Top 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds
When it comes to owning a dog, love and companionship are priceless—but some breeds come with a hefty price tag. From rare genetics and unique appearances to high breeding and maintenance costs, these dogs are seen as luxury pets around the world. In this list, we’ll explore the top 10 most expensive dog breeds and what makes each one so valuable. Whether it's their rarity, heritage, or exclusivity, these canines are more than just pets—they’re status symbols.
| Rank | Dog Breed Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless) | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| 9 | Pharaoh Hound | $1,500 to $2,500 |
| 8 | Dogo Argentino | $1,500 to $2,500 |
| 7 | Canadian Eskimo Dog | $1,500 to $6,000 |
| 6 | Rottweiler | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| 5 | Azawakh | $2,000 to $3,000 |
| 4 | Löwchen (Little Lion Dog) | $2,000 to $8,000 |
| 3 | Chow Chow | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| 2 | Samoyed | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| 1 | Tibetan Mastiff | $3,000 to $5,000+ (Record: $2 Million) |
10. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless)
One of the world’s oldest dog breeds, the Xoloitzcuintli, or Xolo, is steeped in cultural significance and ancient mysticism.
Their hairless skin, which comes in various shades, makes them stand out, while their calm and affectionate personality draws people in.
Xolos are surprisingly adaptable, capable of being both energetic playmates and quiet companions. Considered sacred by the Aztecs, this breed has been revered for thousands of years.
Their rarity and uniqueness make them a prized breed for those who want a dog that’s both historic and unusual.
| Price | $1,500 to $3,00 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years |
| Temperament | Calm, affectionate, alert, intelligent |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Height | 10 to 26 inches (25 to 66 cm) depending on size |
| Weight | 10 to 55 pounds (4.5 to 25 kg) |
| Color | Black, gray, slate, bronze, or copper hairless skin |
| Energy Level | Moderate |
Reasons for High Cost
The breed’s rich cultural significance and rarity outside Mexico make it highly valued. Their hairlessness is a rare genetic trait that requires specialized breeding practices to maintain.
As a result, genuine Xolos with sound pedigrees command high prices from collectors and dog lovers alike.
9. Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound carries an aura of ancient mystery, with an elegant frame and a coat that gleams in warm shades of tan and red.
Known for their unique “blushing” behavior—where their nose and ears turn rosy when excited—these dogs combine beauty with intelligence and high energy.
They are affectionate and playful with family but maintain an alertness that suits their history as hunters and watchdogs on the Mediterranean island of Malta.
Their relatively limited breeding outside Malta contributes to their rarity and premium price.
| Price | $1,500 to $2,500 |
| Life Span | 11 to 14 years |
| Temperament | Playful, affectionate, intelligent, alert |
| Origin | Malta |
| Height | 21 to 25 inches (53 to 64 cm) |
| Weight | 45 to 60 pounds (20 to 27 kg) |
| Color | Tan, chestnut red, or amber |
| Energy Level | High |
What Commands the Price?
The breed’s unique appearance and behavior, combined with its limited breeding population outside Malta, make it a sought-after dog. Enthusiasts prize the Pharaoh Hound for its elegance, speed, and affectionate nature, driving prices higher in regions where they’re rare.
8. Dogo Argentino
Muscular and athletic, the Dogo Argentino commands attention with its solid white coat and imposing presence.
Bred for hunting large and dangerous game, these dogs combine power with agility and intelligence.
They are fearless and protective but also form strong bonds with their families, showing great loyalty and affection.
Due to legal restrictions in some countries, owning a Dogo Argentino can be a challenge, adding to their allure among collectors and enthusiasts.
Responsible breeding and proper training are essential, as their strength and drive require experienced handling.
| Price | $1,500 to $2,500 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years |
| Temperament | Brave, protective, loyal, friendly with family |
| Origin | Argentina |
| Height | 24 to 27 inches (61 to 69 cm) |
| Weight | 80 to 100 pounds (36 to 45 kg) |
| Color | Solid white |
| Energy Level | Moderate to High |
Price Influencers
Due to their hunting prowess and protective instincts, many countries have banned or heavily regulated ownership of Dogo Argentinos, increasing their mystique and demand among collectors and enthusiasts.
Legal restrictions make them more difficult to acquire, pushing up prices. Responsible breeders who comply with regulations and maintain strong bloodlines can command premium prices.
7. Canadian Eskimo Dog
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a rugged survivor with a heart as big as the Arctic tundra it calls home.
