30+ Most Expensive Dog Breeds In The World

Pets make life better, and dogs really are a human’s best friend. Not only do they love you unconditionally, but they provide companionship whenever you need it.

Over the years, certain dog breeds have risen in popularity. There are hundreds of different dog breeds to choose from when it comes to time for you to select your faithful companion. However, some dog breeds are a lot more expensive than others. If you do want to consider buying a purebred, then you have to narrow down what your budget is, what kind of traits you want in a dog, and even what kind of coat you want.

Keep scrolling to see what the most expensive dog breeds are, and some of their key traits.

45. Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a beautiful mid-sized dog, with a coat that can be shaved or grown out. They were traditionally used as working dogs on farms, as they possess a keen sense of smell.

That helps them to ferret out rodents like rats and mice, and keep homes vermin free. They are very loyal dogs, but they have a lot of energy which means they need to be walked often. They’re not crazily expensive, and can be purchased for $600.

44. Whippet

The Whippet is a medium-sized dog that was bred from greyhounds. Basically it appears to be a smaller greyhound, with all of the traits associated with one. It has keen eyesight, which is why it is a member of the sighthound breeds.

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They are very intelligent, love playing outside, and tend to live for around 12 years. In addition to being lovely dogs, they tend to only cost around $600.

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43.  German Shepherd

German Shepherds are beautiful black and brown dogs that came from Germany once upon a time. They are often associated with police K-9 units, but when they were first bred they were simple working dogs.

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A lot of farmers used them to guard their livestock. Unfortunately, the breed has been overbred and most German Shepherds suffer from hip dysplasia as they age. Make sure to get a puppy from a good breeder, and expect to pay about $1,000.

42. Weimaraner

These sleek silver colored dogs originate from Germany, and were invented by the Grand Duke Karl August. He wanted a stealthy hunting dog, and that’s how the Weimaraner came to be.

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Now, people like to purchase Weimaraners as pets, but as they are hunting dogs they can be a bit aggressive. This is the dog for the person that enjoys taking a lot of walks. A Weimaraner puppy costs $1,000.

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41. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel might be one of the cutest small dogs on this list. These little guys were originally bred in Great Britain by the royals. They wanted a dog that would fit comfortable in a lap, and have a very docile temperament.

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The King Charles is exactly that, and you can see them in paintings dating back to the medieval period. As there are a lot of breeders, and a high demand for the breed you can get one for about $1,000.

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40. Dalmatian

Anyone who grew up watching the Disney film 101 Dalmatians knows how adorable these black white speckled dogs are. Dalmatians can be traced back to Croatia’s Dalmatian region, and they have become a popular breed all over the world.

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A normal puppy can be purchased for $1,000, but if you want one that can compete in dog shows, that can cost upwards of $5,000.

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39. Miniature Bull Terrier

If you have ever seen a commercial for Target, then you have seen a miniature bull terrier. They are characterized by a long snout, and small eyes. They were first bred in 1872, in the United Kingdom and have slowly risen in popularity.

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If you want to add one of these to your family, make sure that you source out a good breeder to avoid health issues later on. They cost about $1,200.

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38. Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is one of the biggest dogs on this list. They can weigh up to 100 pounds, and require a lot of grooming. As they’re cold weather dogs, having first been bred in Alaska, when the summer rolls around they shed a lot.

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They’re meant to pull dog sleds, and are a close cousin to the Canadian Eskimo dog. A puppy will set you back about $1,200.

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37. Ibizan Hound

The Ibizan Hound was first bred on the island of Ibiza in Spain. As this is a Medierranean climate, the dogs are lean and short haired to be able to withstand hot summers.

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Generally, they do not suffer from health problems like hip dysplasia which makes them a healthier breed. They are expensive though, costing a whopping $1,300.

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36. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, is as the name suggests a hybrid between a domesticated dog and a wolf. Most countries do not allow breeding between wolves and dogs, as it can lead to a rather aggressive hybrid. However, the Czecosloakian Wolfdog, which began as a Soviet experiment is one of the friendliest hybrids out there.

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However, there are very few of them as the breeding of them can only be done in certain states. If you want to own one of these, you should check with your state laws regarding hybrids. A wolfdog costs $1,500.

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35. Border Collie

Border Collies are lovely black and white dogs, which originated in Great Britain, specifically Northumberland. They were used as herders, especially for sheep.

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As their working instincts are strong, you may find them trying to herd you and your family members. This is a great dog, if you have land for them to run on. Most Border Collies cost about $1,500.

