The Most Expensive Dog Breeds

Anyone who is considering a dog needs to consider the price factor. There are many dog breeds that some people cannot easily afford, as adorable as they may be. While most people would recommend that you visit the local shelter or pet rescue group, there are just some people who still insist on buying a dog from a breeder. One of the main reasons is because you may have more of an idea of what you should expect from your dog in the future, particularly if you meet the dog's parents. This article discusses some of the most expensive dog breeds.

Please note that these prices are just an estimate, as the price of any puppy will vary according to breeder. Putting this list into exact order is quite difficult, for this very reason.

English Bulldog ($2,000 - $5,000)

The main reason that the English Bulldog is such an expensive breed is because natural mating is avoided with this breed. It is possible for the male to cause injury to the female due to the fact that the breed is very top heavy, so artificial insemination is often used. For an English Bulldog, you can expect to pay anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000.

Akita ( $1,500 - $3,500)

For an Akita with AKC papers, you should probably expect to spend at least $800. For an Akita which is of a champion bloodline or one with interesting markings, it is not unlikely for you to spend anywhere between $1,500 and $3,500. The Akita breed is often in demand among dog trainers, as they are known to be both willing to learn and beautiful dogs.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ($800-$3,500)

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known to be very intelligent and well mannered, but their appearance is the main reason that so many people want a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The average starting price for an AKC registered Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is about $800. This may range to about $3,500 or more, depending on the breeder.

Norfolk Terrier ($2,000-$3,000)

The Norfolk Terrier is often desired by dog trainers, mainly because the breed is known to be very intelligent and easy to train. Although the Norfolk Terrier usually only gets to be about 10 inches tall and will usually weigh less than 13 pounds, you will pay a pretty good amount for a Norfolk Terrier. Males are usually sold at about $2,000, while females are usually sold at about $3,000.

Yorkshire Terrier ($800 - $3,000)

Many consider the Yorkshire Terrier to be a fashion dog, as this adorable dog breed has been adopted by celebrities, such as Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. The lowest amount of money that you will be likely to pay for a Yorkshire Terrier with AKC papers is about $800. The average asking price for a "quality" Yorkie is somewhere between $1,200 and $1,800. You may spend up to $3,000 for a Yorkshire Terrier.

Golden Retriever ($300 - $3,500)

Some breeders do sell Golden Retrievers for about $300-$400, which many consider to be very reasonable as far as the price of a dog goes. However, there are also Golden Retriever breeders who sell their puppies for much more than this. Some have been known to sell Golden Retriever pups for anywhere between $1,500 and $3,000. Although the price sounds bizarre, the Golden Retriever is also considered one of America's favorite dog breeders, so it is not surprising that many cannot resist.

Australian Shepherd ($900-$2,000)

The Australian Shepherd is noted for its coat, which is characterized by its unusual markings. Australian Shepherds are known to be very intelligent and easy to train, which is why they are often in demand by trainers. It is not uncommon for a breeder to sell an Australian Shepherd puppy for anywhere between $900 and $2,000.

Pomeranian ($500-$2,100)

While Pomeranian pups are often sold for $500 or lower, it is not uncommon for you to see high prices when looking for a Pomeranian pup to purchase. Many breeders sell their Pomeranian puppies for anywhere between $1,000 and $2,100. Pomeranian puppies which are of an unusual color are often offered a higher price, due to the high demand.

Shih Tzu ($350-$1,600)

Many breeders do sell their Shish Tzu puppies for a very affordable price. In fact, you can find Shih Tzu pups for as low as $350. At the same time, however, it is not uncommon for people to spend anywhere between $1,000 and $1,600 on a Shih Tzu puppy.

Mixed Breeds

Though many find it hard to believe, mixed breeds tend to be some of the most expensive dogs. The main reason is because so many people find certain qualities about these dogs appealing, such as the fact that many do not shed or may have been bred in order to eliminate certain health problems or qualities of a specific breed, such as with the Puggle. It is likely that you will find yourself paying about $500 more for a certain dog breed that has been mixed with a poodle, or another breed that may be appealing at the time.