The dog is man’s best friend. But how much would you be willing to pay for your puppy?
Here are our top 10 most expensive dog breeds in the world.
10. Afghan greyhound – €7,000
The Afghan Greyhound hails from the mountains of Afghanistan and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful dogs with its flowing coat and corkscrew tail. They even need daily brushing, as their long, silky coats tangle very easily.
These dogs have an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years, and their fragile health could cost you dearly. But despite this, there are still some very elegant and remarkable dogs.
9. Pharaoh’s dog – €7,500
Meaning “rabbit dog” in Maltese, the Pharaoh’s dog is generally used to hunt rabbits on the Maltese islands. These dogs are highly intelligent and athletic, and tend to weigh between 20 and 25 kilos.
The breed has an average life expectancy of 11 to 14 years but is extremely sensitive to stress. Stress can lead to serious digestive and neurotic problems, which can be very costly. The positive side is their genetic make-up; they are loyal dogs who can be well trained.
8. Argentinean Mastiff – €8,000
Originally developed for hunting big game, because of their muscular stature, Argentine Mastiffs are one of the most expensive dogs in the world. First bred in 1928, the Argentinian Mastiff’s main ancestors are the Cordoba fighting dog and the Great Dane. Due to their imposing physique, it is illegal to own an Argentinean Mastiff in the UK, Colorado and New York.
7. Canadian Eskimo Dog – €8,750
The Canadian Eskimo dog is one of the rarest breeds in the world and is currently threatened with extinction, with fewer than 300 dogs remaining in 2018. They were brought to North America from Siberia over 1,000 years ago, and their numbers have been steadily declining since the 1960s.
Their numbers declined mainly due to the invention of the snowmobile. Canadian Eskimo dogs are also said to be very territorial and often overreact to small disturbances, which is why they are not ideal for families with children.
6. Rottweiler – €9,000
You might think the Rottweiler is a common breed, but it ranks among the most expensive dogs in the world. The most expensive individuals sell for around €9,000. This dog is often the subject of controversy, but if properly trained, it is anything but aggressive.
Their lifespan is also significantly shorter than that of other dogs, at just 8-10 years. However, they are considered an excellent pet because of their loyalty and obedience to their owners.
5. Azawakh – €9,500
As one of the newest dog breeds, the Azawakh is also one of the most expensive. Originally from West Africa, they were mainly used as hunting dogs and are distinct relatives of Middle Eastern and South Indian dogs.
The breed is rare in Europe but gaining in popularity. The Azawakh’s average lifespan is 12 to 15 years on high-quality dog food and daily walks or runs. They only exercise in the presence of their owner to keep you fit too!
4. Tibetan Mastiff – €10,000
This massive dog made its way to the USA from Tibet, where it protected sheep from predators such as wolves, leopards and bears. The Tibetan mastiff can reach over 68 kilos for adult males, and repels some of the fiercest animals.
Originally used as guardians and protectors, they became too expensive for their owners to maintain and slowly began to disappear. The breed is very alert and will protect your family at all times.
3. Chow Chow – €11,000
The Chow Chow originated in northern China and is one of the oldest and rarest breeds in the world.
They require a decent amount of regular exercise, such as four or more walks a day. The breed is also naturally stubborn, which can have an impact on training and potentially hinder the relationship between you and your puppy. Life expectancy is 8 to 12 years, but can be increased with appropriate care.
2. Löwchen – €12,000
Also known as the “little lion dog”, the Löwchen has been popular with Europeans for over 500 years, as it originated in France. It was once the world’s rarest dog in 1973, when there were just 65 left in the world; today, there are just 300 dogs registered worldwide every year.
The Löwchen is also one of the most active dogs. They are also very playful, making them ideal for families and children. That said, they need persistent attention from humans; they are unhappy when left alone for long periods.
1. Samoyède – €14,000
The Siberian Samoyed tops the list of the world’s most expensive dogs. The rare breed is known for its kind, loving attitude and willingness to please its owners.
But be sure to keep him on a leash, as he has a tendency to run away, not hesitating to travel for miles. They’re also intelligent, social and playful dogs that always demand attention, making them perfect for families and children.