Owning a dog is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with financial responsibilities. While all dogs require love, attention, and care, some breeds are notoriously more expensive to maintain. These high-end breeds often come with hefty price tags, costly grooming routines, specialized diets, and increased medical care needs. In this article, we will explore the top 11 most expensive dog breeds to care for, giving you insight into their ongoing expenses and lifestyle requirements.
1. Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their massive size, luxurious double coats, and independent nature. Their care costs are high due to:
- Initial Price: Up to $10,000+
- Grooming: Their dense fur needs regular professional grooming to prevent matting and skin infections.
- Diet: High-protein diets to support their size and coat health.
- Medical: Prone to hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and eye conditions.
These dogs require large living spaces, intensive training, and early socialization, adding to the overall cost.
2. Samoyed
Samoyeds, known for their iconic smile and thick white coat, are expensive both upfront and long-term.
- Initial Price: $4,000 to $11,000
- Grooming: Daily brushing and regular grooming appointments are a must.
- Diet: High-quality food to maintain coat health.
- Medical: Susceptible to diabetes, hip dysplasia, and eye issues.
Their grooming and medical needs alone can cost thousands annually.
3. Chow Chow
This ancient breed is not just costly to purchase but also expensive to maintain due to their high-maintenance fur and health issues.
- Initial Price: $3,000 to $8,000
- Grooming: Thick fur requires regular bathing, brushing, and trimming.
- Diet: Balanced diets to prevent obesity.
- Medical: Prone to eye conditions, hip dysplasia, and skin problems.
Additionally, Chow Chows often require professional obedience training.
4. English Bulldog
English Bulldogs are charming but come with significant health and maintenance costs.
- Initial Price: $2,500 to $8,000
- Grooming: Basic grooming but skin fold cleaning is essential.
- Diet: Special diets to manage weight and avoid skin issues.
- Medical: High vet bills due to breathing problems, joint issues, and frequent infections.
Their sedentary lifestyle also means owners must watch their weight closely.
5. Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are elegant dogs that require substantial grooming and exercise.
- Initial Price: $2,000 to $7,000
- Grooming: Professional grooming every few weeks.
- Diet: Premium diets to maintain lean body mass and coat shine.
- Medical: Generally healthy but sensitive to anesthesia.
Their grooming costs alone can be upwards of $1,000 annually.
6. Pharaoh Hound
Known for their regal appearance and athleticism, Pharaoh Hounds are rare and expensive to keep.
- Initial Price: $2,500 to $7,500
- Grooming: Low-maintenance coat but sensitive skin requires care.
- Diet: High-protein diets to support their activity level.
- Medical: Prone to digestive issues and sensitive to temperature extremes.
Their exercise needs are high, requiring active owners.
7. Akita Inu
Akitas are powerful, dignified dogs from Japan, known for their loyalty and protective nature.
- Initial Price: $3,000 to $6,500
- Grooming: Double coats require weekly brushing.
- Diet: Needs a carefully managed diet to avoid obesity.
- Medical: Prone to autoimmune diseases, hip dysplasia, and thyroid issues.
Their training and medical needs add to the long-term costs.
8. Rottweiler
While not as rare, Rottweilers’ size and temperament make them costly to maintain.
- Initial Price: $2,000 to $5,000
- Grooming: Low-maintenance coat but needs regular bathing.
- Diet: Expensive, protein-rich diets to support their muscular build.
- Medical: Prone to joint issues, heart conditions, and cancers.
Insurance and training costs for Rottweilers are also among the highest.
9. Lowchen
Nicknamed “Little Lion Dog,” the Lowchen is both rare and expensive.
- Initial Price: $4,000 to $8,000
- Grooming: Regular professional grooming to maintain their signature look.
- Diet: Balanced premium diets.
- Medical: Prone to joint issues and eye conditions.
Their rarity also means limited access to specialized breeders and vets familiar with the breed.
10. Saluki
Salukis are graceful and elegant, but their lifestyle demands make them costly.
- Initial Price: $2,500 to $5,500
- Grooming: Weekly brushing and occasional baths.
- Diet: High-energy diets to fuel their athletic build.
- Medical: Prone to heart problems and sensitive to anesthesia.
Salukis need large spaces to run and are not suited for apartment living.
11. French Bulldog
One of the most popular breeds, French Bulldogs come with significant health risks and expenses.
- Initial Price: $3,500 to $7,000
- Grooming: Low grooming but daily cleaning of skin folds.
- Diet: Special diets to manage weight and allergies.
- Medical: High risk of breathing issues, spinal problems, and skin diseases.
French Bulldogs also have high breeding costs, driving up the initial price.
Comparative of the Most Expensive Dog Breeds to Care For
| Breed | Initial Price Range | Key Costs | Medical Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tibetan Mastiff | $10,000+ | Grooming, diet, space | Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism |
| Samoyed | $4,000 – $11,000 | Grooming, diet, medical | Diabetes, hip dysplasia |
| Chow Chow | $3,000 – $8,000 | Grooming, obedience training | Eye issues, hip dysplasia |
| English Bulldog | $2,500 – $8,000 | Skin care, vet bills | Breathing issues, joint problems |
| Afghan Hound | $2,000 – $7,000 | Grooming, exercise needs | Sensitive to anesthesia |
| Pharaoh Hound | $2,500 – $7,500 | Diet, exercise, skin care | Digestive issues, temperature sensitive |
| Akita Inu | $3,000 – $6,500 | Diet, grooming, training | Autoimmune diseases, hip dysplasia |
| Rottweiler | $2,000 – $5,000 | Diet, medical care, insurance | Joint issues, cancers |
| Lowchen | $4,000 – $8,000 | Grooming, specialized care | Eye conditions, joint issues |
| Saluki | $2,500 – $5,500 | Diet, exercise, vet care | Heart problems |
| French Bulldog | $3,500 – $7,000 | Medical, skin care, special diet | Breathing issues, skin diseases |
