Purebred canines seem to become more expensive each year. This makes one wonder, why do dogs cost so much? The estimated prices below fluctuate due to numerous factors including pedigree, bloodlines, training/skills (or promise of trainability if it is a puppy), health, coloring and markings. A dog with superior bloodlines, descended from multiple generations of award-winning champions, with perfect markings and a highly responsive personality will obviously cost more than a simple purebred pup.
German Shepherd: This breed is known for their intelligence, quick responses, and limitless ability to acquire challenging skills. Equally prized as affectionate pets as they are useful assets, the German Shepherd can cost anywhere from $2,000-24,000.
Egyptian Pharaoh Hounds: Sleek and stately, this hound looks as if he leapt off hieroglyphic writings on palace walls. The unique Egyptian Pharaoh Hound is said to be one of the original ancient domestic breeds, and can sell for up to $7000.
Rottweiler: These sturdy guard dogs have proven to be loving family pets and good show dogs. They typically sell for prices between $2,000-7,000.
Akita: This Japanese beauty typically has a starting price of $2,000-6,000 depending on the bloodlines, health and coloring and temperament.
Samoyed: The snowy-furred Siberian dogs were originally bred for strength and stamina, as they were once considered necessary as sled dogs. It is not unusual for the lovable Samoyed to sell from $6,000-12,000.
English Bulldog: This stout classic remains highly favored in spite of numerous health issues. The English Bulldog can cost anywhere from $2,000-9,000.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: These dogs are named for royal ownership, and can cost a pretty penny for a purebred. Starting at $1000 prices can soar to $14,000 for a highly coveted pup.
Neopolitan Mastiff: Because of their size and rarity, the Neopolitan Mastiff can be an expensive dog to purchase as well as maintain. They have a starting price of just under $2000, and it may require a fair portion of your paycheck to feed them.
Irish Wolfhound: These dogs grow to be the largest canines on earth, but tragically have a life span average of only 8 years. Though Irish Wolfhounds have short lives and start around $2,000 to purchase, the demanding veterinary bills alone will significantly increase the overall cost of this breed.
French Bulldog: The clown in a philosopher’s coat has charmed its way into the center of popularity in the canine world. French Bulldogs start at $1,500, but can cost as much as $10,000 if they are blue, or have unique markings and bloodlines.
Dogo Argentino: The average price for these short-hair, muscular pups is almost $4,000. The South American breed functions as protective and loyal guard dogs as well as athletic big-game hunters.
Tibetan Mastiff: Finally, the Tibetan Mastiff is a rare and costly canine who resembles a cross between a bear and a lion, more than a dog. Typically selling for $2,500-7,000, this wooly rogue takes the cake of the most expensive dog breed, since the highest priced dog purchase in the world was of a Tibetan Mastiff, who sold for nearly $2 million.
Other expensive dog breeds are: Saluki, Chow Chow, Lowchen, Canadian Eskimo Dog, Azawakh, Miniature Bull Terrier, Portuguese Water Dog, German Pinscher, Black Russian Terrier, and the Norfolk Terrier among others.