20 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in US

Published on September 5, 2022 at 10:18 pm by Sajjl Nooranne in Lists, News

In this article, we will take a look at the 20 most expensive dog breeds in US. You can skip our detailed analysis of these dog breeds by going directly to the 5 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in US.

The pet industry in the United States has witnessed healthy growth over the past decades with an average rate of 11.6% annually. By the end of the year 2020, 70% of US households kept household pets while only 56% did in 1988. In other words, 90.5 million households in the United States own pets. It is hence unsurprising that the pet industry was valued at $103.6 billion by the end of 2020.

A dog has always been known to be man’s best friend. The popularity of keeping dogs in the United States can be judged from the fact that, of the total household in the US which have pets, 69 million households own dogs according to the APPA National Pet Owners Survey in 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the adoption and purchase of dogs as household pets in the United States as people required both company and activities to keep them busy during the lockdown. According to eMarketer, pet supplies that include pet food, medicines, vet care, and similar products rose to become the 5^th largest purchase category on Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) during the coronavirus pandemic in June 2020. The data also showed that the purchases in this category increased by 30% in the months between February and June of the year 2020.

The US pet industry has experienced several technological advancements recently especially in the pets’ daily care and safety aspects. For instance, pet owners can easily feed their pets using a smart food dispenser remotely, or have it scheduled at certain times. To care for pets and keep an eye on them, versions of pet feeders with Wi-Fi cameras attached to them are sold at Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN). Moreover, multiple companies manufacture collars for dogs and cats that have radio trackers installed inside them so that the pets do not get lost or, worse, stolen.

As pedigree pets such as dogs, cats, fish, and exotic birds are expensive to acquire, many owners choose to insure their pets. Dog owners have options such as the insurance company MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) in the United States to purchase insurance for their pets. Different kinds of insurance are available for dogs, such as against theft, disease, and accidents. According to a report by Insurance Information Institute, 3.1 million pets in the United States had been insured by the end of 2020. As the culture of pet grows significantly in the US, the pet insurance market is also flourishing as its value has risen from $1.56 billion in 2019 to $1.99 billion in the year 2020, which indicates an annual growth of 24.2%.

In recent years especially in the US, dogs are being increasingly used to help people with physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or mental disabilities. The dogs that are trained to help their owners are usually known as service dogs and are most commonly found with people who suffer from anxiety, immobility, autism, diabetes, allergies, and seizures.

Our Methodology

We conducted much research on the prices of dog breeds in different kennels operating in the United States that provide information online. Moreover, online discussion forums about dog prices in 2021 were studied to gather data for this article. For each breed of dog, the quoted prices in US Dollars have been mentioned.

With this context in mind, here is the list of the 20 most expensive dog breeds in US (see best dog breeds for first time owners).

20. Saint Bernard

Price: $1,500

One popular breed that was originally bred in Switzerland to herd cows and rescue purposes is Saint Bernard. Its Western Alps origin dates back to the Great Saint Bernard Hospices in Italy and Switzerland. These dogs have the ability to smell people trapped underneath masses of snow and ice. Most well-known from the 1992 movie, Beethoven, it has become popular in recent decades, with prices starting at $1,500 per puppy.

19. Black Russian Terrier

Price: $3,000

The Black Russian Terrier (BRT) is a relatively new breed of working dog that came about during the latter part of the 20th century. This breed is perfect as a reliable friend and protector. It was first bred by the Soviet Union during the 1940s and 1950s at Red Star Kennels. These dogs do not bark often, yet they have a fierce appearance that usually sends intruders running. Due to the upkeep that these dogs demand, their price remains on the high side. The Black Russian Terrier ranks as the 19^th of the 20 most expensive dog breeds in US.

18. Azawakh

Price: $3,000

The Azawakh is a Somali dog breed from West Africa that can be identified by long, slender bodies, almond-shaped eyes, and elevated ears. This beautiful breed has a life span of 10-12 years, weighs around 15-25kg (approximately 33 to 55lbs), and stands 24–29 inches tall, making them rare and expensive to own and pet.

17. Irish Wolfhound

Price: $3,000

The Irish wolfhound is a sighthound from Ireland, bred to hunt and guard its owners against wolves. The most distinguishing characteristic of the breed is the massive size of its head, which can be up to one-third of its body length. Its large, well-muscled frame gives it a formidable appearance and it has a great deal of loose skin around its neck that forms a dewlap. At around 30-32 inches tall, this peculiar-looking beast weighs an average of 150 pounds.

As the culture of keeping dogs as pets grows in the US, companies that cater to dog’s needs such as Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), Dogness (International) Corporation (NASDAQ: DOGZ), Chewy, Inc. (NYSE: CHWY), Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE: CL), and MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) are witnessing increasing demand of their products and services.

16. Lakeland Terrier

Price: $3,000

The Lakeland Terrier originates from the Lake District in England. It was bred for hunting all kinds of vermin on farms, in addition to foxes, otters, and badgers. Generally, it is small to medium-sized weighing roughly 8 kilograms, with hair that barely sheds in comparison to other breeds. The Lakeland Terrier’s coat is also hypoallergenic (unlikely to cause allergic reactions), which usually makes it a good and safe family companion yet an expensive breed to own. The Lakeland Terrier ranks as the 16^th of the 20 most expensive dog breeds in US.