Once nearly extinct, this breed has been carefully preserved by dedicated breeders who appreciate its unmatched endurance and loyalty.
Built to pull heavy loads over frozen wastelands, these dogs possess strength and stamina rare among domesticated breeds.
Their thick coats come in a variety of colors, and their spirited yet reserved nature reflects their working dog heritage.
Owners who seek an active, resilient companion willing to brave extreme conditions are drawn to this rare and valuable breed.
| Price | $1,500 to $6,000 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years |
| Temperament | Loyal, intelligent, hardworking, reserved with strangers |
| Origin | Arctic Canada |
| Height | 21 to 26 inches (53 to 66 cm) |
| Weight | 40 to 70 pounds (18 to 32 kg) |
| Color | White, black, gray, brown, or combinations |
| Energy Level | High |
Why Are They Pricier?
This breed nearly went extinct in the 1960s due to mechanization and changing lifestyles, making preservation efforts critical. Maintaining their genetic health and traditional working abilities requires great dedication, which translates into higher prices. Their rarity and historical significance as a vital part of Inuit culture make them highly prized.
6. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a powerhouse wrapped in a sleek black and tan coat. Known for its versatility, strength, and loyalty, this breed has worked as herders, guard dogs, and police dogs throughout history.
Beneath their confident and sometimes intimidating exterior lies a calm, loving family member who thrives on structure and clear leadership.
Well-bred Rottweilers require dedicated owners who can provide proper training and socialization.
Their popularity combined with the quality of bloodlines influences their price, particularly those bred for working capabilities or show.
| Price | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| Life Span | 8 to 10 years |
| Temperament | Confident, protective, loyal, calm |
| Origin | Germany |
| Height | 22 to 27 inches (56 to 69 cm) |
| Weight | 80 to 135 pounds (36 to 61 kg) |
| Color | Black with clearly defined rust markings |
| Energy Level | Moderate |
What Makes Them Costly?
While Rottweilers are common in many places, the very best come from carefully maintained bloodlines with strong pedigrees and certifications, such as Schutzhund (protection dog) training potential.
These top-tier Rottweilers can demand high prices because they have the ideal mix of temperament, health, and working ability. The effort and expertise required to breed and train them responsibly add to the cost.
5. Azawakh
Sleek and graceful, the Azawakh looks like it stepped out of an ancient painting. Its slender frame, long legs, and smooth coat give it a supermodel appearance, but don’t be fooled—this breed is built for endurance and speed in the harsh climates of West Africa.
Azawakhs are loyal and affectionate with their families but can be reserved and cautious around strangers. Their elegance is matched by a calm, noble temperament, making them both striking and reliable companions.
As one of the lesser-known sighthounds in the West, their exotic appeal and rarity significantly raise their market value.
| Price | $2,000 to $3,000 |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years |
| Temperament | Reserved, loyal, alert, independent |
| Origin | West Africa (Sahel region) |
| Height | 24 to 29 inches (61 to 74 cm) |
| Weight | 33 to 55 pounds (15 to 25 kg) |
| Color | Fawn, red, brindle, sometimes with white markings |
| Energy Level | High |
Factors Behind the Price
The Azawakh is a relatively new entrant to the Western dog scene, and its rarity adds to the appeal. They are considered exotic and exotic pets for those who want a dog with a storied history and unique look. Their combination of beauty, hunting skill, and rarity in Western countries contributes to their higher price tags.
4. Löwchen
Small in size but big in personality, the Löwchen is a joyful and affectionate companion. Their trademark lion clip grooming style emphasizes their charming face and expressive eyes, contributing to their nickname “Little Lion Dog.”
Despite being rare, Löwchens have an outgoing and friendly disposition that makes them excellent pets for families and individuals alike.
They are intelligent and lively, enjoying playtime and human interaction. Their rarity is due in part to strict breeding standards, making them a truly special find for dog enthusiasts who value both uniqueness and warmth.
| Price | $2,000 to $8,000 |
| Life Span | 13 to 15 years |
| Temperament | Cheerful, affectionate, friendly, intelligent |
| Origin | Europe |
| Height | 10 to 14 inches (25 to 36 cm) |
| Weight | 9 to 18 pounds (4 to 8 kg) |
| Color | Various |
| Energy Level | Moderate to High |
Why Is It So Rare and Expensive?
