Here are the ten most expensive dog breeds in the world. Stay curious!
Akita
The Akita Inu, originating from Japan, is considered an independent dog that requires some experience in dog handling. It has a dense coat, thick triangular ears, and carries its tail curled over its back. There is currently high demand for this breed, but not many reputable breeders. As a result, prices for an Akita, as well as other Japanese spitz-type breeds, are relatively high, typically between $1,500 and $4,500.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a true classic, frequently employed as a service dog, for example, by the police. Thanks to its exceptional learning ability, this strong and enduring dog is often trained as a search dog. The better its training, the higher its price. For individual adult, well-trained dogs, prices in the five-figure range are sometimes demanded.
Rottweiler
With its powerful body and confident nature, the Rottweiler makes an excellent service or protection dog. Given proper training, it can also be a wonderful family dog. While puppies from an average breeding programme are sold at "standard" prices starting from around $1,500, a well-trained Rottweiler that has already passed working evaluations costs significantly more.
Chow Chow
The fluffy Chow Chow with its characteristic bluish tongue comes in two coat lengths and various colours from black to cream, but always in a single solid colour. This very ancient breed, originally from China, is known for being strong-willed (some might say stubborn) and can serve well as a guard dog. Many Chow Chow owners keep them for their bear-like appearance. But beware: the Chow Chow is not a playful cuddly toy and is definitely not a dog for beginners. It needs training, respect for its independent character, and coat care. From reputable breeders, prices for a Chow Chow often start at $2,000. If the parents are award-winning dogs, prices can rise to $8,000 or more.
Samoyed
The Samoyed is a Russian spitz-type breed that is also used as a sled dog. It too requires a lot of training and exercise. This medium-sized dog is characterised by its soft, thick coat, which can come in various light colour variations. However, pure white dogs from old Siberian breeding lines are the most sought after and can cost up to $9,000. Other spitz-type breeds that are better suited as family dogs, such as the Pomeranian, are currently enjoying great popularity.
Canadian Eskimo Dog
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is another representative of breeds used as sled dogs. In their homeland among the Inuit, they were also used for other tasks such as hunting and guarding. They are very rare and hard to find, and therefore correspondingly expensive. Due to their adaptation to arctic regions and their strong drive for work and movement, they are not suited as apartment dogs or simple family pets.
Saluki
The Saluki, originating from Persia (as well as other exceptional sighthound breeds such as the African Azawakh), is also among the most expensive dog breeds. These fast sight hunters are considered calm, sensitive, and very elegant. A puppy from a breeder costs from $2,500 upwards. If the parents come from renowned Arabian breeding lines, the price can easily reach $10,000 or more.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
At roughly 30 cm (12 inches) in height, the handsome Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the smallest dog on this list. It is a cheerful dog that is usually not difficult to train and makes a good family pet. Unfortunately, because breeding over the past centuries focused primarily on its cute appearance, there are many hereditary health issues. You can find Cavalier King Charles puppies starting from around $1,500. However, due to the risk of buying a dog burdened with genetic problems, anyone interested in this breed should definitely go to a premium breeder. Here, through extensive health testing, you have the best chance of getting a healthy dog. The price tag, however, will be considerably higher, with reports of prices up to $14,000. The cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle (the "Cavapoo") is also currently a popular and correspondingly high-priced dog. However, this cannot be considered a true purebred. Such mixes are often referred to as hybrid or designer breeds (similar to the Labradoodle).
Pharaoh Hound
The elegant hunting dog from Malta, whose noble appearance is reminiscent of the Egyptian god Anubis, is considered an ancestor of the Spanish Podencos, which, like the Pharaoh Hound, are also used for rabbit hunting. It has short, smooth reddish-toned fur, light pigmentation, erect ears, and a long muzzle. It is a fast runner and appears very graceful overall. Since this recognised purebred is truly rare, prices of $6,000 are not uncommon.
Tibetan Mastiff
The number one spot on the list of the most expensive dog breeds in the world goes to the Tibetan Mastiff, also known as the Do Khyi. This livestock guardian breed from the Himalayas appears majestic and lion-like thanks to its size, strength, and impressive dense coat. Dogs bred as guard dogs in Tibetan monasteries command particularly high prices and are considered a kind of status symbol among wealthy buyers in Asia. A few years ago, a Tibetan Mastiff male changed hands for the incredible sum of approximately $1.5 million.
Conclusion
Ultimately, a dog's true value is determined not by its breed or purchase price, but by its character. There are many interesting breeds, and it is wonderful to have a special dog. However, a living being should never be treated as a status symbol. If you want to use a dog for a particular service, it may make sense to acquire a higher-priced dog of a very specific breed and lineage. But let us not forget that many dogs in shelters are also waiting for a loving home!
