WHAT IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE DOG? THIS BREED IS THE COSTLIEST

While our pets bring immense joy, their care can be quite costly.

Forbes reports that owning a large dog can cost at least $1,570 annually, potentially reaching over $22,000 over the dog’s 12-year lifespan. With added expenses and specialized care, the total cost of dog ownership could soar to an astonishing $83,000.

Some breeds are particularly expensive from the outset. Here’s a look at the priciest dog breeds and what you might expect to pay.

What is the most expensive dog?

The Tibetan Mastiff is frequently regarded as the most expensive dog breed, with prices reaching into the millions. In 2014, a Tibetan Mastiff puppy was reportedly sold for nearly $2 million in China, according to AFP and the Chinese newspaper Qianjiang Evening News.

The Tibetan Mastiff was sold at a high-end pet fair in Zhejiang province for 12 million yuan, roughly $1.95 million, to a property developer. The dog measured 80 centimeters (31 inches) in height and weighed 90 kilograms (nearly 200 pounds).

In 2011, a Tibetan Mastiff puppy sold for $1.5 million, according to NBC News, making it the most expensive dog sold at that time.

The Tibetan Mastiff is described by the American Kennel Club as a “watchful, aloof, imposing, and intimidating” working breed. While affectionate with family members, it tends to be reserved with strangers.

Typically, male Tibetan Mastiffs weigh between 90 and 150 pounds, and females range from 70 to 120 pounds. Males are at least 26 inches tall, while females stand at a minimum of 24 inches.

What are the top 10 most expensive dogs?

Fetching for a high price tag? These are the top 10 most expensive dog breeds and their average prices, according to Reader’s Digest:

English bulldog: $4,250

French bulldog: $4,250

Tibetan mastiff: $4,000

Chow Chow: $4,000

Samoyed: $3,750

Biewer terrier: $3,500

Portuguese water dog: $3,500

Greater Swiss mountain dog: $3,450

Irish wolfhound: $3,250

Newfoundland: $3,250

What is the least expensive dog?

Not every dog costs hundreds or thousands. If you rescue a dog, adoption fees range from $150 to $250, according to the Humane Rescue Alliance.