Expensive Dog Breeds : Dogs are called man’s best friend, and they have been since they were domesticated between 19,000 and 32,000 years ago.
Domestication began as a means of survival: dogs, which at the time were more genetically close to wolves, were better at chasing down prey than humans, and humans were better at building fires.
According to archaeologists, dogs and humans would hunt together. The dogs would enjoy the warmth from human fires and share the cooked food with their new best friends. Fast forward thousands of years, and dogs are still a huge part of our lives. And they can also be super expensive, depending on the breed.
The pet industry itself has grown in leaps and bounds over the centuries. By 2021, the pet industry in America—consisting of pet toys, medication, food, and all of the things our furry friends need—is expected to reach $72 billion, with stocks like Chewy and Zoetis also seeing potential increases.
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Average Price: $1,000*
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel originated in the UK. It is a toy dog, according to the Kennel Club, and a purebred CKCS can cost you up to a thousand dollars. The dog was popular as a lap dog during medieval times. It is a friendly dog, known for its fluffy ears, and it requires a lot of attention from its human owners.
2. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
Average Price: $1,500*
Country of Origin: Czech Republic/Slovakia
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is known for its silver-gray and yellow-gray coat. The dog actually has a lineage that dates back to 1955, when it was created in an experiment conducted by the CSSR (Czechoslovakia was a satellite state) Breed Association. Despite looking like a wolf, the Wolfdog is actually quite friendly.
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog © guido nardacci / Shutterstock.com
It’s sociable, but very lively and fearless. This makes sense, as the dog came from cross-breeding wolves and guard-dogs. These dogs are relatively rare, with just 340 registered in Slovakia, Italy, and a few other countries. This likely explains why these dogs are so expensive, costing up to $1,500.
Though these dogs are no doubt good boys/girls, the Czech Wolfdog is actually illegal in forty states. These states ban owning and breeding wolf hybrids. Even within the states that allow ownership/breeding, the regulations vary from county to county. Occasionally, tales of illegal Wolfdog
3. St. Bernard
Average Price: $1,800*
Country of Origin: Italian/Swiss Alps
The St. Bernard is a very large working dog. It can weigh up to 260 pounds, and it has a height of up to thirty-five inches at the withers. The St. Bernard was bred originally as a rescue dog. The hospice of St. Bernard Pass bred these dogs to help people who were stuck in the snow at the Italian-Swiss Border.
St. Bernard @ Artush / Shutterstock.com
Their name came from their original breeder, the monk Bernard of Menthon, an Italian who first bred the rescue dogs in 1660. You’ll find that tales of the breed’s heroic nature and stories of their daring rescues throughout history.
St. Bernards have popped up in movies for decades, as people love these gentle giants. Movies like Beethoven, which you can stream on Hulu or Peacock, were beloved by kids in the 1990s. Beethoven, which starred a St. Bernard called Beethoven, was so popular that it would go on to have seven sequels from 1993 to 2014.
4. Bedlington Terrier
Average Price: $1,800*
Country of Origin: Northeastern England
The Bedlington Terrier is nicknamed “Rothbury’s Lamb,” which makes sense once you see what it looks like. The Bedlington was originally bred as a hunter of vermin, but it became a racing dog and a frequent candidate in dog shows. Despite his docile appearance, the Bedlington is known for its powerful swimming skills.
Bedlington © Terrier Natalia V Guseva / Shutterstock.com
It also was described by breeders as being “fit to kill another dog of its weight class,” though it is friendly with humans (particularly children). The dog breed, which originated in Northumberland specifically, has a long lifespan of 13.5 years and is closely related to the Whippet.
These Terriers are lively and affectionate. They still have their excellent hunting instincts, as well as a keen sense of smell. The Bedlington Terrier reaches eighteen inches in height, maximum, and you can catch it wowing audiences at various NBC dog shows. The Bedlington, in addition to being a hunter and show dog, makes for a great companion.
