Top 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds In The World Ranked

Getting a dog equals spending money, from the initial purchase to extra costs of maintenance.

Some dogs are relatively affordable and can be bought by a decent worker, while others are best reserved for the wealthy.

These expensive breeds of dogs are not only for the household, they also have other works, and can be for show competitions. 

Below is a list of the top 10 most expensive dog breeds, ranked from the highest to the lowest.

These breeds are all unique, but with one common point: they break the bank. 

Top 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in the World

1. Tibetan Mastiff

Ordinarily, the Tibetan Mastiff price wouldn’t top the list of most expensive dogs, but the purchase in 2014 made that possible.

A Tibetan Mastiff pup was sold for $2,000,000 in China to a property developer, making it the most expensive dog breed in the world. 

The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the oldest dog breeds, with historical evidence dating back 5,000 years ago.

It is an attractive head turner, and its regal appearance was one reason the Chinese property developer bought a Tibetan pup at such a high price. 

It was developed to be a guard dog and does that well. Its size alone is enough to frighten an intruder.

It is also a companion, but not suitable for first-timers because it isn’t easy to train. The Tibetan Mastiff doesn’t do well in obedience. 

2. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog or Czechoslovakian Vlcak is a rare but revered dog, both of which contribute to its high cost.

It originated in 1955 from a cross between the German Shepherd and the Carpathian Wolf.

While not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club, it is part of their Foundation Stock Service. 

This breed is known to be very affectionate with its family and bonds tightly with them but isn’t a fan of strangers.

Without proper socialization, it can get aggressive. It also needs a lot of exercises. Generally, this breed is reserved more for law enforcement than families. 

3. Samoyed

The Samoyed is an attractive breed in many ways. White, beautiful, and foxlike, it endears people with its physical traits but can be quite expensive to buy and maintain. 

For starters, the Samoyed’s coat is hard to groom. Many pet parents would rather call a professional groomer than go through the hurdle on their own.

This breed also needs exercise and can be hard to train. It has its positive qualities, though.

The Samoyed is an affectionate, loyal and gentle breed, and fit for a household. Its worker instincts make it independent, and as such, it can be hard to train. 

4. Löwchen 

The Löwchen in English means “Lion Dog”, but this breed isn’t like the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

There’s nothing fierce about the Löwchen, and the name is only because of its looks. 

At a time in history, the Löwchen was popular, but that changed in the late 20th century when the breed almost got extinct.

Fortunately, that didn’t happen, but the Löwchen remains rare today. Largely due to this, it is very expensive. 

The Löwchen is worth every penny, though. It is suitable for both old and new pet parents, and it can adapt to an apartment if exercised well.

With strangers some Löwchen dogs are shy, but with family these pooches are affectionate.

They are also even-tempered and gentle. As a trump card, they hardly fall ill. 

5. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is one of the oldest dogs in the world, and also very rare.

Age and rarity combined to make it also one of the most expensive dogs, both for purchasing and maintenance.

Not only is the Chow Chow hard to groom, but it is also vulnerable to many health issues. 

Many people who get a Chow Chow have it as a guard dog, and it plays that role with quiet dignity.

Aloof with strangers and protective of its owners, none can pass without encountering the Chow Chow.

This breed is hard to train, though, and shouldn’t be left in the hands of a beginner. 

6. Azawakh

The Azawakh is rare and was bred to be a hunter in the African continent. It is a sighthound with a great amount of speed.

It is also expensive, mainly because it isn’t easily found. You won’t stumble on the Azawakh everywhere. 

As a family pet, the Azawakh is gentle and affectionate. It needs a lot of socialization, however, as it is reserved towards strangers and dislikes being touched by them.

It is also protective, making it a good guard dog. The Azawakh isn’t advisable for new pet parents.

7. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a popular Law enforcement and guard dog and is the most popular dog on our list so far.

The common Rottweilers we see are usually mutts, and they aren’t so expensive. However, a purebred Rottweiler pup is costly. 

Rotties are also considered dangerous alongside Pitbulls, but that assertion has been exaggerated.

Bad training is the foundation of dog aggression, and the Rottweiler isn’t different. With the right owner, this breed isn’t aggressive. 

The Rottweiler is protective and would not hesitate to defend its family against harm. It is loyal and ready to defend its own. 

8. Canadian Eskimo Dog

Just like the Chow Chow, the Canadian Eskimo Dog is both old and rare.

Its ancestors came into North America a thousand years back and became the breed we know today as the Canadian Eskimo Dog in Canada.

It went through a lot of situations that threatened its existence like illnesses and the preference of the Siberian Husky. 

Today, there are very few Canadian Eskimo Dogs remaining, around 300 in number.

This contributes to the high cost as you may not come across this breed everywhere.

It can be a family dog under some circumstances. Personality-wise, it is loyal, trustworthy, and intelligent.

9. Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino is a big dog breed with a characteristic white skin. It was developed to hunt down ferocious animals like mountain lions and boars.

Not surprisingly, Dogo is considered a dangerous dog breed, perhaps more than the Rottweiler. With so many bans attached to its name, it isn’t easy to find. 

The Dogo Argentino isn’t inherently dangerous, but it does need an owner with good experience and a strong concept of boundaries.

On the good side, it is loyal, happy, and strong. 

10. Pharaoh Hound 

The Pharaoh Hound’s main roots are in Egypt, but it wasn’t until Malta that it became a fully known dog breed.

The Maltese people adopted this breed and have now made it the National dog of Malta. It also goes by the name Kelb tal-Fenek, which means “rabbit dog”. 

The Pharaoh Hound is good for all owners, including new ones. It can also adapt to an apartment when well exercised.

Typical of a hound, this breed is reserved towards strangers, but affectionate with its family.

This breed has the unique trait of blushing, and can even be trained to smile. 

FAQs About Top Expensive Dogs

Wrap Up

Getting a dog is a commitment, and that includes the financial aspect.

It is one thing to dream about taking sweet walks with your dog, but reality can be a rude awakening.

Do you think these top most expensive dog breeds in the world are worth parting with thousands (even millions) of dollars?

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