From $2,000 to $2 Million: The 13 Most Expensive Dog Breeds Ranked 

If there’s a dog breed that can make you go from “aaaww” to “whoa” at first glance, it’s the Tibetan Mastiff. 

Often considered the lion-king of the dog world, the Tibetan Mastiff is truly a sight to behold. With its strikingly gorgeous lion-like mane that envelopes its neck and shoulders, imposing size, luxurious, dense coat, and an incredibly bushy tail that curls over its back, the Tibetan Mastiff exudes a majestic and distinct appeal that’s hard to notice. 

Originating from the high-altitude Himalayan Mountains and Tibetan Plateaus in Asia, this resilient, extra-fluffy breed was kept to protect livestock from fierce predators such as wolves.

Thanks to their regal appearance and ferocious reputation, Tibetan Mastiffs command a high price. It’s estimated that the Tibetan Mastiff is worth anywhere between $3,000 and $5,000, but it’s not unusual for them to fetch a much higher price. 

Back in 2014, a Chinese businessman made headlines when he purchased a one-year-old purebred Tibetan Mastiff for almost $2 million. As you may have guessed, this is the most expensive dog ever sold to date. 

“They have lion’s blood and are top-of-the-range Mastiff studs,” the lucky breeder told the news outlet at the time. “Pure Tibetan mastiffs are very rare, just like our nationally treasured Pandas, so the prices are very high.”

That’s not all. In 2011, a Chinese business tycoon bought a 180-pound Tibetan Mastiff named Big Splash for a staggering $1.5 million.

Tibetan Mastiffs are still viewed as status symbols and are considered the most expensive dog in the world. Despite its enormous size, the Tibetan Mastiff possesses a gentle demeanor and is fiercely loyal to its loved ones. Plus, this massive breed is quite aloof with strangers, making them exceptional guard dogs. 

Interesting fact: Tibetan Mastiffs have a unique gene that makes their bodies produce more red blood cells to ensure more oxygen supply throughout their bodies. This is why the Tibetan Mastiff could (and can) comfortably live and survive in the oxygen-scarce areas of the Tibetan Plateau. 

Admired for its thick, all-white fluffy coat and its heart-melting smiley face, the Samoyed is arguably one of the most stunning dog breeds you’ll ever meet. Historically bred by the ancient Samoyede tribe of Siberia, Samoyeds are extremely people-friendly and loyal. 

According to the American Kennel Club, the Samoyed is one of the most ancient dog breeds in the world; its existence dates back over 5,000 years ago. What’s more, Samoyeds are among the few dog breeds that have a rather close genetic resemblance with the wolf. 

Research also reveals that, unlike most dog breeds, the Samoyed hasn’t undergone many alterations resulting from selective breeding, meaning most Samoyeds are purebred. The Samoyed is among the costliest breeds of dogs to buy, with its prices ranging between $2,500 and $5,000. 

Outgoing, cheerful, and affectionate, the Löwchen — whose name loosely translates to “little lion” in German — originated from Europe. 

Löwchens are among the rarest toy dog breeds, so finding a reputable breeder who specializes in this breed can be challenging. 

The Löwchen is intelligent and athletic and excels in dog shows involving sports such as obedience training and agility. 

Throughout history, this brave, charming little lion dog has been featured in numerous royal paintings by famous European artists. Around the time of the Second World War, Löwchens were almost going extinct and became hard to find. In fact, in 1969, the Löwchen appeared in the Guinness World Book of Records as the world’s rarest dog breed. 

Thankfully, the efforts of a Belgian Breeder managed to keep the breed from extinction. Although Löwchens don’t hold that Guinness World Record title now, they are still quite an uncommon breed.  Due to their rarity, the Löwchen is one of the most valuable dogs in the world, estimated to cost between $2,500 to $4,000.

Currently ranked as the U.S.’s most popular dog breed, the French Bulldog’s demand keeps soaring. This incredibly affectionate, family-oriented, and comical breed dates back to ancient England, where it worked as bull-baiting dogs. 

After governments outlawed this cruel sport, French Bulldogs became increasingly popular in France, with Parisians lauding this breed as the perfect canine companion. People from all walks of life strived to own the Frenchie, many falling in love with its clownish personality and short stature. Eventually, the French Bulldog’s popularity spread into America. 

Now considered the most sought-after breed in the U.S. and one of the world’s most expensive dogs, the Frenchie doesn’t come cheap. The cost of purchasing a French Bulldog ranges anywhere from  $2,500 to $10,000.

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It’s hard not to obsess over the Afghan Hound’s silky, flowing coat and overall elegant appearance. As their name suggests, Afghan Hounds originated from the mountains of Afghanistan, where they were first kept for hunting tasks. 

Afghan Hounds — arguably the most gorgeous Sighthounds — are exceptional jumpers and possess impressive speed, traits that set them up for success in competitive dog sports. 

The Afghan Hound’s majestic appearance alone makes it a status symbol. As one of the most expensive dog breeds, you’ll part with anywhere between $2,500 and $7,000 to own an Afghan Hound. 

Interesting Fact: Afghan Hounds have scent glands on the cheeks that release a lovely musky smell, which many find pleasant.  

Almost anyone who sets their eyes on the Black Russian Terrier for the first time will admit this breed exudes immense power and strength. 

