12 Most Expensive Dog Breeds: From Akitas to Samoyeds

The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the oldest and rarest breeds, originally bred to guard livestock in the Himalayas. One of these fluffy giants once sold for nearly $2 million in China, making it the most expensive dog ever.

A true rarity, the Canadian Eskimo Dog is nearly extinct, with about 300 left worldwide. These strong, sled-pulling dogs are a part of Arctic history, but their numbers dwindled after the rise of snowmobiles. Because they're such a rare breed, breeders charge top dollar for these winter warriors.

With its flowing, silky coat and regal posture, the Afghan Hound looks like it just walked off a fashion runway.

But beauty comes at a cost: The lifetime cost of these elegant hounds can be tens of thousands of dollars. These dogs have some of the highest pet insurance claims due to genetic health issues. Plus, grooming them is practically a full-time job.

One of the oldest breeds, the Pharaoh Hound is a rabbit dog from Malta that dates back thousands of years. These sleek, athletic pups once hunted small game in rocky landscapes. Today, their rarity and stunning, amber-colored coat make them one of the most expensive dog breeds.

With its thick, lion-like mane and powerful build, the Chow Chow is one of the world's oldest breeds. Originally bred in China as guard dogs and hunting dogs, these fluffy companions now fetch a price tag of $3,000 or more — and this doesn't include their high grooming costs.

The Löwchen, whose name means "little lion" in German, has been a status symbol for centuries. With fewer than a few hundred puppies born each year, the Löwchen is a rare breed. Expect to pay upward of $8,000 for this tiny, fluffy pup.

These snow-white, smiling fluff balls were originally bred in Siberia to herd reindeer and pull sleds. A well-bred Samoyed can cost about $8,000, partly due to their rarity and high demand. Plus, that signature "Samoyed smile" is priceless.

While Rottweilers are generally a more common breed, high-quality bloodlines can cost over $9,000. These muscular protectors originally herded cattle and pulled carts for butchers.

Bred for speed and endurance, South Indian Hounds once hunted wild hogs and deer. This group includes breeds like the Rajapalayam and Kanni, both of which are rare outside of India.

The Dogo Argentino was bred for big-game hunting. These powerful, all-white dogs are fearless, fast and require experienced owners. Their rarity outside Argentina makes them one of the most expensive dog breeds to import.

Originating in Japan, the Akita is a symbol of loyalty and strength. These dignified dogs are popular worldwide, but purebred Akitas from Japan can cost $3,000 or more. They require consistent training and socialization, making them a big commitment for any owner.

Despite their history as heroic rescue dogs in the Alps, Saint Bernards are one of the most expensive breeds to care for. They may not cost as much upfront as some rarer breeds, but their size means higher food bills, medical costs and pet insurance claims. Still, who can resist that droopy, lovable face?

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.