The 12 Most Expensive Dog Breeds (And Why You Should Adopt vs. Buy)

Buying a dog from a breeder comes with a steep price. Factors such as rarity, pedigree, demand, and breeding costs can push prices into the thousands. But does a hefty price tag really make a dog more special? The truth is, you don’t need to spend a fortune to bring home an amazing dog.

According to the ASPCA, around three million shelter dogs are waiting to be adopted in the United States. Adoption fees usually range from just $50 to $500 — a fraction of what breeders charge. And if you have your heart set on a specific breed, you might be surprised how often they show up in shelters, rescues, or through private rehoming. 

In this article, we’ll break down just how pricey it can be to buy a dog from a breeder and why adoption is the more affordable (and compassionate) choice.

Why are some dog breeds so expensive?

A few key factors help explain why some dog breeds are so expensive to purchase from breeders.

• Rarity and limited availability: Breeds who are difficult to find or have small breeding populations tend to cost more due to scarcity.

• Purebred lineage and pedigree: Dogs with documented bloodlines, especially those descended from show champions, often come at a premium.

• High breeding and care costs: Breeders often seek steep reimbursements for the costs of health screenings, premium food, and veterinary care incurred as they raise a puppy.

• Unique physical traits and temperaments: Breeds with distinctive features or desirable personalities, such as a plush coat or gentle demeanor, may be more expensive. 

• Strong demand and cultural significance: Popularity driven by trends, media appearances, or national pride can drive prices up for certain breeds.

Most expensive dog breeds

The prices below reflect the typical costs of buying a dog from a breeder. However, many of these breeds (or their mixes) can be found in shelters, rescues, or private rehoming for a fraction of the cost.

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Tibetan Mastiff

Price: $1,500 to $10,000

The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the most expensive dog breeds due to their rarity, massive size, and status-symbol appeal. Breeding and caring for these strong-willed dogs takes space, expertise, and significant resources, which add to their high purchase prices. 

French Bulldog

Price: $1,400 to $8,000

French Bulldogs are currently the most popular dog breed in the U.S. Their steep price tags are fueled by high demand and complex breeding requirements. Many need artificial insemination and C-sections due to their physical build, making them costly to produce.

Victoria Rak / Shutterstock/

Pharaoh Hound

Price: $2,000 to $6,500 

With their sleek build, amber eyes, and ancient heritage, Pharaoh Hounds are striking and athletic. Their high prices are tied to their limited global population and the care required to preserve this historic breed. 

Frank11 / Shutterstock/

Portuguese Water Dog 

Price: $2,000 to $6,000

Lively and intelligent, these water-loving dogs are highly trainable and well-suited for active families. The high price of a Portuguese Water Dog reflects a small breeding population and the cost of maintaining the breed’s distinct traits and temperament.

kkgas / Stocksy/

English Bulldog 

Price: $1,500 to $4,000 

These stocky, lovable companions come with high price tags due to their popularity and breeding challenges. Because of their unique anatomy, English Bulldogs often require artificial insemination and C-sections, driving up the cost.

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Dogo Argentino

Price: $1,000 to $4,000 

Powerful and loyal, the Dogo Argentino was originally bred for big-game hunting. Their high prices reflect their rarity, large size, and selective breeding practices. 

Christopher Tomlinson / Alamy Stock Photo/

Chow Chow

Price: $1,000 to $4,000 

With their lion-like ruff and aloof, dignified demeanor, Chow Chows are one of the oldest dog breeds. Their prices are driven by a limited breeding pool, large size, and high maintenance needs. 

Alex Master / AdobeStock/

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 

Price: $1,800 to $3,500

Sweet, affectionate, and elegant, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are beloved lapdogs. Their popularity, combined with genetic health screening needs, makes them one of the pricier small breeds.

Gillian Vann / Stocksy/

Bernese Mountain Dog 

Price: $1,500 to $3,500

Gentle giants with thick, tri-colored coats, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their sweet nature. Their large size means higher care and feeding needs for breeders. They’re also prone to certain health conditions, making responsible breeding an expensive, involved process. 

Löwchen

Price: $1,500 to $3,000

The Löwchen, or “Little Lion Dog,” is a playful and cheerful breed, and one of the rarest in the world. Though they’re still bred in the U.S., their limited availability makes them difficult to find, leading to higher prices for puppies.

Samoyed

Price: $1,000 to $3,000 

Known for their trademark “Sammy smile,” plush white coats, and cheerful dispositions, Samoyeds are highly sought after, which drives up their prices. 

