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The 25 Most Pricey Dog Breeds


Owning a dog can be expensive depending on the dog breed you choose, with some requiring more medical care than others, in addition to other costs.

Americans reportedly spend an average of $1,675 per year on their dog, with purebred dogs costing five times more than a mutt or mixed dog, Prudent Pet Insurance reported last year.

Purebreds, short-nosed dogs and large dogs have the highest pet insurance rates, while mixed breeds have the lowest rates as they "are less prone to genetically predisposed ailments," the North American Pet Health Insurance Association notes.

Speaking to Newsweek, Jennie Chen, a member of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America, noted: "There is a large variation in [the] pricing of dogs. Simply because two dogs are the same breed, the raising practices and pre-breeding evaluations (for health, type, and temperament) may be completely different and account for the range in pricing.

"The breeders who strive to preserve their breed's original function and physical features while keeping a keen eye on population health spend a considerable amount of time, effort, and funds. This is why you will see such a wide variation in prices. The vast majority of well-bred purebred dogs from preservation breeders are on the high end of the breed's price range," she said.

The cost of puppies has also risen due to challenges in breeding regulations as well as the higher costs of veterinary care and increased logistical challenges amid the ongoing pandemic, Chen noted.

The demand for pets "has grown exponentially since the start of the pandemic," Chen added, noting that contributed to a rise in fraudulent pet-selling websites.

Here we look at 25 of the most expensive dog breeds.

German shepherd

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German shepherds can each cost around $800 on average, while grooming costs amount to around $40 per session. Medical expenses could run as high as around $20,500 over a lifespan of around 10 to 13 years. Common conditions that will need treatment include hip dysplasia and perianal fistulas, according to GOBankingRates.

German shepherd dog NYC 2017
A German Shepherd from the 2017 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show pictured at the One World Observatory on February 15, 2017 in New York City. Getty Images

Bernese mountain dog

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Bernese mountain dogs cost around $2,500 to $3,500 to buy, according to Layal Bouaoun, a breeder from St. Louis, Missouri, told Chen.

Grooming these large dogs can cost around $75 per visit on average. With a short life expectancy of around seven to 10 years due to health issues such as elbow and hip dysplasia and aseptic meningitis, medical costs can reach around $6,500, GOBankingRates reported.

Bernese mountain dog U.K. 2016
A Bernese mountain dog walks pictured in Clevedon, England in the U.K. on March 2, 2016. Getty Images

Chow Chow

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The purchase price of this medium-sized breed averages around $900, while grooming costs are around $90 per visit. Their medical costs can soar to around $11,000 over their expected lifespan of around eight to 12 years, according to GOBankingRates.

Their primary health concerns include eyelid entropion, hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies and thyroid function, according to Prudent Pet Insurance.

Chow Chow in India 2020 dog show
A Chow Chow dog at the Championship Dog Show by the Indian National Kennel Club in Ahmedabad in western India on January 5, 2020. Getty Images

Rottweiler

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The price of rottweilers can range from around $1,500 to $3,000, according to Teresa Bradley, who is on the board of directors and officers for the American Rottweiler Club.

Jill Kessler-Miller, another board member of the American Rottweiler Club, told Care.com, a company that finds caregivers for various services including pet care: "A lot of that is going to depend on the breeder, and it's going to depend on the region.

"Dogs in California can be more expensive than, say, Wisconsin. For a show quality dog or a possible breeding-quality dog, those can run anywhere from, say, $1,800 on up. I have known breeders that will charge into the $3,000 to $5,000 [range] for their puppies," Kessler-Miller added.

Rottweiler in Turkey dog show 2019
A Rottweiler seen at the Ankara National Breed Standards Competition in Ankara, Turkey on August 25, 2019. Getty Images

Bulldog

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Bulldogs can be purchased for around $1,250 each, while grooming them costs about $48 per session. They are reported to be at high risk for several health issues, with average health costs reaching around $5,700, according to GOBankingRates.

English bulldog dog show Germany 2012
An English bulldog at the CACIB dog exhibition at the Exhibition Centre Nuernberg in Nuernberg, Germany on n January 14, 2012. Getty Images

Staffordshire bull terrier

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The average price of a Staffordshire bull terrier ranges from $2,000 to $3,500, according to Beret Walsh, a member of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club.

Grooming costs are around $48 per visit. With a life expectancy of around 12 to 14 years, medical costs for treating general health issues can reach around $3,500 for Staffordshire bull terriers, GOBankingRates reports.

