All dogs are fantastic! However, some are more expensive to produce on your own. Annual expenses and cost of ownership for things like food, grooming, and veterinary care can total several thousand dollars per year, not including one-time charges like emergency vet visits. However, adoption fees for some breeds can exceed $5,000, making them the most costly dog breeds.
There are currently around 200 AKC recognized dog breeds of many sizes, colors, and coats, with new breeds being recognized on a regular basis. While there is no one database of adoption costs for all breeds, we sifted through listings on AKC Marketplace, the only site that solely advertises 100% AKC puppies from AKC-registered litters, to identify the most costly dog breeds currently available in the United States.
Many factors influence how expensive a dog breed is, ranging from how rare a breed is (with fewer breeders rearing fewer dogs) to how popular a breed is in each dog’s pedigree, or ancestry of a dog and its progenitor. Furthermore, the price of puppies varies by breeder and is determined by their investment in the litter.
The cost includes expenses such as medical care, immunizations, and testing for both parents and puppies to assure the dog’s health. Some rare or newly approved breeds by the AKC are so unusual that finding a breeder in the United States is practically impossible, making these dogs even more expensive.
If you’re thinking about adopting one of the more expensive breeds, do your research so you can be a better pet owner. Talk to dog breed associations and breeders to see whether a certain breed is appropriate for your household. Don’t forget that many excellent mixed-breed dogs are available for adoption through rescue organizations, often at significantly lesser fees
1) Afghan Hound
Since ancient times, Afghan Hounds have been noted for their beautiful appearance and charming personalities. The dog’s beautiful flowing coat protects it from the severe mountain environment in its native Afghanistan. They are independent dogs who are loyal to their people after they have formed a bond.
Their extravagant coats come in a variety of colors, including white, silver, cream, and black.
Height: 25 to 27 inches
Weight: 50 to 60 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 to 18 years
Adoption fee: $3500+
2) Barbet
The Barbet is one of the newest breeds to be recognized by the AKC in 2020. It is amiable and loyal. This breed first appeared in art in the 16th century and was originally used as a water dog for bird hunting in France.
With a placid personality, this breed is happy and serene as long as it has enough exercise and activities to keep it interested and happy. Their shaggy coats come in black, grey, brown, and fawn.
Height: 19 to 24.5 inches
Weight: 35 to 65 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Adoption fee: $4000+
3) Tibetan Mastiff
This old breed has always been a guard dog, but they are kind and affectionate with their family. Tibetan Mastiffs, despite their large size and muscular build, are surprisingly agile.
The most expensive Tibetan Mastiff puppy sold for $2 million in 2014. The magnificent coat is available in a variety of colors, including red gold, cream, black, black and tan, and brown.
Height: 24 to 26 inches
Weight: 90 to 150 pounds
Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Adoption fee: $3000+
4) French Bulldog
The French Bulldog rose to the top of the list of most popular dog breeds in 2023 and 2024, thanks to its intelligence and charisma. Except for the large bat-like ears, they resemble bulldogs. They are well renowned for their affection, alertness, and fun sense of humor.
The breed comes in a variety of colors, including white, black, brindle, and fawn
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: 28 pounds or less
Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Adoption fee: $4500+
5) Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog may be a large breed, but its lovely, expressive eyes reflect its truly loving character. The breed’s thick, silky coat provides protection in its native Switzerland. The breed is kind and easygoing with relatives but more reserved around strangers.
Their jackets are available in a variety of colors, including black and white, black, white, and rust.
Height: 23 to 27.5 inches
Weight: 70 to 115 pounds
Life expectancy: 7 to 10 years
Adoption fee: $3750+
6) Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a kind and tolerant breed that originated in the Swiss Alps and is well-known for its affection for youngsters. Although the Saint Bernard does not rank high in AKC registrations, it has earned the title of gentle giant. The breed’s gorgeous eyes convey its affable and intelligent personality.
