List of 26 'Most Expensive Dog Breeds' Contains Quite a Few Surprises

A new list highlights the "most expensive" dog breeds, and among the 26 breeds listed, there are more than a few surprises.

On August 17, 2024, Reader's Digest released an updated version of their "26 most expensive dog breeds in the world" list and it's interesting. Take a look.

Some potential dog parents have their hearts set on a specific dog breed, and they can be a lot pricier than going to your local animal shelter.

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Readers Digest says there are "several factors" that can influence the price of a dog, including its rarity or popularity and pedigree.

"Whatever the reason, these breeds fetch a higher price tag — and dog lovers will say they’re worth every penny," Reader's Digest writes.

1: English Bulldog

According to Reader's Digest, the English Bulldog is the most expensive, costing an average of $4,250. This is surprising since it's not an uncommon dog breed, but the site explains that since an English Bulldog won Best in Show honors in 2019, it's likely contributing to the increase in price.

2. French Bulldog

Like the English Bulldog, French Bulldogs are also, on average, $4,250, but its reasoning for being so expensive isn't because of winning any Best in Show honor. These dogs have increased in popularity over the past few years, and people really love their fun personalities.

3. Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetian Mastiff makes sense on this list, and coming in third place, the average cost for one of these breeds is $4,000. These aren't common breeds in the United States, but Reader's Digest tells the story of a Tibetan Mastiff named Big Splash, which is "the most expensive dog ever sold" at $1.5 million.

4. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is such a cute dog, so it makes sense that it would cost, on average, $4,000. It's not a breed that's common in the United States as well, and comes with some very unique features.

5. Samoyed

This Russian dog breed isn't one we see a lot in the United States either, so it makes sense to be on the list for potential dog parents who have always wanted to care for one of these dogs. They're adorable and always seem to have a smile on their face.

Rounding out the list of the most expensive dog breeds:

• Biewer Terrier
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
• Irish Wolfhound
• Newfoundland
• Shikoku
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Löwchen
• Dogo Argentino
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Rottweiler
• Golden Retriever
• Spinone Italiano
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
• Azawakh
• Akita
• Saint Bernard
• Black Russian Terrier
• Afghan Hound
• Pharaoh Hound

Some of the breeds on this list, like the Shikoku, Akita, Afgan Hound, and Pharaoh Hound, make sense because they're very unique-looking dogs , and we don't see them much. But it is surprising that Golden Retrievers are more expensive than the hounds.