5. Double Doodle
Average Price: $1,900*
Country of Origin: United States
Nicknamed “the Double Doodle,” this breed of dog is not a purebred. He is a cross between Labradoodle and Goldendoodle. A Double Doodle can also be created by crossing combinations of a Golden Retriever, Poodle, or Labrador Retriever. This breed of dog is smart, friendly, energetic, and fluffy.
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Double Doodle @ GeorgesonSandra / Twitter.com
Because the Double Doodle is a hybrid, it usually is a pretty healthy dog, living anywhere from twelve to fifteen years. They usually don’t suffer the same genetic issues that their purebred parents exhibit, thanks to variation in their gene pools (which was what the original breeders intended, no doubt).
You might also recognize it from its other names, the Golden Labradoodle or the North American Retriever. This breed of dog, despite its fluff, is non-shedding. It also loves to play fetch, so if you’re not an active person who is okay to throw a ball from PetSmart for an hour, the Double Doodle might not be for you.
6. Caucasian Ovtcharka
Average Price: $2,000*
Country of Origin: Georgia
The Caucasian Shepherd Dog was bred in Georgia as a working dog for the Soviet Union. Soviet breeders chose from several Shepherd Dog breeds in Azerbaijan and Georgia to create the CSD, which is also called the Caucasian Mountain Dog, the Caucasian Ovcharka, or the Nagazi.
Caucasian Ovtcharka © Evdoha_spb / Shutterstock.com
The origins of shepherd dogs in general go back thousands of years in the Caucasus mountains, with shepherds guarding livestock during ancient times. The Ovcharka is a big boy. He can weigh up to 220 pounds (females can weigh up to 180 pounds), rivaling even the St. Bernard in size. The life span is up to 12 years.
As the American Kennel Club said, this is a breed that should not “be taken lightly” because of its protective, fearless nature.
There are some breeders on YouTube who claim that a Caucasian Ovcharka can kill a wolf. That’s probably true, but it’s best to keep your Ovcharka away from any possible dangers or confrontation, as this is a dog that will not back down.
7. Bouvier des Flandres
Average Price: $2,000*
Country of Origin: Northern Belgium
The Bouvier des Flandres is a herding dog that originated in Belgium. This breed was used for farm work, including heavy-duty labor like cattle roving, cart pulling, and sheep herding. Now, the Bouvier is used as a guard dog and police dog by European police (American cops prefer German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois).
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Bouvier des Flandres © Tatyana Kuznetsova / Shutterstock.com
The Bouvier tends to be aloof with strangers, but it is not an aggressive dog. On the contrary, it is good with families and very loyal. It is calmer than other breeds. Fun fact: the Bouvier des Flandres’ name originated from its breeding city of Flanders, Belgium.
According to Animal Planet, the Bouviers des Flandres can grow to weigh 70 to 100 pounds and stand 23-26 inches in height at the shoulder. This large dog lives for ten to twelve years. Though your family might not put the Bouviers to work on a farm, this breed needs a lot of exercise and activity.
8. Newfoundland
Average Price: $2,000*
Country of Origin: Canada
Nicknamed the Moscow Water Dog, the Newfoundland was bred in the Dominion of Newfoundland, which was located in modern-day Canada. The dog’s breeding took place before the Confederation of Canada was even formed. The Newfoundland is a large breed that is noted for its long coats and heavy bone structure.
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Newfoundland © Pandas / Shutterstock.com
Males can weigh up to 150 pounds, and females can weigh up to 120 pounds. Despite its dignified bearing and large frame, this working dog is very trainable, gentle, and has a sweet temperament. Its primary coat colors are black, grey, black and white, or brown. Its life span is up to ten years.
Newfoundlands are not aggressive dogs, and you can go on YouTube and see pictures of them befriending pretty much any animal—even a fox. One woman in Alberta, Canada told the CBC that a young female fox and her three-year-old Newfoundland discovered one another in her backyard. Now, they’re best friends.
