Dogs have been by our side for tens of thousands of years, and their loyalty has never wavered. These furry friends have domesticated long ago as a means of survival, and their skills as hunters have helped us thrive. Though they may be wolves at heart, dogs are undoubtedly our best friends.
According to archaeologists, dogs and humans have always hunted together. The dogs would enjoy the warmth from human fires and share the cooked food with their new best friends. Fast forward thousands of years and dogs are still a huge part of our lives. And they can also be super expensive, depending on the breed – but that’s a topic for another day!
The pet industry has seen a lot of growth over the centuries. By 2021, it’s expected to reach $72 billion in America alone. This includes pet toys, medication, food, and everything else our furry friends need. Companies like Chewy and Zoetis are also expected to see potential increases.
If you’re curious to know which dog breeds are the most expensive right now, keep reading on the next page. You’ll be blown away by number 17!
1. Cavalier King Charles spaniel
the cavalier king Charles spaniel is a regal breed that originated in the UK. These toy dogs were popular as lap dogs during medieval times due to their friendly nature and fluffy ears. Today, a purebred cavalier king Charles spaniel can cost up to a thousand dollars, but they are known to be low-maintenance companions that require a lot of attention from their human owners.
The CKCS and the English toy spaniel have similar histories, but they diverged from one another a century ago. Though they may look similar, you can tell them apart because the CKCS is smaller than the toy spaniel.
Cavalier King Charles spaniels love to run around and play. Though they are small, they are always ready for a good game. Be sure to stock up on toys and treats from chewy or Petco, because this little toy breed is always looking for a good time.
Average price: $1,000*
country of origin: united kingdom
2. Czechoslovakian wolfdog
the Czechoslovakian wolfdog is known for its striking silver-gray and yellow-gray coat. This dog has a lineage that dates back to 1955 when it was created in an experiment conducted by the Cssr breed association. Although it may look like a wolf, the wolfdog is actually quite friendly.
This sociable and fearless dog comes from a cross-breed of wolves and guards dogs, making it a rare find. With just 340 registered in Slovakia, Italy, and a few other countries, this dog is sure to be a conversation starter – and for good reason! Its price tag of up to $1,500 only adds to its appeal.
Despite being lovable creatures, wolfdogs are illegal in many states. These states have bans on owning and breeding wolf hybrids, and the regulations vary from county to county. Occasionally, tales of illegal wolfdog ownership will make headlines.
Average price: $1,500*
country of origin: Czech Republic/Slovakia
3. St. Bernard
st. Bernard is a gentle giant that was bred to help people in need. These dogs can weigh up to 260 pounds and stand up to 35 inches tall. St. Bernard is a great working dog that is perfect for helping out in the snow.
The Bernese mountain dog was named after its original breeder, the monk bernard of mention. This Italian bred the rescue dogs in 1660. Over the years, the Bernese mountain dog has become known for its heroic nature and daring rescues.
People have long been captivated by the gentle giants known as st. Bernards, with the breed appearing in movies for decades. Classics like Beethoven, which you can stream on Hulu or peacock, were beloved by kids in the 1990s. Beethoven, the star of the movie of the same name, was so popular that it would go on to have seven sequels from 1993 to 2014.
Average price: $1,800*
country of origin: Italian/swiss alps
4. Bedlington terrier
the Bedlington terrier is a gentle dog that was once bred to hunt vermin. They are now a popular racing dog and frequent candidate in dog shows. This breed is known for its powerful swimming skills, despite its docile appearance.
The dog breed, which originated in Northumberland specifically, is fit to kill another dog of its weight class, though it is friendly with humans (particularly children). It has a long lifespan of 13.5 years and is closely related to the whippet.
These lively and affectionate terriers still have excellent hunting instincts, as well as a keen sense of smell. The Bedlington terrier reaches eighteen inches in height, maximum, and you can catch it wowing audiences at various NBC dog shows. The Bedlington, in addition to being a hunter and show dog, makes for a great companion and family pet.
Average price: $1,800*
country of origin: northeastern England
5. Double doodle
nicknamed “the double doodle, ” this breed of dog is a cross between a labradoodle and a Goldendoodle. A double doodle can also be created by crossing combinations of a golden retriever, a poodle, or a labrador retriever. This breed of dog is smart, friendly, energetic, and fluffy.
The double doodle is a hybrid dog that is usually pretty healthy, living anywhere from twelve to fifteen years. They usually don’t suffer the same genetic issues that their purebred parents exhibit, thanks to variation in their gene pools (which was what the original breeders intended, no doubt).