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34. Spinone Italiano

As the name suggests, the Spinone Italiano originated in Italy. It was bred to be a hunting dog, and assist hunters in finding game. They are very good at tracking, and retrieving lost items which can come in handy when you’re searching for your keys!

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A spinone is a very patient dog, and is good for those who don’t have a lot of time to spend exercising it. The average cost is $1,500 for a puppy.

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33. Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound was first bred in Afghanistan, specifically in the mountain region. Their long silky fur allowed it to stay warm when the temperature dropped.

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They tend to be very aloof dogs, so if you want a pet that’s going to give you a lot of attention it is not the Afghan Hound. They cost about $1,500 from a good breeder.

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32. Bedlington Terrier

If you look at a Bedlington Terrier, you might notice that it resembles a baby animal, in particular a lamb. Due to their cute appearance, families have made these British dogs very popular pets over the last few years.

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Originally, they were used as hunting dogs, and like cats, would catch various vermin in houses and on farms. If you want to own one of these little guys, it will cost around $1,800.

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31. St. Bernard

The St. Bernard comes from very ancient roots. It was created in the Swiss Alps by a monk named Bernard of Menthon in 1660. He knew that the harsh climate in the Alps required a sturdy working dog, which could withstand the cold temperatures.

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Thus, he bred the first St. Bernards. These large dogs have an excellent sense of smell, and are able to find people lost in the snow. A St. Bernard costs about $1,800.

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30. The Double Doodle

In recent years, the ‘doodle’ which is a mix of many different breeds with a poodle has risen in popularity in the United States. These are not considered purebreds, but they do make for a nice dog. The double doodle is a hybrid of the Goldendoodle and the Labradoodle.

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Mixes tend to live longer than purebreds, because the mixing eliminates most genetic illnesses, like hip dysplasia. While it may not be a purebred, it is still expensive coming in at $1,900.

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29. Puli

These strange looking dogs were first bred in Hungary as sheep dogs, and their rope-like fur even gives them the slight appearance of a sheep.

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Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg has brought the breed a lot of attention in past years, as he often shares photos of his. They are on the expensive side, and a puppy costs about $2,000.

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28. Old English Sheepdog

These large fluffy grey and white dogs were originally bred in Great Britain to work on farms. They were able to walk long distances with sheep, and keep them in line.

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Nowadays, families have begun to bring them into their homes as pets, and they do enjoy lazing about. A sheepdog can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000.

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27. Nova Scotia Duck Toller

While the doodle has been a very popular dog in recent years, the Nova Scotia Duck Toller has begun to rival it in popularity. These mid-size retrievers originated in the province of Nova Scotia in Canada, and were used to retrieve ducks for hunters.

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They are a high energy dog, which means they need to be exercised a lot. On average, a purebred Toller costs $2,000.

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26. Pomeranian Spitz

Pomeranians are pretty popular dogs, as they can fit inside a purse or on your lap. However, the Pomeranian Spitz is a rarer breed, as it is very tiny.

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These are excellent family dogs, especially if you have a small apartment. They don’t take up a lot of space, and will provide a whole lot of love. A puppy from a reputable breeder is around $2,000.

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25. Bulldog

The Bulldog is one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world. These lovable dogs, are known for their muscular physique and squashed looking face. They originated in Great Britain sometime in the 1600s, and have continued to be a popular breed.

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Bulldogs were used to make bulls angry during bullfights, and entice them to charge. Now, bulldogs are simply used as companion animals, and cost around $2,000. If you own one of these lovely dogs, make sure that they are on a good diet, as they have a tendency to get a bit portly.

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24. Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is one of the newer dog breeds in the world. These dogs with shaggy black coats, were first bred in the province of Newfoundland in Canada. Although their breeding took place, prior to the formation of Canada as it’s known now.

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They are one of the bigger breeds, with most full grown adults weighing in at 120 pounds. This is on account of the breed being partially related to the mastiff. If you want to own one of these family friendly pups, then it will cost about $2,000.

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23. Lakeland Terrier

The Lakeland Terrier is a lovely small to mid-sized dog that originated in England. As the name denotes, it was first bred in the Lake District. The Lakeland is known for having a friendly disposition, and is rarely aggressive which makes it an excellent family dog.

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In addition to that, it doesn’t shed very much which moves it more towards the hypoallergenic side. A Lakeland pup costs about $2,000.

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22. Caucasian Ovcharka

Originally from Georgia, the Caucasian Ovcharka or shepherd as it is also known was bred in the Caucasus mountain region. They were used to guard livestock, as they are big enough to take on a wolf and win in a fight.