Staffordshire bull terrier in London, U.K. 2010
A Staffordshire bull terrier seen at the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in London, England in the U.K. on August 2, 2010, Getty Images

The Old English sheepdog

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Old English sheepdogs cost around $1,200 on average to buy and around $88 per visit to a groomer. With an average life expectancy of around 10 to 12 years, medical costs can go up to $7,600 per dog, GOBankingRates reported.

Old English sheepdog NYC 2011
An Old English sheepdog seen at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York City on February 14, 2011. Getty Images

Golden retriever

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A golden retriever costs around $2,000 to $3,000 to buy, according to Chen, while a visit to a groomer costs around $56, GOBankingRates reported.

Golden retrievers have a predisposition for several serious health issues, including cancer. Medical costs can potentially hit around $17,500 over their expected lifespan of around 10 to 12 years, according to GOBankingRates.

A golden retriever in Germany 2020
A golden retriever on a meadow seen on August 23, 2020 in Ulm, Germany. Getty Images

Samoyed

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The rare Samoyed breed costs around $3,000 on average to buy, Chen noted. Grooming costs are at about $60 per session. They are prone to some health issues, such as corneal dystrophy and autoimmune conditions, which can be costly to treat. Medical costs can run as high as $4,800 over their lifespan of around 12 to 14 years, GOBankingRates reported.

Samoyed dog in Cornwall, U.K. 2018
A Samoyed dog seen at Portmeor Beach as snow arrives in St Ives in Cornwall, England in the U.K. on February 28, 2018. Getty Images

Newfoundland

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Newfoundlands costs around $1,500 to buy, while grooming costs average around $65 per session. They are predisposed to several health conditions, such as cardiomyopathy and gastric dilatation volvulus. Their medical costs reach up to $5,500 over their lifespan of around nine to 10 years, GOBankingRates reported.

Newfoundland dog U.K. Crufts dog show 2018
A Newfoundland dog seen at the Crufts dog show at the NEC Arena in Birmingham, England in the U.K. on March 8, 2018. Getty Images

Black Russian Terrier

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The average selling price of a Black Russian terrier ranges from $3,000 to $5,000, according to a member of the Black Russian Terrier Club.

Grooming costs are around $105 per visit. Health costs can run even higher, reaching up to $6,000 to treat common orthopedic and eye problems over their lifespan of around 10 to 14 years, GOBankingRates reported.

Black Russian terrier 2016 NYC dog show
A Black Russian terrier competing in the 140th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden on February 16, 2016 in New York City. Getty Images

French bulldog

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These small dogs can cost around $4,000 each, Chen noted. Grooming costs are around $35 per session. French bulldogs come with several serious health concerns. Medical expenses can average around $4,300 over their lifespan of around 10 to 12 years, according to GOBankingRates.

French bulldog U.K. Crufts dog show 2017
A French bulldog dog posing at the Crufts dog show at the NEC Arena on March 10, 2017 in Birmingham, England of the U.K. Getty Images

Pharaoh hound

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The price of a pet Pharaoh hound can range from around $1,800 to $3,000, according to Chen. A show quality Pharaoh hound can cost from $2,500 to $3,500, advised Robert Newman, the president of the Pharaoh Hound Club of America.

The breed is reported to be highly sensitive to stress, which can lead to severe digestive and neurotic health issues, which can cost over $1,500 to treat, according to Prudent Pet Insurance.

Pharaoh hound NYC 2016
A Pharaoh hound the American Kennel Club's Meet The Breeds at Pier 92 event in New York City on February 13, 2016. Getty Images

Irish wolfhound

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While the average purchase price of an Irish wolfhound is $2,500 to $3,000, Chen noted. Health costs can potentially amount to around $7,700 over their relatively short lifespan of around six to 10 years. Grooming costs are at about $65 per session, according to GOBankingRates reported.

Irish wolfhound Irish Guards mascot 2019
An Irish wolfhound seen at the 1st Battalion Irish Guards St Patrick's Day Parade on March 17, 2019 in Hounslow, England of the U.K. Getty Images

Alaskan malamute

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The Alaskan malamute costs around $2,500 to $4,000 to buy, according to Colleen White, a member of the Alaska Malamute Club of America.

Grooming can cost around $85 per session. They are at high risk for several health conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, bringing its medical expense to around $7,700 over its average lifespan of around 12 to 15 years, according to GOBankingRates.

Alaskan malamute Minnesota December 2020
An Alaskan malamute seen along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota on December 23, 2020. Getty Images

Dogo Argentino

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The purchase price of this Argentinian breed averages around $1,200 per dog, while grooming costs amount to around $35 per visit. Medical expenses can go up to $1,600 to treat common conditions such as hip dysplasia and deafness, GOBankingRates reported.

