A recent survey shows 63.4 million U.S. households own a dog, and the Insurance Information Institute reports that owners spend more than $1,000 a year on routine care alone. Add emergencies, special treatments, training, equipment and the initial purchase price, and costs rise substantially.
Generally, larger breeds cost more for food and boarding; long-haired dogs often require more grooming and some breeds need frequent trimming. While every dog benefits from training, certain breeds require early, consistent training to live harmoniously with people and other animals.
Dogs from shelters and rescues are usually the most affordable option. Puppies with AKC champion bloodlines or rare pedigrees command higher prices. Trends and demand influence prices, so prospective owners should research both the breed and the breeder carefully.
Responsible breeders screen for genetic health conditions, provide information about typical care and expenses, and may sell dogs for show or companionship—often with conditions such as spay/neuter for pets. Within a single litter, prices can vary by sex, color, markings and conformation.
Below is an overview of many of the world’s more expensive dog breeds, including typical price ranges, common health concerns and notable care requirements.
Saint Bernard
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Price range: $1,000–$3,000
Common health issues: Hip dysplasia, eye disease, spinal, digestive and cardiac problems
Additional expenses: Obedience training
The Saint Bernard is a very large, gentle breed, standing 23–30 inches at the shoulder and weighing 120–180 pounds. Historically used as alpine search-and-rescue dogs, they come in short- and long-haired varieties; both shed heavily and need weekly brushing. These drooling, powerful dogs require consistent obedience training to be safe and manageable.
Afghan Hound
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Price range: $1,500–$3,000
Common health issues: Hip dysplasia, thyroid and digestive issues
Additional expenses: Frequent bathing and grooming; secure yard
The Afghan Hound is a tall, elegant sighthound (25–27 inches, 50–60 pounds) known for an independent, dignified temperament. One of the world’s oldest breeds, it was prized as a hunting companion and status symbol. Their long coat requires regular grooming to stay healthy and tangle-free.
Cane Corso
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Price range: $1,500–$3,000
Common health issues: Hip dysplasia, cardiac and digestive issues
Additional expenses: Obedience and sport training; fenced yard
The Cane Corso is a powerful, short-coated mastiff-type (23–28 inches, often over 110 pounds). Bred historically as a guardian and hunter, it needs daily exercise, a job or activity, firm consistent training and socialization to channel protective instincts properly.
Clumber Spaniel
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Price range: $1,400–$3,000
Common health issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disease
The Clumber Spaniel is a gentle, loyal hunting companion and one of the first breeds recognized by the AKC. Medium in size (17–20 inches, 55–85 pounds), Clumbers are sweet and playful but can be independent. They shed year-round and benefit from regular grooming and attention.
Pug
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Price range: $1,500–$3,000
Common health issues: Hip dysplasia, eye disease, patellar luxation, breathing problems, Pug dog encephalitis
Pugs are small (10–13 inches, 14–18 pounds) and popular companion dogs with short coats that shed frequently. Their facial folds require daily cleaning to prevent infection, and many have brachycephalic-related breathing issues that demand extra care.
Portuguese Water Dog
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Price range: $2,000–$3,000
Common health issues: Hip dysplasia, eye disease
Additional expenses: Regular trimming
Originally working dogs on fishing boats, Portuguese Water Dogs are excellent swimmers and energetic workers (17–23 inches, 35–60 pounds). They require grooming to maintain their curly or wavy coats and thrive with water activities and purposeful exercise.
Samoyed
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Price range: Around $3,000
Common health issues: Hip dysplasia, cardiac and eye disease
Additional expenses: Fenced yard, early training
The Samoyed is a fluffy, energetic northern breed (19–24 inches, 35–65 pounds) bred for herding, sledding and guarding reindeer. Highly active and intelligent, they require daily exercise, mental stimulation and frequent grooming to keep the dense coat healthy.