9. Golden Retriever
Average Price: $2,000*
Country of Origin: Scotland
One of the friendliest dogs on this list is the Golden Retriever, which is a large-sized dog that was bred as a gun dog, meaning it was bred to retrieve waterfowl (game birds) after its owner would hunt them. The retriever name comes from its ability to retrieve shot-down waterfowl without damaging the kill.
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Golden Retriever © Olena Brodetska / Shutterstock.com
The Golden has such a soft mouth that it can hold an egg without cracking it, another reason it was preferred during hunting parties. The Golden is super friendly and reliable. It is easily recognizable by its golden-colored or cream-colored coat. It is the fifth-most-popular breed of dog in the world.
Golden retrievers are TV and movie darlings. Shows like CBS’ Sam and NBC’s Year in the Life featured Goldens, much to fans delight. Golden retrievers are easy to train and very lovable, so they’re pretty much a universally-adored dog. They fit in on any TV or movie set, no matter the theme.
10. Löwchen
Average Price: $5,000*
Country of Origin: Germany/France
The Löwchen is also known as the Little Lion Dog or, in its native country, the Petit Chien Lion. The dog is considered part of the toy class, and it is certainly a non-sporting dog. It was bred in Europe back in 1422, and its history has been confirmed by the number of paintings and tapestries that feature the dog.
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Löwchen ©Sue Thatcher / Shutterstock.com
It was bred as a royal court dog, who was a companion to wealthy elites and would just hang out all day in the lap of luxury. The Löwchen was one of the rarest breeds in the world in the seventies, though its numbers are increasing now.
This little lion won’t exactly grow up to be a bruiser. Its maximum weight is eighteen pounds. The Lowchen is happy, intelligent, and active. Though these dogs live 12-14 years and are generally pretty healthy, it’s never a bad idea to buy pet insurance from companies like Trupanion or Petplan. This breed’s relative rarity is another good reason to buy pet insurance.
11. Rottweiler
Average Price: $2,000*
Country of Origin: Germany
Rottweilers were originally bred as working dogs. They would drive cattle to the market, and they would also pull butchers’ carts. Rottweilers were (and are) known for their courageous and alert nature, and they were among the first police dogs. They still have a role in the military too, serving alongside human companions.
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Rottweiler © Sarit Richerson / Shutterstock.com
Rottweilers are given a bad rap, but the dogs are quite pleasant if they are socialized early on. Some Rottweilers are quieter, while others are goofballs. The males can weigh up to 130 pounds. This breed of dog is very protective over its family, human or fellow canine.
Though Rottweilers are great dogs, some US cities have banned them. Though the facts behind these bands are debatable, you should make sure that your city doesn’t have laws against you owning a Rottie. Though illegal Rottweiler ownership won’t exactly make national CNN headlines, it could get you a stiff fine and your dog taken away.
12. Bulldog
Average Price: $2,000*
Country of Origin: England
The bulldog is known for being a muscular, hefty dog with a pushed-in nose and wrinkly (yet handsome) face. The English Bulldog can weigh up to fifty pounds, and it is thought to have first been bred in the 1600s. It first began appearing in paintings in the 1700s. One such example is the Painting of a Bulldog by Philip Reinagle.
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Bulldog © Ammit Jack / Shutterstock.com
The bulldog was originally bred to bait bulls during bullfights, a barbaric endeavor. That was made illegal in England for obvious reasons, but this original dangerous profession was why bulldogs developed such massive jaws and muscular, stocky frames.
Bulldogs live eight to ten years. Though they’re friendly and silly, Bulldogs can be a little hard to train because they’re so willful. They’re also prone to obesity, so make sure that you keep an eye on their diet. Because of Bulldog’s common health issues, it’s not a bad idea to buy pet insurance for this breed. Companies like Geico don’t just insure your house and car—they can insure pets, too.
