A Million-Dollar Mastiff and More: The World’s Most Expensive Dog Breeds

Cost: One of these puppies can cost you an average of $2,000 to $3,000. But over in China, where this breed is the ultimate status symbol (they even host an annual China Northern Tibetan Mastiff Exposition), the Tibetan Mastiff is worth more than most houses. In fact, a breeder in China told the Telegraph that he recently sold ... a premier puppy from one of his litters for 10 million yuan (that's a whopping $1.5 million, for those who are slow on yuan to dollar conversion), making this breed the most expensive of any in the world.



(More on NewsFeed: See the cost of a Tibetan Mastiff in 2010.)

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Cost: This small pup can fetch between $4,000 to $7,000, depending on its lineage. The Löwchen's name means "little lion" in German, which comes from its traditional haircut — long and luxe in the front and hairless in the back. This breed has been around since pre-Renaissance Europe, and is known to be quick, agile and ... quite spunky.

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Cost: You'd have to plunk down about $6,000 for this majestic animal, which is one of five types of dog indigenous to Canada. Often considered the oldest breed in North America, the Canadian Eskimo is athletic and strong, making it the perfect sled dog, a role in which it was originally bred for.

Cost: At $3,000 to $6,500, the Samoyed is certainly not a steal. But for the steep price tag, you get one heck of a good dog. Intelligent, loyal and gentle, the Samoyed is great for families and loves an active lifestyle. Plus, that fluffy coat is pristine and soft, if not a difficult to maintain.

Cost: The good news with the King Charles is that you could get a puppy for as low as $800. However, that price can increase to more than $12,000 for the perfect specimen. Named for King Charles II of Britain, this royal breed is an excellent companion. Just don't expect it to fetch.

Cost: With a price tag ranging from $2,000 to $7,000, the Rottweiler is quite expensive for such a popular dog. Known as a loyal protector, the Rottweiler can be goofy with its family, but wary of strangers.

Cost: Fetching about $2,000, the English Bulldog thinks itself as a lapdog, although most are too pudgy and squirmy to be very comfortable. Those wrinkles are awfully cute, though, which makes this pup impossible to resist.

Cost: While we wouldn't exactly call this guy cuddly, the Egyptian Pharaoh Hound fetches a price of $2,100 to $2,800. People may be drawn to the breed's elegant stature, or maybe its unique history. As one of the oldest domesticated breeds, the Pharaoh Hound is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt around 4000 to 3000 ... BC, hence the name.

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Cost: Compared to the other dogs on this list, the Bearded Collie is a deal at $700 to $840, so we'll take two. Just kidding. Originally bred to be the ultimate sheep dog, this kin of Lassie is active and affectionate, but that long, luxurious coat requires everyday brushing to remain mat-free and silky smooth.

Cost: You can take home this Japanese pup for $400 to $700, but think twice if you have children. While beautiful, the Akita is notorious for having a shifty temperament. At one moment this pup might be friendly and energetic, and the next aggressive and domineering. But in Japan, the canine symbolizes health, happiness and ... longevity.

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