top 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in 2024

1. Samoyed – $14,000

Taking the top spot for the most expensive dog breed in the world is the Samoyed, a breed originally from Siberia. Known for their friendly, loving nature and their trademark "Sammy smile," these dogs are not just beautiful but also have a strong sense of adventure, often wandering off if not kept on a leash. 

Samoyeds are highly intelligent, social, and playful, making them excellent companions for families with children. However, their beauty comes with a price: they can have high vet bills due to their susceptibility to health issues like corneal dystrophy, autoimmune conditions, and cardiac disorders, which can add up to around $5,000.

Whether you choose a high-priced Samoyed or adopt from a shelter, investing in a good dog insurance policy can ensure your furry friend's health and happiness, providing you with peace of mind.

2. Löwchen – $12,000

Also known as the "little lion dog," the Löwchen has been a beloved breed in Europe for over 500 years, with its origins in France. In 1973, the Löwchen was one of the rarest dogs in the world, with only 65 left. Today, only about 300 are registered each year globally.

Löwchens are known for their outgoing and playful nature, making them ideal for families with children. However, they thrive on human interaction and can become unhappy if left alone for long periods.

3. Chow Chow – $11,000

The Chow Chow originates from northern China and is one of the oldest and rarest breeds in the world. The dog itself is expensive to buy, but the costs to own a Chow Chow don’t stop there. You’ll rack up the bills for food, treats, vet bills, grooming, and health issues, which can total around $11,000 for their life.

They require a decent amount of regular exercise, such as four or more walks per day. The breed is also naturally stubborn, which can impact trainability and potentially hinder the relationship between you and your pup.

Primary health issues for Chow Chows include eyelid entropion, hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies and thyroid function. The life expectancy is 8-12 years but can be increased with proper care.

While not the most expensive dog breed, the Löwchen’s initial cost can be significant. Fortunately, they are generally healthy, so ongoing veterinary expenses are usually manageable. With a lifespan of 13 to 15 years, the Löwchen offers great value for the investment.

4. Tibetan Mastiff – $10,000

This imposing breed, the Tibetan Mastiff, originally hails from Tibet, where it was used to guard sheep against predators like wolves, leopards, and bears. Males can weigh over 150 pounds and are known for their formidable strength and protective nature.

Although they were once valued as guardians, the cost of maintaining these large dogs led to a decline in their numbers. Today, Tibetan Mastiffs are highly alert and ready to protect their families at a moment’s notice.

Generally healthy, Tibetan Mastiffs can be prone to hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and eye anomalies. Regular veterinary check-ups are advisable to manage these potential issues.

5. Azawakh – $9,500

As one of the newest breeds, officially recognized by the AKC in early 2019, the Azawakh is also among the most expensive. Originating from West Africa, these dogs were primarily used for hunting and are closely related to Middle Eastern and South Indian hounds.

Though rare in North America, their popularity is growing. Azawakh are known for their resilience, recovering quickly from injuries and generally having few hereditary health issues, though they may suffer from conditions like epilepsy or Wobbler disease.

With proper care, including high-quality pet care and regular exercise, Azawakh typically live between 12 to 15 years. They prefer to exercise alongside their owners, so they can help keep you active as well!

6. Rottweiler – $9,000

It might come as a surprise, but Rottweilers, despite being a relatively common breed, can be quite costly in terms of veterinary care. While they typically cost around $1,500 to purchase, the real expense comes from their health issues.

Rottweilers are prone to a range of health problems, including hip and joint issues, as well as various diseases and cancers. This makes their pet insurance premiums among the highest of any breed, with annual costs often exceeding $300, and claims can be even more expensive.

Their lifespan is also shorter compared to many other breeds, averaging just 8 to 10 years. Despite these challenges, Rottweilers are valued for their loyalty and obedience, making them excellent family pets.

7. Canadian Eskimo Dog – $8,750

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is one of the rarest and most endangered breeds in the world, with fewer than 300 individuals remaining as of 2018. This ancient breed was brought to North America from Siberia over 1,000 years ago but has seen a significant decline in numbers, especially since the 1960s.

The reduction in their population is largely attributed to the advent of the snowmobile and the deliberate culling by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) between 1950 and 1970. During this period, up to 20,000 Canadian Eskimo Dogs were killed in an effort to disrupt their traditional way of life, and the breed has struggled to recover.

Canadian Eskimo Dogs are prone to health issues such as gastric torsion, entropion (where the eyelid folds inward), heat intolerance, and arthritis. They are also known for their territorial nature and can overreact to minor disturbances, making them less suitable for families with young children.

8. Dogo Argentino – $8,000

Originally bred for big game hunting, the Dogo Argentino is known for its muscular build, making it one of the most expensive dogs in the world. Their powerful physique enables them to effectively hunt wild hogs in South America and Asia.

Developed in 1928, the Dogo Argentino descends primarily from the now-extinct Cordoba Fighting Dog and the Great Dane. Due to their formidable physical traits, ownership is restricted or banned in places such as the UK, Colorado, and New York City.

With a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, Dogo Argentinos can face health issues like hip dysplasia and deafness, which can lead to vet bills of over $1,600. Regular daily exercise is essential to manage their health and avoid increased veterinary costs.

9. Pharaoh Hound – $7,500

Named "rabbit dog" in Maltese, the Pharaoh Hound was originally bred for hunting rabbits on the Maltese Islands. Known for their intelligence and athleticism, these dogs typically weigh between 45 and 55 pounds.

With an average lifespan of 11 to 14 years, Pharaoh Hounds are generally healthy but can be highly sensitive to stress. Stress may lead to severe digestive and neurotic issues, which can be costly to treat, sometimes exceeding $1,500. On the positive side, their loyal and trainable nature makes them well-suited for families and larger groups.

10. Afghan Hound – $7,000

Originating from the mountains of Afghanistan, the Afghan Hound is renowned for its striking appearance, featuring a long, flowing coat and curly tail. Their elegant fur requires daily brushing to prevent tangling and matting.

Afghan Hounds typically have a lifespan of 10 to 14 years, but their health issues can lead to significant expenses. They are prone to conditions such as cataracts and hypothyroidism, which can cost up to $3,000 to treat. These potential medical costs can make owning an Afghan Hound quite expensive.