The 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in the United States

Last Updated on June 25, 2022 by prince lucky

Owning a dog is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your family; luckily, most breeds are very low-maintenance. However, some species require special attention due to their size or coat type. Some dogs cost more than others because they’re rarer or come from exceptionally high-quality bloodlines. Let’s take a look at the ten most expensive dog breeds in the United States right now.

Most Expensive Dog Breeds in the United States,
Photo by Joe Caione on Unsplash

1. Golden Retriever


The average cost of raising a golden retriever puppy to be 12-15 months old is around $2,700. The average price of owning one for their lifetime is just under $13,000. That’s a lot of money to own and care for your dog, but if you are trying to show off by getting one of the most expensive dog breeds in the country, it might be worth it! But first, check out some pictures of Goldens below!

The average cost of raising a golden retriever puppy to be 12-15 months old is around $2,700. The average price of owning one for their lifetime is just under $13,000. That’s a lot of money to own and care for your dog, but if you are trying to show off by getting one of the most expensive dog breeds in the country, it might be worth it! But first, check out some pictures of Goldens below!

2. German Shepherd

First up is everyone’s favorite four-legged, obedient friend: the German Shepherd. These highly trained canines are used for various purposes, including police work and search and rescue missions. With proper training, German Shepherds make great family pets; however, they require plenty of exercise to prevent boredom (i.e., chewing on furniture).

They are considered one of America’s most expensive dog breeds because they typically cost between $1,500 and $2,000. (Source: Pets4Homes)

3. Bulldog

Starting at $1,700, Bulldog puppies are a costly endeavor. Although they were once considered a cheap breed to buy, they’ve grown more expensive dog breeds over time as they’ve gained popularity. Bulldogs enjoy lots of human interaction and exercise. This makes them great family pets—if you can afford them!

4. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a breed of domestic dog, regarded as medium-to-large or significant. Rottweiler Metzgerhunds had several uses, including herding livestock and pulling carts laden with butchered meat to market. They are powerful, solidly built, medium-sized dogs with smooth coats that are either black tan or mahogany. Their limbs are strong and muscular.

5. Akita

$1500-$5000: The Akita is a dog breed originating from Japan. It is one of the six Japanese spitz breeds. Although it has some similarities to other spitzes, it is not closely related to any of them. It descends from large dogs brought to Japan from foreign countries (mainly Siberia) more than 5000 years ago. This breed was once called a barking dog because it tended to bark at anything unfamiliar approaching its master or territory.

6. French Bulldog

Frenchies are small and cute, but their cuteness comes at a high price tag. These highly popular pups are often crossbred so that French Bulldog puppies can sell for as much as $2,000. These dogs are also not easy to come by, as many are mixed breeds and can be hard to find if you can’t get your hands on a purebred.

7. Poodle

The French poodle is an elegant puppy and one of the most expensive dog breeds, with puppies costing between $1,200 and $3,000. He needs plenty of exercises but makes up for it with affectionate companionship. He also gets along well with children and other dogs, making him an excellent pet for families or owners who have time to care for his high energy level. The breed is susceptible to various health problems, including bloat — a potentially fatal condition — bladder stones, and cataracts.

8. Labradoodle

The Labradoodle was developed as a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. It is one of several designer dogs that have become popular pets since their development in the mid-20th century.

A few breeds exceed $2,000, but not by much. The cost of purchasing a purebred puppy can vary greatly depending on its lineage and bloodline. While some purebreds can be bought for less than $1,000, others can sell for more than $10,000. This is why it’s essential to research before choosing which breed you want to bring into your home and family.

9. Shih Tzu

This toy breed, a cross between a Lhasa Apso and a Pekingese, has been around for centuries. Bred to be companions and lap dogs, they are considered royalty among breeds. Shih Tzu dogs are often bought as gifts for families by those who already own one or more Shih Tzu dogs. They tend to get along well with other pets and children if raised with them from puppyhood.

The average price for a Shih Tzu dog is between $800 and $2000. They need constant grooming, so it’s not an inexpensive breed to own. However, they are great companions and make a good choice if you want something small.

10. Great Dane

This is a massive dog with a long body and short legs. It has long, drooping ears that frame its face and dark eyes. There are two types of Great Danes: German and English. The German type is taller than long; it’s heavier-boned, stockier, and more muscular than its English counterpart. The English Great Dane has more length to its body and longer legs than its German counterpart, giving it a slimmer appearance overall.

As far as costs are concerned, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 – $3,000 for a purebred Great Dane puppy.

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