Adorable Samyoed wearing a bow tie, one of the Top 6 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in 2022.

Top 6 Most Expensive Dogs Breeds in 2022

Discover the World's Most Luxurious and Expensive Dog Breeds Turning

All dogs are beautiful, wonderful, and worthy–but some come with a steep price tag too!

When you decide to get a dog, chances are that you ask yourself what this adoption will cost. Even though dogs feel like family to all of us, the fact is that most dogs come into our lives as a transaction–even if we don’t really look at it that way. Prices can differ when you jump from deciding to rescue a dog to adopting a dog that is a specific breed or mix. What is the most expensive dog? Is there such a thing? In this article, we are going to look at the cost of adopting a dog and just how expensive some dog breeds can really be!

What Influences the Price of a Dog Breed?

Adorable St. Bernanrd laying on the ground, one of the Top 6 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in 2022.
The Gentle Giant 🐾❤️🐶 #StBernardLove

If you ask the average pet parent, chances are that they are going to tell you that you cannot put a price on their dog–and that is probably true. However, unless you’re one of the lucky pet parents who are living out a found family story with an adorable little stray, chances are that you must pay someone to adopt your dog. The price of the most expensive dog breeds to bring home might just shock you–but there are a few factors that can influence the price of a pup when you go to adopt one from a breeder. Let’s look at what can really influence the price of your pet.

Rarity

Few factors play into the price in general more than rarity. When something is rare, we tend to put a much steeper price tag on it, and the same is true when it comes to dog breeds. If you want a dog breed that is difficult to come by, chances are that you are going to end up paying a large fee to bring them home. If you think about it, it does kind of make sense. Dogs that are rarely up for adoption when a lot of people want them do seem like they would drive up the price of that breed, as frustrating as it may be.

Purity

When you are shopping for a dog that is a specific breed, you can generally expect the purity of their bloodline to play a role in how much they cost too. Dogs that have clearly traceable bloodlines can often come at a much higher price than dogs that have uncertain backgrounds–even if the dogs look identical. Dogs that come from pure, champion bloodlines are often the most expensive of their breeds–and they have the paperwork to back it too. However, it is important to remember that when you adopt a purebred dog, you are much more likely to find yourself with a dog that has the health problems that are associated with that breed. Dogs with a mixed lineage, however, can often breed out some of those problems.

Breeding Difficulty

As weird as it might seem, some dogs really are just easier to breed than others. There are a lot of factors that play into this, but ultimately, the difficulty when breeding a dog can play a pretty big role in the final price of that kind of dog. Dogs that are more difficult to breed often cost more than dogs that can have full litters with ease–and this is just another factor that ultimately determines just how rare a dog can be. Take care to research the breeder before you ever adopt from one so you know you can trust your dog’s background.

Common Factors Include:

  • Breeding window
  • Number of pups per litter
  • Breeding frequency

Demand

Demand is one of the leading factors in driving up the price of just about anything and dogs are no exception. The simple truth is that dogs don’t generally have a wildly high price tag if anyone can adopt one and they are always easy to find. However, the popularity of a dog can absolutely influence its price, which is why some of the “classic” dogs, like golden retrievers, labs, and huskies will always be at least moderately expensive. Those Instagrammable dog breeds might be more expensive than you think!

The Lifetime Cost of a Dog & Factors to Consider

Adorable Tibetan Mastiff resting, one of the Top 6 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in 2022.
Majestic & Unwavering Loyalty 🐾🏰🐶 #GuardianOfTheHimalayas

Adopting a dog is only one part of the battle when it comes to the financial considerations of owning a dog. There are quite a few fees that are associated with raising a pup. As a potential pet parent, it is very important for you to know exactly what you are getting into–at least what adopting a dog has the potential to turn into. Having enough money to care for your pet can have a huge impact on their quality of life. Experts say that you can spend anywhere from $15,000 to $90,000+ a year throughout your dog’s lifespan depending on their needs.

Adoption Fees

The first expense with any pet will always be the cost of bringing them home. For purebred dogs, this cost can be anywhere from hundreds to thousands. For a dog from a local rescue, however, you can generally expect to pay under $500. When it comes to adopting a dog from a rescue, the price is most determined based on the dog’s age, with puppies being the most expensive of the bunch and seniors being the least expensive.

Veterinarian Bills

Owning a dog is no walk in the park when it comes to vet bills. Pet owners must pay annual fees to get their dogs checked out and vaccinated every year. An annual vet visit alone can cost around a couple of hundred dollars unless you go to an affordable clinic. Still, annual visits do not hold a light at all to the cost of those unexpected vet visits.

Common Causes of Vet Bills Include:

  • Injuries
  • Consuming something they shouldn’t
  • Unexpected sensitivities
  • Dental problems
  • Spaying and neutering

Medical Complications

Every pet parent wants their dog to be as healthy as possible, but we can never predict what will happen with our pets–just like we can’t predict our own health. The best thing that we can do is work to support our pets, but pets do often face medical complications, just like us. More pets are being diagnosed with allergies, and the truth is that different dog breeds can be more likely to develop certain medical conditions.

Common Medical Complications Include:

  • Allergies
  • Emergency Surgeries
  • Preventative Surgeries
  • Dental Emergencies
  • Stitches
  • Mass Removals

Basic Necessities

A dog’s life is more than just trips to the vet, of course. Giving your dog the life that they deserve all comes down to the necessities that you can bring them. Pets require healthy food, fun toys, and a cozy bed–and most of us tend to spoil our dogs with quite a bit more. Dogs can eat a lot of treats and chews throughout the year, and don’t get us started on the constant expenses associated with keeping your dog’s fashion up to date.