Bullmastiff
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Price range: $1,500–$3,200
Common health issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, cardiac disease
Additional expenses: Obedience training
Developed to guard estates and deter poachers, the Bullmastiff is a large, calm guardian (24–27 inches, 100–130 pounds). They are protective and loyal, need moderate exercise and benefit from early training to channel their strength responsibly.
Vizsla
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Price range: $1,500–$3,200
Common health issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia; thyroid, cardiac and eye issues
The Vizsla is an energetic hunting and sporting dog (21–24 inches, 44–60 pounds) known for loyalty and affection. They need plenty of exercise and mental engagement and are popular for service work, search-and-rescue and detection roles.
Black Russian Terrier
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Price range: $1,500–$3,500
Common health issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, cardiac and eye issues
Additional expenses: Early socialization, regular trimming
Large and powerful (26–30 inches, 80–130 pounds), the Black Russian Terrier was developed for working and military roles. They are loyal, protective and excel in working-dog sports, but need grooming and consistent training.
Chihuahua
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Price range: $600–$3,600+
Common health issues: Patellar luxation, cardiac and eye disease
The Chihuahua is the smallest breed (5–8 inches, under 6 pounds) and has a long history dating back to pre-Columbian times. Available in smooth- and long-coated varieties, they require regular bathing and grooming as needed and thrive in a devoted, attentive home.
German Shepherd Dog
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Price range: $1,000–$3,600
Common health issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disease
Additional expenses: Training
One of the most recognizable and versatile breeds, the German Shepherd Dog stands 22–26 inches and weighs 50–90 pounds. They are highly trainable, energetic and excel in police, military and service roles but require regular exercise and training to stay balanced.
Dogo Argentino
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Price range: $1,500–$3,750
Common health issues: Pigment-related deafness, hip dysplasia
The Dogo Argentino is a strong, athletic mastiff-type (24–27 inches, 80–100 pounds) developed for big-game hunting. Intelligent and protective, they need regular exercise, consistent training and careful socialization due to a high prey drive.
Bulldog
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Price range: $3,500–$5,000
Common health issues: Breathing problems due to facial structure, “cherry eye,” skin infections
Bulldogs are medium-sized, calm companions (about 15 inches, 40–50 pounds) known for their distinctive faces and folds. Their skin and respiratory anatomy require special care, and they tolerate extreme temperatures poorly.
French Bulldog
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Price range: $2,500–$4,500
Common health issues: Brachycephalic breathing problems, vertebral and disc disease
Compact, friendly and popular as urban companions, French Bulldogs stand 11–13 inches and weigh under 28 pounds. They need regular cleaning of skin folds and monitoring in hot or cold weather due to respiratory sensitivity.
Dogue de Bordeaux
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Price range: $2,000–$5,000
Common health issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, cardiac disease, allergies
Additional expenses: Early obedience training
The Dogue de Bordeaux is an ancient French guardian (23–26 inches, 100+ pounds) known for loyalty and drooling. They need daily exercise, attention and consistent training to channel their strong personalities.
Tibetan Mastiff
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Price range: $2,000–$5,000
Common health issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, seizure disorders
Additional expenses: Early training; outdoor space
Originating in the Himalayas as a guardian breed, the Tibetan Mastiff is independent and protective (24–29 inches, 70–150 pounds). They have a thick double coat that sheds seasonally and need secure space and training to prevent roaming and nuisance barking.
Czechoslovakian Vlcak (Wolfdog)
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Price range: $800–$1,500
Common health issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, degenerative myelopathy
Additional expenses: Secure, fenced yard
Developed in Czechoslovakia in the 1950s from German Shepherds and Carpathian wolves, the Vlcak is a high-energy, independent breed best suited to experienced owners. They require strong, consistent training and activities that challenge both body and mind.
American Staffordshire Terrier
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Price range: $1,000–$2,000
Common health issues: Hip dysplasia, cardiac issues, skin allergies
Additional expenses: Training
Stocky and muscular (17–19 inches), the American Staffordshire Terrier is energetic and eager for challenges. They need socialization, training and ample exercise and can excel in many canine sports and activities when channeled constructively.