15. Bedlington Terrier

Price: $4,000

The origin of this breed goes back to 17^th century England when they were used to rid farms of rabbits. Originating from North England, Bedlington Terriers are good-natured dogs that can cost up to US$4,000. Most commonly used for hunting vermin and dog racing now, the Bedlington Terrier comes in the sandy, liver, or blue color and serves as a loving pet for children, but the cost is high due to grooming and maintenance.

As the culture of keeping dogs as pets grows in the US, companies that cater to dog’s needs such as Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), Dogness (International) Corporation (NASDAQ: DOGZ), Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE: CL), Chewy, Inc. (NYSE: CHWY), Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), and MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) are witnessing increasing demand of their products and services.

14. English Bulldog

Price: $4,000

English Bulldogs come with a distinctive and recognizable face, complete with a pushed-in button nose. In 2016, they were known as the fourth most popular purebred in the US according to their signature dog club, but they are also known for ongoing health problems, which makes the English Bulldog an expensive breed that is costly to maintain.

13. Portuguese Water Dog

Price: $5,000

This fluffy creature is recognized for its curly and wavy coat, its characteristic of not shedding its coat, and port wine color. A male Portuguese water dog weighs 19-27 kg (about 34 pounds) and is about 50-57 cm in height; a female averages 43-52 cm in height (16.1 to 20 inches) and 16 to 23 kg in weight (~35 lbs.). The dogs live for 10 to 14 years on average.

As the culture of keeping dogs as pets grows in the US, companies that cater to dog’s needs such as Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), Chewy, Inc. (NYSE: CHWY), Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), Dogness (International) Corporation (NASDAQ: DOGZ), Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE: CL), and MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) are witnessing increasing demand of their products and services.

12. Akita

Price: $5,000

The Akita is a Japanese breed originating in the mountainous regions of Northern Japan. Though there are two types of Akita: American Akita and Japanese Akita, both can be identified by differences in colors and weight. Males weigh around 45-59 kg while females weigh 34-50kg. Height wise, males reach heights of about 26-28″ compared to 24-26″ for females. Akita is generally very expensive to purchase because of its requirement for high maintenance. The Akita ranks 12^th in the list of the 20 most expensive dog breeds in US.

11. Saluki

Price: $5,000

The Saluki is descended from nomadic tribes in Central Asia that hunted with sight rather than scent and is known for its sleek frame. The Saluki usually lives 12-14 years and stands about 25-28 inches tall; it can weigh 40-60 pounds. Saluki dogs have long legs, which makes their appearance unique. Salukis are quiet, relaxed, and independent dogs that do not like being left alone for a long time. Hence, the comfort requires a high maintenance cost which makes it an expensive breed. The Saluki ranks 11^th among the 20 most expensive dog breeds in US.

10. Pharaoh Hound

Price: $6,000

The Maltese Pharaoh Hound is very different from other aggressive breeds. The breed is called Kelb tal-Fenek in Maltese, meaning ‘rabbit dog’, because it is traditionally used for hunting rabbits in the islands of Malta. Pharaoh Hounds can weigh up to 55 pounds and typically stand between 23-25″ tall. The males of the species are generally taller than females. They are known for loyalty and training and are expensive due to their physical attributes and distinguished features. The Pharoah Hound is 10^th on the list of the 20 most expensive dog breeds in US.

9. French Bulldog

Price: $6,000

French Bulldogs originated by way of English Bulldogs brought over to France from England and crossed with Parisian Ratters. These aesthetically pleasing and expensive animals are one of the most difficult breeds to produce, as they have narrow hips and give birth to only two or three puppies per litter. Hence, the French Bulldog costs upwards of $6,000 and is rare to come by.

8. Afghan Hound

Price: $7,000

Afghan Hounds are distinguished by their ring curl tail and thick silky scruff. They usually weigh 23 to 27 kilograms and come in a variety of colors, such as fawn, gold, or cream with black facial markings. Their price mark is high due to their striking beauty. The breed sheds once a year; this may result in annoyance for the owners as it collects on household furnishings, including draperies and upholstery. The Afghan Hound is 8^th on the list of the 20 most expensive dog breeds in US.

7. Dogo Argentino

Price: $8,000

This breed, affectionately called the ‘Muscular Monster’, was initially bred in 1928. It is a cross between several older breeds of dogs, most notably the Great Dane and Cordoba Fighting Dog, with a large white muscular body and short coat. These dogs make good family pets, but they need plenty of exercise and a significant intake of food, which takes much effort and cost to pet them. Dogo Argentino is expensive due to its dominating appearance, such as its large, muscular built with prominent jaws and black spots commonly found around its eyes.

6. Löwchen

Price: $8,000

The American Kennel Club (AKC) classifies the Löwchen (also known as ‘Little Lions’) as a non-sporting dog, which is often counted as a “toy dog” by registries. Although the breed became very rare in 1973 when only 65 of these dogs were left, as low as 300 new dogs are registered around the globe each year presently. They live to be 20 years old on average. The Löwchen is a lively, playful companion dog that makes an excellent pet due to its friendliness toward children, playfulness, affectionate nature, and cleanliness which makes it expensive.

As the culture of keeping dogs as pets grows in the US, companies that cater to dog’s needs such as Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), Dogness (International) Corporation (NASDAQ: DOGZ), Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE: CL), and MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET) are witnessing increasing demand of their products and services.

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