Look: The 10 Most Expensive Purebred Dogs Ever

It’s National Purebred Dog Day, and we’re counting down the most expensive purebred puppies around. How much is that doggy in the diamond-bejeweled window? People who fantasize about winning the lottery often speculate about a dream home, or an exotic, fast and furious sports car…but what about a dream dog?

Adoption is often a wonderful option. Alternately, affenpinschers, terriers, and beagles are fairly affordable dogs for dog lovers on a budget. But if your choices were completely unlimited, what pricey pooch might you purchase? Or perhaps you’re just curious which canine is currently fetching top dollar. To celebrate National Purebred 

Dog Day, let’s take a look at 10 of the most expensive purebreds.

10. Akita

Price: $1,500–$5,000

Hailing from the land of the rising sun, this Japanese import is known for fierce loyalty and extreme intelligence, as well as bringing good luck. Helen Keller brought the first Akita to the United States. First time dog owners may be discouraged from this breed (as that canine intellect can make training difficult) but with proper experience and socialization they’re affectionate, lifelong friends. They’re also used as therapy dogs.

 Canadian Eskimo Dog

Price: $3,000–$6,000

One of oldest purebreds from the North American continent, one might momentarily mistake them for wolves. Strong, powerful, and athletic, these dogs have a strong prey drive like their wolf cousins, but they develop equally strong bonds with a human family.

Pharoah Hound

Price: $2,500–$6,500

The name conjures images of ancient Egyptian leaders, and it’s appropriate given that this hound is one of the world’s oldest domesticated dog breeds. A regal, slender appearance must be maintained with rigorous daily exercise for this pricey prince. Good with children, these dogs also blush when excited!

Rottweiler

Price: $2,000–$8,000

These four-legged protectors are known for their patience, and you may need to be patient saving up to purchase one! Considered the most versatile of all breeds, they get used as fierce first responders by police, military, customs agents, and more. Any dog used for search and rescue efforts demonstrates quite a value, so even if you just want a house pet, they’re going to cost more than the average dog.