Bringing home a dog is a big commitment, and the purchase price is only part of the overall cost. Food, grooming, training, routine veterinary care, and unexpected medical bills can add up over the years. Some breeds also need more exercise, larger living spaces, or specialized care, making them more expensive to own than others.
If you’re thinking about adding one of these dogs to your family, it’s worth knowing what to expect before making a decision. Here are 13 dog breeds that often come with some of the highest ownership costs.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is famous for its impressive size, thick mane, and protective personality. It’s also one of the most expensive dog breeds to purchase, partly because it is relatively rare.
Their heavy double coat needs regular brushing to prevent mats, and large dogs naturally eat more than smaller breeds. Routine veterinary care, grooming supplies, and quality food all contribute to the overall cost of ownership.
Related: 13 Most Expensive Dog Breeds to Own
Samoyed
Samoyeds are easy to recognize thanks to their fluffy white coats and constant “smile.” They’re affectionate, active dogs that enjoy being around people.
That beautiful coat requires frequent brushing and regular grooming to keep it in good condition. Samoyeds can also develop inherited health conditions, making veterinary care another ongoing expense.
Chow Chow
With their thick coats, lion-like appearance, and blue-black tongues, Chow Chows certainly stand out. They tend to be independent and often need early socialization and consistent training.
Regular grooming is part of life with this breed, and they can be prone to health issues involving their eyes, hips, and skin, which may increase long-term veterinary costs.
English Bulldog
English Bulldogs are loved for their wrinkled faces and easygoing personalities. Their unique build also brings several health concerns.
Many Bulldogs experience breathing difficulties, skin fold infections, joint problems, and other medical issues that may require frequent veterinary visits. Their purchase price is often high as well.
Related: 17 Relaxed Dog Breeds That Make Wonderful Companions
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These gentle companion dogs fit well into many households, but they can also come with expensive medical needs.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known to develop heart disease and other inherited conditions. Regular grooming and routine veterinary care should also be part of the budget.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are loyal, intelligent dogs that thrive with training and regular activity. Their large size means they need plenty of quality food throughout their lives.
Owners should also budget for training classes, preventive veterinary care, and screenings for joint conditions that are common in large breeds.
Akita
Akitas are devoted to their families and naturally protective. They also need early training and socialization to help them become well-mannered adult dogs.
Their thick coats require regular brushing, and responsible breeders often recommend health testing for inherited conditions. Food, grooming, and training all contribute to the cost of owning an Akita.
Related: The Most Dangerous Dog Breeds That Require Extreme Caution
Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is an athletic, graceful breed with a long history. Their rarity makes them one of the more expensive breeds to purchase.
These energetic dogs need daily exercise, secure outdoor space, and a nutritious diet to stay healthy. Their active lifestyle can make ownership more expensive than many people expect.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs remain one of the most popular dog breeds, which has helped drive up their purchase price.
They are also known for breathing problems, allergies, and spinal conditions that may require ongoing veterinary care. Many owners also invest in specialized harnesses, cooling products, and other equipment to help keep them comfortable.
Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are famous for their impressive height and gentle personalities. Their size alone makes them more expensive to own than many other breeds.
Large dogs eat more food, need larger beds and crates, and often require higher doses of medications. They are also more likely to develop certain health problems that increase veterinary costs.
Dogo Argentino
Strong, athletic, and confident, the Dogo Argentino was originally bred for big-game hunting. This breed does best with experienced owners who can provide consistent training and regular exercise.
Because they are relatively uncommon, purchase prices can be high. Ongoing costs include quality food, training, veterinary care, and plenty of physical activity.
Canadian Eskimo Dog
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is one of the rarest dog breeds in North America. Finding a reputable breeder alone can be difficult.
These hardworking dogs have high energy levels and thrive with lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Feeding, training, and caring for such an active breed can become expensive over time.
Related: 18 Proven Tips to Stop Your Dog from Peeing Indoors
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their gentle temperament and striking tricolor coats. They make wonderful family companions but often come with higher ownership costs.
Their long coats need frequent brushing, and the breed has a shorter average lifespan than many other dogs because of inherited health conditions. Routine grooming, quality food, and regular veterinary care all add to the lifetime expense.
