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The Top 5 Most Expensive Dog Breeds

If you pick a good breeder

, the dog you choose will have a leg up on life from the start. After all, it’s in the breeder’s own best interests to make sure the dogs he breeds are healthy, well-socialized, and the best of their type.

The breeder’s role is an ancient one. It began when an early human and a wolf or wild pariah dog struck up a friendship. Over time, humans continued to favor intelligent dogs that enjoyed learning and being around people.

Without understanding the far-reaching results of what they were doing, our prehistoric ancestors became the first breeders. They selected out agreeable dogs that could perform work to help the family by gathering food, pulling a sleigh or guarding and leading other domesticated animals. When these dogs mated, they perpetuated their abilities; thus, we domesticated the dog, just as we did cattle, goats, and sheep. We also differentiated dogs, according to their roles in human society.

Today, some 10,000 to 14,000 years after the first dog happily licked a human hand, there are as many as 850 dog breeds worldwide. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes over 150 of them in its registry.

Getting a dog from a breeder can be expensive, and some puppies can cost upwards of a thousand dollars, but with so many dog breeds recognized in the world, what are the most expensive dog breeds?

Top 5 Most Expensive Dog Breeds

5.Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a strong powerful breed with natural protective instincts. Originally used as a herder, the Rottweiler quickly became better known as a guard dog. Though sometimes maligned due to improper training leading to aggression, properly trained and cared for Rottweilers can make excellent companions.

The Rottweiler is a medium-size black dog with rust markings. The breed’s coat is a medium length, straight and almost coarse. The head is broad with hanging and triangular ears. The Rottweiler possesses great strength and has a broad, deep chest. The tail is docked (shortened in length) to only one or two vertebrae (back bones).

Rottweiler puppies can cost you $6,000, bringing them in at No. 5 for most expensive dog breeds.

4. Pharaoh Hound

One of the oldest breeds, the Pharaoh hound is appropriately named. As a breed coveted by royalty, it was not uncommon to see a Pharaoh on his way to the hunt with a falcon on one hand and a Pharaoh hound on the other. Pharaoh puppies can cost $6,500

Pharaohs have short, shiny, somewhat coarse hair coats. They are generally some variation of reddish tan, with white markings. Their flesh-colored noses can be sensitive to sunburn.

They have lean, strong, muscular bodies. A sculpted head, an arched neck, and large, erect ears are defining characteristics of the Pharaoh. When alert, their foreheads wrinkle, giving them an intense expression.

One charming aspect of these hounds is that they smile and blush. When they are excited, they curl their lips up in a grin, and their cheeks and ears turn a deep red color as if blushing.

3. Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan mastiff has been a companion and working dog for hundreds of years. Bred to be a herder and flock guardian for yak, sheep, and families, they were initially bred without any regard for conformation. Hailing from Tibet, the exact origins of the Tibetan mastiff are a mystery but many feel that this breed is from the same basic stock as other mastiffs and large working dogs and contributed to the development of many of today’s mastiffs.

The Tibetan mastiff is a brave and excellent guard dog. The breed is intelligent and loyal, but can have some serious faults in temperament if not properly socialized and trained. They are naturally very protective and territorial. Some can be strong-willed. Tibetan Mastiff puppies can cost $7,000.

2. Samoyed

The Samoyed, once known as the Bjelkiers by the nomadic Samoyede tribe of Siberia, is a member of the spitz family found throughout the North and South poles. The Samoyede people allowed the dogs to breed with minimal human manipulation. This resulted in a breed of dog much like their wolf ancestors. They were used as sled dogs and guard dogs by the Samoyede people and protected their reindeer herds. Eventually, these pure white dogs become companions. In the late 1800s, the first Samoyeds were brought to England and the breed was quickly spread throughout the world.

The Samoyed has a strong, wedge-shaped head with deep, dark eyes. The Samoyed is known for having curling lips, giving the impression of a perpetually smiling face. Their nose is black or brown and they have medium, pointed, erect ears with a tail curved over the back. The coat is thick with a soft undercoat that protects them from cold weather in their native Siberia. The color of the coat comes in pure white (which is preferred), biscuit, cream or can be mixed with white. The Samoyed stands 19 to 24 inches from the shoulder and weighs between 50 to 65 pounds. Samoyed puppies can cost up to $8,000.

1. Lowchen

The Lowchen is believed to have originated in Mediterranean Europe. Though thought to have a foundation in France, by the 15th century these dogs commonly served as pets to Florentine nobility. Needing a way to keep warm, ladies of the court would shear the Lowchens hair to look like a lion, and use them as electric blankets. The haircut became fashionable, and the moniker, little lion dog, stuck. By the end of the 15th century, the Lowchen was found all over Europe. They appear in many old paintings, most notably Goya’s Portrait of Duchess of Alba, in 1795.

Although known as the little lion dog or Petit Chien Lion, this breed is more bark than bite. With his sociable style and gregarious persona, the Lowchen makes an ideal pet. His long, supple fur is often cut like a lion, thus his nickname. The Lowchen ranks as the No. 1 most expensive dog breed, as puppies can cost 10,000!

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