What Dog Cost $5000?

The fluffily irresistible Akita Inu (of the same Inu family as the Shiba Inu) costs $5000, or even higher. The female Akita weighs between 75 to 110 pounds and stands at between 58 and 64 cm. On the flip side, the male weighs between 45 and 59 kg and a height of between 64 and 70 cm. The Akita can be found in different, rare colors like pinto, red fawn, and sesame. These rare colors are what make the dog expensive.

Apart from the rareness in terms of color, the dogs are independent, powerful, and impressively dominant. They will show affection and warmth to family members but act aloof with strangers. They are impressively cute (like all Japanese breeds) and have a rare short double color common among spitz-like breeds like the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky.

But the Akita isn’t the only dog costing $5000 or thereabout. Some dogs are affordable, and others, well, they cost an arm and a leg. This article is going to focus on the most expensive dogs (upwards of $1500). See yourself to the end of this high-end read (if you know what I mean).

Most Expensive Dogs (The A To S)

Averagely speaking, a US household that owns a dog spends upwards of $1500 just on pet care and maintenance. I’m talking about toys, foods, shots, equipment, and others. But before these recurrent expenses come about, you will first buy the dog. You can either get a pup from a reputable breeder, a pet store or online. Whichever way you choose to go, you’re likely to pay up something.

A breed’s price may be low or expensive depending on several factors, including bloodlines, pedigree, and rareness. This read brings together some of the most costly dogs that make muscles twitch. If you’re in a hurry, here is a table capturing the most expensive breeds and their prices:

Dog BreedPriceDog BreedPrice
Tibetan Mastiff$20,000Pharaoh Hound$6,000
Canadian Eskimo Dog$16,000Saluki$5,000
American Bully$15,000Portuguese Water Dog$5,000
Samoyed$14,000English Bulldog$4000
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel$12,000Bedlington Terrier$4,000
Chow Chow$10,000Lakeland Terrier$3,000
Rottweiler$10,000Irish Wolfhound$3,000
Lowchen$8,000Azawakh$3,000
Dogo Argentino$8,000Afghan Hound$7,000
French Bulldog$6,000

Now, let’s take each one by one, starting with the most expensive to the least.

1. The Tibetan Mastiff

Being the most costly dog on the list, this dog is quite exceptional. It is famous for its violent nature and rugged looks that can intimidate the weak at heart.

The dog itself is native to Nepal and Tibet (the Himalayan regions). Because of that geographical detail, you will part with up to $20,000 to get an adult Tibetan. Also, they are huge (160 pounds) and stand at about 33 inches (up to 3 feet).

As an ancient breed, the dog was used by the local tribes to protect livestock from being preyed on by natural predators. Although they are powerful and look like they’re about to snap, they are among the most amicable dogs.

2. The Canadian Eskimo Dog

Like the Tibetan Mastiff, this is one of the rarest, oldest dogs and one that will cost you upwards of $16,000. Initially, they were used as work dogs in the Arctic region (North America). A mature, fully-grown Eskimo weighs between 35 and 40 kg and stands about 60 cm. As you buy the Canadian Eskimo Dog, you will find it in the following colors: white, black, liver, and grey.

The dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and alertness and have been part and parcel of the Inuit culture. This is one of the breeds near extinction, and in the United States, there are only 500 members of the breed. Now you know why they are that expensive.

3. The American Bully

If you are a fan of Pit Bulls, you know that the American bulldog is one of the best and famous varieties. It is a cross between the American Pit Bull and the American Staffordshire Terrier. The American Bully is usually about 20 inches tall, weighs about 110 pounds, and has a muscular build. Also, it wears a broad, melanistic mask on its face and is one of the best dog companions among all the dogs in the world. As captured on the table, be ready to part with $15,000 if you wish to own it.

This dog’s coat is glossy, short, and smooth. The American bully is expensive because it does not deliver a large litter size – not more than four puppies per whelp.

Although the breed has become infamous in terms of dogfighting games, the UKC has it that the dogs are friendly, loving, and very protective. The other pit bull breeds cost roughly the same.

4. The Samoyed

While the Samoyed may be one of the costliest dog breeds, every penny of the up-to-14000 dollars you spend will be worth it. The males weigh between 45 and 65 pounds and stand at heights of between 19 and 23 inches. On the flip side, the females weigh between 35 and 50 pounds.

You will know a Samoyed by its all-white, thick, and beautiful coat that protects it from the harsh weather of the Siberian region. Unlike other dog breeds, Samoyeds bear a smile that prevents the formation of icicles on the dog’s face.

As working dogs, they live for between 12 and 14 years, which is roughly the same bracket as that of the Maltese. Samoyed dogs are friendly, smart, and mischievous and will not stop until you give them the attention and love they think they deserve.

5. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Unlike the previously listed dogs, this one is a toy dog – a small pooch that weighs 15 pounds and about 12 inches. You will find these dogs in different colors, but the rarest, most attractive breed is the tri-colored one.

