Having one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world as a pet can be expensive. But for those who love dogs, that probably means nothing compared to the joy and affection these four-legged creatures bring into their lives.
Moreover, dogs’ unfailing loyalty and proven alertness cannot be expected from any other pet. This is the main reason why, for centuries, several generations of humans across continents have had pooches in their families. Indeed, the relationship between humans and dogs is that of best friends.
How are dog prices determined?
There is no clear determinant of how a dog is priced. However, some dogs are definitely more popular than others. It all starts with dog breeds, whether officially recognized or not.
Prominent governing bodies such as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), also known as the World Canine Organization, determine and maintain databases of dog breeds.
Likewise, countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia have their own governing bodies for dog breed recognition and standards. These include the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Kennel Club (KC) of the United Kingdom, and the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC).
In 2022, the FCI recognized 355 breeds worldwide. Recognized breeds have an advantage over all others. Although the price is also determined by the appearance, friendliness and health of the dogs, the ethical standards of the breeder are also taken into consideration. Additionally, the rarity and popularity of a breed as a pedigree adds to its value.
Lineage plays another major role in distinguishing the most expensive dog breeds from others. For example, a puppy recognized as a member of an AKC champion line (dogs that have won an AKC recognized championship) generally commands a higher price than a puppy from a non-champion line.
However, it should be noted that the price of a dog can sometimes be easily higher than the average price of the champion lines of the breed.
10 most expensive dog breeds in the world
Samoyed
Price: $1,800 to $5,000
Boasting a thick double-coated white coat, this medium-sized Siberian breed has a life expectancy of around 12 to 14 years. Males of the breed weigh between 22 and 30 kg and stand around 59 cm at the withers. Females weigh a little less, 15 to 22 kilograms, and measure about 53 cm.
Due to their thick coat, Samoyeds require a lot of grooming. Their luscious mane should be brushed weekly. Although this is a generally healthy breed, it is important to have them checked periodically for medical conditions, especially hip dysplasia, heart problems, and eye disorders.
Lowchen
Price: $3,500 to $8,000
The breed’s name translates to “little lion” in German due to its resemblance to the mighty animal.
Löwchens are small dogs; they are about 35 cm high and weigh about 6 kg. Still, they are energetic and very protective of their family.
This breed of dogs has a full mane and a feathered tail. Thus, owners of Löwchens must ensure regular grooming of their dogs. However, their wavy coat does not shed often. They can live up to 13-15 years and have practically no health problems.
english bulldog
Price: $2,500 to $9,000
Also known as the British Bulldog, it is one of the most famous and expensive dog breeds in the world.
English Bulldogs have a stocky build, but their wrinkled faces and buttoned noses make them cute.
Standing at around 38cm, Bulldogs weigh between 18 and 22kg, depending on gender. They can live up to 10 years.
The breed exhibits close family ties and is quite protective and playful. They can be aggressive at times, but can also display a greater degree of friendliness to strangers compared to some other powerful breeds.
English Bulldog prices can be well above average. In 2015, American celebrity and entrepreneur Kylie Jenner and her then-boyfriend Tyga bought an English Bulldog puppy. Jenner shared photos and videos of the dog on Snapchat with the caption “50K,” leading to speculation the pup may have cost her $50,000.
french bulldog
Price: $3,000 to $6,000
The ears of French bulldogs easily distinguish them from their English cousins. Straight and shaped like bat ears, the dog acquires its unique characteristic after being crossed between English Bulldogs and French dogs such as Terriers and Pugs.
These dogs weigh around 12 kg and can measure around 33 cm. French bulldogs can live up to 13 years.
Popularly known as the Frenchie, they are one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world due to their immense popularity and low maintenance.
They achieved instant fame in Parisian high society and art, and have since maintained their position. They were only behind Labrador Retrievers in first place in the AKC’s list of most popular dog breeds in 2021.
French Bulldogs don’t need frequent grooming and adapt better to family and strangers than English Bulldogs.
