What Are the Most Expensive Dog Breeds in the World?

Having few surviving individuals, being a little-known breed, or, quite the opposite, being currently trendy, are factors that drive up the price of pet breeds. Robust genetics maintaining the breed standard, or the breeder's professionalism, are other aspects affecting their price.

A purebred dog with pedigree costing more than one without isn't a coincidence. After all, a professional breeder makes a significant financial investment to maintain breed standards and preserve their animals' health. Also, a pedigree means that dog is the offspring of champions. So, you can show it or breed it and earn income.

The 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in the World — Do You Know Them?

Exclusivity, striking physical traits, an affectionate character, work capacity, physical endurance, or protective instinct are the traits the most sought-after dog breeds have or share. We show them to you below.

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These charming, sweet dogs originate from Elizabethan England. That said, it's believed they may come from crossing Pekingese and Japanese Chin dogs. In the 17th century, they became very popular among English aristocracy and nobility, to the point that King Charles II attended state meetings with his pet. Hence the name.

They have an extraordinary character, always cheerful and very affectionate. Without a doubt, they're one of the best dog breeds you can choose as a companion. Their sweet eyes and soft coat won over figures like Oscar Wilde, Coco Chanel, or Frank Sinatra, driving their price up to $14,000.

On the flip side, it's worth noting that although they can live up to 14 years, their health is somewhat delicate. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to dysplasia, cataracts, diabetes, epilepsy, ichthyosis, urolithiasis, or brachycephalic syndrome. That said, the most prevalent, and most serious, is syringomyelia.

2. Samoyed

This breed isn't just one of the most expensive — it's also one of the oldest. The Nenets, the semi-nomadic Samoyedic peoples, migrated from Asia to Siberia partly thanks to the help of these noble dogs, which hunted and pulled sleds for them. They're very resilient dogs, with great work capacity, and they handle cold well.

They form a strong bond with their owner, though the owner needs to firmly show leadership to maintain hierarchical balance. They enjoy children's company, but due to their hunting instinct, they're not suitable if there are small pets at home. They need a lot of daily stimulation, both physical and mental.

Did you know they're still genetically related to wolves? Good proof of this is their howling, notable for its vocal range. They have the honor of having accompanied illustrious explorers to the Arctic Circle. Their price ranges between $12,000 and $14,000.

3. Rottweiler

It's believed they arrived in southern Germany with the Roman army. Due to their mastiff-type physical build, they have great strength and endurance. This is why they were used to safely carry money, placed in bags tied around their neck. Despite their poor reputation today, they're very affectionate, loyal, and intelligent.

That said, they have a highly developed protective instinct, requiring socialization and training from puppyhood, since they tend to challenge whoever gives them commands and don't like strangers' presence. Their name comes from the German "rote wil," meaning red tiles. Their price can rise to $10,000.

4. Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetans believe these dogs house the souls of monks who haven't reincarnated as people. Their Tibetan name is "Do-Khyi," meaning tied-up dog. They were tied to doors and let loose at night. These giants are very protective and affectionate, but their territorial instinct requires early training.

It's not a good idea to walk them off-leash or visit the same places often, since they'll act up, barking, digging, or challenging your authority. They're not fond of children or long days alone with no activity. If bored, they bark a lot and develop destructive behaviors. Their price is around $10,000-$12,000.

5. Löwchen

Also called the "Little Lion Dog," this toy breed is loved for its distinctive coat, intelligence, and agility. In fact, it always ranks among the top spots in competitions. It's believed to come from northern Europe, though some experts place its origin in Russia and others in Tibet. It was used to hunt rodents.

It's delightful with children and appreciates the company of humans and other animals. It adapts to any type of home, but needs daily attention and exercise. Otherwise, it's very noisy. In the late 19th century, it was on the brink of extinction. Madeleine Bennert managed to revive the breed. Its price is around $8,000-$12,000.

6. Chow Chow

It comes from Mongolia and northern China, where it's known as Songshi Quan. The name "Chow Chow" relates to a term the English used for cheap trinkets from the East. In fact, these dogs were sold at markets alongside Chinese porcelain. Their price reaches $9,000-$11,000.

They're not very affectionate, but they are hardworking and strong. You'll need to use every leadership skill you have to train one. Legend says its tongue is bluish-black because they licked a few drops of paint from the sky. Sigmund Freud had a Chow Chow as a pet that he brought to his therapy sessions to detect nervous patients.

7. Argentine Dogo

This breed is considered dangerous in several countries. It was created from fighting dogs, and gradually, through selective breeding, that fighting instinct was replaced with a prey drive, aimed at hunting wild boar. It boasts an athletic, muscular build. Training it requires an owner who firmly exercises leadership.

It's very protective of its own and needs a lot of daily stimulation. If it feels frustrated or bored, it'll get into mischief. The Argentine Dogo's price can rise to $8,000.

8. Pharaoh Hound

The "pharaohs' dog," as this breed is also known, is extremely ancient. Egyptians used it to hunt gazelles, and centuries later, it was brought to Malta, where it's the national dog. It has a balanced, affectionate, lively character. It gets along with children and other animals, but needs daily playtime and intense activity.

Due to its short coat, it's vulnerable to cold. It's best to leash it outdoors, since its prey drive leads it to chase anything that moves. It's popular for its distinctive smile and for sharing blushing with humans. When nervous or excited, its ears and nose turn a deep pink color. Its price reaches $7,500.

9. Afghan Hound

The elegance and exoticism its long coat and oval skull give the Afghan Hound are undeniable. It originates from Afghanistan, where it's called Tazi and used to hunt large prey. As puppies, they're more affectionate than as adults, when they prefer enjoying their own space. Its price is around $7,000.

They're very fast and have a curious trait: due to their hip placement, they're able to turn quickly in tight spaces. This gives them a notable competitive edge on uneven terrain. Due to their long, narrow (dolichocephalic) head, they have 270-degree vision. Kabul, Picasso's favorite dog, belonged to this breed.

10. Canadian Eskimo Dog

Also known by other names like Canadian Husky or Canadian Eskimo Dog. It's the oldest native dog breed in Canada, and it's commonly used for work in the Arctic Circle. It's believed to have been domesticated by the Thule, a proto-Inuit tribe. It's often confused with the Greenland Dog.

It doesn't bark — it howls like the wolves it still shares genetic traces with. It has a great memory and is very intelligent. Since it's very pack-oriented, it's best for it to have a companion to prevent territorial disputes. It'll always seek to be the leader. So, you'll need to train it from a young age and earn its trust.

Due to its strong prey drive, it's not suitable for living with young children, and it won't get along well with other pets either. Barely 300 registered individuals exist in the world. Its price ranges between $6,000 and $8,000. Which is your favorite among the most expensive dog breeds? Tell us in the comments.