Looking to get a new puppy at home? An interesting thing to keep in mind is that some dog breeds are more expensive than others, potentially representing a higher cost when it comes to regular hygiene, training, and health.
Keep reading to check out the most expensive dog breeds in the world:
1. Afghan Hound
Because of their beautiful coat, these elegant canines require frequent grooming. Their long hair needs to be brushed daily to avoid tangles and knots. Moreover, they need to be bathed before you can trim them.
Afghan Hounds that are show dogs get bathed at least twice a week. Brushing dirty fur can cause painful tangles, so be prepared to bathe these dogs frequently, with high-quality products to keep the skin healthy and hydrated.
2. Akita
Akitas are working dogs that can be reserved with strangers and easily irked by other dogs of the same sex. They require firm training and extensive socialization as puppies, especially if you have children at home.
Although they don’t bark much and are quite clean and easy to care for, they definitely demand more mental work. If you have the patience to train and maintain the basic rules, Akitas can become loving and loyal family members.
3. Alaskan Malamute
Two major factors make Alaskan Malamutes a high-maintenance dog: their grooming regime and their energy level. These dogs have boundless energy and require lots of outdoor play and exercise time daily.
Moreover, they have a thick, double coat that should be brushed every day. They shed a lot of fur with the changing seasons, so you will need to purchase an undercoat rake, according to the hygiene guidelines of the American Kennel Club. This will prevent knot formation.
4. Australian Cattle Dog
As tireless herding dogs, Australian cattle dogs need to run. Their strong hunting drive and protective instincts come from their Collie and Dingo ancestors. Prepare for a pet that thrives in open spaces where they can run as much as they want.
Australian cattle dogs are also known as Blue Heelers, because of their blueish coat. Fortunately, these coats are short and don’t require much grooming time, which will free you up to train and play with your dog to keep them entertained.
5. Belgian Malinois
If you’re looking for a dog that wants to be near you all the time, playing and expending energy, consider a Belgian Malinois. These large, powerful dogs have high hunting instincts and are incredibly smart. Moreover, they desperately want to be included in every activity.
Because of this, leaving a Belgian Malinois at home for long periods is simply out of the question. They’re likely to develop separation anxiety, destroy your furniture out of boredom, or both. It’s advisable to engage these dogs in enriching activities such as hiking or agility training.
6. Border Collie
Like the Australian Cattle Dog, the Border Collie is an extremely energetic canine. Furthermore, their intelligence rivals that of humans, which can become a problem. According to the Border Collie Society of America, these dogs are not suitable for first-time owners. They require a lot of attention and training, both as puppies and as adults.
You need to be firm and show strong leadership skills, or these cunning creatures will take advantage of you. Moreover, they are herders at heart. Chasing small animals, including children, even in play, is second nature to them and can be frightening for the little ones.
7. Chow Chow
These loyal balls of fur demand consistent care to keep them looking their best. Hence, Chow Chows should be introduced to a hygiene regimen early on so they can get used to it. This includes bath time, brushing, and drying. Washing the fluffy fur around their faces can be tricky, but it’s essential to keep them clean and free of knots.
Despite their hygiene requirements, these dogs tend to be sweet and affectionate with family members and indifferent to strangers.
8. German Shepherd
Without a job to do, German Shepherds can become listless and frustrated. They’ve spent generations working in high-pressure environments like police forces and among the military, so including them in family activities is a must.
German Shepherds are intelligent, confident, and loyal, so their humans need to be firm and consistent in training and commands. Typically, they are not friendly with strangers but love caring for their family members.
It’s advisable to keep them on a leash while walking, as they may become obsessed with tracking a smell and bolt without thinking twice.
9. Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzers are loving dogs with sensitive temperaments. They can be serious and territorial, which means firm training is crucial. Fortunately, these canines are smart and learn quickly, according to The Giant Schnauzer Club of America.
Like German Shepherds, they are not friendly with new people but can develop trust with new friends over time. Consistent grooming is also essential, especially around their faces.
The thick coat of the Schnauzer needs to be brushed regularly. Luckily, this is a bonding activity that Giant Schnauzers will enjoy because it gives them more time with you.
10. Lhasa Apso
Whether you let your Lhasa Apso’s hair grow or groom it regularly is up to you. Both routes, however, mean regular care. Longer coats need to be bathed more often. A Lhasa Apso’s eyes and face may also need extra special care, as their hair can become tear-stained.
Though they are small dogs, they demand much attention from their owners. Leaving them alone for too long can lead them to destruction. Bred as companion dogs, Lhasas maintain a significant protective trait that can manifest as clingy behavior.
11. Sheepdog
Sheepdog owners should be prepared to brush them frequently to prevent their coat from tangling. A few times a week, you’ll need to give a thorough brushing to keep control of your puppy’s hair. It might be wise to groom them at home to keep their fur slightly trimmed, making it more manageable.
If you live in a rainy climate, a long-haired dog breed that loves being outdoors, rolling in the dirt, can make your home messier and your life more challenging. Aside from their grooming needs, these strong, athletic dogs need plenty of playtime. Bred for herding sheep, they are built for the outdoors and thrive on interactive games.
12. Poodle
As one of the intelligent breeds in the canine kingdom, Poodles need a lot of mental stimulation. Get ready to teach them commands and new tricks, not to mention taking them outside for plenty of exercises every day. They are athletic and energetic animals.
Additionally, their hypoallergenic coats require professional care. You may try to handle this yourself, but regular visits to a trustworthy groomer will help maintain your Poodle’s coat in good shape, whether that means a specific style or manageable length.
13. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks come from Africa, where they are praised as family protectors. Be prepared for a loving but independent dog at home. They definitely have a mind of their own and tend to be stubborn when it comes to training.
Due to their strength and territorial nature, socializing and training them from an early age is non-negotiable. Although they may not have the unlimited energy of an Australian Cattle Dog, Rhodesian Ridgebacks definitely need lots of exercise and daily activities.
14. Siberian Husky
Like Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies are energetic sled dogs with high prey drives. According to the American Kennel Club, giving them a large yard in which they can roam and run is ideal for their mental and physical health. When going out for a walk, leashes are required: these dogs will not hesitate to chase something that catches their attention.
As pack dogs, Siberian Huskies are super friendly and can get into trouble with every dog they see. They definitely don’t require crazy grooming regimes as long as you make time to brush them every week.
15. Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs have a stubborn temperament. While they are calm and don’t need much outdoor activity time, training them and ensuring they follow commands will be your biggest challenge. As great as they are at guarding houses, they tend to have a mind of their own and don’t necessarily follow orders.
In fact, they are known to learn commands and decide if and when they will follow them. Keep your Tibetan Mastiff on a leash all the time when out of the house. They are territorial dogs and will not hesitate to protect you from anyone they perceive as a threat.
