Dogs are part of our family, and like a member of a family, we love them with all our hearts. Some families, do everything and are willing to spend a lot to take care of them. But how far would you be willing to pay to have a pup?
In a recent study, Americans spend an average of $700 to have a dog. While that might seem like a lot, there are way more expensive dogs out there. And these are the top-10 most expensive dog breeds to own in 2021.
Azawakh – $9,500
Azawakh’s origin is from the Sahara desert in West Africa. They were mainly used as hunting dogs and are close cousins to the Middle Eastern and South Indian hounds.
The breed is rare in North America but is gaining popularity after being recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in early 2019.
Azawakhs are gentle and affectionate with their families, but they can be standoffish toward strangers and dislike being touched by people they don’t know. They’re also very protective of their people and property. Owners describe them as a wonderful combination of loyal and independence.
Azawakh’s average lifespan is 12-15 years with high-quality dog food and daily walks or runs. They only exercise in the presence of their owner so they’ll keep you in shape too!
Tibetan Mastiff – $10,000
Tibetan Mastiff is a gigantic doggo with very thick furs. It came from Tibet where it protected sheep from predators. The mastiff can reach more than 150 pounds, for grown males, and fends off some of the fiercest animals like bears and wolves.
They are good guardians and protectors, but they became too expensive for their owners to maintain due to their size. The breed is very alert and will protect your family at any cost.
Despite their massive, intimidating size, they are big softies when it comes to their human families. They retain their guardian nature, though, so strangers must beware, and introductions from trusted humans go a long way.
Chow Chow – $11,000
Hailing from northern China, Chow chow is one of the oldest breeds in the world. The dog itself is expensive to buy, but the costs to own a Chow Chow. You’ll rack up the bills for food, treats, vet bills, grooming, and health issues, which can total around $11,000 for their life.
Chow pups need patience and consistency, and you may need to do a few things on their terms. Novice pet parents beware. While these dogs can adapt to apartment life, they need plenty of exercise, and they don’t enjoy being left home alone for long hours of the day. If you can provide experienced training and lots of physical activity, you’ll have a faithful, protective, furry family member.
Löwchen – $12,000
Hailed from France, Löwchen is also known as the “little lion dog,” and are popular among Europeans.
It was once the rarest dog in the globe in 1973 when only 65 were left in the world; and today, there are only 300 remaining dogs registered each year worldwide.
Highly affectionate and playful, these pups fit into just about any home setting, including apartment life. Although, they like to bark, which is something nearby neighbors might not appreciate. But even novice pet parents will find Lowchens to be adaptable and easy to train with positive reinforcement.
Samoyed – $14,000
And at the #1 overall spot for the most expensive dog in the world is the Samoyed from Siberia. The rare breed is known for its sweet, kind, and eager-to-please attitude along with its happy faces.
The world’s most expensive dog is very energetic and has a strong sense to run away and roam for miles on end, so always make sure they’re on a leash. They’re also brilliant, social, and mischievous dogs that always demand attention, making them perfect for families and children.
While the dogs are rare, they do rack up vet bills like no other dog. They’re prone to expensive health issues, such as corneal dystrophy, autoimmune conditions, and cardiac disorders that can mount to around $5,000.