With only a few hundred Löwchens in existence globally, puppies are exceptionally hard to come by. Strict breeding programs aim to preserve the breed’s genetic health, limiting supply. Their cheerful and affectionate nature makes them wonderful companions, but scarcity is the main driver behind their high cost. For dog lovers seeking a truly unique pet, the Löwchen is a prized gem.
3. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow’s distinctive features set it apart instantly: a dense lion-like mane, a striking blue-black tongue, and an almost regal demeanor.
This breed exudes a quiet dignity and a somewhat aloof attitude, often described as cat-like in their independence. Historically treasured by Chinese emperors, Chow Chows have a long, noble lineage that still influences their somewhat reserved nature today.
They tend to bond closely with their family but can be wary of outsiders. Their calm but protective temperament, paired with their unique look, makes them a sought-after breed for those who want a dog with both beauty and substance.
| Price | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| Life Span | 9 to 15 years |
| Temperament | Aloof, dignified, loyal, independent |
| Origin | Northern China |
| Height | 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) |
| Weight | 45 to 70 pounds (20 to 32 kg) |
| Color | Red, black, blue, cinnamon, cream |
| Energy Level | Moderate |
Price Influencers
Their status as one of the oldest breeds gives them a pedigree that enthusiasts highly value. Their distinctive looks, combined with a dignified and somewhat reserved personality, create a breed that is both noble and demanding.
Chow Chows tend to require early socialization and training, adding to the cost for responsible breeders who focus on temperament. Celebrity ownership and appearances in films have also elevated their desirability, keeping their prices elevated.
2. Samoyed
With a grin that seems permanent and a coat as soft as freshly fallen snow, the Samoyed stands out as one of the most delightful companion dogs.
Their history as working dogs in the freezing Siberian tundra gave them endurance and resilience, but their affectionate personality is what endears them most to families today.
Samoyeds are energetic and playful, loving to be involved in activities and forming strong bonds with their humans.
Their coat, dazzlingly white and thick, requires regular upkeep, which is part of what keeps their overall cost high.
These dogs shine best in active homes that can match their enthusiasm and provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
| Price | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years |
| Temperament | Friendly, gentle, playful, social |
| Origin | Siberia, Russia |
| Height | 19 to 23.5 inches (48 to 60 cm) |
| Weight | 35 to 65 pounds (16 to 29 kg) |
| Color | White, cream, biscuit |
| Energy Level | High |
What Drives the Price?
Samoyeds are cherished not only for their beauty but also for their friendly and playful temperament. Their luxurious double coat requires meticulous grooming, often involving professional help, which adds to the lifetime cost of ownership. In many parts of the world, Samoyeds remain relatively rare, boosting their price. Plus, their gentle nature makes them excellent family pets, increasing demand among dog lovers.
1. Tibetan Mastiff
This breed’s commanding presence, combined with its rich history guarding Himalayan monasteries, makes it a prized possession. Beyond its size—often rivaling that of a small bear—this dog carries an air of independence and quiet strength.
Their thick, weather-resistant coat not only protects them from brutal mountain winters but also adds to their majestic look.
Tibetan Mastiffs are loyal to their families but naturally wary of strangers, requiring owners who appreciate their strong-willed and protective instincts.
The rarity of genuine Tibetan Mastiffs and their association with status symbols in parts of Asia have pushed their prices into the upper echelons of the canine world.
| Price | $3,000 to $5,000+ (Record: $2 Million) |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years |
| Temperament | Independent, protective, loyal, reserved with strangers |
| Origin | Tibet, Himalayan Mountains |
| Height | 24 to 30 inches (61 to 76 cm) |
| Weight | 70 to 150 pounds (32 to 68 kg) |
| Color | Black, brown, blue-gray, or gold with or without white markings |
| Energy Level | Moderate |
Why So Expensive?
The rarity of pure Tibetan Mastiffs outside Tibet is a primary factor behind their astronomical prices. The breed’s pure bloodlines are zealously guarded by Tibetan breeders.
Additionally, the growing demand in China, where owning a Tibetan Mastiff is a symbol of wealth and status, has driven prices into the stratosphere.
The most famous record-breaking sale happened when a red Tibetan Mastiff was sold for a jaw-dropping $2 million in China, making it the world’s most expensive dog ever.
Disclaimer:
The prices and information provided in this article are approximate and based on current market trends, breeder reports, and historical sales data. Actual prices may vary significantly depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, pedigree, health, training, and demand.
Prospective dog owners should conduct thorough research and consult reputable breeders or breed clubs before making any purchase decisions. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or endorsement of any breeder or seller.