13. Chow Chow
Average Price: $2,900*
Country of Origin: China
The Chow Chow is known as the “Songshi Quan” in China, which means “puffy lion.” The Chow Chow is not hypoallergenic, and its short, muscular frame is covered with a thick fluffy coat. This dog breed can weigh up to seventy-one pounds. It was bred in China as an “all purpose” dog for hunting, guarding, protecting, or working.
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Chow Chow © otsphoto / Shutterstock.com
If you’re looking for a genius dog, this breed might not be for you. Though cute and very, very loyal, the Chow Chow has consistently made the list of least trainable and intelligent dogs. However, they make up for it by being protective and handsome.
American owners might find it difficult to own a Chow Chow, as they are the most-banned dog breed in America because they’re aggressive and require such intense socialization and training. However, owners who have Chow Chows would dispute their fearsome reputation. One Chow Chow, Barney, even made a local ABC station’s “Pet of the Week” in December of 2020.
14. Saluki
Average Price: $2,500*
Country of Origin: Egypt
The Saluki is one of the oldest dog breeds on this list. Its direct ancestors are the sighthounds from which it was bred. Sighthounds are dogs that are unique, as they hunt primarily by sight, as opposed to scent. Sighthounds were used during the BC era and originated in the Fertile Crescent. They hunted alongside nomadic tribes.
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Saluki © Elisabetta Bellomi / Shutterstock.com
Sighthounds were among the first domesticated animals. The current Saluki is known for its hunting capabilities. It can run up to 43 miles per hour. The Saluki is known for its aloof, quiet, and reserved personality. It has a life expectancy of up to fourteen years.
Though the Saluki might not work as a king’s hunting hound anymore, this dog still likes to run around, so make sure you have tons of toys from pet stores (or big-box stores like Walmart or Target}}. The Saluki might look thinner than other canines, but don’t worry, as that is the dog’s natural stature.
15. Peruvian Hairless
Average Price: $3,000*
Country of Origin: Peru
The Peruvian Hairless Dog is easily distinguished by its hairless body, though it may have scattered strands on top of its head. The dog is small-size, and the breed has been around for centuries. It was first bred in Peru during pre-Inca times. They increased in popularity during the Incan Dynasty.
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Peruvian Hairless© Evdoha_spb / Shutterstock.com
You can find depictions of these dogs as lovable companions on Andean ceramic and Moche vessels. The dogs were food for pre-Incan Peruvians, but the Incans believed they were mystical creatures and completely banned consumption of them after conquering the region. The dogs were rumored to be able to heal arthritis.
According to The New York Times, Peruvian Hairless Dogs are still “as important as Machu Picchu” in their native Peru. These dogs live eleven to twelve years. They weigh a maximum of 26 pounds and grow 16-20 inches at the shoulder. The Peruvian Hairless Dog’s personality is lively, affectionate, and alert.
16. Neapolitan Mastiff
Average Price: $5,000*
Country of Origin: Rome
The Neapolitan Mastiff (also known as a Mastino) is a large breed of dog that can weigh up to 150 pounds. The Mastiff was first bred in ancient Rome to be a defender of the family and property, and the Mastiff has kept that protective, fearless streak throughout the centuries.
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Neapolitan Mastiff © Christian Mueller / Shutterstock.com
These Mastiffs come in black, tawny, blue, brindle, or mahogany coats, and the males can reach thirty inches in height. Their life expectancy ranges from eight to ten years. Though trainable, these giants have a tendency to become destructive when bored, so they require a lot of activity and companionship.
Neapolitan Mastiffs might look fearsome, but they really aren’t aggressive at all if they’re socialized properly. They’re more standoffish than anything. These guard dogs can reach 110-150 pounds. The average cost of food, whether you’re buying from PetSmart or Walmart, is likely to cost you at least $80-$100 a month.
