Most Expensive Dog Breeds In The World © otsphoto / Shutterstock
Dogs are called man’s best friend, and they have been since they were domesticated between 19,000 and 32,000 years ago. Domestication began as a means of survival: dogs, which at the time were more genetically close to wolves, were better at chasing down prey than humans, and humans were better at building fires.
According to archaeologists, dogs and humans would hunt 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.
The pet industry itself has grown in leaps and bounds over the centuries. By 2021, the pet industry in America—consisting of pet toys, medication, food, and all of the things our furry friends need—is expected to reach $72 billion, with stocks like Chewy and Zoetis also seeing potential increases.

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Average Price: $1,000*
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel originated in the UK. It is a toy dog, according to the Kennel Club, and a purebred CKCS can cost you up to a thousand dollars. The dog was popular as a lap dog during medieval times. It is a friendly dog, known for its fluffy ears, and it requires a lot of attention from its human owners.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel © Fotyma / Shutterstock
The CKCS is often confused with the English Toy Spaniel. While they do have similar histories, they diverged from one another a century ago. You can tell them apart because the CKCS is smaller than the Toy Spaniel.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love running around. They might be small, but they are always ready to play, so don’t be afraid to stock up on toys and treats from Chewy or PetCo. This toy breed, which is the nineteenth-most-popular pure breed in America, has left its days as a lazy lap dog behind.

2. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

Average Price: $1,500*
Country of Origin: Czech Republic/Slovakia
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is known for its silver-gray and yellow-gray coat. The dog actually has a lineage that dates back to 1955, when it was created in an experiment conducted by the CSSR (Czechoslovakia was a satellite state) Breed Association. Despite looking like a wolf, the Wolfdog is actually quite friendly.

Czechoslovakian Wolfdog © guido nardacci / Shutterstock
It’s sociable, but very lively and fearless. This makes sense, as the dog came from cross-breeding wolves and guard-dogs. These dogs are relatively rare, with just 340 registered in Slovakia, Italy, and a few other countries. This likely explains why these dogs are so expensive, costing up to $1,500.
Though these dogs are no doubt good boys/girls, the Czech Wolfdog is actually illegal in forty states. These states ban owning and breeding wolf hybrids. Even within the states that allow ownership/breeding, the regulations vary from county to county. Occasionally, tales of illegal Wolfdog ownership will make Fox or CNN headlines.

3. St. Bernard

Average Price: $1,800*
Country of Origin: Italian/Swiss Alps
The St. Bernard is a very large working dog. It can weigh up to 260 pounds, and it has a height of up to thirty-five inches at the withers. The St. Bernard was bred originally as a rescue dog. The hospice of St. Bernard Pass bred these dogs to help people who were stuck in the snow at the Italian-Swiss Border.

St. Bernard @ Artush / Shutterstock
Their name came from their original breeder, the monk Bernard of Menthon, an Italian who first bred the rescue dogs in 1660. You’ll find that tales of the breed’s heroic nature and stories of their daring rescues throughout history.
St. Bernards have popped up in movies for decades, as people love these gentle giants. Movies like Beethoven, which you can stream on Hulu or Peacock, were beloved by kids in the 1990s. Beethoven, which starred a St. Bernard called Beethoven, was so popular that it would go on to have seven sequels from 1993 to 2014.

4. Bedlington Terrier

Average Price: $1,800*
Country of Origin: Northeastern England
The Bedlington Terrier is nicknamed “Rothbury’s Lamb,” which makes sense once you see what it looks like. The Bedlington was originally bred as a hunter of vermin, but it became a racing dog and a frequent candidate in dog shows. Despite his docile appearance, the Bedlington is known for its powerful swimming skills.

Bedlington © Terrier Natalia V Guseva / Shutterstock
It also was described by breeders as being “fit to kill another dog of its weight class,” though it is friendly with humans (particularly children). The dog breed, which originated in Northumberland specifically, has a long lifespan of 13.5 years and is closely related to the Whippet.
These Terriers are lively and affectionate. They still have their 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.

5. Double Doodle

Average Price: $1,900*
Country of Origin: United States
Nicknamed “the Double Doodle,” this breed of dog is not a purebred. He is a cross between Labradoodle and Goldendoodle. A Double Doodle can also be created by crossing combinations of a Golden Retriever, Poodle, or Labrador Retriever. This breed of dog is smart, friendly, energetic, and fluffy.

