Big dogs, little dogs. Fuzzy, hairless. Tiny ears, floppy ears. Shelter dogs, fancy dogs. We love them all (especially shelter dogs). While Americans shell out upwards of $4600 per year on their pooches, purebred-loving pet parents are willing to pay more than five times that just to acquire the breed they’ve always wanted. Here are eight of the most expensive dog breeds in the world.
LöwchenSamoyedTibetan MastiffPharaoh HoundAkitaAzawakhPeruvian Inca OrchidSaluki
Löwchen
Löwchens are petite, long-haired dogs that have been a popular breed since the Renaissance, and are even featured prominently in paintings from that period. Nowadays, these “little lions” are extremely rare, pushing their cost to as much as $10,000 in some places around the world.
Samoyed
This breed’s name comes from the Samoyedic peoples of Siberia, who used these fluffy white dogs to herd reindeer and pull sleds for their nomadic groups. The competitive, strong dogs can cost from $8000 to $10,000.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan mastiff originated with the ancient nomadic cultures of China, Nepal, and Tibet. Tribes of Himachal Pradesh used this breed as a guard to protect sheep from predators, making them a very protective breed for any owner. The massive dogs can weigh up to 160 pounds and be as tall as 33 inches. The price for this breed is equally as massive, reaching up to $7000.
Pharaoh Hound
The pharaoh hound is a Maltese breed whose native name, Kelb tal-Fenek, means “rabbit dog,” because they were traditionally used for hunting rabbits. These dogs are highly intelligent as well as athletic. Some bloodlines of this breed can cost owners $6500. We hope the rabbits are worth it!
Akita
The Akita breed originated in the mountainous regions of northern Japan. An Akita can be categorized as either a Japanese or an American Akita, but all come with a short double-coat similar to that of a Siberian husky. Certain breeds of the Akita can be priced as high as $4500.
Azawakh
The West African azawakh is one of the few African breeds available for purchase in the United States and Canada. This lively dog requires lots of physical activity and moves with a distinct feline gait. They can be identified by their almond eyes, thin bodies, and sandy color. These exotic pooches can be priced from $3000 and up.
Peruvian Inca Orchid
This unusual pup has origins in Peruvian pre-Inca cultures. As they’re completely hairless with elephant-gray skin, the dogs are unique in appearance. This breed is priced up to $3000.
Saluki
The saluki is the royal dog of Egypt, meaning it has been man’s best friend since the pharaohs commissioned the pyramids. Salukis are classed as a sighthound, with long legs and a deep chest. Being tall and lean, the males can weigh up to 60 pounds and measure up to 28 inches. Prices of these pups can reach up to $2500.
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A version of this story was originally published in 2018 and has been updated for 2025.