Dogo Argentino in Germany dog show 2011
A Dogo Argentino at a dog exhibition in Dortmund, Germany on October 16, 2011. Getty Images

Portuguese water dog

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These medium-sized dogs can cost around $2,500 to buy and medical costs can amount to around $2,700, while grooming sessions can be around $53 per visit. They are expected to live around 10 to 14 years, GOBankingRates reported.

Bo Obama family Portuguese water dog 2012
Bo, the Obama family's Portuguese water dog, seen in the Rose Garden of the White House in June 2012.

Löwchen

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The purchase price of a Löwchen ranges from around $2,500 to $4,000, according to Chen. They are surprisingly healthy, so medical costs should be relatively moderate over their lifespan of around 13 to 15 years, Prudent Pet Insurance reported.

Löwchen dog U.K. Crufts dog show 2017
A Löwchen posing at the Crufts dog show at the NEC Arena in Birmingham, England of the U.K. on March 10, 2017. Getty Images

Greater Swiss mountain dog

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Greater Swiss mountain dogs can cost around $2,500 to $3,000 to purchase. They are expensive due to being extremely difficult to breed, which can potentially require C-section operations. Greater Swiss mountain dog puppies can cost from around $2,500 to $4,000, Chen notes.

Greater Swiss mountain dog NYC show 2016
A Greater Swiss mountain dog competing at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden on February 16, 2016 in New York City. Getty Images

St. Bernard

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St. Bernards can cost around $3,500 on average to buy, according to Chen. Medical expenses for these large dogs can soar to around $8,600 over their average lifespan of around eight to 10 years, while grooming costs can cost up to around $65 per visit, GOBankingRates reported.

St. Bernard Crufts dog show U.K. 2020
A St. Bernard dog seen at the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England of the U.K. on March 7, 2020. Getty Images

Cavalier King Charles spaniel

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Cavalier King Charles spaniels cost around $2,500 to $4,000 each on average to purchase, Chen noted. Grooming them costs around $55 per session. Prone to several health issues, their potential costs amount to around $1,350 over their expected lifespan of about 10 to 14 years, GOBankingRates reported.

Cavalier King Charles spaniels NYC 2020
A pack of Cavalier King Charles spaniels seen in Central Park in New York City on March 18, 2020. Getty Images

Spinone Italiano

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This Italian breed costs around $1,500 to buy and around $55 per visit to a groomer. While known to be generally healthy, health costs can go up to around $3,000 due to medical conditions such also hip dysplasia and gastric dilatation volvulus. They have a life expectancy of around 12 to 14 years, according to GOBankingRates.

Italian Spinone U.K. Crufts dog show 2020
Italian Spinone dogs seen at the Cruft's dog show at the NEC Arena on March 6, 2020 in Birmingham, England of the U.K. Getty Images

Afghan hound

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Hailing from the mountains of Afghanistan, on average Afghan hounds cost around $2,000 to purchase, while grooming costs average around $65 per session, according to GOBankingRates.

With a predisposition for certain health conditions, such as cataract and hypothyroidism, medical costs can go up to around $3,000. Their average lifespan is around 10 to 14 years, according to Prudent Pet Insurance.

Afghan hound Beverly Hills Dog Show 2020
An Afghan hound competing in the 2020 Beverly Hills Dog Show at the Los Angeles County Fairplex in Pomona, California on February 29, 2020. Getty Images

Azawakh

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This West African breed was reported to be one of the newest breeds of 2019 and their average purchase price ranges from around $1,500 to $2,000, according to Care.com.

They are known to have a quick recovery from injuries and few hereditary conditions but do suffer from epilepsy or Wobbler disease. Azawakhs have an average lifespan of around 12 to 15 years with daily exercise and high-quality food, Prudent Pet Insurance reported.

Azawakh dog Green Park London U.K. 2004
An Azawakh seen at Green Park in London, U.K. for the launch of the 2004 Kennel Club's Greatest Dog Show in the World. Getty Images

Tibetan mastiff

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The average purchase price of a Tibetan mastiff is around $3,000 to $5,000, according to Lois Claus and Dan Nechemias, members of the American Tibetan Mastiff Association.

They can be found at much lower costs at shelters, Rebecca Chambliss, secretary of the American Tibetan Mastiff Association told Care.com. "They are free to $500 with most breeders," she noted.Visits to a groomer costs around $70 per session, while medical costs can go up to about $3,000, GOBankingRates reported.

While reported to be generally healthy, they are prone to hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and eye anomalies, Prudent Pet Insurance noted.

Tibetan mastiff NYC dog show 2015
A Tibetan mastiff pictured at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City on February 17, 2015. Getty Images

Uncommon Knowledge

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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

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