20 Most Expensive Pet Breeds in the World

If you’re looking for a unique and luxurious addition to your home, these expensive pet breeds are sure to catch your attention. Known for their distinctive appearances, fascinating histories, and charming personalities, these pets command high prices for a reason. From the regal Tibetan Mastiff to the playful Pomeranian, each breed offers something special that sets it apart. Discover why these pets are considered some of the most valuable companions in the world.

Tibetan Mastiff 

The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the priciest dog breeds, with prices ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, and some rare puppies have sold for up to $1.5 million. Known for their massive size and lion-like mane, they are loyal and protective, making them excellent guard dogs. Originating from Tibet, they have been bred for centuries to protect livestock from predators like wolves and leopards. They require ample space and regular exercise to thrive. Their unique appearance, ancient lineage, and rarity contribute to their high market value.

Samoyed 

The Samoyed, a fluffy and friendly breed, typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000. This breed is famous for its cheerful expression, often referred to as the “Sammy smile.” Originating from Siberia, they were used for herding reindeer and pulling sleds. Their thick, white coat requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance. The combination of their charming demeanor, striking looks, and historical role in Arctic communities makes them a sought-after breed.

Chow Chow 

Chow Chows are known for their distinctive blue-black tongues and lion-like mane, with prices ranging from $3,000 to $9,000. This ancient breed hails from China, where they were originally used for hunting and guarding. They are known for their independent and sometimes aloof nature, requiring an experienced owner to train them properly. Their dense double coat needs regular grooming to prevent matting. Their rarity, unique characteristics, and rich history drive their high price.

English Bulldog 

English Bulldogs, with their wrinkled faces and muscular build, can cost between $2,500 and $9,000. They are known for their friendly and courageous temperament, making them great family pets. Despite their tough appearance, they are gentle and affectionate. Originating from England, they were initially used for bull-baiting, but today they are beloved companions. Their distinctive look, loving nature, and role in pop culture contribute to their high desirability and cost.

Pharaoh Hound 

The Pharaoh Hound, often priced between $3,000 and $7,000, is an ancient breed known for its graceful and athletic build. Originating from Malta, they were used for hunting rabbits. They are intelligent, playful, and known for their ability to blush when excited, with their nose and ears turning a rosy color. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, making them relatively low-maintenance. Their unique appearance, historical significance, and rarity add to their value.

Akita 

Akitas, known for their loyalty and courage, typically cost between $1,500 and $4,500. This breed hails from Japan, where they were originally used for guarding royalty and hunting large game. They are known for their strong, independent nature and require firm, consistent training. Their thick double coat sheds heavily, requiring regular grooming. Their dignified appearance, unwavering loyalty, and historical significance make them a prized breed.

Rottweiler 

Rottweilers, with their robust build and confident demeanor, are priced between $2,000 and $8,000. Originating from Germany, they were used as herding dogs and later for pulling carts. They are known for their intelligence, strength, and protective nature. Their short coat is easy to maintain with regular brushing. Their versatility, dependability, and role in various working capacities make them a popular and expensive breed.

Lowchen 

The Lowchen, often called the “Little Lion Dog,” can cost between $5,000 and $8,000. This breed is known for its long, flowing mane and lively personality. Originating from Europe, they were popular among nobility during the Renaissance. They are friendly, intelligent, and easy to train. Their luxurious coat requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best, contributing to their high cost and desirability among dog enthusiasts.

Canadian Eskimo Dog 

The Canadian Eskimo Dog, a rare and ancient breed, is priced between $3,000 and $7,000. Originally bred by the Inuit for sledding and hunting, they are known for their strength and endurance. They are friendly, intelligent, and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Their thick coat protects them from harsh climates and needs regular grooming. Their rarity, historical significance, and resilience make them highly valued.

Dogo Argentino 

The Dogo Argentino, with its muscular build and white coat, costs between $2,000 and $6,000. This breed was developed in Argentina for big-game hunting, known for its strength, courage, and protective nature. They are intelligent and loyal, requiring firm training and socialization. Their short coat is easy to maintain with regular brushing. Their impressive physical attributes, loyalty, and utility in hunting make them a sought-after breed.

Irish Wolfhound 

Irish Wolfhounds, known for their towering height and gentle nature, are priced between $1,500 and $6,000. This breed originated in Ireland, where they were used for hunting wolves and other large game. They are friendly, patient, and great with children, making them excellent family pets. Their rough coat requires regular grooming to keep it tidy. Their size, noble appearance, and historical hunting prowess contribute to their high price.

Saluki 

The Saluki, an ancient sighthound breed, costs between $2,500 and $5,000. Originating from the Middle East, they were used for hunting game across vast deserts. They are known for their slender build, speed, and grace. Their silky coat requires regular grooming to keep it in top condition. Their elegance, historical significance, and hunting skills make them a highly prized breed.

Portuguese Water Dog 

Portuguese Water Dogs, famous for their curly coats and friendly demeanor, are priced between $2,000 and $5,000. This breed was used by fishermen in Portugal for herding fish and retrieving lost gear. They are intelligent, energetic, and love water, making them excellent companions for active families. Their coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Their versatility, charm, and aquatic skills make them a popular and expensive breed.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, known for their affectionate nature and expressive eyes, cost between $2,500 and $4,500. This breed originated in the United Kingdom and was favored by royalty. They are friendly, adaptable, and great with children and other pets. Their silky coat requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance. Their regal history, loving nature, and suitability as companion animals make them a highly sought-after breed.

Chihuahua 

Chihuahuas, despite their small size, can cost between $1,500 and $4,500. This breed is known for its bold personality and loyalty to its owner. Originating from Mexico, they are one of the oldest and smallest dog breeds. They are easy to groom due to their short coat but require proper socialization. Their portability, spirited nature, and ancient lineage contribute to their high market value.

French Bulldog 

French Bulldogs, with their bat-like ears and affectionate nature, are priced between $1,500 and $8,000. Originating from France, they were bred as companion dogs. They are known for their playful and adaptable nature, making them great for city living. Their short coat is easy to groom, but they are prone to certain health issues. Their unique appearance, charming personality, and suitability for urban environments make them a popular and expensive breed.

Norwegian Lundehund 

The Norwegian Lundehund, a rare and versatile breed, costs between $2,000 and $3,000. This breed was developed in Norway for puffin hunting and is known for its flexibility and extra toes. They are intelligent, energetic, and require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Their coat is easy to groom, with minimal shedding. Their rarity, unique physical traits, and historical use in hunting contribute to their high cost.

Afghan Hound 

Afghan Hounds, with their long, flowing coats and dignified appearance, are priced between $2,000 and $7,000. This breed originated in Afghanistan, where they were used for hunting large game. They are known for their independence, elegance, and speed. Their coat requires extensive grooming to prevent tangling. Their striking looks, aristocratic demeanor, and historical hunting skills make them a highly valued breed.

Pomeranian 

Pomeranians, despite their small size, can cost between $1,500 and $4,000. This breed is known for its fluffy coat and lively personality. Originating from the Pomerania region in Europe, they were favored by royalty. They are intelligent, alert, and require regular grooming to maintain their coat. Their compact size, vibrant character, and royal associations contribute to their high market value.

Egyptian Mau 

The Egyptian Mau, one of the rarest domestic cat breeds, costs between $1,800 and $3,000. Known for their spotted coat and green eyes, they are agile and intelligent. This breed is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, making them one of the oldest cat breeds. They are loyal, playful, and form strong bonds with their owners. Their exotic appearance, historical significance, and rarity make them a prized breed.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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