Double Doodle @ GeorgesonSandra / Twitter.com
Because the Double Doodle is a hybrid, it usually is a pretty healthy dog, 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).
You might also recognize it from its other names, the Golden Labradoodle or the North American Retriever. This breed of dog, despite its fluff, is non-shedding. It also loves to play fetch, so if you’re not an active person who is okay to throw a ball from PetSmart for an hour, the Double Doodle might not be for you.

6. Caucasian Ovtcharka

Average Price: $2,000*
Country of Origin: Georgia
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog was bred in Georgia as a working dog for the Soviet Union. Soviet breeders chose from several Shepherd Dog breeds in Azerbaijan and Georgia to create the CSD, which is also called the Caucasian Mountain Dog, the Caucasian Ovcharka, or the Nagazi.

Caucasian Ovtcharka © Evdoha_spb / Shutterstock
The origins of shepherd dogs in general go back thousands of years in the Caucasus mountains, with shepherds guarding livestock during ancient times. The Ovcharka is a big boy. He can weigh up to 220 pounds (females can weigh up to 180 pounds), rivaling even the St. Bernard in size. The life span is up to 12 years.
As the American Kennel Club said, this is a breed that should not “be taken lightly” because of its protective, fearless nature. There are some breeders on YouTube who claim that a Caucasian Ovcharka can kill a wolf. That’s probably true, but it’s best to keep your Ovcharka away from any possible dangers or confrontation, as this is a dog that will not back down.

7. Bouvier des Flandres

Average Price: $2,000*
Country of Origin: Northern Belgium
The Bouvier des Flandres is a herding dog that originated in Belgium. This breed was used for farm work, including heavy-duty labor like cattle roving, cart pulling, and sheep herding. Now, the Bouvier is used as a guard dog and police dog by European police (American cops prefer German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois).

Bouvier des Flandres © Tatyana Kuznetsova / Shutterstock
The Bouvier tends to be aloof with strangers, but it is not an aggressive dog. On the contrary, it is good with families and very loyal. It is calmer than other breeds. Fun fact: the Bouvier des Flandres’ name originated from its breeding city of Flanders, Belgium.
According to Animal Planet, the Bouviers des Flandres can grow to weigh 70 to 100 pounds and stand 23-26 inches in height at the shoulder. This large dog lives for ten to twelve years. Though your family might not put the Bouviers to work on a farm, this breed needs a lot of exercise and activity.

8. Newfoundland

Average Price: $2,000*
Country of Origin: Canada
Nicknamed the Moscow Water Dog, 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. The Newfoundland is a large breed that is noted for its long coats and heavy bone structure.

Newfoundland © Pandas / Shutterstock
Males can weigh up to 150 pounds, and females can weigh up to 120 pounds. Despite its dignified bearing and large frame, this working dog is very trainable, gentle, and has a sweet temperament. Its primary coat colors are black, grey, black and white, or brown. Its life span is up to ten years.
Newfoundlands are not aggressive dogs, and you can go on YouTube and see pictures of them befriending pretty much any animal—even a fox. One woman in Alberta, Canada told the CBC that a young female fox and her three-year-old Newfoundland discovered one another in her backyard. Now, they’re best friends.

9. Golden Retriever

Average Price: $2,000*
Country of Origin: Scotland
One of the friendliest dogs on this list is the Golden Retriever, which is a large-sized dog that was bred as a gun dog, meaning it was bred to retrieve waterfowl (game birds) after its owner would hunt them. The retriever name comes from its ability to retrieve shot-down waterfowl without damaging the kill.

Golden Retriever © Olena Brodetska / Shutterstock
The Golden has such a soft mouth that it can hold an egg without cracking it, another reason it was preferred during hunting parties. The Golden is super friendly and reliable. It is easily recognizable by its golden-colored or cream-colored coat. It is the fifth-most-popular breed of dog in the world.
Golden retrievers are TV and movie darlings. 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 a universally-adored dog. They fit in on any TV or movie set, no matter the theme.

10. Löwchen

Average Price: $5,000*
Country of Origin: Germany/France
The Löwchen is also known as the Little Lion Dog or, in its native country, the Petit Chien Lion. The dog is considered part of the toy class, and it is certainly a non-sporting dog. It was bred in Europe back in 1422, and its history has been confirmed by the number of paintings and tapestries that feature the dog.

Löwchen ©Sue Thatcher / Shutterstock
It was bred as a royal court dog, who was a companion to wealthy elites and would just hang out all day in the lap of luxury. The Löwchen was one of the rarest breeds in the world in the seventies, though its numbers are increasing now.
This little lion won’t exactly grow up to be a bruiser. Its maximum weight is eighteen pounds. The Lowchen is 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.