Their coats come in a variety of hues, such as mahogany and white, brown and white, and orange and white.
Height: 26 to 30 inches
Weight: 120 to 180 pounds
Life expectancy: 8 to 10 years
Adoption fee: $4500+
7) Shikoku
The Shikoku, also known as Kochi-ken, originates from Japan’s mountain ranges on the island of Shikoku. This unusual hunting breed is known for its tracking abilities and is quick, alert, and active.
Although not yet registered with the AKC, the Shikoku is recognized by international organizations in the United Kingdom and Japan, and the breed has been eligible to compete in AKC Companion Events since 2010.
The coat can be red, black, tan, or sesame (a combination of these colors).
Height: 17 to 22 inches
Weight: 35 to 55 pounds
Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Adoption fee: $4000+
8) Akita
The Akita, which originates in Japan, is an extremely devoted breed. This muscular dog is known for its courage and loyalty, and it should be socialized with humans and other dogs from a young age. Akitas are normally quiet and watchful, but cautious of strangers.
Their coats come in many different hues, such as fawn, brindle, white, red, and black.
Height: 24 to 28 inches
Weight: 70 to 100 pounds
Life expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Adoption fee: $4000+
9) Pharaoh Hound
The intelligent, sleek Pharoah Hound is vigilant and friendly. This unusual breed dates back over 3,000 years and is recognized for its distinct and pleasant flushing when eager or delighted.
The coats are light tan with amber eyes and a lovely, white-tipped tail.
Height: 21 to 24 inches
Weight: 45 to 55 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Adoption fee: Not available (few breeders with no litters planned)
10) Black Russian Terrier
Black Russian Terriers originated in Siberia, which explains their thick, disheveled coat. They were bred as security dogs after World War II and are distant around strangers. These huge dogs are generally described as courageous and intelligent. Despite being recognized by the AKC in 2004, they remain rather rare.
Their coats could be black, sable, salt and pepper, or black and tan.
Height: 26 to 30 inches
Weight: 80 to 130 pounds
Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Adoption fee: $4500+
11) Löwchen
Löwchen, a cherished breed for over 500 years, derives its name from the German for “little lion.” With good reason: This unique breed is famed for its bravery and toughness. The breed is friendly, charming, and quite intelligent, despite its small size.
Their coats come in a variety of colors, including sable, chocolate brindle, gold, and fawn.
Height: 12 to 14 inches
Weight: 15 pounds
Life expectancy: 13 to 15 years
Adoption fee: $3500+
12) Lancashire Heeler
The Lancashire Heeler, which is extremely intelligent, personable, and quick to learn, has been around since the 17th century. This unique breed, newly recognized by the AKC in 2024, is lovely and friendly, and it absolutely likes to stroll. They’re also recognized for their peculiar “smile,” which involves drawing their lips back when they’re satisfied.
Their coats are black and tan, or liver and tan.
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 9 to 17 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Adoption fee: Not available (few breeders with no litters planned)
13) Azawakh
The Azawakh is a West African dog with roots extending back over a thousand years. The breed is extremely swift and enjoys running, according to its ancestry as a gazelle hunter in the Sahara. This unusual breed, which was approved by the AKC in 2019, has an attractive appearance while remaining robust and resilient.
Their coats occur in a variety of colors, including fawn, red, brindle, and sandy.
Height: 23 to 29 inches
Weight: 33 to 55 pounds
Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Adoption fee: Not available (few breeders with no litters planned)
14) Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier, developed in Germany in the 1980s, is a long-haired, tri-colored toy breed with a lot of personality. Biewers enjoy carrying toys around, mingling with everyone, and overall being the life of the party. This unusual breed is actually called “beaver.”
Their coat colors include chocolate, tan, and white; black, tan, and white; and blue, tan, and white.
Height: 7 to 11 inches
Weight: 4 to 8 pounds
Life expectancy: 16 years
Adoption fee: $5000+