5 expensive dog breeds

Pet parents are faced with many decisions when deciding to welcome a new puppy or dog into their lives: size, potential health issues, cost of care, amount of exercise needed, ease of training and other considerations unique to you, your family and your lifestyle. Knowing the potential upfront and ongoing costs of the breed of your dreams will help you make the best decision for both the dog and your family.

Based on the total cost of ownership, here are five of the most expensive dog breeds:

Bearded Collie.The price to purchase a Bearded Collie can be upwards of $2,000. Since they are a large breed dog, plan on making an investment in food. Additionally, grooming costs need to be factored in because their long coats need to be groomed frequently to prevent matting. The Bearded Collie is a herding breed and will require training to teach him or her good manners. They are also prone to allergies, eye health issues and hypothyroidism, so be sure to consider their ongoing healthcare costs. 

Bernese Mountain Dog. This “gentle giant” breed is prone to many of the issues that plague other large breeds. Bernese Mountain Dogs, with their thick coats, require regular grooming. Weekly brushing will be in order, as will professional grooming. Also, their ears require regular cleaning to clean out bacteria. Sadly, the Bernese Mountain Dog has one of the highest rates of cancer, and musculoskeletal health issues are reported three times more often in this breed than in other large breeds. This breed experiences early loss of mobility, which decreases their lifespan and increases veterinary costs. 

English Bulldog.These dogs have personality galore and that makes them a popular choice. The cost of a puppy varies based on the breeder, the line and any health guarantees or warranties the breeder makes. These puppies can cost up to $2,000. English Bulldogs are prone to myriad health problems including: cancer, eye problems, allergies, skin issues, hip and elbow dysplasia, heart conditions, as well as hyperthermia (over-heating). The lifespan of an English Bulldog is between eight and ten years; however, many owners spend a lot of time at the veterinarian throughout their pets’ lives. 

Great Danes.These loving, large breed dogs are sometimes called, “The Heartbreak Breed.” They come with a high cost of purchase coupled with high costs for food, medication, dog beds, crates, and surcharges on boarding. Great Danes suffer from various medical conditions including: heart problems, bloat, and hip and elbow dysplasia. Treatment for these ailments can last the lifetime of the dog, which is approximately seven and ten years. 

Staffordshire Terrier. This breed, also known as the American Pit Bull, or any other number of “pittie” breeds can set you back about $1,000 when you buy one from a reputable breeder.. A Pit Bull can suffer myriad genetically inbred disorders, including hip dysplasia. Additionally, you should review your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, as some insurance companies may raise your premium or require additional liability coverage if you house a Pit Bull. This breed is known for being loyal and intelligent, can live up to twelve years and weigh up to 70 pounds.

Things to Consider when Choosing a Dog Breed

Since a dog is a lifelong commitment, it is important to thoroughly research breeds. Don’t, for example, adopt a high-energy dog when you are a not-so-high energy individual. Loneliness and high-energy can be a combination that leads to chewed shoes and other behavioral issues.

Here are some other things to consider before adopting a dog:

1. What are the initial healthcare costs?

2. What are inherent health problems with this breed, and what will be the ongoing cost of care? 

3. How much will food cost weekly, monthly, annually? 

4. Is regular grooming required? How often will you need to have him or her groomed, and what is the cost? 

5. Is your vehicle or home large enough to accommodate the breed?

6. How much exercise will the breed require? 

Unless you are set on a specific breed due to personal preferences, choosing a dog breed is a conclusion only you can reach based on your lifestyle and personal experience. We encourage adoption, and if you’ve chosen a specific breed, chances are there is a rescue organization for that breed in your area.

Robbi Hess, award-winning author, is multi-petual: She shares her home with two Devon Rex kittens, three adult rescue cats, a mini poodle, a Goldendoodle, three lizards and two ferrets. When not caring for her pets, she is an editor, speaker, time management and productivity guru, content creator, social media manager and blogger. She writes at All Words Matter, My Divas Dish, and is the story editor and chief cat herder at Positively Woof.