This breed of dog is known by many names, including the golden labradoodle and the north American retriever. Despite its fluff, this breed is non-shedding and loves to play fetch. If you’re not an active person who is okay to throw a ball for an hour, the double doodle might not be for you.
Average price: $1,900*
country of origin: united states
6. Caucasian Ovtcharka
the caucasian shepherd dog was bred in Georgia as a working dog for the soviet union. Soviet breeders were looking for the perfect working dog and chose from several shepherd dog breeds in Azerbaijan and Georgia to create the CSD.
The shepherd dog is an ancient breed that originated in the Caucasus mountains. These dogs were used by shepherds to protect their livestock from predators. The Ovcharka is a large breed of dog that can weigh up to 220 pounds. They are known for their size and longevity, often living up to 12 years.
As the American kennel club warns, this is a breed that should not be taken lightly. With their fearless nature and protective instincts, caucasian Ovcharkas can be dangerous if not properly trained and socialized. However, with the right owner, these dogs can be loyal and protective companions.
Average price: $2,000*
country of origin: Georgia
7. Bouvier des Flandres
the bouvier des flandres is a herding dog that originated in belgium. This breed was used for centuries as a working dog on Belgian farms, performing a variety of tasks such as cattle roving, cart pulling, and sheep herding. Today, the Bouvier is still used as a working dog in Europe but is also popular as a guard dog and police dog. American cops tend to prefer german shepherds or Belgian Malinois, but the Bouvier is a versatile breed that can excel in any role.
The Bouvier is an aloof breed, but it is not aggressive. On the contrary, it is good with families and very loyal. It is calmer than other breeds, making it a great choice for families. Fun fact: Bouvier’s name originated from its breeding city of Flanders, Belgium.
Bouviers des Flandres are gentle giants that can weigh up to 100 pounds and stand up to 26 inches tall. These dogs need a lot of exercise and activity but are perfect for families that love the outdoors. With a lifespan of 10-12 years, the Bouvier des Flandres is a great addition to any home.
Average price: $2,000*
country of origin: northern Belgium
8. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland was bred in the dominion of Newfoundland, which was located in modern-day Canada. The dog’s breeding took place before the confederation of Canada was even formed, and Newfoundland is a large breed that is noted for its long coats and heavy bone structure.
This large breed of dog is known for its gentle demeanor and trainability. Despite its impressive size, it is a docile pet that can be trained to perform a variety of tasks. Most often black, grey, or brown in color, this breed can live up to 10 years.
If you’re looking for a friendly dog that loves making new friends, you should consider a Newfoundland. These dogs are gentle and good-natured, and you can often see them playing and interacting with other animals – even foxes! One woman in Alberta, Canada even reported that her young female fox and her three-year-old Newfoundland had become best friends.
Average price: $2,000*
country of origin: Canada
9. Golden retriever
one of the friendliest and most popular dog breeds is the golden retriever. These dogs were bred as gun dogs, meaning they were bred to help hunters retrieve waterfowl. The retriever’s name comes from their ability to bring back downed waterfowl without damaging the kill.
The golden retriever is one of the most popular breeds of dog in the world for many reasons. It has a soft mouth that allows it to hold an egg without cracking it, making it a preferred choice for hunting parties. It is also super friendly and reliable, easily recognizable by its golden-colored or cream-colored coat.
Golden retrievers are the stars of tv and movies. Shows like CBS sam and NBC’s year in the life featured goldens, much to fans’ delight. Golden retrievers are easy to train and very lovable, so they’re pretty much universally-adored dogs. They fit in on any tv or movie set, no matter the theme.
Average price: $2,000*
country of origin: Scotland
10. Lowchen
this small dog is known by many names, including the little lion dog, the petit Chien lion, and the European dog. Bred in 1422, this dog is a part of history, having been featured in many paintings and tapestries.
The Lowchenwas bred as a royal court dog and was a companion to wealthy elites. They would just hang out all day in the lap of luxury. This breed was one of the rarest in the world in the seventies, but their numbers are increasing now.
This little lion is a Lowchen. It won’t exactly grow up to be a bruiser, but it will weigh up to eighteen pounds. The Lowchenis are happy, intelligent, and active. Though these dogs live 12-14 years and are generally pretty healthy, it’s never a bad idea to buy pet insurance from companies like Trupanion or Petplan. This breed’s relative rarity is another good reason to buy pet insurance.
Average price: $5,000*
country of origin: Germany/France
11. Rottweiler
Rottweilers were bred as working dogs and continue to serve in many roles including police work, military service, and driving cattle. They are known for their courageous and alert nature, making them perfect for working in these demanding fields.