American Hairless Terrier
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Price range: $500–$2,000
Common health issues: Hip dysplasia, cardiac issues, patellar luxation
This small U.S.-origin breed comes in coated and hairless varieties. The hairless type requires sun protection and extra care in cold weather. These friendly, trainable dogs do well in active households and are often allergy-friendly.
Pharaoh Hound
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Price range: $1,500–$2,500
Common health issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye disorders
Additional expenses: High, secure fencing
The Pharaoh Hound is an athletic, independent sighthound that enjoys running and canine sports. Though trainable, their strong prey drive means they should be leashed or kept in a secure area unless well controlled.
Azawakh
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Price range: $1,000–$2,500
Common health issues: Hypothyroidism, seizures, cardiac issues
Additional expenses: Early socialization and training
Originating from West Africa, the Azawakh is a tall, lean sighthound that needs daily running and companionship. They are athletic, elegant and best suited to owners who can provide regular exercise and positive, consistent training.
Boxer
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Price range: $1,000–$2,500
Common health issues: Hip dysplasia, cardiac and thyroid conditions, degenerative myelopathy
Additional expenses: Training, secure yard
Boxers are energetic, playful and protective family dogs. They require daily exercise and mental stimulation and do well in canine sports, therapy and service roles when properly trained and socialized.
Bull Terrier
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Price range: $1,200–$2,500
Common health issues: Kidney and cardiac issues
Bull Terriers are distinctive, energetic and independent. They need mental stimulation, exercise and regular grooming for their short coat. Known for their unique egg-shaped head, they excel in active homes that provide structured activity.
Bouvier des Flandres
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Price range: $1,400–$2,500
Common health issues: Hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, bloat, eye and cardiac issues
Additional expenses: Fenced yard
The Bouvier is a rugged, large farm dog with a distinctive beard and robust coat. They are hardworking, intelligent and need activity, grooming and space to thrive.
Irish Wolfhound
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Price range: $1,000–$2,500
Common health issues: Bloat, heart disease and certain cancers
Additional expenses: Fenced yard
As one of the tallest breeds, the Irish Wolfhound can reach up to three feet at the shoulder and weigh up to 180 pounds. Gentle and calm, they require regular exercise and careful socialization given their size and prey drive.
Bedlington Terrier
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Price range: $1,500–$2,500
Common health issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, blood and eye issues
Additional expenses: Regular grooming, fenced yard
Bedlingtons are unique for their non-shedding, fast-growing curly coat that needs regular trimming. Energetic and friendly, they require training and grooming to look their best.
Belgian Malinois
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Price range: $1,500–$2,500
Common health issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, eye issues
Additional expenses: Early training
The Malinois is a highly driven working and herding dog that thrives on activity, structure and purpose. Widely used by police and military units, they require experienced handling and consistent mental and physical work.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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Price range: $2,500+
Common health issues: Hip, patella, eye and cardiac issues
Additional expenses: Fenced yard
This small toy breed is silky-coated and affectionate, making an excellent lap dog. Regular brushing, ear checks and routine health monitoring are important because Cavaliers are prone to several hereditary conditions.
Löwchen
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Price range: $2,000–$2,500
Common health issues: Hip/patella and eye concerns
Additional expenses: Professional grooming regularly
The Löwchen, or “Little Lion,” is a charming companion that requires frequent grooming. Alert and affectionate, they benefit from positive training to manage barking and strong personalities.
Rottweiler
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Price range: $1,500–$2,500
Common health issues: Hip dysplasia, shoulder problems, cardiac concerns
Additional expenses: Training
Rottweilers are strong, loyal and versatile working dogs. They need socialization, exercise and training to ensure they are well adjusted family members and reliable working companions.
Polish Lowland Sheepdog (PON)
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Price range: $2,000–$2,800
Common health issues: Hip dysplasia
Additional expenses: Grooming, fenced yard, early training
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a high-energy herding breed that requires daily vigorous exercise, training and grooming. Intelligent and loyal, they do well in active homes that provide mental and physical outlets.