How much is that doggy in the window? People who fantasize about winning the lottery often speculate about a dream home, or an exotic sports car…but what about a dream dog?
Adoption is often a wonderful option. But if your choices were completely unlimited, imagine what pricey pooch you might choose. These 10 breeds fetch top dollar around the globe.
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10. Akita
Price: $1,500–$5,000
Hailing from the land of the rising sun, this Japanese import is known for fierce loyalty and extreme intelligence, as well as bringing good luck. Amazingly, they would’ve gone extinct after WWII but for one man’s singlehanded efforts to save them. Helen Keller brought the first Akita to the United States. First time dog owners may be discouraged from this breed (as that canine intellect can make training difficult) but with proper experience and socialization they’re affectionate, lifelong friends. They’re also used as therapy dogs.
9. Canadian Eskimo Dog
Price: $3,000–$6,000
One of oldest purebreds from the North American continent, one might momentarily mistake them for wolves. Strong, powerful, and athletic, these dogs have a strong prey drive like their wolf cousins, but they develop equally strong bonds with a human family.
8. Pharaoh Hound
Price: $2,500–$6,500
The name conjures images of ancient Egyptian leaders, and it’s appropriate given that this hound is one of the world’s oldest domesticated dog breeds. A regal, slender appearance must be maintained with rigorous daily exercise for this pricey prince. Good with children, these dogs also blush when excited!
7. Rottweiler
Price: $2,000–$8,000
These four-legged protectors are known for their patience, and you may need to be patient saving up to purchase one! Considered the most versatile of all breeds, they get used as fierce first responders by police, military, customs agents, and more. Any dog used for search and rescue efforts demonstrates quite a value, so even if you just want a house pet, they’re going to cost more than the average dog.
6. Lowchen
Price: $5,000–$8,000
If this dog’s appearance makes you feel like singing “The Circle of Life,” it’s because Lowchen means “little lion” in German. This breed is certainly a little lion king when it comes to the price tag, and also because they’re determined to be the leader among other animals (and you, if you’re lax on training). Properly conditioned, they are popular show dogs, so you can hold up your four-legged friend with pride for all to see.
5. English Bulldog
Price: $2,500–$9,000
Despite being known for a large number of health problems, the funny faces and silly antics of these characters make them one of the most popular dogs in the United States. That short face and shuffling gait melts hearts, and bulldogs tend to think they’re bigger than they really are. Popular as sports mascots or just house pets, the roly-poly pooches live up to 10 years but often average closer to 6.
4. Samoyed
Price: $4,000–$11,000
Smile! A dog renowned for their ability to curl those happy lips, the “Samoyed smile” has invariably earned this entry their higher price point. The beautiful, stark white weather-resistant coat probably doesn’t hurt either. They’re so friendly they don’t make good watchdogs, but if you’re paying to play these fun-loving canines are going to give you your money’s worth.
3. Cavalier Charles King Spaniel
Price: $1,000–$14,000
If you’re looking for a smaller dog when you write that large check, or a dog that isn’t as difficult to train, you can’t go wrong with the endearing Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Though it’s one of the largest toy breeds with a height of 12-13 inches, it’s pint-sized compared to many sturdier entries on this list and only requires gentle obedience training to be a cute companion. Of course it costs a small fortune: named for King Charles II, the breed embodies rich royalty.
2. French Bulldog
Price: $1,400–$3,000
Hugely popular—even, yes, trendy—the French bulldog will set you back a pretty penny. But they sure are adorable, aren’t they?
1. Tibetan Mastiff
Price: $5,000–more than a million bucks!
Not only one of the most intelligent breeds in existence, this sturdy, well-mannered pooch is not for the frugal. The reserved, regal bearing and aloof appearance might make you think they’ve come from a monastery from their country of origin.
The large, heavy breed is also notorious for not coming when called…maybe they’re meditating? Considered one of the “world’s oldest and most venerable breeds” one puppy sold for over 1.5 million dollars in China in 2011.
Other breeds range within the lows and highs of these puppy price tags, thus deserving honorable mention: other lists put the Chow Chow, Chinese Crested Hairless, Irish Wolfhound, Bearded Collie, Azawakh, and Saluki on par or surpassing some of our entries here. You never know: A few years or one astounding pooch purchase might shift the trends of canine currency.
Still, you don’t need an exorbitantly priced purebred to experience the unconditional love of a dog: the richness is in the relational bond, no matter the cost!
Top Image Courtesy of Flickr.com/vivarin
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