Black Russian Terriers — originally from Russia — were created in the early 1940s when Russian Army scientists decided to develop a powerful working dog that could adapt well to Russia’s harsh climate and rugged terrain. 

With the guidance of a robust breeding program created by a Soviet breeder, the scientists experimented with breeding different dog breeds (among them the Airedale, Giant Schnauzer, and Rottweilers) and eventually produced the Black Russian Terrier. 

Outside of its native Russia, the Black Russian Terrier isn’t quite common, making it a rare breed. This big, black, fluffy breed—considered an incredible guard dog—costs anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000.

Name a dog that doesn’t reside in a palace but expects to be treated more or less like a king? Ding, ding, ding — the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 

Often described as a happy-go-lucky toy breed that makes a perfect companion, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s dignified appearance is breathtaking. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, which trace their roots to ancient England, were renamed after royals, notably King Charles 1. 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels regularly appeared in paintings alongside their royal owners and accompanied the King everywhere. 

In fact, the King treasured his Cavaliers so much that it was rare for him to be seen in public without his dogs. To date, the toy-sized Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is considered a status symbol thanks to its history as a royal dog. It’s estimated that this breed’s purchase price ranges between $2,500 and $3,500.

The Biewer Terrier (pronounced “bee-vare”) is a relatively new toy breed in the U.S. that received recognition from the American Kennel Club in 2021. 

This uniquely tri-colored Terrier of German descent came into being thanks to the selective breeding efforts of two Germany-based Yorkshire Terrier breeders (Werner and Gertrude Biewer). What distinguishes the Biewer Terriers from other breeds is that they possess a recessive piebald gene, which is responsible for their signature tri-colored coat. 

The Biewer Terrier’s playful, easy-going, and high-spirited personality can lighten the coldest hearts. There aren’t too many Biewer Terriers out there, and the costly price of this irresistibly cute breed reflects its rare status. On average, Biewer Terriers cost anywhere between $2,500 and $3,500.

The Pharaoh Hound — also called Kelb tal-Fenek, meaning “rabbit dog” — is captivating at first glance thanks to its long erect ears, chiseled head, extended snout, and sleek yet muscular build. 

Originally from the Mediterranean Islands of Malta in Egypt, the Pharaoh Hound was primarily kept to hunt rabbits and hares, among other small animals. This breed’s agile physique and remarkable senses made it a treasured hunting companion among farmers in Malta. 

The Pharaoh Hound is one of the oldest purebred dog breeds to be domesticated, dating back more than 1000 years ago. Pharaoh Hounds make great additions to families with children, as they are gentle and affectionate.

To date, the Pharaoh Hound remains an uncommon breed in the U.S. Given their rarity and purebred status, Pharaoh Hounds are one of the most expensive dogs in the world. This ancient breed costs between $2,000 and $7,000.

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Nicknamed “nanny dog” because of how great they are with kids, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier’s historical past is shrouded in bull-baiting roles. Staffords, which originated from England, came into existence after breeders bred Bulldogs with particular Terrier breeds to develop a muscular, powerful dog that could participate in bull-baiting sports. 

Once the spot became banned, breeders shifted their focus to breeding the Staffordshire Bull Terrier for companionship purposes. Like every owner of the Staffy will tell you, this breed is tough-looking on the outside but the sweetest on the inside. 

Staffordshire Bull Terriers love to love on their humans and are great family pets. They are fun, affectionate, loyal, and get along pretty well with kids, traits that increase their demand. A Staffy’s price ranges between $2,000 and $3,000.

With a sturdy build and a to-die-for fluffy, tri-colored coat, the Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the most loving family dogs you could ever own. 

This breed traces its roots back to the Bern mountains of Switzerland, where they helped farmers pull carts and herd livestock. 

Bernese Mountain Dogs are widely loved today for their calm temperament and affectionate personalities, even towards children. Moreover, they make amazing guard dogs. It’s no wonder that this loving, good-natured breed is popular among households with kids. 

The Bernese Mountain Dog’s increasing popularity often translates to a high demand, making it one of the most expensive dog breeds. Bernese Mountain Dogs are estimated to cost between $2,500 and $5,000. 

Adored for its squishy, chubby face, sloppy jowls, and sweet personality, the English Bulldog is an easy-going breed who simply loves to watch the world go by while chilling in the comfiest spot in the house. Couch potatoes much? Absolutely!

Originally, breeders in Britain bred this Bulldog for bullfighting and dog fighting purposes. This, however, changed after the spot was outlawed. Owing to the fact that the English Bulldog is one of the best family dogs out there, its demand is relatively high. A purebred English Bulldog goes for anywhere between $2,000 and $4,000. 

Whoever said the St. Bernard is a giant teddy bear trapped in a dog’s body wasn’t wrong. Big, cuddly, devoted, and affectionate, the St. Bernard perfectly fits the “gentle giant” title. 

This large breed became famous for its exceptional contribution to rescue work in the Swiss Alps in Switzerland. Today, the St. Bernard has become a popular family dog of choice for households looking for a good-natured breed with a soft spot for children, and whose size alone is enough to deter intruders. 

Because of their sheer size and endearing traits, St. Bernard are one of the most costly dog breeds. On average, their price ranges between $2,000 and $4,000.