Ekaterina Gorokhova / iStock/

Afghan Hound

Price: $1,000 to $3,500 

With their flowing coats and regal postures, Afghan Hounds look like runway models in dog form. Their unique beauty and popularity as show dogs contribute to their high prices — as does their large size, which adds to the cost of care and breeding.

Choosing the right dog for you

If you’ve got your heart set on a high-value dog breed, consider looking into local shelters or breed-specific rescues first. 

That said, no matter how you bring a dog into your life, it’s important to do your research and choose a breed who matches your lifestyle, will adapt to your home environment, and fits your budget. Here are some tips for choosing the right dog for you. 

• Evaluate your lifestyle: Are you active or more laid-back? Some breeds need hours of daily exercise, while others are content with a short walk and couch time.

• Consider grooming needs: Breeds with long or dense coats often require regular grooming. This can mean daily brushing at home and regular visits to a professional groomer, which add up in time and cost.

• Consider healthcare needs: Some breeds are more prone to certain health conditions that can lead to frequent vet visits and higher medical costs. It’s important to understand the potential healthcare demands of a breed before bringing one home.

• Think about space: Larger dogs or high-energy breeds typically do best in homes with ample room to roam and run, while smaller or more low-energy breeds may adapt well to apartment living.

• Research temperament: Look for breeds whose personalities align with your household. For example, some breeds thrive in family settings, while others are better suited to quiet, adult-only homes.

• Plan for the long term: Dogs are a long-term commitment. Ask yourself if you’re prepared for the daily care, training, ongoing expenses, and years of companionship that come with it.

The benefits of adopting over buying a dog  

High-priced dog breeds may attract attention for their looks, pedigree, or prestige, but you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to find a great companion. Adopting a dog, whether a purebred or a mix, can be far more rewarding than having a breeder certificate. Here’s why adoption is worth serious consideration.

Adoption is more affordable

Adoption fees typically range from $50 to $500 and often include spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, and microchipping — a big contrast to the thousands it can cost to purchase a dog from a breeder.

Many high-value breeds end up in shelters

Purebred dogs such as French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Chow Chows (and their mixes) can end up in shelters, rescues, or private rehoming situations. Life changes, owner surrenders, and irresponsible breeding practices can all leave these dogs in need of second chances. With a bit of patience and determination, you might find the breed you’ve been dreaming of, minus the breeder price tag.

And who knows? You might walk into a shelter searching for one breed and walk out with your heart stolen by a lovable mixed-breed — the most common type of dog in shelters.  

You’re saving a life (or many) 

Adopting gives a dog a second chance at a happy life and creates space in shelters for other animals in need. It’s a compassionate choice that has a ripple effect beyond your household.

You may find a better match

Shelters and rescues do their best to evaluate and gather information about a dog’s behavior, personality, and needs, aiming to match you with a dog who truly fits your lifestyle, instead of relying on breed stereotypes alone.

Commonly asked questions

Which dog breed is the most expensive in the world?

In 2025, the world’s most expensive dog sold for $5.7 million. The dog is the first of its kind: a cross between an actual wolf and a Caucasian Shepherd.

Do expensive dog breeds require special care?

Often, yes. Many have unique grooming or health needs that require regular attention and higher maintenance costs.

Are rare breeds harder to train?

Not necessarily. Trainability depends more on the individual breed’s temperament than their rarity.

What are the lifetime costs of owning a luxury dog breed? 

The average cost of a dog per year can run anywhere from $1,270 to $2,803, which adds up to $15,000 to $40,000 over their lifetime. If you have a luxury breed, those costs can be even higher due to steep purchase prices and the need for specialized care such as grooming, breed-specific healthcare, and premium nutrition.

Resources 

“Adoption Fees and Applications - Animal Shelter | Seattle.gov.” seattle.gov, www.seattle.gov/animal-shelter/find-an-animal/adopt/adoption-fees-and-applications.

“Pet Statistics.” ASPCA. www.aspca.org/helping-people-pets/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics.

“Why pedigree dogs like pugs and Samoyeds are so expensive.” Business Insider. www.businessinsider.com/pedigree-dogs-breeding-pugs-samoyeds-so-expensive-2019-4.

“World’s Most Expensive and 'Rarest' Dog Just Sold for 5.7 Million Dollars.” Kinship. www.kinship.com/news/worlds-most-expensive-dog.