In brief
- The Tibetan Mastiff is the most expensive dog breed; a puppy reportedly sold for $1.95 million in China in 2014.
- Top show-line Samoyeds can cost about $14,000, though many sell for $1,200 to $3,500.
- Löwchen and Chow Chow puppies can reach $12,000 and $11,000.
- Rarity, bloodline and breeder location drive dog prices more than size.
As of October 2026, the Tibetan Mastiff is the most expensive dog breed in the world. A puppy sold for 12 million yuan, about $1.95 million, at a pet fair in China in 2014, the highest reported price for a dog. Top-end Samoyed and Löwchen puppies follow at up to $14,000 and $12,000.
The prices below are the upper range quoted by Dogster in its June 2026 guide. Most puppies from good breeders cost much less. Price depends on bloodline, show record, rarity, the breeder’s country and how many puppies a litter produces.
Buying the dog is only the first cost. Large and long-coated breeds also need regular grooming, more food and, in many cases, treatment for breed-specific health problems.
Also readPatek Philippe 1436 in Steel Leads Phillips Geneva at CHF 4mThe 10 most expensive dog breeds: summary
| Rank | Breed | Origin | Reported puppy price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tibetan Mastiff | China and Nepal | $2,000 to $1.95 million (record, 2014) |
| 2 | Samoyed | Siberia | $1,200 to $14,000 |
| 3 | Löwchen | Europe | $5,000 to $12,000 |
| 4 | Chow Chow | China | About $4,000 to $11,000 |
| 5 | Azawakh | West Africa | Up to $9,500 |
| 6 | Rottweiler | Germany | $2,000 to $9,000 |
| 7 | Canadian Eskimo Dog | Arctic North America | About $8,750 |
| 8 | Dogo Argentino | Argentina | $3,500 to $8,000 |
| 9 | Pharaoh Hound | Malta | About $7,500 |
| 10 | Afghan Hound | Afghanistan | About $5,000 to $7,000 |
1. Tibetan Mastiff: $1.95 million
The Tibetan Mastiff was bred to guard flocks and homes in the Himalayas against wolves and leopards. It is one of the largest dog breeds and became a status symbol among wealthy buyers in China.
In March 2014, a property developer paid 12 million yuan (about $1.95 million) for a golden-haired puppy at a pet fair in Zhejiang province, according to AFP and NBC News. The sale rests on reports from the breeder and local press, but it is still the most widely cited record for a dog.
That sale was an outlier. Dogster now quotes prices from about $2,000 for a Tibetan Mastiff puppy, with rare show lines priced much higher.
2. Samoyed: $14,000
The Samoyed comes from Siberia, where the Samoyedic people used it to pull sleds and herd reindeer. Its thick white double coat and smiling face make it popular as a family dog.
Dogster reports that top show-line Samoyeds can cost about $14,000, while many breeders charge $1,200 to $3,500. The coat needs heavy brushing, especially during moulting season.
3. Löwchen: $12,000
The Löwchen, or “little lion dog”, is a small European breed traditionally clipped to look like a lion. It was once among the rarest breeds in the world, with only about 65 dogs left in the early 1970s.
Numbers have recovered, but the breed is still uncommon. Prices range from about $5,000 to $12,000, and the dogs live about 15 years on average.
4. Chow Chow: $11,000
The Chow Chow is an ancient breed from China, known for its lion-like mane and blue-black tongue. It is independent and can be hard to train.
Puppies cost about $4,000, with top bloodlines reaching $11,000. Owners should budget for vet care, as the breed is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, thyroid problems and entropion, an eyelid condition.
5. Azawakh: $9,500
The Azawakh is a sighthound from West Africa, bred by nomadic groups in the Sahel for hunting and guarding. It has a very slim build, long legs and a deep chest.
It is rare outside its home region, which pushes prices up to about $9,500. The breed usually lives 10 to 12 years.
6. Rottweiler: $9,000
The Rottweiler is a German working breed used for herding and guarding. It is common, but puppies from strong German pedigree lines are expensive.
Dogster reports up to $9,000 for a puppy from a German breeder, compared with about $2,000 to $4,500 from a US breeder. Pedigree and health testing account for most of the gap.
7. Canadian Eskimo Dog: $8,750
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is an Arctic sled dog brought to North America by the Thule people. Its numbers fell sharply as snowmobiles replaced dog sleds and disease spread through the population.
Only about 300 purebred dogs are thought to remain, according to Dogster. That scarcity puts puppies at about $8,750.
8. Dogo Argentino: $8,000
The Dogo Argentino was bred in Argentina to hunt large game such as wild boar. It is a powerful, muscular dog with a short white coat.
Puppies cost about $3,500 to $8,000. The breed is banned or restricted in several countries, so buyers should check local rules before buying one.
9. Pharaoh Hound: $7,500
The Pharaoh Hound is the national dog of Malta, where it was developed to hunt rabbits. Its Maltese name means “rabbit dog”. It is known for blushing, as its nose and ears turn pink when it is excited.
Few breeders work with it, and puppies cost about $7,500.
10. Afghan Hound: $7,000
The Afghan Hound comes from the cold mountains of Afghanistan, where its long silky coat protected it from harsh weather. It is aloof with strangers but loyal to its family.
Puppies average about $5,000 and reach $7,000 for show lines. Grooming is a major ongoing cost, as the coat needs frequent washing and brushing.
A note on record claims
Not every headline price is real. In April 2025, a Bengaluru breeder claimed he had imported a “wolfdog” for Rs 50 crore. After an Enforcement Directorate inquiry, the Deccan Herald reported that the dog was worth less than Rs 1 lakh. We have not included claims like this in our ranking.
How we ranked these
We ranked breeds by the highest puppy price reported by a named source, using Dogster’s 2026 guide and the 2014 Tibetan Mastiff sale. Where a range is shown, the lower figure is closer to what most buyers pay.
Prices change with demand, location and breeder reputation, so check with breed clubs before buying. For other costly animals, see our list of the most expensive horse breeds.
Sources: Dogster, June 2026; NBC News, 2014; Deccan Herald, April 2025.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most expensive dog breed in the world?
The Tibetan Mastiff is the most expensive dog breed. In March 2014, a property developer reportedly paid 12 million yuan, about $1.95 million, for a puppy at a pet fair in Zhejiang, China. Regular Tibetan Mastiff puppies now cost about $2,000 and up, according to Dogster.
How much does a Samoyed puppy cost?
A Samoyed puppy usually costs $1,200 to $3,500 from a standard breeder, according to Dogster. Puppies from top show lines can cost up to about $14,000. Owners should also budget for heavy grooming, as the thick white coat sheds a lot.
Why are some dog breeds so expensive?
Prices rise when a breed is rare, has small litters, comes from champion bloodlines or must be imported. Health testing and breeder reputation also add to the cost. Breeds such as the Canadian Eskimo Dog, with about 300 purebreds left, are costly mainly because so few exist.
Was the Rs 50 crore wolfdog in Bengaluru real?
No. In April 2025, a Bengaluru breeder claimed he had imported a wolfdog for Rs 50 crore. After the Enforcement Directorate looked into the claim, the Deccan Herald reported that the dog was worth less than Rs 1 lakh, so the claimed price was not genuine.
What is the cheapest way to own a rare breed?
Breed rescue groups and adoption from breed clubs are the lowest-cost routes, with fees usually far below breeder prices. Older dogs and retired show dogs are also offered at lower prices. Always ask for health test results, whatever the price.
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