17. Akita
Average Price: $4,500*
Country of Origin: Japan
Originating in Northern Japan’s mountainous regions, the Akita has two varieties: the Japanese Akita or the American Akita. Both breeds are large-size dogs, with males weighing up to 130 pounds. The Akita was originally used as a guard dog. It was in charge of protecting the Japanese royal family, as well as other nobility.
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Akita© Anaite / Shutterstock.com
The dogs also hunted black bear, wild boar, and large deer. This tough nature has continued in the Akita, which is not a dog that backs down from a fight. The Akita, if socialized young, will be friendly. It is also highly protective of its family members.
Of all the native Japanese dog breeds, the Akita is perhaps the most revered and venerated. The Akita, unfortunately, has been the subject of many bans in cities across America. Despite these bans, celebrities still love them. People Magazine reported that actors Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr. welcomed twin Akitas to their family in November of 2020.
18. Pharaoh Hound
Average Price: $6,500*
Country of Origin: Malta
The Pharaoh Hound is nicknamed “The Blushing Dog” because of its unique coat-color. It was bred for rabbit hunting in the Maltese Islands. Its name, in traditional language, is Kelb-tal-Fenek, which actually translates to “dog of the rabbit.” The Hound’s ancestors hunted gazelles alongside Egyptian pharaohs.
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Pharaoh Hound © Anna Goroshnikova / Shutterstock.com
The companion, despite its Egyptian origins, made its way to Malta and was so beloved it became the national dog of the region. The Pharaoh Hound has been around for five thousand years, if not more. It is an intelligent and highly trainable dog. This active breed has a life span of 11 to 14 years.
Pharaoh Hounds usually get along with other dogs, but sometimes, they have a reputation for being aggressive with dogs or the same gender or dogs that are smaller than them. Pharaohs are still hunters at heart, so they shouldn’t share a home with smaller pets (cats, rabbits, etc.). Save the hunting skills for Chewy chew toys.
19. Black Belgian Malinois
Average Price: $3,500*
Country of Origin: Belgium
The Belgian Malinois is a very popular dog breed because of its intelligence, strength, and liveliness. For those reasons, the police often choose Malinois to join their teams, so you may see them out sometimes when they are “at work” with their human colleagues.
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@ellespain / Pinterest.com
But even if the breed is not the rarest, Belgian Malinois with a black coat are pretty unusual. In fact, many official dog clubs don’t even acknowledge black dogs as pure Belgian Malinois, so there are not many people who breed this particular type. That’s the reason why their prices are often very high.
20. Dogo Argentino
Average Price: $5,000*
Country of Origin: Argentina
The Dogo Argentino is a white, large, muscular dog breed. It was bred in Argentina by Antonio Nores Martinez, who wanted a dog that would be brave and protective during big-game hunting. The Dogo Argentino was used for hunting wild boar. Males can weigh up to 99 pounds, and they have a life expectancy of 10-12 years.
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The Dogo Argentino is banned in certain areas, including the entire UK and cities in the US like New York City and Aurora, Colorado. These breeds need to be socialized from a young age. They are not family dogs, but they are good for sole owners who want a protective companion.
In November of 2020, Dogo Argentino fans got good news, which also made Fox and NBC headlines. The Dogo Argentino was recognized by the American Kennel Club and officially added as its 195th breed. Though the Dogo Argentino’s ancestor, the Fighting Dog of Cordoba, never got the honor, the Dogo Argentino can carry on its legacy.
21. Tibetan Mastiff
Average Price: $7,000*
Country of Origin: Tibet/Nepal/China
The Tibetan Mastiff has its origins in the BC era. It was bred to live alongside nomadic cultures in Tibet, China, India, Mongolia, and Nepal. The Tibetan Mastiff would protect livestock from large predators like wolves, bears, mustelids, tigers, and leopards. The Mastiff’s Himalayan origins are likely why it has a huge, fluffy coat.
