Top 11: The Most Expensive Dog Breeds That Sell for the Highest Prices

It is no secret that some dogs cost far more than others. But which breeds are the most sought after, and which ones command the highest prices? Millions of dogs are loved and cared for by French families, yet the cost of a puppy can vary widely depending on breed, pedigree, and rarity.

For common breeds such as poodles, dachshunds, and Labradors, a starting price of around €800 is often mentioned. At the other end of the scale, rarer or especially prized breeds can reach €5,000 or more. These dogs often come from distinguished lines and may be award-winning specimens.

Here is a look at 10 of the most expensive dog breeds, along with a short profile of each one.

1 – Canadian Eskimo Dog: €5,000

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a rare and ancient working breed from the Arctic regions of North America. Explorers introduced it to Europe in the 19th century, but it remains very difficult to find outside its native range today.

This medium-sized dog has a thick coat that helps it withstand extreme cold. It is an exceptionally versatile breed that has been used for sled pulling, sled racing, hunting, and hauling. Also known as the Canadian Inuit Dog, qimmiq, or sled dog, it is a rare northern working breed that nearly vanished in the 1970s. Its scarcity explains its high price, which can reach €5,000.

2 – Shih Tzu: more than €3,000

The Shih Tzu is a small dog breed originally from China. It is one of the most popular breeds in the world, and it is especially loved for its cheerful, affectionate personality.

Shih Tzus are highly adaptable dogs that can live happily in apartments or in homes with larger gardens. Their name comes from their coat, which gives them the appearance of a “little lion.” Today, well-bred examples are becoming harder to find, with prices ranging from about €3,500 to more than €5,000.

3 – Tibetan Mastiff: around €3,500

The Tibetan Mastiff is a large breed from Tibet, where it was traditionally used as a guard dog. It is among the oldest and rarest dog breeds in the world.

Massive and powerful, the breed’s males can weigh up to 160 kg. It has a dense double coat that offers protection in both heat and cold. This is not only one of the most expensive dogs in the world, but also one of the hardest to find. Even so, a puppy can cost between €2,000 and €3,500.

4 – Pharaoh Hound: around €3,200

The Pharaoh Hound is a medium-sized breed from Egypt and is considered one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, with roots going back to antiquity.

Originally used by the Egyptians for hunting, it is known for its speed, jumping ability, and strong sense of smell. Because it is so rare, the Pharaoh Hound is not only expensive but also highly desirable among collectors and breed enthusiasts.

5 – Chow Chow: around €3,000

The Chow Chow is a large breed from China and one of the world’s best-known dogs. It is prized for its striking appearance and its independent yet friendly nature.

Adaptable and generally comfortable in both apartments and larger homes, the Chow Chow is a highly recognizable breed. Its name comes from the Chinese word “Chow,” meaning “puffy.” Depending on lineage and quality, prices can reach €3,000.

6 – Akita Inu: around €2,500

The Akita Inu is a large dog breed from Japan. Standing up to 70 cm tall, it has long been valued for guarding and protection, and it became a favorite with Japanese police.

Akitas are also known for being affectionate with their families and for seeking human companionship, which has helped make them very popular in Japan. In Europe, the breed’s popularity grew in part thanks to the film Hachi. Prices generally start at around €1,500 and can rise to €2,500.

7 – English Bulldog: €2,000

The English Bulldog is a medium-sized breed from England and one of the most popular dogs in the world. It is especially appreciated for its gentle, calm temperament.

With its short, sturdy build, wrinkled face, and drooping jowls, the breed has a distinctive appearance that many people find endearing. Its relaxed nature makes it well suited to quieter households, but prospective owners should be prepared for a relatively high purchase price of around €2,000.

8 – Neapolitan Mastiff: up to €2,000

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large breed from Italy and is widely admired for its loyal and protective nature.

This is an imposing dog, with males weighing up to 160 kg. It has a short, thick coat that helps shield it from the weather. Often kept as a guard dog, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a powerful breed that typically costs between €1,500 and €2,000.

9 – Great Dane: around €1,500

The Great Dane is a giant breed from Germany and one of the tallest dogs in the world. It is also one of the best known.

Despite its size, the Great Dane is often described as a gentle giant. It is usually friendly with people and gets along well with other dogs. Its impressive stature makes it a natural guardian, while its calm personality makes it suitable for family life as well. A Great Dane can cost around €1,500.

10 – Chihuahua: not far from €1,500

The Chihuahua is a small breed from Mexico and the smallest dog breed in the world. It remains one of the most popular breeds despite its tiny size.

Whether short-haired or long-haired, the Chihuahua is unmistakable. It stands under 20 cm tall and weighs no more than 3 kilos. Even so, puppies often sell for between €1,500 and €2,000, especially when they come from sought-after lines. The breed has long enjoyed celebrity appeal, which has only added to its popularity.

11 – Samoyed: around €1,000

To finish this ranking of the dog breeds that sell for the highest prices, the Samoyed deserves a place on the list. This breed comes from the Samoyed people of northern Russia.

Samoyeds were originally used for hunting and for herding reindeer, but they also took part in many polar expeditions thanks to their thick white coat. Prices usually start at around €1,000, but they can quickly climb to €2,000 or more, depending on lineage and breeder.