1. Samoyed – $14,000
The most expensive dog, in general, is the Samoyed. Developed in Siberia, this soft rare breed is loving, social, and eager to please. They do love to run and need to stay on a leash whenever they’re out and about. (Nail salon, anyone?) They’re a powerful breed.
You may be paying lots of scratch to the veterinarian though. Samoyeds are prone to autoimmune conditions, cardiac disorders, and more, which are not inexpensive to discover and treat.
And you’ll need pet insurance for this dog. Any investment this large needs a net of protection. If you’re buying the Samoyed as a family dog or as a status symbol, be prepared to spend a lot of dough.
2. Lowchen – $12,000
“The little lion dog” is one of the rarest in the world. It’s estimated that only around 300 Lowchens live in the world today. These non-sporting dogs are extremely intelligent (and should come with a bar of gold around their necks).
A popular pet among Continental Europeans, they’ve been around for about 500 years. Lowchens are perfect for agility or obedience and absolutely love being around their human family. If their purchase price makes you queasy, let’s move along.
3. Chow Chow – $11,000
This gorgeous blue- or black-tongued, stocky furball is well known but sometimes not as popular as others on this list. They have a reputation as being standoffish, which they can be. I’ve had a re-homed Chow, who was my loyal companion.
She was picky about the company she wanted to keep but otherwise loving and affectionate. Additionally, she was strong-willed, territorial, and loved her treats. (Just like her momma.)
They’re favorites in shows and, although they were previously a working dog, are mostly snuggly in homes now. Chow Chows can be aggressive towards other dogs, but with the proper socialization, they can all learn to just get along.
An ancient breed and a highly valued dog, they have 8-12 year of average life expectancy and can experience the following health concerns:
- Hip dysplasia
- Allergies
- Thyroid function
- Elbow dysplasia
4. Tibetan Mastiff – $10,000
This figure is nothing compared to the Tibetan mastiff, considered to be the most expensive dog in the world. A business tycoon paid 1.5 million for a purebred Red Tibetan mastiff, which isn’t a price most of us can afford. A member of the working group, they can reach up to 180 lbs. Watchful and intimidating, they’re one of the best guard dogs.
Watch for the following in Tibetan mastiffs:
- Elbow and hip dysplasia/Joint issues
- Eye anomalies
- Hypothyroidism
5. Azawakh – $9,500
Say what? Pronounced AZ-uh-wok, members of the hound group are medium-sized dogs (33-55 lbs.). They’re lean and lanky and have been hunting gazelle for over 1,000 years. Watch for these elegant dogs in shows to be amazed at their beauty. Originally, Azawakhs were guard dogs of nomadic tribes and hunters. Today, these rare dogs are companions.
6. Rottweiler – $9,000
Many people know what a Rottie is, they’re a popular dog breed, and they have a huge price tag on their heads. They’ve served as:
- Working dogs
- Guard dogs
- Drover’s (cattle-driving) dogs
- Draft dogs
- Rescue dogs
- Police dogs
To say a Rottweiler is protective would be an understatement, and they’re top companions.
7. Canadian Eskimo Dog – $8,750
Not the greatest companion animals, they can be dangerous dogs; these hunters and sled pullers can challenge their guardians. Their background makes them understandably prone to being aggressive towards unfamiliar dogs. Canadian Eskimo dogs can be pricey when it comes to their health:
The Inuits (Eskimos) developed them to help hunt. When the snowmobile arrived on the scene in the 1960s, these fluffy, high-energy dogs almost went extinct. Today, their numbers are growing in Greenland since the Inuits are diving into their cultural heritage.
8. Dogo Argentino – $8,000
They’re also called Argentinian Mastiffs or Argentine dogos. These almost always white canines can be prone to allergies and a possibility of deafness or blindness.
Massive dogs (80-100 lbs. of solid muscle) they’re really good with children and guard their human families well. They need consistent and “Alpha dog” training with positive reinforcement to understand who’s in charge. He’s a powerful dog with a muscular body that believes in “the pack” and knows how to submit to it. Some of their talents include:
- Hunting
- Guarding
- Tracking
- Narcotics detection
- Guides for the blind
- Competitive obedience
- Police work
- Military work
- Schutzhund
9. Pharaoh Hound – $7,500
The national dog of Malta, these highly intelligent, alert dogs are speedy. They cruise through obedience and hunting since they’re eager to please, and there’s a truly unique behavior of these animals: Their noses and ears blush (turn reddish) when they’re happy or excited.
Pharaoh hounds come by their name honestly since they look like royalty with their impossibly long necks, regal posture, large erect ears, and intent gaze.
10. Afghan Hound – $7,000
These impressive creatures are so beautifully coiffed, they look like they’ve just been styled to go to a posh lunch. They’re also independent and can be standoffish with kids.
They were developed in Afghanistan and used by nomadic tribes to hunt hares and gazelle through mountainous terrain. Excellent jumpers; they’re favorites of dog shows due to their flowing, humanlike hair. Thin dogs to the touch, they weigh 50-60 lbs.
Since they’re easily bored (but learn quickly), they need lots of mental and physical exercise to get energy out, which could turn destructive if not released.