By While they make great family pets, owning a dog is not always cheap. You have necessities to buy, likely just as many (if not even more) treats and goodies, and healthcare costs to cover. But, as we know, every dog has specific needs, and some breeds have a higher price tag than others. Keep reading for the newest data on the most expensive dog breeds to own and a rundown of common costs to expect. If you’re looking to save on pup prices, perhaps this is a great moment to remember the old mantra “adopt, don’t shop?”
New data reveals the most expensive dog breeds to own
Demayo Law Offices recently released new findings highlighting the most expensive dog breeds to own and their lifetime costs. Initial costs include a bed, crate, food bowls, leashes, toys and poop bags; vaccines include the basic rabies, parvo and distemper with an additional cost for Bordetella and Leptospirosis.
And, while all dogs need quality food, some of these dogs require more volume because of their larger sizes, as well as special diets to accommodate breed-specific health conditions they may be prone to.
Of course, price ranges vary depending on location, breeder, the overall health of the dog and personal preferences. Certain breeds may also be predisposed to health issues, which will add to their overall cost of ownership throughout their lifetime.
Tibetan Mastiff
Cost to purchase: $2,000 – $10,000 (depending on bloodline)
Initial set-up costs: $500 – $600
Monthly food expenses: $100 – $200 (this breed needs between 3-4 cups of food per day)
Vaccines: $100 – $250, plus $25 – $30 per additional
Monthly medication/supplements: $50 – $100
Grooming: $40 – $100
Miscellaneous: $200 – $300
Lifetime cost: $36,000 – $40,000
Lowchen
To acquire: $2,000 – $8,000 (due to rarity)
Initial set-up costs: $500 – $600
Monthly food expenses: $50 – $80
Vaccines: $100 – $250, plus $25 – $30 per additional
Monthly medication/supplements: $50 – $100
Grooming (daily brushing recommended): $80 – $100+
Miscellaneous: $200 – $300
Lifetime costs: $25,000 – $40,000
Samoyed
To acquire: $1,200 – $8,000 (depending on bloodline)
Initial set-up costs: $300 – $500
Monthly food expenses: $80 – $100 for the necessary high-quality food
Vaccines: $100 – $250, plus $25 – $30 per additional
Monthly medication/supplements: $50 – $100
Grooming: $80 – $100+ for required professional grooming required every 6-8 weeks
Miscellaneous: $200 – $300
Lifetime cost: $28,000 – $35,000
Pharaoh Hound
To acquire: $1,200-$7,000
Initial set-up costs: $300-$500
Monthly food expenses: $50 – $100 for needed high-quality food
Vaccines: $100-$250, plus $25-$30 per additional
Monthly medication/supplements: $50-$100
Grooming: $70 – $100
Miscellaneous: $200 – $300
Lifetime cost: $25,000 – $40,000
Chow Chow
To acquire: $1,200 – $6,000
Initial set-up costs: $300 – $500
Monthly food expenses: $90 – $100 for high-quality food
Vaccines: $100 – $250, plus $25 – $30 per additional
Monthly medication/supplements: $50 – 100
Grooming: $50 – $100 (professional monthly grooming is recommended)
Miscellaneous: $200 – $300
Lifetime cost: $20,000 – $25,000
Azawakh
To acquire: $1,200 – $5,000
Initial set-up costs:$300 – $500
Monthly food expenses: $60 – $100
Vaccines: $100 – $250, plus $25 – $30 per additional
Monthly medication/supplements: $50 – $100
Grooming: $70 – $100
Miscellaneous: $200 – $300
Lifetime cost: $20,000 – $30,000
Akita
To acquire: $1,200 – $4,500
Initial set-up costs: $300-$500
Monthly food expenses: $70 – $150
Vaccines: $100 – $250, plus $25 – $30 per additional
Monthly medication/supplements: $50 – $100 per month
Grooming: $50 – $100 per session every few months
Miscellaneous: $200 – $300
Lifetime cost: $20,000 – $40,000
French Bulldog
To acquire: $1,200 – $4,500
Initial set-up costs: $300 – $500
Monthly food expenses: $30 – $60
Vaccines: $100 – $250, plus $25 – $30 per additional
Monthly medication/supplements: $50 – $100
Grooming: $30 – $50
Miscellaneous: $200 – $300
Lifetime cost: $25,000 – $40,000
Rottweiler
To acquire: $1,200 – $4,000
Initial set-up costs: $300-$500
Monthly food expenses: $100 – $150
Vaccines: $100 – $250, plus $25 – $30 per additional
Monthly medication/supplements: $50 – $100 per month
Grooming: $40 – $100
Miscellaneous: $200 – $300
Lifetime cost: $15,000 – $28,000
Dogo Argentino
Initial cost: $1,200 – $3,500
Initial set-up costs: $300 – $500
Monthly food expenses: $50 – $100
Vaccines: $100 – $250, plus $25 – $30 per additional
Monthly medication/supplements: $50 – $100 per month
Grooming: $50 – $100
Miscellaneous: $200 – $300
Lifetime cost: $15,000 – $25,000