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A full grown male Ovcharka can weigh over 200 pound, which is more than most adult men. As they are used for protection, Ovcharka are not recommended as indoor house dogs, but more for people who have property or farms that need protection. An Ovcharka costs $2,000.

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21. Bouvier des Flandres

You might think that the Bouvier des Flandres comes from France, but it actually comes from the Flanders region of Belgium. This stocky dog was used for labor jobs on farms, like pulling small carts.

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Now, it has experienced a surge in popularity once more, as the police in some European nations like to use them in K-9 units. This breed is not as friendly, and it is known for minding its own business. The price tag on a Bouvier is $2,000.

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20. The Golden Retriever

A lot of people don’t realize this, but the Golden Retriever actually originated in Scotland. As the name denotes, these dogs are retrievers and were used to bring back fowl that had been shot-down.

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Their gentle mouths don’t damage the fowl, which is important if you plan to eat them. They are known to be one of the best family pets out there, as they are very mellow and love being around children. A golden retriever puppy will cost about $2,000.

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19. Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound clearly originated in Ireland, and was used as a war dog. As they grow to almost a meter high, they are big enough to pull a human off of a horse. During ancient times, that is exactly what these beautiful gray dogs used to do.

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As they are so big, they only tend to live about six to eight years, and feeding them can be quite expensive. If you want to add one of these gentle giants to your family, it will cost roughly $2,000.

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18. Rottweiler

With their extremely muscular bodies, it should come as no surprise, that the Rottweiler is a working dog. Originally from Germany, Rottweilers were used to herd cattle from one pasture to the next, or into their pens.

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Most rottweilers are fun loving, affectionate dogs if they are socialized well from puppyhood. They do tend to be quite protective though, which means you need to be alert when walking them. They cost around $2,000.

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17. Pharaoh Hound

While the Pharaoh Hound is the Maltese national dog, it was not originally bred in the island nation. Pharaoh Hounds originated in Egypt, and were the faithful companions of the ancient monarchs known as Pharaohs. You can see paintings of them in old Egyptian tombs.

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They were used as hunting dogs, and the Pharaohs would bring them out to the plains to chase down roaming gazelles. Nowadays, these hounds are kept as pets but are better suited to households that don’t have small pets like cats. Sometimes their hunting instincts takeover, and cats or small rodents can be seen as prey. An Pharaoh Hound costs around $2,200.

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16. The French Bulldog

We already know that the first bulldog breed originated in Great Britain, but France also began to breed their own version. The French Bulldog is slightly smaller than its British cousin, with very perky ears.

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These little guys are not easy to breed, and often require artificial methods. But they are well worth it, as they make incredibly friendly companions, who enjoy spending a lot of their time sleeping. If you want to add one of these to your household, then expect to shell out $2,300.

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15. Berger Picard

You don’t see a lot of Berger Picards these days because not only are they expensive, but they are very rare, probably why they cost so much. A Berger Picard costs around $2,500, and they were originally bred in France. Like a lot of dog breeds, the Berger is a working dog and many farmers used to own them.

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They are what are known as ‘herders’ as in they are dogs that enjoy herding livestock like sheep. The Picard has started to gain in popularity once more, because of a couple well-known movies that featured a Picard. If you watched the film Because of Winn-Dixie, then you have seen these adorable shaggy dogs.

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14. Saluki

Salukis have a very interesting history. They were first bred in ancient Egypt, and used by hunter-gatherer tribes to sight out prey. Most dogs hunt by smell, but the saluki uses its keen sense of sight.

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They are also incredibly fast, and can clock in at speeds of 70 kilometers per hour which makes them the ideal dog for hiking long distances with. However, as one of the most ancient dog breeds they do not come cheap. A saluki costs upwards of $2,500.

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13. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is the English name for this cuddly looking Chinese dog breed, which basically translates to “puffy lion” from the Chinese. We have to admit, that is exactly what this dog breed looks like.

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The Chow Chow is not known for being the smartest dog out there, and is actually quite hard to train. If you’re looking for a dog that will protect you, and have a mind of its own then this is a good choice. To purchase one of these, it will be around $2,900.

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12. Portuguese Water Dog

It’s pretty easy to tell where the Portuguese Water Dog originated from – Portugal. They are one of the longer living breeds, with most of them living to around 15. To top it off, their fur is hypoallergenic which means people who are usually allergic to dogs can own one of these.