11. Rottweiler

Average Price: $2,000*
Country of Origin: Germany
Rottweilers were originally bred as working dogs. They would drive cattle to the market, and they would also pull butchers’ carts. Rottweilers were (and are) known for their courageous and alert nature, and they were among the first police dogs. They still have a role in the military too, serving alongside human companions.

Rottweiler © Sarit Richerson / Shutterstock
Rottweilers are given a bad rap, but the dogs are quite pleasant if they are socialized early on. Some Rottweilers are quieter, while others are goofballs. The males can weigh up to 130 pounds. This breed of dog is very protective over its family, human or fellow canine.
Though Rottweilers are great dogs, some US cities have banned them. Though the facts behind these bands are debatable, you should make sure that your city doesn’t have laws against you owning a Rottie. Though illegal Rottweiler ownership won’t exactly make national CNN headlines, it could get you a stiff fine and your dog taken away.

12. Bulldog

Average Price: $2,000*
Country of Origin: England
The bulldog is known for being a muscular, hefty dog with a pushed-in nose and wrinkly (yet handsome) face. The English Bulldog 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.

Bulldog © Ammit Jack / Shutterstock
The bulldog was originally bred to bait bulls during bullfights, a barbaric endeavor. That was made illegal in England for obvious reasons, but this original dangerous profession was why bulldogs developed such massive jaws and muscular, stocky frames.
Bulldogs live eight to ten years. Though they’re friendly and silly, Bulldogs can be a little hard to train because they’re so willful. They’re also prone to obesity, so make sure that you keep an eye on their diet. Because of Bulldog’s common health issues, it’s not a bad idea to buy pet insurance for this breed. Companies like Geico don’t just insure your house and car—they can insure pets, too.

13. Chow Chow

Average Price: $2,900*
Country of Origin: China
The Chow Chow is known as the “Songshi Quan” in China, which means “puffy lion.” The Chow Chow is not hypoallergenic, and its short, muscular frame is covered with a thick fluffy coat. This dog breed can weigh up to seventy-one pounds. It was bred in China as an “all purpose” dog for hunting, guarding, protecting, or working.

Chow Chow © otsphoto / Shutterstock
If you’re looking for a genius dog, this breed might not be for you. Though cute and very, very loyal, the Chow Chow has consistently made the list of least trainable and intelligent dogs. However, they make up for it by being protective and handsome.
American owners might find it difficult to own a Chow Chow, as they are the most-banned dog breed in America because they’re aggressive and require such intense socialization and training. However, owners who have Chow Chows would dispute their fearsome reputation. One Chow Chow, Barney, even made a local ABC station’s “Pet of the Week” in December of 2020.

14. Saluki

Average Price: $2,500*
Country of Origin: Egypt
The Saluki is one of the oldest dog breeds on this list. Its direct ancestors are the sighthounds from which it was bred. Sighthounds are dogs that are unique, as they hunt primarily by sight, as opposed to scent. Sighthounds were used during the BC era and originated in the Fertile Crescent. They hunted alongside nomadic tribes.

Saluki © Elisabetta Bellomi / Shutterstock
Sighthounds were among the first domesticated animals. The current Saluki is known for its hunting capabilities. It can run up to 43 miles per hour. The Saluki is known for its aloof, quiet, and reserved personality. It has a life expectancy of up to fourteen years.
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 tons of toys from pet stores (or big-box stores like Walmart or Target}}. The Saluki might look thinner than other canines, but don’t worry, as that is the dog’s natural stature.

15. Peruvian Hairless

Average Price: $3,000*
Country of Origin: Peru
The Peruvian Hairless Dog is easily distinguished by its hairless body, though it may have scattered strands on top of its head. The dog is small-size, and the breed has been around for centuries. It was first bred in Peru during pre-Inca times. They increased in popularity during the Incan Dynasty.

Peruvian Hairless© Evdoha_spb / Shutterstock
You can find depictions of these dogs as lovable companions on Andean ceramic and Moche vessels. The dogs were food for pre-Incan Peruvians, but the Incans believed they were mystical creatures and completely banned consumption of them after conquering the region. The dogs were rumored to be able to heal arthritis.
According to The New York Times, Peruvian Hairless Dogs are still “as important as Machu Picchu” in their native Peru. These dogs live eleven to twelve years. They weigh a maximum of 26 pounds and grow 16-20 inches at the shoulder. The Peruvian Hairless Dog’s personality is lively, affectionate, and alert.