Before bringing that new pup home, you need to tally the cost over their lifetime. Food, grooming, and vet care are just a few of the costs of dog ownership that vary wildly. Here are the 10 most expensive breeds to own.
10. Afghan Hound – $7,000
Originating in Afghanistan, Afghan hound pups range between $2,000-$2,500. Expect to spend another $1,000 in initial start-up costs. Regular grooming is a must. Expect around $300 in monthly costs, and up to $700 in annual vet costs. While the lowest lifetime estimate of owning an Afghan Hound is around $7,000, it can reach between $22,000 to $24,000.
9. Pharaoh Hound – $7,500
Originating from Malta, a Pharaoh hound puppy runs around $7,500 due to their rarity. They have very low grooming needs. Luckily, they have fairly good health, although 30 percent get elbow dysplasia and 12 percent get patellar luxation. They live long, 13-17 years. All told, lifetime costs can exceed $10,000.
8. Dogo Argentino – $8,000
Originating from Argentina, a Dogo Argentino pup will set you back around $3,500. Additional initial costs can exceed $1,000. Monthly costs can average $300. You can expect a few health pickups throughout their lives. While the average lifetime cost of owning a Dogo Argentino is $8,000, some put the figure between $12,000-$24,000.
7. Rottweiler – $9,000
While more common than the other dogs on this list, and typically around $1,500 to buy, their high price tag comes via expensive vet bills throughout their lifetime. This breed is susceptible to nearly every common dog disease, malady, and cancer. Besides their health issues, because this breed bites humans more than others, insurance for Rottweilers is high.
6. Azawakh – $9,500
Hailing from West Africa, this breed became recognized by the AKC in 2019. They are scarce in North America and typically sell for between $2,000-$3,000. Expect around $825 for their initial needs. Their diet, grooming, and medical treatment can run around $300 per month. While $9,500 is an average, some say lifetime costs can reach $30,000.
5. Tibetan Mastiff – $10,000
The most expensive dog ever sold on the planet was a Tibetan Mastiff that went for $1.5 million. More realistically, pups range from $2,000-$6,000, but top bloodlines fetch up to $12,000. Food, regular necessary grooming, and vet costs can add up. While the average low for lifetime cost is $10,000, it can reach as high as $134,105.
4. Chow Chow – $11,000
Originating in China, they are one of the oldest and rarest breeds in the world. In addition to their high purchase cost, you’ll spend a total of $11,000 on food, vet bills, treats, grooming, and more throughout their life. Training is a wise investment. These large dogs have powerful jaws, are unpredictable, and deliver a bite that can be deadly.
3. Löwchen – $12,000
Once considered the rarest dog in the world, a Löwchen puppy runs between $2,000-$4,000 but can go as high as $8,000 due to their rarity. They do require frequent grooming. Luckily, they’re mostly healthy throughout their long lives of 13-15 years. Their main issues are cataracts (25% of dogs) and patellar luxation (9%).
2. Akita – $13,000
Originating in the mountains of Japan, Akita pups run around $2,500-$7,000. Add another $1,000 for your initial ownership costs. They require regular grooming, a good diet, and routine vet care that averages around $300 monthly. As they age, Akitas have health issues, and vet bills can add up. The lifetime cost of an Akita can range from $20,000-$40,000 and up.
Read More: The Most High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
1. Samoyed – $14,000
Originating from Siberia, Samoyed pups can cost around $3,500, but this breed has many high costs. They have higher vet bills than most dogs. Samoyeds are prone to expensive health issues, such as autoimmune conditions, corneal dystrophy, and cardiac disorders. Pet insurance for this breed is a wise investment. Though the average lifetime cost is $14,000, it can reach up to $25,000.
Read More: 10 Worst Shedding Dog Breeds
