Ranking of the World's Priciest Canine Species
In the world of canine companionship, some breeds come with a hefty price tag. Here's an overview of some of the most expensive dog breeds, their key features, and the associated costs of ownership.
Lowchen
These small, sporty dogs are known for their lion-like appearance and agility. They are high maintenance and expensive due to their grooming needs and vet care, making them one of the priciest small breeds.
Tibetan Mastiff
Originating from the Himalayas, these powerful and energetic dogs are known for their thick, shaggy coats. Large size leads to high food and vet expenses, and they may have health issues like missing teeth, Cushing's disease, overbite, and Addison's disease. A golden-haired Tibetan Mastiff was sold for a record-breaking $1.6 million.
Canadian Eskimo Dog
One of the oldest dog breeds, Canadian Eskimo Dogs are cute and resemble wolves. They are slowing getting extinct, making them a rare breed with likely high initial and upkeep costs due to rarity and care requirements.
Pharaoh Hound
Hailing from Malta, these athletic, graceful, and powerful dogs are traditionally used for hunting rabbits. They are typically costly given their rarity and pedigree, although no exact figures are available.
German Shepherd
Originally from Germany, these dogs are obedient, intelligent, and powerful, making them relevant in protecting, herding, and guardian dog roles. They have a cheerful, tranquil, calm, and confident temperament and are available for a price between $1,500 to $4,000.
Chinese Crested Hairless
These dogs do not have any hair on their body except the tail. They are obedient, gentle, and sensitive by nature and require careful handling. Chinese Crested hairless dogs have soft skin like humans and come in several colours.
Samoyed
Fluffy northern breeds with a double-layer thick coat that is white, Samoyeds are friendly and mischievous by nature. They can compete in obedience, herding, tracking, and showmanship, but they have high grooming and vet bills due to health issues common to the breed.
Akita
Originally from northern Japan, Akitas are dominant and powerful animals with an affectionate but independent nature. They are one of the most expensive dog breeds, with an estimated price tag of $4,500.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows are one of the most expensive dog breeds, with an estimated price tag of nearly $3,000. They are known for their grooming and health maintenance expenses.
Azawakh
Originated from West Africa, this sighthound and hunting dog can reach speeds of 64 km/hour and has an estimated price tag of $3,000.
Peruvian Inca Orchid
With ties to pre-Inca culture, this rare breed is another expensive dog breed, with a price tag of nearly $3,000.
Saluki
Classified as a sighthound, the Saluki is generally available for an estimated amount of $2,500 and is considered one of the most expensive dog breeds.
Rottweiler
A bold domestic dog with abundant strength, the Rottweiler is available for a sum between $2,400 and $8,000 and is considered one of the most expensive dogs in the world.
Irish Wolfhound
Known for its size, reaching nearly two feet in height and 180 pounds in weight, the Irish Wolfhound has a price tag of nearly $2,000.
English Bulldog
Available for a price between $1,500 to $4,000, the English Bulldog is known for its expensive health care needs due to breed-related problems.
Czechoslovakian Vlcak
A result of a breeding program between Carpathian Wolves and German Shepherd dogs, the Czechoslovakian Vlcak is available for nearly $1,000 to $1,500.
Key cost factors in ownership include the initial purchase price, food and grooming, veterinary care, and other expenses such as training, insurance, equipment, and exercise needs. For example, the Tibetan Mastiff costs up to $10,000 or more at purchase, but high maintenance due to size and health issues can push lifetime costs even higher. The Lowchen can cost more than $10,000 initially, partly due to its rarity and grooming demands. The Samoyed ranges between $4,000 and $8,000 but has high vet bills.
It's important to note that the price of dogs can vary greatly based on factors such as breeder, location, and the dog's pedigree. Proper research and due diligence should be conducted when purchasing a dog to ensure a genuine and conscientious breeder is being dealt with.
- Maintaining a lifestyle with a home-and-garden focus and pets may involve owning some of the most expensive dog breeds, such as the Lowchen, which not only comes with a high purchase price due to its rarity and grooming demands, but also requires regular vet care.
- For homeowners interested in a rare pet breed, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is one of the most expensive dog breeds, with a price tag of nearly $3,000, and requires careful handling due to its obedient, gentle, and sensitive nature.
