Which Dog Breed is the Most Expensive? Here’s the Answer
Though we adore our pets, taking care of them can be quite costly.
If you have a large dog, expect to spend a minimum of $1,570 annually, as reported by Forbes. Over the course of a dog’s life, costs can exceed $22,000, and with other expenses included, the total can soar to an astonishing $83,000 to own a dog.
Some breeds are inherently pricey from the start. Below is a summary of the most expensive dog breed, along with other costly breeds.
Which Dog is the Most Expensive?
The Tibetan mastiff frequently takes the title of the priciest dog breed, with some selling for millions. Back in 2014, a Tibetan mastiff puppy was reportedly sold for nearly $2 million in China, as shared by AFP, relying on information from the Chinese publication Qianjiang Evening News.
The puppy was purchased at a premium pet event in the Zhejiang province for 12 million yuan (around $1.95 million) by a property developer. This impressive dog stood at 80 centimeters (31 inches) tall and weighed approximately 90 kilograms (nearly 200 pounds).
In 2011, another Tibetan mastiff puppy fetched $1.5 million, according to NBC News, which highlighted it as the most expensive dog sold at that time.
The Tibetan mastiff is described by the American Kennel Club as a “watchful, aloof, imposing, and intimidating” working dog. They are loving with their families but tend to be reserved around strangers.
On average, male Tibetan mastiffs weigh between 90 to 150 pounds, while females range from 70 to 120 pounds, as per the American Kennel Club’s findings. Male Tibetan mastiffs are at least 26 inches tall, and females are a minimum of 24 inches tall.
Top 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds
If you’re on the lookout for an expensive breed, check out this list of the top 10 most costly dog breeds along with their average prices, as per Reader’s Digest:
- English bulldog: $4,250
- French bulldog: $4,250
- Tibetan mastiff: $4,000
- Chow Chow: $4,000
- Samoyed: $3,750
- Biewer terrier: $3,500
- Portuguese water dog: $3,500
- Greater Swiss mountain dog: $3,450
- Irish wolfhound: $3,250
- Newfoundland: $3,250
What is the Least Expensive Dog?
Not every dog comes with a hefty price tag. When you adopt a dog, the fees typically range from $150 to $250, according to the Humane Rescue Alliance.
The North Shore Animal League America outlines its adoption fees as follows:
- Puppies (up to 6 months): $375
- Adult dogs (over 6 months): $125
- Puppy mill rescues (over 6 months): $325
- Small breed and pure breeds (over 6 months): $325