As its name suggests, this dog fits into the context of Charles I and II. They were bred to look like the court dogs that served both the royal members. Perhaps, their royalty is what makes them cost up to $12,000. The dogs are playfully sociable and are active all the time. Also, they appreciate being taken out for long walks, getting cuddles, and being rubbed.

6. The Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is one of the rarest, oldest breeds that will cost you around $10,000. It bears a goofy smile, a medium weight of about 70 pounds, and an appearance that looks like that of a teddy bear. It looks like a lion that felt short of becoming Panthera and became Canis.

Naturally, the dogs have particular independence, attentiveness, and loyalty. To stay active and joyful, the members of this breed will need lots of exercises.

7. The Rottweiler

Out there, Rottweilers are one of the most challenging, most hardworking, and most fearless dogs. You may be compelled to spend up to $10,000 if you want a large-sized adult dog.

The male is between 61 and 69 cm (height) and up to 60 kg (weight). On the other side, the female is between 56 and 63 cm, and up to 48 kg.

The Rottweiler is good-natured, steady, and obedient and can live for between 8 and 10 years. In Germany, they were known as butcher ‘Rottweil’ dogs as they pulled carts that had meat and guarded livestock. Now, their specific bloodlines and intelligence make them expensive – qualities that make them excellent rescue and police dogs. Click here to read more about the Rottweiler.

8. The Lowchen

Since the Renaissance, the Lowchen has been recognized as a breed, making it one of the oldest. It was popular with the noblemen during those times, and thus, you will find them in many paintings. Like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Lowchen is a small dog that weighs just 17 pounds and stands at the height of between 30 and 35 cm. It has long hair and a cute appearance, and from afar, it looks like a little lion.

Because of the dog’s rareness, you may have to part with $8000 to secure one. Like the Canadian Eskimo Dog, the Lowchen is also on the verge of extinction.

The members of the breed are friendly and non-sporty, and you will find them in many colors.

9. The Dogo Argentino 

Talk about toughness! As the name suggests, this dog is native to Argentina. The breeder who brought it together wanted a canine to help in big-game hunting, and that is what the Dogo Argentino is – a hunter from head to toe.

The male averages a height of 27 inches and a weight of 65 kg. On the flip side, the female is 23 inches and 60 kg. The dog bears a white coat, a muscular, bulky body, and a deep chest.

The dogs are protective and dedicated, therefore justifying their $8000 price. If well socialized, the dog can be a great family pet. However, the Dogo owner needs to be alpha-tuned and dominant to match the dog’s powerfulness. Read more about the Dog breed here.

10. The Afghan Hound 

Talk about elegance! The Afghan hound weighs about 27 kg and stands at 73 cm in height. When you see this dog standing with its long coat, you will understand why it is $7000. The hound bears a distinguish looked based on its coat, which is silky, fine, thick, and curly at the ends.

When you go for the Afghan hound, you will find it in any of the following colors: red, gold, fawn, tri-color, and fawn. In its country of nativity (take a guess), it is known as the Tazi Spay. While the Afghan hound may be an independent dog that likes keeping to itself, it likes to engage in play from time to time

11. The French Bulldog

You might not know about the French bulldog is its morphology, and how it affects whelping. A French bulldog has a broad chest and big head, making it difficult to give birth naturally. So, most of them deliver their litter via C-section.

If you study canine history and record, you will pick out that French bulldogs are a cross between the bulldogs from England and the Parisian local ratters. The crossing happened in the 1800s and brought forth affectionate, lively, short, and petite dogs and with a weight of about 24 pounds.

Because of the breeding and whelping challenges, you are likely to part with about $6000 for a French bulldog pup. Once you get a female French bulldog, be advice to spay it.

12. The Pharaoh Hound

This is one of the coolest looking dogs worldwide, and it is going to cost you upwards of $6000, especially if you ask for specific bloodlines. As Malta’s national hound, it was used on the island to hunt for rabbits, which explains its native name, Kelb tal-Fenek, or the Rabbit Dog.

The hound stands between 53 and 63 cm and weighs up to 27 kg. In terms of personality, the dogs are affectionate, active, intelligent, playful, and friendly. They appear like the canine version of the phoenix cats as they bear an athletic shape and royal look.

If trained and socialized well, these dogs can be the best family dogs.

13. The Saluki

As a rare and ancient breed, the Saluki is likely to cost you something around $5000, or even more.

Members of this breed live for between 12 and 14 years, weigh up to 60 pounds, and stand at the height of between 23 and 28 inches. You will be awed by the dog’s appearance, which is overly unconventional – talk about long legs and a deep chest.

As the dogs of Egyptian royalty, Salukis have been friends with men since the Pharaoh times. Their nativity area is the Fertile Crescent.

Traditionally and historically, these dogs have operated as sighthounds because of their gentleness, sharpness, and independence. If trained patiently and perfectly, this dog breed can be a great companion and friend.

