Dogs
Dog Breeds
Pedigree, location, and demand can make some breeds more expensive than others.
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Before you can bring your new pup, you’ll need to prepare your bank account, too, especially if you're bringing home one of the most expensive dog breeds.
The initial cost of purchasing a dog can vary wildly depending on where you live, as well as whether you adopt from an animal shelter or buy from a reputable breeder. The price also varies from breed to breed, with some trendy pups topping out at more than $4,000.
Curious to know which pooches command the highest prices? Here’s a snapshot of some of the most expensive dog breeds around, based on average prices currently listed on Good Dog, a platform for breeders, shelters, and rescues.
Expensive Dog Breed Characteristics
The most expensive dog breeds are typically rare or in high demand. Some pups are also more costly to breed, and those extra expenses are reflected in the initial purchase price. Cost can also vary depending on pedigree—for example, if you want to be able to trace your pup’s lineage back several generations, you’ll likely pay more. Puppies whose parents have won dog shows and competitions also usually cost more.
Prices vary greatly depending on the location, breed lineage, and other factors. If you’re interested in a particular breed, shop around to get a sense of the going rate for a dog in your area. Always research a potential breeder to avoid puppy mills and backyard breeders.
01 of 10
Bulldog (English Bulldog)
Average Price: $4,250
With their wrinkly faces and stocky frames, English bulldogs are downright adorable. Their calm, gentle demeanor also makes them a top pick for families. These popular pups are also relatively low-maintenance—so long as you don’t mind cleaning up a little slobber from time to time. One big reason this breed can be so pricey? Because of their anatomy, most are conceived via artificial insemination and delivered via Cesarean section, which adds to the cost of breeding them.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-sporting
Height: 14 to 15 inches
Weight: 40 to 50 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, gentle, laid-back
Energy Level: Low
Coat and Color: Straight, short, and smooth. Red, white, fawn, or pale brown. Brindle, flecked, speckled, piebald, black masks, black tipping.
Life Span: 8 to 10 years
02 of 10
French Bulldog (Frenchie)
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One look at a Frenchie and you’ll likely fall in love. These small, flat-faced dogs are irresistibly charming, which is a big reason why they’re the most popular breed in the United States for the second year running. Like English bulldogs, Frenchies require extra care and attention from breeders, which boosts the price. Females usually have to be artificially inseminated, and puppies are typically born via C-section. Though they’re wildly popular, Frenchies also tend to have small litters—and the limited supply coupled with high demand means you’ll pay a pretty penny for one.
Breed Overview
Group: Non-sporting
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: 19 to 28 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Cuddly, social, loyal, calm
Energy Level: Low
Coat and Color: Short and smooth. Brindle, fawn, white, or a combination of these colors.
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
03 of 10
Tibetan Mastiff
Average Price: $4,000
With their lion-like manes and huge size, Tibetan mastiffs are an impressive sight to behold. These guardian dogs have strong instincts when it comes to protecting people and property, which can make them seem standoffish and disinterested in affection. They’re rare, which is one reason why they’re so expensive. But they’re also costly because of their pure bloodlines: In 2014, one in China sold for $1.95 million.
Breed Overview
Group: Working
Height: 24 to 26 inches
Weight: 70 to 150 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Protective, aloof, independent, wilful, intelligent
Energy Level: Low
Coat and Color: Thick and straight. Double outer coat, plus under coat. Black, brown, blue, gray, or gold
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
04 of 10
Samoyed (Sammie)
Average Price: $3,750
Fluffy white Samoyeds are friendly, playful companions that always seem to be smiling. These thick-coated pups are ideal for active families who love to bring their four-legged friends on adventures whenever possible. Sammies are among the most popular breeds in the United States—number 50, according to the latest stats from the American Kennel Club—and this demand contributes to their high price.
Breed Overview
Group: Working
Height: 19 to 23.5 inches
Weight: 35 to 60 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, hardy, playful, upbeat
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Thick and straight double coat. Bright white, cream, or biscuit.
