8 most expensive dog breeds (and why they’re worth it)

Yearning to bring home an adorable, furry friend to be your loyal companion? It may help to know what you’re getting yourself into (at least financially) when you start the path to puppy parenthood. It’s no surprise that the most costly dogs tend to be purebred, but this list takes into consideration everything from purchase price to vet bills and grooming costs so you’ll know what to expect. And these particular pups are worth every penny!

Chow chow

Perhaps the fluffiest of all canines out there, chow chows are like real-life teddy bears with an impressively poofy mane. The average cost of a chow chow puppy is $2,250. 

Why they’re expensive

Keeping that luxurious fur soft to the touch requires regular grooming and maintenance, which many people prefer to leave to the professionals. Chows also live approximately eight to 12 years and their medical susceptibilities can add up to steep vet bills over time. PetMD lists hip dysplasia and eye issues as some of their main health concerns. 

Why they’re worth it

Aside from their adorable fluffiness, Chow Chows are notoriously easy to house train. They also make great watchdogs due to their extremely loyal and protective natures. 

Bull terrier

The bull terrier is another popular and expensive dog that you’ll probably recognize as the mascot for a certain big-box department store. The average cost of a bull terrier puppy is $1,500. 

Why they’re expensive

Due to their unique physical appearance and the fact that they’re hard to come by, the demand for bull terriers is high, which correlates to the price tag.

Why they’re worth it

They have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years and they’re generally healthy, so you won’t have to worry too much about vet bills. Loyal, affectionate and playful, these pups make great family dogs. 

Bernese mountain dog

One of four Swiss mountain breeds, the long-haired Bernese mountain dog is a popular choice as both a family and a farm dog. If you’re buying a puppy, you can expect to pay $1,200 on average. But if you’re looking for a purebred dog with documents, the price goes up to as much as $6,500. 

Why they’re expensive

That purebred distinction will cost more — and it also means they’re prone to certain health issues that are common for their breed. As with any large, full-maned dog, you can expect to shell out a decent sum in food and grooming costs over their lifetime. 

Why they’re worth it

Their easy-going temperaments make them excellent family and therapy dogs.

Rottweiler 

Affectionately known as “rotties,” rottweilers consistently rank high on the list of popular dog breeds in America. You’ll pay $1,150 on average for a rottweiler puppy. 

Why they’re expensive

Rottweilers typically weigh over 100 pounds, which means you’ll be dropping plenty of cash on dog food each month. Their bigger size also makes them more susceptible to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and heart problems. 

Why they’re worth it

When properly trained, rottweilers are smart, loyal and protective, which makes them great guard dogs.

Golden retriever

With a heart that matches its name, golden retrievers continue to be a top choice for families — even if they cost a bit more. The average cost of a golden retriever puppy is $1,000, but some purebreds will cost up to five times that much. 

Why they’re expensive

As one of the most popular dog breeds in the country, the demand for golden retrievers is high. Unfortunately, goldens also land on the PetMD list of breeds with the highest cancer rates. 

Why they’re worth it

Their friendly, sweet temperaments make them ideal companions for kids. But unlike teenagers, golden retrievers are easy to train, eager to please and are among the most obedient dog breeds.

English bulldog

With their famous wrinkled faces and signature underbite, the English bulldog is a favorite among dog owners worldwide. The average cost of an English bulldog puppy is $2,500.

Why they’re expensive

As with many of the most expensive dog breeds, English bulldogs are pricey because of their popularity. Bulldogs are bred through artificial insemination, and because of their large, round skulls, they have to be delivered via cesarean section. They’re also susceptible to a variety of health issues.

Why they’re worth it

They’re amiable and tolerant, yet they also make great guard dogs. Besides — just look at that face!

French bulldog

Initially created to be a miniature version of the English bulldog, the French bulldog is another popular and pricey pooch. While $2,800 is the average price for a French bulldog puppy, you'll pay much more for some purebreds and rare colors. 

Why they’re expensive

Similar to its English counterpart, the French bulldog racks up a spendy bill because of its popularity and high breeding costs. (It’s also bred via artificial insemination and delivered by C-section.)

Why they’re worth it

Though some of the more costly dogs upfront, French bulldogs are fairly low maintenance in terms of grooming and veterinary care. You’ll also appreciate the sweet and even-tempered personality. 

Tibetan mastiff

No, it’s not a lion — it’s a Tibetan mastiff. But when it comes to the most expensive dog breeds, this one’s definitely the king of the jungle. The average cost for a Tibetan mastiff puppy is $2,500, which is deceptively low at first glance. 

Why they’re expensive

In 2014, a Chinese businessman made history when he paid $1.9 million for a Tibetan mastiff at a luxury pet fair, effectively making it the most expensive dog in the world. While you won’t have to shell out quite that much, these dogs are rarer and pricier than most. (And you can imagine the grooming costs for that lion-like mane.)

Why they’re worth it

They may look intimidating, but Tibetan mastiffs make great canine companions because they’re reserved and protective. (Plus, they’ll probably scare off any would-be burglars.)

Other things to keep in mind

Now that you’ve got a ballpark estimate for what these top dollar pets might cost, it’s important to remember the other expenses that come with dog ownership. Whether your pup lives a life of luxury or minimalism, you want to keep them as happy and comfortable as possible, and that requires having the right products on hand. From dog beds to chew toys, you’ll find all the pet supplies you need on KSL Classifieds.