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Tibetan Mastiff © Tatyana Kuznetsova / Shutterstock.com
This lion-like dog can reach up to 160 pounds. The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the world’s most expensive dogs. A red Mastiff named Big Splash was sold to a Chinese executive for $1.5 million. These dogs are relatively rare. They are an extremely protective, strong-willed breed
The Tibetan Mastiff was described by YouTube’s Animal Watch as “the most expensive dog.” It’s certainly up there, and its size and unique appearance are why it sells for so much. The Mastiff might be protective and strong-willed, but it also has a mellow, gentle side that makes it a good companion.
22. Samoyed
Average Price: $8,000*
Country of Origin: Siberia/Russia
The Samoyed is a very fluffy, white/cream-colored dog that descended from the Laika. The Laika is a spitz dog, with a thick, white coat. The Samoyed originated in Siberia, where it lived among the nomadic reindeer herders. The Samoyed’s name came from the people it first lived with: the Samoyedic people.
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Samoyed © Evgeniia Shikhaleeva / Shutterstock.com
These furry dogs still have their herding tendencies, and they are also stubborn, though sociable. They can live between 12 and 13 years, with males reaching up to 66 pounds. They need a lot of attention and companionship. If they get lonely, they tend to become very destructive.
Samoyed accounts on sites like Instagram and Facebook get thousands upon thousands of followers, and people love these bear-like, fluffy, white dogs. Samoyeds always look like they’re smiling, and that fits their lively, social, playful (if not a little bit mischievous) personality. Their thick, double-layer coats require a lot of grooming to maintain.
23. French Bulldog
Average Price: $2,300*
Country of Origin: France/England
The French bulldog’s most distinctive feature is its upright, bat-like ears that distinguish it from the larger-sized, more muscular English bulldog. The French bulldog was bred in the nineteenth century by breeders who crossed them between Toy Bulldogs from England and local Parisian ratters.
French Bulldog © Mary Swift / Shtterstock.com
The French bulldog is an athletic, affectionate dog that can weigh only up to twenty-eight pounds. This breed of bulldog is also not a barker, though it does have some digestive problems. The French bulldog doesn’t need as much exercise as its fellow canines, but it does require more attention and naptime than other dogs.
Purebred French Bulldogs are super expensive because breeding them is not easy, requiring artificial insemination and C-sections in order to do so. That’s why they cost so much. French bulldogs are a celebrity favorite, seen with celebs like 300 Entertainment rapper Megan Thee Stallion, actress Taraji P. Henson, and singer Lady Gaga.
24. Berger Picard
Average Price: $2,500*
Country of Origin: France
The Berger Picard is a rare breed of dog known for its ears, which stand four to five inches tall. The Berger Picard, also called the Picardy Shepherd, was bred in France for the purpose of herding. They, unfortunately, became almost extinct after WWI. Their populations increased, but WWII nearly decimated the entire group.
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Berger Picard © By TMArt / Shutterstock.com
There are still some Berger Picards, but they are quite rare, which explains their expense. The shaggy, fawn-colored dog is a loyal, assertive companion who can weigh up to seventy pounds. Breeders are trying to increase their numbers, a fact that is helped by their excellent temperament.
The Berger Picard got its Hollywood heyday in the early 2000s movie, Because of Winn-Dixie, produced by Paramount competitor Walden Media. It was also featured in the movies Are We Done Yet? and Daniel and the Superdogs. The Berger Picard’s movie roles might not date back as far as the Golden Retriever’s, but it is still making a name for itself.
25. Perro De Presa Canario
Average Price: $3,000*
Country of Origin: The Canary Islands
The Perro de Presa Canario (called the Canary Mastiff in English) was bred in the Canary Islands to be a livestock herding animal. This dog breed is rare, and it is similar to the Molosser breed. It is also a catch dog, used for hunting. The Presa, as its shortened name goes, is expensive due to its rarity.
