10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds

Are you considering buying a puppy that serves as a companion and a status symbol? Check out one of the 10 most expensive dog breeds in the world. You won't find many of these exclusive dogs at your local park - unless you happen to live on Park Avenue.

The Löwchen
Löwchens are small, long-haired dogs that have been recognized as a breed since the Renaissance. They're featured in many period paintings because they were popular with nobleman, but by the end of the 19th century, they were virtually extinct. They're still so rare that a Löwchen puppy will cost $52,000 to $80,000.

The Canadian Eskimo Dog
The Canadian Eskimo dog is a sled or rescue dog indigenous to Canada. They've been part of the Inuit (Eskimo) culture for more than 2,000 years. Unfortunately, they were deemed "officially" extinct in 1963, when only one registered Canadian Eskimo dog remained in Canada. Despite diligent efforts on the part of breeders, there are less than 500 Canadian Eskimo dogs left in North America, which means a puppy of this breed will cost $17,000.

The Samoyed
The Samoyed is a medium-sized, fluffy sled dog that originated in Siberia. While the Samoyed was originally a working dog, it now is a fashionable pet and show dog. The Samoyed is a very high-maintenance breed, which makes it rare. A Samoyed puppy will cost $65,000 to $98,000.

The Egyptian Pharaoh Hound
The Egyptian Pharaoh hound is one of the oldest breeds in existence. This regal-looking, medium-sized dog is believed first to have been bred in 4000 BC, and it is depicted on several Egyptian artifacts. These days, it's bred only in Malta, making it extremely rare. An Egyptian Pharaoh hound puppy costs about $25,000.

The Thailand Ridgeback
The Thailand Ridgeback is among the 10 most expensive dog breeds because it's the rarest registered dog breed in America . Thailand Ridgebacks resemble Dobermans. They can be aggressive, but if they're properly trained they're good pets. A Thailand Ridgeback puppy costs nearly $15,000.

The English Bulldog
English bulldogs are small in stature and have distinctive-looking crumpled faces. English bulldogs cost a lot because they have a lot of congenital defects, making the breeding of healthy puppies more difficult. An English bulldog puppy will set you back more than $53,000.

The French Mastiff
The French mastiff rivals the Löwchen for rarity. French mastiffs originally were bred to be fighting dogs, and they are large, strong and fierce. They also faced extinction during the 20th century, and there are fewer than 5,000 of them in the United States today. This means a French mastiff puppy is likely to cost about $63,000.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a toy-sized spaniel with the appearance of a traditional hunting dog. The breed was developed specifically to resemble dogs in Sir Anthony van Dyck's paintings of King Charles II. Today, they're trendy pets among city denizens who try to give off the image of an English country lifestyle. A show dog quality puppy of this breed costs about $63,000.

The Saluki
The Saluki is said to be the oldest domesticated dog breed on earth. It somewhat resembles a greyhound, but with long, floppy ears and a bushy tail. While nomadic Bedouins frowned on dogs as unclean, they made an exception for the Saluki, giving the breed a reputation for being upper-crust. A Saluki puppy will cost about $25,500.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh corgi is a small dog with a fox-like appearance and stumpy tail. It has earned its place on this list because it's Queen Elizabeth II's favorite dog breed. Its association with royalty means a Pembroke Welsh corgi puppy with a good bloodline will cost you about $1