The 10 Most EXPENSIVE DOG Breeds!

When it comes to pets, people have proven time and time again that price is no object. These treasured family members often get first-class treatment from their masters, with franchises like Petco and PetsMart catering to their every whim. With dogs, variety is the spice of life. But what distinguishes between lapdog owners from the sportsman, whose loyal companion is also a diligent worker?
With 161 recognized breeds by the American Kennel Club (AKC) to choose from, and the number growing all the time, there truly is a dog to match to anyone’s lifestyle. Hybrid breeds like labradoodles and puggles have become all the rage in recent years. Selective breeding has given way to non-shedding, hypoallergenic dogs. Owners can expect to shell out big bucks for quirky traits and features. 

What makes a dog expensive? There are many factors in determining what makes a dog costly:

• Purity: A prize-winning lineage will guarantee the dog is up to breed standards and ready to show. In China, Big Splash, a red Tibetan Mastiff, sold for approximately $1.5 million dollars in 2011.
• Rarity: Dogs like the New Guinea Singing Dog and the Norwegian Lundehund each number under 500 in the United States and will easily fetch a pretty penny. Norwegian Lundehund puppies range between $1200-$1500 from a reputable breeder.
• Celebrity Status: The price for Portuguese Water Dogs skyrocketed when the presidential pooch Beau wagged his way into the White House. 

Things to Consider: When looking to buy a purebred dog: 

• Make sure they are registered with either the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the United Kennel Club (UKC).
• Active dogs need space and time for activities, so if banker’s hours stretch one too thin, then a Labrador Retriever might not be a suitable choice.
• Responsible breeders will usually give an in-depth interview to adopter candidates, and will often ask about questions about history of pet ownership, interest in the breed and home safeguards (fenced-in back yard, other pets in the home, etc.).
• It may cost a lot more to feed a large dog.
• Consider potential future costs like vet bills and dogs that are chronically prone to disease.

Keeping that in mind, here is a breakdown of the ten most expensive breeds (lowest to highest):

Saluki - Photo: Craig Pemberton - CC attribution licence

10. Saluki  Price: $1,000-$2,500 Appearance: Medium-large; Long and narrow; smooth or coated varieties (feathering on the legs and ears); large variety of colors including white, cream, fawn, red, grizzle, tan, black and tan and tricolor. Lifespan: 12-14 years Red Flags: Cardiac issues, Cancer. Personality: One of the oldest breeds of domesticated dog, the Egyptian Saluki is an excellent hunting dog. The Saluki is an independent minded dog, they can also be gentle and affectionate toward their owners. 

Japanese Akita - Photo: aldenchadwick - CC attribution licence

9. Japanese Akita  Price: $1,500-$4,500 Appearance: Large; Short double coat; Spitz-like curled tail; Colors include red, fawn, sesame, brindle, and
pure white. Lifespan: 10 years Red Flags: Dog and stranger wary; Suffer from a variety of autoimmune and endocrine diseases. Also prone to large breed conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, microphthalmia, and gastric dilation. Personality: Hardy and competitive, these dogs need a lot of attention. They are an independent breed and can be dominant, aggressive toward strangers yet very affectionate with family.

Bearded Collie - Photo: me'nthedogs- CC attribution licence

8. Bearded Collie  Price: $1,000-$5,000 Appearance: Medium; Shaggy quote that covers the eyes; long double coat; Colors include black, blue, brown or fawn with white or tan markings. Lifespan: 12-14 years Red Flags: Most common health conditions are musculoskeletal; Frequency of Addison’s Disease. Personality: The Bearded Collie is a herding breed that is family friendly.

Pharaoh Hound- Photo: Pleple2000- CC attribution licence

7. Pharaoh Hound  Price: $2,500-$6,500 Appearance: Medium; Another Egyptian breed, short; athletic build; short coat; long-muzzle. Lifespan: 12-14 years Red Flags: Predatory of smaller animals; Not suitable for kenneling. Personality: The Pharaoh Hound is intelligent, playful and an active breed. The Pharaoh Hound is aloof, but sociable with other pets and strangers. This breed can be stubborn, but with proper training, will listen.

Rottweiler - Photo: Kusadasi-Guy- CC attribution licence

6. The Rottweiler Price: $2,000-$8,000 Appearance: Large; Black and tan or black and mahogany; double-coated or short, hard and thick. Lifespan: 9-10 years Red Flags: Relatively healthy, disease-free, despite hip-dysplasia, which is common to large breeds. Personality: The Rottweiler is a loyal, devoted, highly intelligent family pet. They are excellent working dogs, and make excellent police, military, search and rescue, and guard dogs.

Chow Chow - Photo: Boso - CC attribution licence

5. Chow-Chow  Price: $3,000-$8,500 Appearance: Medium-large; Puffy, square profiled dog; very dense double coat; available in red, cinnamon, black and cream. Lifespan: 9-15 years. Red Flags: Dominant; Needs Space; Aggressive-tendencies; Common potential illnesses inclue: glaucoma and eye problems, diabetes mellitus, gastric cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Personality: Chow-chows are not active, so they are great for apartments. They can be a bit protective of their property, so they must be acclimated with strangers. 

English Bull Dog - Photo: flickr4jazz - CC attribution licence

4. English Bulldog Price: $2,500-$9,000 Appearance: Medium: Short and stocky,
with a brachiocephalic face. Lifespan: 8-12 years Red Flags: Hip dysplasia, cherry eye, allergies and respiratory problems. These dogs run a high risk of obesity and require daily exercise. Personality: Generally gentle and friendly around kids. English Bulldogs tend to be protective of their families and space, and can be energetic despite their lazy appearance. Don't be fooled by the English Bulldogs intimidating appearance--they actually happen to be one of the gentlest breeds out there. These dogs get along swimmingly with kids and are renowned for their guardian abilities.

Samoyed - Photo: Fil.Al - CC attribution licence

3. Samoyed  Price: $4,000-$11,000 Appearance: Large; Fluffy, white; double layer coat, with seasonal shedding. Lifespan: 12-13 years. Red Flags: Prone to renal diseases; Hereditary Glomerulopathy. Personality: These friendly dogs always seem to smile. They are poor guard dogs and too often aim to please. They make excellent and intelligent companion pets, and are acclimated to working with sledding, hiking and herding, among
other activities.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Photo: donjd2 - CC attribution licence

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel  Price: $1,000-$14,000 Appearance: Small; Doughy eyes, feathered ears; Medium-long coat; Comes in four colors: Blenheim, tricolor, black and tan, and ruby. Lifespan: 9-14 years Red Flags: This dog has many potential health concerns including: Mitral valve disease, Syringomyelia, Episodic Falling, Hip and knee disorder, and eye and ear disorders.  Personality: This breed is very affectionate, and makes it a preferred lap-dog in the United Kingdom. Easily trained, these dogs are easygoing and have a positive disposition.

German Shepherd - Photo: Magnus Bråth - CC attribution licence

1. German Shepherd  Price: $3,000-$24,000 Appearance: Large; Color is most commonly tan with black saddle; Long and short hair varieties are available; Long face and build, with large prick ears. Lifespan: 7-10 years Red Flags: Potential prey drive; hip dysplasia;
joint issues Personality: These dogs are intelligent, alert, loyal, confident and watchful. They make excellent family pets and working dogs, and are highly trainable.
This article comes to you from NerdWallet.com, a personal finance website dedicated to quantitatively based, analysis-driven decision-making. Written by Anisha Sekar.
SOURCES: Dog Training Central | Petside.com | Luxpresso | Womans Day