12 Most Expensive Small Dog Breeds

When considering adding a small dog to your family, the price tag might be a surprise. Many small dog breeds are not only sought after for their compact size and adorable looks but also come with a significant cost. Factors like rarity, breeding complexities, and high maintenance needs contribute to their steep prices. Before falling in love with one of these small companions, it’s important to understand the financial commitment involved. Here’s a rundown of the 19 most expensive small dog breeds that might catch your eye—and possibly stretch your budget.

French Bulldog

Characterized by their bat-like ears and sturdy build, French Bulldogs are among the most beloved small breeds. Despite their playful and affectionate nature, they come with a hefty price tag, often ranging from $1,500 to $8,000. This cost is due to their popularity and the complexities involved in their breeding, which often requires artificial insemination and C-sections for delivery.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This breed, known for its expressive eyes and luxurious coat, exudes elegance and grace. Cavaliers are friendly and adaptable, making them excellent companions. Prices for these spaniels can vary widely, typically between $1,000 and $3,500, influenced by their lineage and health.

English Bulldog

English Bulldogs are known for their loyal and courageous nature, often forming a strong bond with a single person. They are famously low-energy and require minimal grooming, making them seemingly low-maintenance. However, their health care can be quite intensive due to skin folds and their susceptibility to joint problems. This breed often faces significant health challenges, which, coupled with high demand, drives prices up to between $2,500 and $9,000. 

Pomeranian

Pomeranians are part of the Spitz type, recognized for their alert and curious nature. They are surprisingly bold for their size, often trying to challenge much larger dogs. Their double coat requires regular brushing to maintain its fluffy appearance. Pomeranians are also known for their wide range of colors and patterns, including some very rare ones that can increase their price significantly. The tiny, vivacious Pomeranian, with its fox-like face and lush fur, often commands prices between $500 and $5,000. 

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are dynamic and adventurous, often unaware of their small size. They were originally bred to catch rats in mills, which explains their tenacious personality. Their long, silky coat is similar to human hair and requires daily care to prevent tangles. Yorkies are often chosen for dog shows due to their high trainability and striking appearance. Depending on their breeding, they can cost anywhere from $700 to $3,500.

Bichon Frise

Bichons are particularly known for their playful demeanor and are often considered great family pets. They excel in agility and obedience training due to their intelligent and eager-to-please nature. Their fluffy coats make them look like a child’s cuddly toy, adding to their appeal. Despite their plush appearance, Bichons are generally healthy and have a lifespan of about 14-15 year. The cheerful Bichon Frise, with its fluffy white coat and playful nature, usually sells for between $500 and $2,500. 

Shiba Inu

Shibas are small, muscular dogs that are active, alert, and good-natured. They are one of the few ancient dog breeds still in existence today. Their coat, which comes in several colors including red, black and tan, and sesame, is stiff and straight, with a soft undercoat. Shibas are known for their spirited personality, often described as cat-like in their cleanliness and independence. Typically, they range in price from $1,200 to $3,000.

Maltese

Maltese are revered for their gentle and affectionate nature, often thriving in close contact with their human companions. They are hypoallergenic, making them a popular choice for allergy sufferers. Despite their refined appearance, Maltese are spirited and playful. Their long, flowing coats require daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles. These dogs usually cost between $600 and $2,000, reflecting their status as a favored lapdog.

Papillon

Papillons are distinguished by their large, wing-like ears and dainty body. They are highly intelligent and easily trained, excelling in dog sports like agility. Papillons are friendly and outgoing, often described as having a “big dog” personality in a small dog’s body. Their long, flowing coat needs regular grooming but sheds surprisingly little. They typically cost between $300 and $1,500, making them a more accessible breed among the expensive ones.

Scottish Terrier

Scotties are sturdy and strong, with a bold and confident personality. They were originally bred to hunt and dig out prey from rocks. Their distinctive double coat, which includes a hard, wiry outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat, requires regular grooming. Scottish Terriers are known for their independence and sometimes stubborn nature but are incredibly loyal to their families. Depending on their pedigree, these terriers can cost between $1,000 and $4,000.

Toy Poodle

Toy Poodles are renowned for their intelligence and often used as performance dogs in circuses and dog shows. They come in various colors, including black, white, apricot, and silver, which can influence their price. Their curly, dense coats are hypoallergenic but require regular professional grooming. Toy Poodles are very sociable and do not like being left alone for long periods. Prices for these small poodles range from $1,000 to $3,000.

Havanese

Havanese are the national dog of Cuba and are known for their silky, flowing coats and expressive eyes. They are particularly adaptable, excelling in various living environments from apartments to houses with yards. Havanese are sociable and do well with children and other animals. Their coats are hypoallergenic but need regular grooming to prevent tangles and mats. They typically sell for between $1,000 and $1,500, prized for their companionship and adaptability.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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