Afghan Hound
Price: $2,000 to $2,500
The Afghan Hound measures approximately 68 cm and weighs between 20 and 27 kg. He comes from a breed of sighthounds of Afghan origin. Distinguished by its long and silky coat, it requires daily brushing.
An Afghan Hound also needs periodic medical attention, especially for abdominal issues, as they naturally have low body fat stores. With good care, it can live between 12 and 18 years.
Akita
Price: $500 to $2,500
Do you remember Hachi: A Dog’s Tale? This lovely breed of Japanese bloodline owned our hearts in the 2009 drama film.
Akitas are legendary for their loyalty to the master. However, they are neither friendly to strangers nor to other dogs. Akitas are muscular and like to be active, which is why they make extremely capable watchdogs.
Males of the breed can weigh around 59 kg, while females can go up to a maximum of 45 kg. Likewise, male dogs can stand slightly taller than females and can reach a maximum height of 71cm.
The life expectancy of an Akita is between 10 and 14 years.
irish greyhound
Price: Around 2,500 USD
With a height of around 81cm for males, the Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. They have rough, harsh coats but appear in beautiful shades of white, gray, fawn, red, black, and brindle.
Capable of great speeds, the Irish Wolfhound was once famous for easily outclassing a wolf in battle and could cut down men from horses. Today, the breed has become friendly with humans as well as other dogs. Yet their instincts are as vigilant as they were in the past.
Like all large dog breeds, Irish Wolfhounds have a short lifespan. As such, they can only live to a maximum of eight years and can be affected by abdominal issues. They can weigh between 47 and 54 kg, depending on the sex.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Price: $2,500 to $7,000
One of the most expensive dog breeds in the world, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the friendliest dogs. They are also trustworthy and can be very easy to get along with children and strangers. The dogs also gel well with other pooches, making them ideal for families that have a brood of dogs. However, due to their friendly temperament, they don’t make great watchdogs.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be easily identified by its medium length, wavy, silky coat, which can be in shades of ruby, black and white, black and tan, and Blenheim (white and brown). Its coat does not shed frequently and may not require weekly grooming.
The small dogs, originally from the UK, can stand around 33cm tall at the shoulder and weigh around 5-8kg. They have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years if the many health issues the breed is prone to are taken care of.
Pharaoh’s Hound
Price: $1,800 – $3,000
The Pharaoh’s Hound is one of the rarest dog breeds in the world. Bred only on the island of Malta, the dog derives its name from its depiction in ancient Egyptian art and its documented existence since antiquity. As such, it is also considered one of the oldest dog breeds.
Pharaoh Hounds have a calm and friendly temperament. They have a short, smooth coat. Although they don’t need too much care, they do shed hair to some degree. Usually, dogs are around 63cm at the withers and weigh around 20-24kg.
These dogs can be affected by common types of cancer that other dog breeds could also get sick from. However, the Egyptian Pharaoh Hound is relatively healthier than most species.
tibetan mastiff
Price: About $6,000
Found in Tibet, China, Nepal, and the Indian Himalayas, the Tibetan Mastiff can easily outrun all of the world’s most expensive dog breeds by a mile. Some puppies have even sold for millions.
In 2014, a golden-haired Tibetan Mastiff was bought by a Chinese businessman for $1.9 million. It remains the highest price ever paid for a breed of dog. Other Tibetan Mastiffs have also sold for high prices – one of them sold for $1.5 million in 2011.
The breed is quite healthy and can live up to 12 years. Well acclimated to life at high altitudes in difficult terrain, the Tibetan Mastiff is considered one of the most powerful dogs in the world.
Standing around 71cm at the withers and weighing around 78kg, a Tibetan Mastiff appears lion-like in its thick, dense coat.
Although very loyal to their family, they are not friendly with strangers.
This story first appeared on lifestyle asia india
(Main Image: HTO – Self-Photographed/Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons; Feature Image: Arve Kern/ Unsplash)