Top 6 Expensive and Most Popular Dog Breeds

Every dog is worth more money than the world could possibly offer, but when we monetize the value of dogs, there are certainly some trends that tend to stand out. Some dog breeds are significantly more expensive than others–and some of the price tags on popular dogs might honestly shock you. The average person expects dogs to be in the hundreds, but you will see that the most expensive dogs available cost thousands just to bring home!

Canadian Eskimo

Adorable Canadian Eskimo, one of the Top 6 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in 2022.
True Survivor 🐾❄️🐶 #ArcticSurvivor

The Canadian Eskimo is easily one of the rarest dogs that a person can buy. In fact, estimates continually say that there are only a few hundred of these dogs available at any given time. For a short period of time, they were completely extinct, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they can cost a whopping $8,000 for a puppy.

When you adopt a Canadian Eskimo, you are signing up for quite a commitment. Before you can even adopt one of these dogs, you will need to get on a highly competitive waitlist. The good news? They are pawsitively adorable floofs that are also loyal, intelligent, and highly affectionate.

Samoyed

Adorable Samyoed wearing a bow tie, one of the Top 6 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in 2022.
Heart Full of Love 🐾❤️🐶 #FluffyBaby

These Siberian dogs are known for their cloud-like appearance that has made them incredibly popular on Instagram, but they are also truly amazing dogs. Known for their signature look and their big and adorable smiles, Samoyeds can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $14,000 dollars depending on what breeder you choose to adopt from.

Samoyeds are known for their incredible intelligence–but they can also be very mischievous. These dogs are known to require a lot of stimulation, and they can be energetic. They are also considered to be rare dogs and can be a great fit for families.

St. Bernard

Two Swiss St. Bernanrds in the Wallis area, standing high up in the mountains carryig their casket of water, one of the Top 6 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in 2022.
Heart as Big as Their Furry Coat! 🐾❤️🐶 #mansbestfriend

The St. Bernard is one dog that has been seen time and time again in films and is most notably known for its valiant work in rescuing people who have been trapped in the snow–but there is more to these dogs than a simple whiskey barrel around their necks. These dogs can be up to 200 pounds and can easily cost up to $3,500.

These large friends are great for certain activities and can be very resistant to the cold, but they are surprisingly calm and loving dogs. Though a St. Bernard might love it if you give them a job, they can be quite happy calmly living at home. People who want a chill and furry giant in their home can’t really do better.

Golden Retriever

Lovely and playful Golden Retriever, one of the Top 6 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in 2022.
Embodiment of Joy 🐾🥰🐶 #HappinessIsADog

Remember how we mentioned that some classic dogs will always be expensive? Well, the Golden Retriever is one of those dogs. These dogs have always been portrayed in movies as kind and loving–and they are–but they can also cost several thousand dollars to adopt if you invest in a purebred–sometimes up to $3,500 or more.

These dogs are known for their intelligence and versatility. They are generally very sweet and affectionate, making them ideal for a lot of therapeutic services. Golden retrievers are also very loyal and tend to listen well too. If you want a dog that you can put to work and keep in the home, these dogs are perfect for you.

Tibetan Mastiff

Gorgeous Tibetan Mastiff standing regally in a field of grass, one of the Top 6 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in 2022.
Regal Presence 🐾🏰🐶 #TibetanMastiffLove

Mastiffs are large and intimidating dogs that can be great and loyal protectors in the home. However, these dogs are more gentle giants than anything. Known for their immense size, even puppies can come close to 200 pounds in size–and their weight plays a huge role in their overall value. Mastiffs can sell for $5,000 in most cases, but this is one dog that can sell for an infinitely higher price tag because of its rarity and size.

The Tibetan Mastiff is a dog that wants a pack more than anything, and they can be quite wonderful at bonding with families. These gentle giants will develop a deep bond with your family and can also enjoy a bit of fun outside too.

French Bulldog

Adorable camel-colored French Bulldog running through the forest, one of the Top 6 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in 2022.
Small in Size, BIG in personality! 🐾❤️🐶 #FrenchieLife

It is no secret that Frenchies are some of the most beloved dogs on the internet–and they sure know it too! These adorable and tiny friends are known for their energy and precious spirits. However, investing in a Frenchie of your own can cost you over $4,000 depending on where you get your dog.

Many people assume that because Frenchies are small they don’t require much, but these dogs are one exception to the rule. French Bulldogs are known to be highly spirited animals that require a lot of attention and playtime to keep content. The good news is that they can also be wonderful and seriously cute companions.

The Takeaway

Adopting a dog is a serious commitment that can cost some serious money to maintain, but you would be hard-pressed to find a dog owner that would ever say they aren’t worth it. Whether you adopt a $10,000 purebred or an adorable mutt with some serious allergies, you can expect to spend quite a bit of money on all that furry cuteness–but then again, can you really put a price on games of fetch, snuggles, and sloppy dog kisses? Yeah, we don’t think so either!

Until next time, thank you for reading!


About the author: Gabrielle is the loving pawrent to adorable pups Willow and Dilla. Growing up surrounded by dogs, she always dreamt of having her own. Willow and Dilla came into her life and changed everything. Now, she's crazy about pampered pooches, and her perfect day involves dancing with her husband, dressing up her furbabies, and cuddling them to sleep. For Gabrielle, life is all about spreading love and joy with her adorable canine companions by her side.