14. The Portuguese Water Dog

If you’re a Barack Obama lover, you may already know about this dog as he made it famous (he was called Bo). The Portuguese Water Dog has a curly, wavy coat that does not shed. The male will weigh between 19 and 27 kg and stand up to 57 cm in height. On the other side, the females weigh up to 23 kg and are anything between 43 and 52 cm height-wise.

The thing that makes the Portuguese Water Dog cost up to $5000 is its history. They come from the Portuguese coast, where they helped fishers deliver messages, guide fish into traps and nets, and retrieve lost gear.

15. The English Bull Dog

Yet another bulldog makes it to this list. If you flip the pages of history, you will pick out that English bulldogs were bred to engage in bull-baiting fights and competitions.

As the common bulldog, the members of the breed will cost upwards of $4000. If you’re a lover of bulldogs, you know that they bear hefty structures and have wrinkly, broad faces. The English male bulldog will weigh up to 55 pounds and stand at 2 feet, while females weigh 45 pounds and are shorter by about a pound.

Because of the health risks that English bulldogs are exposed to, a prospective owner should be ready to part with vet costs. While the dogs are puppies, they will show energy and playfulness. However, they will get lazier as they grow up.

16. The Bedlington Terrier

Weighing about 22 pounds and standing on a foot, puppies of the Bedlington Terrier breed are among the priciest at $4,000. This is, maybe, because of the unconventional looks they bear or their rare colors. The texture of the dog’s coat feels curly and uniquely crisp, not to mention the topknot that gives the dog an overly cute look.

Canine history has it that the Bedlington Terrier originates from North-Eastern England. It was bred to hunt vermin, but now, it is a good family dog that is somewhat contradictory. This is because while it can be calm enough to relate with children, it can only show aggression to the extent of taking another dog’s life.

17. The Lakeland Terrier

Another Terrier making it to this list means that Terriers are of the rarest, most sort-after breeds. It comes from England, Lake District, and the area influences its names (as you may have already picked out). Be ready to part with around $3000 if you want to own one.

As toy dogs, these Terriers weigh around 17 pounds and stand at 38 cm. They come in a range of coat colors, including blue, black, and tan. In terms of personality, the dogs are intelligently confident, bold, and easy to train.

Because of its impressive adaptability skills, a Lakeland Terrier may be the pet you are looking for. And oh, Terriers are among the animals that bark the most.

18. The Irish Wolfhound

This one is no small dog – talk about 150 pounds! This breed is rare, and it only thrives, survives, and lives well in harsh, cold weather. If you pay keen attention to the face of an Irish Wolfhound, you will find that its face is long and disproportionate, and it has a bizarre stature.

The dog gets its wolfhound name from its former roles – it was used as a guard and a hunting dog. It used to hunt for elks and wolves decades back in Ireland.

Naturally, the dogs are loyal and sweet-tempered, making them the best family dogs. When you bring an Irish Wolfhound as a puppy, be prepared to deal with a demanding and clumsy dog.

19. The Azawakh

You may not know this breed because it is African, and well, it is one exceptional dog. The Azawakh bears almond eyes and a thin structure, making it one of the unique dogs worldwide. If you want one, be ready to chuck some $3000.

Like the average dog, the Azawakh can live for up to 12 years. Its mean weight and height are between 15 and 25 kg, and 61 and 76 cm respectively. The one unique thing about these dogs is that they have a constant feline gait.

Azawakhs are fierce, rugged, attentive, affectionate, and impressively refined. If you’re in the US or Canada and want to own this dog, you should know that it is not easy to find.

Although the dog has some particular liveliness, it gets aloof and acts independently, much like the Maltese and the Shiba Inu (if you know about dog breeds). To keep the dog cheerful, ensure that you engage it in lots of exercises.

Final Words

So, there you have it – the A to S of the priciest dogs in the market. Those are the prices you should have in mind as you go shopping.

It is important to note that the prices change depending on where you get the dog. If you’re adopting or fostering one, you may pay very little. A pet store will have affordable prices, but it is unlikely that you will find any of the breeds mentioned here. Finally, a reputable breeder is likely to charge the most.

Before you buy a pup, you also need to focus on other variables, which include:

1. Temperament – you will need a dog that you can handle. A calm, unreactive dog is better than one which will charge at everyone, stranger or not. For example, dogs like the Rottweiler may act aggressively if they are not socialized, and to socialize them effectively, you need to know how dogs communicate.

2. Other Pets And Children – the dog you get should be friendly. It should have no problem relating to children or other pets, especially cats. If you’re worried about your dog acting aggressively towards your feline, find out why cats and dogs do not get along and what you can do about it.

3. Health Issues – as you go for a dog that costs $5000 or so, ensure that you have info on the potential risks. A dog must get vaccinated to live for a long time. When you know about the health issues, you will be ready to face them.

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