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Perro De Presa Canario © tsik / Shutterstock.com
The Presa was also bred as a fighting dog, but that aggressive streak has mostly been bred out. The dog needs to be trained well from a young age. Its life expectancy is nine to eleven years, and male Presa Canarios can weigh up to 130 pounds.
The Presa Canario has reached millions of views on YouTube, with Dogumentary TV calling it “The Ultimate K9 Protector.” The Presa, which is nicknamed the Canary Mastiff, is a Molosser dog. The Presa never got its day as a police K9, but its appearance alone is enough to ward off any would-be criminal.
26. New Guinea Singing Dog
Average Price: $2,000-$5,000*
Country of Origin: New Guinea
The New Guinea Singing Dog got its name because it has a unique vocalization. The Singing Dog, which originated in the Highlands of New Guinea, have howls that, according to sonograms, are similar to those of a humpback whale. Their howls sound like yodels going up and down.
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New Guinea Singing Dog ©Dusan Vainer / Shutterstock.com
The Singing Dog weighs between twenty and thirty-one pounds and stands 12 to 18 inches at the shoulder. These dogs live fifteen to twenty years. The Singing Dog is very closely related to the Dingo, in Australia. The Singing Dog is extremely rare, and they’ve only been known about since 1957. They hunt alone, though they do defend their home in mated pairs.
27. Swedish Vallhund
Average Price: $300*
Country of Origin: Sweden
The Swedish Vallhund originated 1,0000 years ago, and in Sweden, it is called the “Swedish Cow Dog” or the “Vastgotaspets.” The Vallhund is a herding dog, and that was what it was originally bred for. It is low to the ground, standing, at most, 14 inches in height. This low height allowed it to herd cattle and sheep, nipping their heels and avoiding getting kicked in the head.
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Swedish Vallhund ©everydoghasastory / Shutterstock.com
The Vallhund also hunted vermin and protected the farmstead. The Vallhund is related to the Corgi, with whom it shares a similar appearance, though the Vallhund is far more intimidating and useful on a farm.
28. Olde English Bulldogge
Average Price: $3,300*
Country of Origin: England
The Olde English Bulldogge is a variation on the bulldog, but it is its own distinctive breed. Despite the word “Olde” in the name, it wasn’t recognized as its own breed by the United Kennel Club until January 2014. The Bulldogge is a medium-sized, strong, muscular dog that can weigh up to sixty-six pounds.
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Olde English Bulldogge © Joao Roda / Shutterstock.com
These dogs are loyal and friendly. They are often used as guard dogs, hence their membership in the UKC Guardian Dog Group. They are also taller in stature than other bulldog breeds, with males reaching up to nineteen inches in height (females reach up to seventeen inches).
29. Cane Corso
Average Price: $1,500*
Country of Origin: Rome
The Cane Corso is a gentle giant. It originated in Southern Italy in ancient Rome. It originally rode into battle with Roman soldiers, and it even had its own suit of armor to accompany it. It was used for tracking, protection, and even as a police dog in Southern Italy. These dogs could weigh up to 110 pounds and reach 28 inches in height.
Cane Corso © Sbolotova / Shutterstock.com
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The Cane Corso is a trainable dog, and it is very even-tempered, though it can be destructive when bored. These dogs are not aggressive by nature, but they are protective of their family and home.
30. Norfolk Terrier
Average Price: $2,250*
Country of Origin: England
Despite looking like a little teddy bear, the Norfolk Terrier is a hardy breed of dog. It, along with the Norwich Terrier, is a working terrier. It is also a very confident, fearless, and energetic dog. It reaches up to ten inches in height and twelve pounds, and its coat pattern is usually black and tan, red, grizzle, or wheaten.
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Norfolk Terrier © robbinsbox / Shutterstock.com
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This loyal companion has its origins in Britain, as many terriers do. It wasn’t recognized as its own independent breed until 1964. Before then, it was considered a spinoff of the Norwich terrier, to which it is still close.