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
Continue to 5 of 10 below
05 of 10
Biewer Terrier
Average Price: $3,500
These tiny pups are likely to melt your heart with their big personalities. Personable and outgoing, Biewer terriers (pronounced like “beaver”) are one of the newer breeds on the block, having been officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2021. But, already, they’re becoming highly sought-after dogs. Their popularity and novelty mean breeders can charge more for these spunky, tri-color pups.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
Height: 7 to 11 inches
Weight: 4 to 8 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Social, loyal, cuddly, smart
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, silky single coat. Blue/black, gold/tan, or white
Life Span: 14 to 16 years
06 of 10
Portuguese Water Dog (Porties)
Average Price: $3,500
The Obamas helped introduce these lovable, athletic dogs to the world: The family had two Porties living with them during their time in the White House, Sunny and Bo. But beyond their recent presidential publicity, Portuguese water dogs are also popular because they’re smart, eager to please, family-friendly, and affectionate. As a hypoallergenic breed, they’re also a top choice for allergy sufferers.
Breed Overview
Group: Working
Height: 17 to 23 inches
Weight: 35 to 60 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Spunky, playful, outgoing
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Wavy or tightly curled. Black, black and white, brown; Sometimes white- or silver-tipped.
Life Span: 10 to 13 years
07 of 10
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Average price: $3,450
With their goofy personalities and soulful brown eyes, Greater Swiss mountain dogs are worth every penny of their high price tag—and then some. Originally bred for pulling and herding, Swissies still love having a job, whether that’s being a therapy dog, helping out with search and rescue missions, or just guarding a property. They also love spending quality time with their human companions.
Breed Overview
Group: Working
Height: 23.7 to 28.5 inches
Weight: 85 to 140 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, outgoing, loving
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short and smooth. Black, red, and white.
Life Span: 8 to 11 years
08 of 10
Irish Wolfhound
Average price: $3,250
Don’t let their stature fool you: These long-legged pups are gentle giants who make great companion animals for families. High upfront costs aside, these extra-large dogs also require a pretty big food budget—as you might imagine, they eat a lot. They also need plenty of room to roam around so, ideally, you’d also have a spacious home and property, too.
Breed Overview
Group: Hound
Height: 30 to 25 inches
Weight: 105 to 180 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Calm, gentle, friendly
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Medium-length and wiry. Black, blue, cream, fawn, gray, red, white, and brindle.
Life Span: 6 to 10 years
Continue to 9 of 10 below
09 of 10
Newfoundland (Newfie)
Average price: $3,250
Newfies are another hefty dog breed with a hefty price tag. These sweet, even-keeled dogs spend much of their time lounging around—even when there’s chaos all around them. But, be forewarned: Despite their enormous size, many Newfoundlands consider themselves lap dogs. The Newfie’s “love language” is definitely physical touch.
Breed Overview
Group: Working
Height: 26 to 28 inches
Weight: 100 to 150 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Calm, affectionate, loyal
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, thick doublecoat. Black, brown, gray, white and black.
Life Span: 8 to 10 years
10 of 10
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Average price: $3,000
Blame this breed’s high price tag on its royal roots: These tiny pups were beloved by King Charles I and King Charles II, hence their regal name. They’re also incredibly popular, coming in at 14 on the American Kennel Club’s most recent list. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are eager to please, easy to train, and adaptable to a wide array of situations. Just be sure to save up some extra cash for grooming, as their flowing locks need regular maintenance.
Breed Overview
Group: Toy
Height: 12 to 13 inches
Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Social, playful, gentle
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long and silky. Tricolor, Blenheim (red and white), ruby, and black and tan.
Life Span: 12 to 18 years
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Lifetime Costs of Owning a Dog
Whether you choose an expensive or inexpensive breed, remember that the cost of owning a dog goes way beyond the initial purchase price. Before you commit to your next pet, consider the ongoing costs of caring for one. You’ll need to spend money on food, municipal licensing fees, vaccines, dental hygiene, grooming, toys, beds, leashes, boarding for when you go on vacation, and more. And those are just the routine costs of pet ownership—don’t forget to save a little extra for surprises, like emergency vet visits (pet insurance can help with this, too).
So, how do you know when you’re financially ready to adopt a dog? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but a good place to start is by taking a closer look at your income and expenses. How much money do you have coming in every month, and how much are you spending? And how might those expenses change once you bring a pup home?
“The costs can add up, but budgeting for them can help,” says Brandi H. Munden, a spokeswoman for the American Kennel Club. “Most people tend to overlook one aspect or another, but each of them is important to ensuring that we give our pets the best life possible because they deserve it.”
