Many purebred dog breeds are expensive not only because of their "rare bloodlines," but also because of the difficulty of breeding, the cost of early health screenings, and the long-term expenses of care and veterinary care. Below, we will introduce the price range, temperament, size, daily costs, and tips to avoid pitfalls for each breed to help you make an informed decision.
Tibetan Mastiff
Estimated price: Up to approximately USD 10,000 (top-tier bloodline/race-level)
Keywords: Large, guard dog, low-frequency barking, heavy shedding <br />Originating from the traditional guard dogs of the Himalayas, they have exaggerated bone structure and coat. They are calm, territorial, and extremely loyal to their families.
Key points for care: During the growth period, the body has high requirements for calories and joint nutrition; early socialization and obedience training are needed to suppress the accidental triggering of the protective instinct.
Long-term costs: Large-body food and joint imaging (hip/elbow) screening is expensive; skin and external parasite management needs to be strengthened in warm regions.
Tips to avoid pitfalls: Beware of gimmicks such as "giant" or "fierce from a young age." Reputable kennels will provide genetic disease screening and images of the parents .
Chow Chow
Reference price: USD 3,000–8,500
Keywords: Lion mane appearance, blue-black tongue, independent, sensitive <br/>With thick fur and highly recognizable appearance, but with a more independent and calm personality.
Care tips: The double coat needs regular brushing and blow-drying, otherwise it is prone to tangles and dermatitis; it is sensitive to heat, so pay attention to cooling in summer.
Long-term costs: Coat grooming, skin and eyelid problems (ingrown eyelashes) are common; hip and elbow X-rays and basic genetic screening are recommended for puppies.
Tip to avoid pitfalls: Color is not a reason for a premium price; health and temperament are the core factors.
Portuguese Water Dog
Reference price: USD 2,000–6,000
Keywords: High intelligence, active, low-allergenic coat, needs a sense of work <br />Once a fishing boat partner, today a popular choice for active families and families with sensitive constitutions.
Care tips: Requires plenty of exercise and mental games (sniffing, retrieving, swimming); low shedding but must be trimmed regularly .
Long-term costs: Frequent cosmetic procedures; need to keep up with heart, eye and hip/elbow screenings.
Tips to avoid pitfalls: "No allergies ≠ zero care". Insufficient investment in beauty and exercise will quickly lead to "messy hair and a messy house".
Afghan Hound
Reference price: USD 2,500–7,000
Keywords: elegant long coat, greyhound-like physique, independent and aloof <br />An ancient sighthound with a graceful gait.
Maintenance tips: Top-level coat care (zoned washing, blow-drying, and combing; anti-tangling); requires a safe environment for high-speed running and releasing stress.
Long-term costs: High investment in beauty treatments and specialized tools; some individuals are sensitive to anesthesia, and medical treatment should be sought at hospitals with experience in visual examination.
Tip to avoid pitfalls: Low-priced puppies often come from unregulated breeding practices. They may look similar, but their structure and coat texture can vary greatly.
Pharaoh Hound
Reference price: USD 2,500–6,000
Keywords: short hair, classic features, blushes when excited
Native to Malta, rare and elegant.
Maintenance tips: High to medium exercise requirements, moderate heat tolerance, and poor cold tolerance; recall training should be done early (strong hunting instincts).
Long-term costs: Skin and ear canal care is simple; qualified kennels will perform basic cardiac/ophthalmic/joint examinations.
Tip to avoid pitfalls: Rarity does not equal "untamed nature". The key is whether the socialization and training methods are scientific.
Bichon Terrier
Reference price: USD 3,000–5,000
Keywords: Yorkshire breed, tricolor silky coat, small size, strong companion traits <br />Sweet and small companion, highly adaptable to home environments.
Key care points: daily brushing + regular grooming ; oral hygiene is essential (small dogs have a higher risk of tartar buildup).
Long-term costs: cosmetic, dental, tear stain management; pay attention to patellar dislocation screening.
Tips to avoid pitfalls: Look for "health certificate + pedigree certificate" to prevent inferior three-color Yorkshire jewels from being sold as Biewer at high prices.
English Bulldog
Reference price: USD 1,400–4,000 (puppies), higher for superior bloodlines
Keywords: Cute wrinkles, docile and clingy, high breeding difficulty <br />Many require artificial insemination and cesarean section , breeding costs directly drive up the selling price.
Maintenance tips: Clean the folds, manage ear canals and dandruff; extremely sensitive to high temperatures, requires an air-conditioned environment.
Long-term costs: High expenses related to airway syndrome, skin, and joints ; it is necessary to choose a hospital that is friendly to short-headed breeds.
Tips to avoid: Being too "flat" is not a good thing. It is important to have steady breathing and clear nostrils .
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Reference price: USD 2,500–3,500
Keywords: Naturally "smiling", clingy, and friendly . An excellent family partner, but heart problems (valvular heart disease) are a major drawback.
Key points for maintenance: weight control, gentle aerobic exercise; regular cardiac auscultation and ultrasound when necessary.
Long-term costs: Heart medications may be a long-term expense; ear hair and ear canal care can prevent recurring inflammation.
Tip to avoid pitfalls: Reputable kennels will provide parents' heart screening records . If you encounter a kennel that says "it's unnecessary to check," just skip it.
General checklist for purchasing a dog (please check this yourself)
Health documents : Parental genetic disease screening (depending on breed), basic immunization records, deworming records.
Structure and temperament : See parents or immediate family members; observe courage, tactility, and speed of recovery to new environments .
Contracts and after-sales service : Clearly define health guarantees, return and exchange terms, and accountability for hidden illnesses; assess whether stable socialization suggestions and training support are provided .
Career budget : Make a list of annual expenses for beauty treatments, food, training, insurance, and routine physical examinations , and don't just look at the "one-time purchase price".
Conclusion
High price ≠ high quality, rarity ≠ suitability. What you really need to consider is whether your lifestyle, time, energy, and budget can continuously meet the dog's needs in terms of exercise, training, medical care, and emotional support over the next 10–14 years. Only a good match makes every penny worthwhile.