Despite their bad reputation, rottweilers can be very pleasant dogs if they are socialized early on. Some are quieter, while others are goofballs. Males can weigh up to 130 pounds. They are very protective of their family and can be very loyal canine companions.
Though rottweilers are great dogs, some cities have banned them. However, the facts behind these bans are debatable, so you should make sure that your city doesn’t have laws against you owning a Rottie. However, illegal rottweiler ownership won’t exactly make national headlines, it could get you a stiff fine and your dog taken away.
Average price: $2,000*
country of origin: Germany
12. Bulldog
the English bulldog is known for being a muscular, hefty dog with a pushed-in nose and wrinkly (yet handsome) face. This breed can weigh up to fifty pounds, and it is thought to have first been bred in the 1600s. It first began appearing in paintings in the 1700s. One such example is the painting of a bulldog by Philip Reinagle, which shows the breed’s muscular build and pushed-in nose.
The bulldog was bred to bait bulls during bullfights, an archaic practice that was outlawed in England for its brutality. This blood sport is what gave bulldogs their massive jaws and muscular builds.
Bulldogs are one of the most popular breeds of dogs and for good reason – they’re friendly, silly, and easy to train. However, they can be a little hard to manage because they’re so willful and they’re prone to obesity, so it’s important to keep an eye on their diet. Bulldogs are also susceptible to a number of health issues, so it’s a good idea to buy pet insurance for them. Companies like Geico offer pet insurance, so you can be sure your bulldogs are covered.
Average price: $2,000*
country of origin: England
13. Chow chow
the Chow Chow is known as the “songshi quan” in china, which means “puffy lion. ” this dog breed is not hypoallergenic, and its short, muscular frame is covered with a thick fluffy coat. It was bred in China as an “all-purpose” dog for hunting, guarding, protecting, or working.
Though this breed might not be the best for those looking for a genius dog, they are undeniably cute and very, very loyal. The Chow Chowhas consistently made the list of least trainable and intelligent dogs, but they make up for it with their protective and handsome nature.
Though American owners might find it difficult to own a Chow Chow, as they are the most-banned dog breed in America, Chow Chow owners would dispute their fearsome reputation. One Chow Chow, barney, even made a local ABC stations pet of the week in December of 2020.
Average price: $2,900*
country of origin: china
14. Saluki
the Saluki is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. It is thought to have direct ancestors that were used by nomadic tribes during the bc era. These sighthounds were bred in the fertile crescent and are unique in that they hunt primarily by sight, as opposed to scent.
Sighthounds have been one of the first domesticated animals. Today, the Saluki is known for its hunting capabilities; it can run up to 43 miles per hour. The Saluki is known for its reserved personality and aloofness. They have a life expectancy of up to fourteen years.
Even though the Saluki might not work as a king’s hunting hound anymore, this dog still likes to run around. So make sure you have plenty of toys from pet stores (or big-box stores like Walmart or target) to keep them entertained.
Average price: $2,500*
country of origin: Egypt
15. Shiba Inu
the Shiba Inu is a small, agile dog that originated in Japan. It is the smallest of the six Japanese spitz breeds, but don’t let its size fool you – the Shiba is an excellent hunter. The life expectancy of a Shiba is between twelve and fifteen years, and males can reach up to 24 pounds in weight and 17 inches in height.
Shiba Inus are fearless and confident, making them perfect for mountainous terrain and harsh weather conditions. Though they can be stubborn and hard to train, shivas are very faithful and loyal to their families.
Average price: $2,500*
country of origin: japan
16. Komondor
the komondor is a large breed of dog that originated in Hungary. Males can weigh up to 130 pounds and they have white, corded coats. The komondor is not hypoallergenic, and it has a life span ranging from ten to twelve years. The komondor is fearless and affectionate. It is sometimes called a mop dog due to its coat.
The komondor was traditionally used to protect livestock and property from animals and invaders. While these dogs are known for their signature corded coats, some owners prefer not to cord them, finding that the cords are too much work. It all depends on the particular dog.
Average price: $1,000*
country of origin: Hungarian
17. Miniature bull terrier
despite its egg-shaped head, the miniature bull terrier is still a popular dog. This breed has its origins in the English white terrier, which is now extinct. It also has distinct ancestral links to the bulldog and dalmatian. The miniature bull terrier can reach up to thirty-five pounds and two feet in height.
This dog is known for its gentle temperament and playful nature. Despite its small size, it is very courageous and has been known to take on much larger animals. The breed was first documented in 1872 by travelers who noted their presence in the dogs of the British island.
Average price: $1,600*
country of origin: England
[mashshare]
