A vet has revealed the top five most expensive dog breeds worldwide.
There are many different types of dogs to choose from, some big, some small, some that are independent and confident and some that are more timid.
Another difference is how much it costs to own a dog as they have different price tags, depending on the breed.
Some dog breeds are particularly sought after because of their appearance, rarity or characteristics which lets the prices partly rise up to five-digit ranges or even higher, according to dog training source Hundeo.
Amir Anwary, known as amir the vet on social media, has shared a video on TikTok listing the most expensive dog breeds.
Tibetan Mastiff
Amir has included Tibetan Mastiffs as one of the top five most pricey dog breeds worldwide. Hundeo states: “This guard dog breed from the Himalayas has a lion-like majesty due to its size and strength, as well as its imposing, dense coat. Specimens bred in Tibetan monasteries as guard dogs command very high prices and are considered a status symbol by wealthy Asians.”
It claims that a male Tibetan Mastiff was sold a few years ago for the “incredible sum of $1.4 million USD” (£1,081,607). Pet charity PDSA says Tibetan Mastiffs are big dogs who need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
They are most suited to larger homes with a big, secure garden for them to play in as they enjoy being active with their owners. It advises owners that this dog breed will need a minimum of an hour of exercise a day.
Samoyed
Samoyeds are known for their fluffy white coats and big personalities. This breed is a Russian-born Spitz that is also used as a sled dog, according to Hundeo.
The most sought after Samoyeds are the “pure white animals from old Siberian breeds which can cost up to $9,000” (£6,953). PDSA notes that because they are “very clever dogs” this breed can be “challenging to train.”
Because of this, they’re more suited to “experienced owners who are willing to put in the time to keep on top of their training and routine.” The charity has also made owners aware that they need to be prepared for how high maintenance Samoyeds’ coats are.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows are best known for their mane-like fur and being one of the only breeds to have a blue-black tongue instead of pink. Hundeo mentioned that this ancient breed, originating from China, is considered to be “headstrong” and can “serve well as a watchdog”, for example.
PDSA says Chow Chows were originally used for guarding, herding and hunting and they first came over to Britain in the 18th Century, where they were an attraction at the London Zoological Gardens. From reputable breeders, prices for a Chow Chow often start at $2,000 USD (£1,545), as per Hundeo.
Lowchen
The Lowchen is another one of the most expensive dog breeds in the world. Lowchen is a German name that translates to ‘little lion’.
PetMD says this breed weighs just 15 pounds and is the “epitome of a small dog with a big personality” as they are “intelligent, silly, and bred to be an accommodating companion.” Dog care website Dogster explains that the Lowchen was on the verge of extinction during the early 1970s, when there were “only 65 left in the world” and as a result, it became “one of the world’s rarest and most expensive dog breeds.”
It adds that conservation efforts allowed this dog breed to make a comeback but it “remains incredibly rare.” Due to this, a Lowchen pup is said to cost as much as $12,000 (£9,270) to acquire.
Azawakh
The Azawakh is a sighthound dog, meaning it uses sight instead of scent to hunt. Originating from West Africa, it is “tremendously fast” with a “colossal chest and a tiny waist”, according to Dogster.
The source claims an Azawakh “can cost up to $9,500 (£7,339) due to how rare it is.” PetMD describes it as an “athletic dog breed with high energy, an intelligent mind, and a loyal nature.”
Hundeo highlights that the price of a dog depends not only on the breed, but also on the age, the pedigree, the breeder, health and sometimes special training or prizes won. The cost can be quite different from country to country as well.