The 12 Most Expensive Dog Breeds to Own

Do you want to expand your family with a new furry friend? Dogs are an extremely popular pet, but there’s a cost that comes with ownership. Some types are more pricey than others, so if you’re on a tight budget you’ll want to avoid the most expensive dog breeds. Here are the 12 most expensive dog breeds to own.

1. English Bulldog

Average Price of Ownership: $4,250

• The English Bulldog is a muscular, medium size dog. 
• It can grow to about 50 pounds and has a lifespan of between 8 to 10 years. 
• English Bulldogs are known to be friendly and docile dogs.

Grooming and Maintenance

When it comes to grooming and maintenance, the costs are moderate. English Bulldogs do require special diets as well as regular vet visits because of their common health issues.

Healthcare Issues

Unfortunately English bulldogs do require many vet visits because of a long list of health issues. They are prone to suffering from respiratory issues, skin infections and hip dysplasia.

2. French Bulldog

Average Price of Ownership: $4,250

• The French Bulldog has an appearance that’s similar to the English Bulldog. 
• It’s a playful and sociable dog that is athletic.
• Their life expectancy is around 10 to 12 years.
• They can grow to about 50 pounds.

Grooming and Maintenance

When it comes to grooming, the costs of owning a French Bulldog aren’t exorbitant.

Healthcare Issues

French Bulldogs are prone to spinal disorders and respiratory issues.

3. Tibetan Mastiff

Average Price of Ownership: $4,000

• The Tibetan Mastiff is a large dog that comes in a variety of colors. 
• They can live up to 12 to 15 years and can weigh up to 150 pounds. 
• These dogs are stubborn, intelligent and quite protective.

Grooming and Maintenance

The Tibetan Mastiff requires a lot of grooming because it has a lot of fur — grooming and maintenance costs may be quite costly. These large dogs eat a lot, so food is going to be expensive every month. 

Healthcare Issues

The Tibetan Mastiff is prone to breed-specific genetic health issues.

4. Chow-Chow

Average Price of Ownership: $4,000

• Hailing from China, these dogs are sturdy and medium-sized. 
• They are loyal, independent and sometimes even aloof. 
• The Chow Chow can live between 9 and 15 years. 

Grooming and Maintenance

Chow-Chows have a lot of hair; that means these dogs require consistent grooming. They also need proper training, which can be costly.

Healthcare Issues

The Chow Chow is susceptible to eye issues and is also known to get hip dysplasia.

5. Samoyed

Average Price of Ownership: $3,750

• Originating from Siberia, the Samoyed is a medium-sized dog.
• They’re usually white in color and were domesticated to herd or hunt. 
• Today, these dogs are friendly and playful, and can live up to 14 years.

Grooming and Maintenance

Samoyed have thick coats that require frequent visits to a professional groomer. They need moderate to high amounts of exercise and high-quality food.

Healthcare Issues

In terms of health issues, the Samoyed is prone to heart conditions, as well as diabetes.

6. Biewer Terrier

Average Price of Ownership: $3,500

• Biewer Terrier is a toy dog from the Terrier category of breeds. 
• These dogs are clever, loyal and affectionate. 
• Because of their size, they usually grow up to a maximum of eight pounds.

Grooming and Maintenance

Biewer Terriers require consistent grooming and brushing for a healthy coat. They should also be fed high-quality food.

Healthcare Issues

When it comes to health issues, these tiny dogs are prone to dental problems, eye issues and digestive disorders.

7. Portuguese Water Dog

Average Price of Ownership: $3,500

• The Portuguese Water Dogs were bred to accompany fishermen so they could herd fish into nets. 
• Today, they are docile, obedient and brave dogs.
• This breed has a lifespan of up to 15 years.

Grooming and Maintenance

Portuguese Water Dogs require consistent grooming because of their coat. Regular baths are a necessity. They also need high quality meals for a balanced diet.

Healthcare Issues

In terms of health issues, these dogs are prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts and heart issues.

8. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Average Price of Ownership: $3,450

• The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog originates from the Alps region of Europe. 
• These dogs are good-natured and devoted. 
• They have a lifespan of around 11 years.

Grooming and Maintenance

Luckily, consistent grooming is not required for Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs. However, to minimize shedding and ensure a healthy coat, they should have baths and grooming every two to eight weeks.

Healthcare Issues

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are prone to epilepsy, elbow dysplasia, eye issues and gastric distress.

9. Irish Wolfhound

Average Price of Ownership: $3,250

• The Irish Wolfhound is a large dog that has been featured in many works of literature and art. 
• The breed originated as a hunting dog.
• Now they are loyal, generous and patient dogs.

Grooming and Maintenance

Irish Wolfhounds need to be regularly groomed. As a large breed they eat a lot, which means your food costs will be higher than average.

Healthcare Issues

Irish Wolfhounds are prone to bone cancer and heart issues.

10. Newfoundland

Average Price of Ownership: $3,250

• Historically, Newfoundland dogs are a large breed that served as a working dog. 
• Today, they are gentle and sweet-tempered. 
• They come in various colors and can live up to 10 years.

Grooming and Maintenance

Newfoundlands need to be groomed every six to weight weeks (and no more than that). These dogs also need to be brushed weekly. They usually need to have high quality foods so they can be happy and healthy.

Healthcare Issues

In terms of health issues, these dogs are prone to bloat (a potentially fatal condition), hip dysplasia and bone cancer.

11. Shikoku

Average Price of Ownership: $3,250

• Hailing from Japan, the Shikoku is a medium-sized dog breed. 
• They come in various colors and can live up to 12 years. 
• These dogs are loyal, intelligent and energetic.

Grooming and Maintenance

In terms of grooming, Shikoku are low-maintenance dogs. They can be brushed several times a week and groomed every few weeks. They shed their coat a few times a year and require more attention during this time.

Healthcare Issues

When it comes to health issues, Shikoku are prone to epilepsy, elbow and hip dysplasia, allergies and luxating patella.

12. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Average Price of Ownership: $3,000

• Hailing from the United kingdom, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a toy dog. 
• These popular dogs are playful and affectionate, as well as gentle and graceful. 
• They can live up to around 14 years and come in various colors.

Grooming and Maintenance

Schedule regular grooming appointments for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — this ensures a well-maintained coat. You should always buy high quality food for this dog breed.

Healthcare Issues

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is susceptible to regular ear infections and heart conditions.

Most Expensive Dog Breeds: The Bottom Line

These are the most expensive dog breeds. Make sure that when you are choosing a dog, choose a breed that will be right for you and fits your budget. Consider the factors listed above to make your decision. The most important thing is that you and your dog feel comfortable and happy living together.