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If you want a family dog, that loves jumping into the water and paddling about, then this is the dog for you. A water dog costs around $3,000.

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11. Great Dane

Great Danes were originally bred in Germany to assist on wild boar hunts. Their size allowed them to help hunters bring down a boar, and drag it to their masters.

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Typically, they are a rather lazy dog who enjoys napping on the sofa. They can weigh almost 200 pounds, and to purchase one of these big guys it can cost up to $3,000.

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10. Peruvian Hairless

Another breed that has ancient roots, is the Peruvian Hairless. Mention of these dogs was first found during the Incan Empire, but it is thought that pre-Incas used to eat them. The Incas decided they were worthy of worship, and eating them was banned.

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Now, they make nice pets that are very affectionate, and don’t shed. They only weigh about 25 pounds, which makes them a good sized dog for smaller living spaces. One of these is around $3,000.

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9. Black Russian Terrier

Another expensive member of the terrier family is the Black Russian Terrier. The Black Russian was created in the 1940s by the Soviet Union’s kennels as they wanted a new military dog.

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The dogs are meant to look like guard dogs, and only bark if they feel threatened. As they are one of the rarer breeds, a Black Russian costs somewhere in the realm of $3,500.

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8. Akita

Like most of the big dogs on this list, Akitas were originally used for hunting and protection. However, the Japanese Akita had a very special purpose – they needed to protect the Japanese royal family.

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Nowadays, people still like to purchase them as family pets, with Superman actor Henry Cavill known for bringing his to set. However, as they can be on the aggressive side, some states in the U.S. have banned them. They cost around $4,500 for a puppy.

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7. Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a dog breed that is as old as ancient Rome. These 150 pound dogs were originally used by the ancient Romans as guard dogs, and even today can be seen guarding properties.

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They tend to be a pretty solitary breed, and enjoy having a big yard to run around in. When a Neapolitan gets bored, it can be a bit of a chewer. If you want to add one of these to your family, a puppy will cost around $5,000.

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6. Dogo Argentino

As the Dogo Agrentino’s name might suggest, these big dogs originated in Argentina. They were first bred by a man named Antonio Nores Martinez, with the purpose of using them as a hunting dog. Argentina has a lot of wild boar, which is what the Dogo Argentino is good at catching.

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The Dogo can weigh around 100 pounds when fully grown, and if they are not well-trained can become quite aggressive. This is the kind of dog you purchase if you have a lot of land, and are looking for a pup that enjoys protecting its owner. A puppy costs around $5,000.

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5. Löwchen

As one of the smallest dogs on this list, the tiny but regal Löwchen remains a very coveted dog breed. The breed first made an appearance in Germany and France around the 1400s.

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The monarchs of these countries had various portraits painted of themselves, with these stately dogs on their laps. As a breed, the Löwchen is still for the wealthy, as one of these little lion dogs as they are known costs a whopping $5,000.

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4. Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is easily the most expensive dog in the world. As their name suggests, they were originally from the mountainous region known as Tibet, and parts of Nepal, India, and China.

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There are very few breeders in the world who produce these dogs that weigh over 150 pounds. If you want a dog that is good at protecting, then this is the dog for you. A Tibetan Mastiff is big enough to scare off bears. If you can afford a price tag of $7,000 then consider buying one of these beauties.

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3. Samoyed

Samoyeds are beautiful fluffy snow white dogs that originated in the coldest place in Russia – Siberia. The dog breed is a bit of a mix, but the Russian breed known as the Laika is where they get their fluffy coats from. Many nomadic tribes lived in Siberia when the dogs were first bred, and thus these fluffy cuties have no problem surviving in cold temperatures.

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Like the Picard, they were used to herd animals, but instead of livestock, they would herd reindeer. Samoyeds are very social dogs, and most of them tend to have separation anxiety which makes them hard to leave alone. One of these lovely dogs costs about $8,000.

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2. Canadian Eskimo Dog

Canada is part of the New World, which means there are not a lot of new dog breeds that have come from there. The Canadian Eskimo Dog is one of the first well-known working dogs to be found there.

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This breed is over 1,000
years old, as it was brought from Siberia when nomadic tribes crossed over the Bering Strait. There are only a few hundred of these left, which means a puppy costs almost $9,000.

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1. Azawakh

This slender canine is best suited to running across grasslands, and is one of the older dog breeds from West Africa. As these special dogs are quite rare, and not very many people breed them they are very pricey.

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They also live for about a decade, which means you should factor in the cost of food as these dogs are investments. An Azawakh costs $9,500.