The Most Expensive Dog & Cat Breeds to Own

When considering a new pet for the family home, apart from size, breed is often a deciding factor. While some people don’t care about the bloodline of their new family member, many people will only settle for a purebred – and are willing to pay the price.

But few realise that the spending doesn’t just stop there. Some purebred animals are genetically prone to particular diseases or health problems, which equates to big dollars. The following list names the pets who are not only the most expensive to buy, but also the most expensive to keep.

Dogs

English Bulldog

Because it has a short snout, respiratory problems are common, as are skin allergies, eye problems, and hip dysplasia. English bulldogs have a high rate of cancer and are also at high risk of heart conditions.

Tibetan Mastiff

The main issues with this breed centre on the skin, due to its super-thick coat. Skin allergies, eye problems, hypothyroidism, as well as epilepsy are some of the diseases that plague the Tibetan Mastiff.

German Shepherd

As is common with larger breeds, hip and elbow dysplasia are a big problem. German Shepherds also have gastrointestinal issues, degenerative, myelopathy, and high cancer rates.

Basset Hound

This breed suffers from the same issues that often plague larger dog breeds, such as dysplasia and bloating.

Rottweiler

Another large breed that suffers from dysplasia, eye problems, and heart issues. They also have an extremely high cancer rate.

King Charles Cavalier

Made famous by the royal family, this breed has all the problems you’d expect from a small snouted dog – eye and ear issues are extremely common and often result in surgery, while skin and heart conditions are also likely to occur.

Chow Chow

The oldest dog in history also comes with health issues – autoimmune diseases, eye problems, diabetes, and cancer are just a few.

Egyptian Pharaoh Hand

Allergies are the main problem with this breed, including skin sensitivities, food allergies, and reactions when in contact with certain irritants (this varies from dog to dog).

French Bulldog

Like their English relative, they suffer from respiratory issues, eye problems, and skin allergies.

Great Dane

Hip dysplasia, bloating, and heart conditions are common with the Great Dane, but the cost of medications and general care is also higher due to the dog’s size.

Cats

Unlike their canine companions, cats rarely have major health issues but can be just as costly to own. The most expensive cats are those that are purebred, and new breeds are emerging with even larger price tags than before.

British Shorthair

These are healthy and friendly cats that are very sociable and popular. Quite large, with broad faces and big eyes, British Shorthairs come in over 100 different colours and coat pattern combinations, including spotted, tortoiseshell, single colour, and tabby varieties. These cats are sweet and affectionate, able to be independent and require little grooming. Being a purebred breed, however, British Shorthairs come with a high price tag.

Manx

Manx cats are distinguished by their lack of a tail. While some varieties may have a stub or short tail, the true manx has no tail at all. This cat comes from the Isle of Man, and is quite similar to the British Shorthair. These cats are very friendly and affectionate, and make for a great addition to a family with children. Manx cats are extremely rare and are pricy for that reason. Tailless kitties may also rack up a high price in medical bills.

Sphynx

The Sphynx is a very unique, wrinkly cat, bred from a hairless mutant in Canada. These cats have no whiskers or eyelashes, but a peachy fuzz lining their body. These cats come in all different colours, although they are admittedly not everybody’s type! Sphynx love attention and are very playful, energetic, and friendly. As they have no hair to absorb their body oils, however, they do require regular baths. Another purebred cat, the Sphynx can be expensive due to the rarity of the cat in comparison to the high demand. Yes – demand is still high for this hairless kitty!

Scottish Fold

Apart from their distinct appearance, these cats are known to be affectionate, and love to be the centre of attention. Scottish Folds are distinguished by their small, folded ears, thought to have come into being after the birth of a cat in Scotland with an ear mutation. Breeding Scottish Folds with other Folds will result in deformities, however mating them with straight-eared cats produces healthy litters of half Folds and half Scottish Shorthairs. These cats are short-haired, very affectionate, and love to lounge around. Their relaxed nature and devotion make them a great pet for families with kids, or the elderly. Another cat that will set you back a fair bit due to its rarity.

Russian Blue

This elegant cat has a short silvery blue coat and large ears. While the Russian Blue can be very quiet and timid, it’s also very social once it has adapted to an environment. Russian Blues love to be active and can be taught tricks. A great cat for households with kids and other pets due to the cat’s sociable nature. Russian Blues are low maintenance but love a bit of attention and love. It can be quite difficult finding a breeder who deals with Russian Blue cats, and for that reason they can get quite expensive. Some breeders even have waiting lists.

Peterbald

Peterbalds are the perfect addition to a family that already has pets as they are so social. This breed is a combination of a Donskoy and Oriental shorthair and originated in Russia. Peterbalds are notable for their slim, elegant builds and long, narrow heads. They have a hair-losing gene, and so it’s common to see them hairless or almost hairless. Peterbalds are very affectionate, friendly, gentle, and energetic cats who get along well with other pets and children. Another cat that has a high price tag due to its rarity.

Persian

Still one of the world’s most popular cat due to their loving and cuddly nature, the Persian is a relatively high-maintenance breed and require daily brushing to prevent mats. Distinguished for their thick coat of hair and short legs with a bushy tail, Persian cats come in multiple colours. They’re typically a gentle, quiet cat but can get along with well other humans and pets. Persian cats are purebred, and are costly for that reason. They also require a lot of maintenance and grooming!

Bengal

The result of breeding a domestic cat with an Asian Leopard cat; after about three generations of breeding they acquired the nature of a domestic cat. Bengals are easy to spot due to the leopard-like pattern on their coat. These cats are energetic and strong, and love climbing up high places. Quite a cheeky cat that will enjoy some company rather than being left alone. The Bengal is a relatively new breed, and for that reason is still expensive to buy. Breeding a Bengal is extremely difficult, so they are still quite rare to find.

Savannah

Known for their intense loyalty, the savannah is a hybrid of a domestic cat and a serval, only accepted as a new breed in 2001. First generation Savannahs tend to be much stronger and heavier than later generations, as their genetic link to the African serval is much stronger. Savannahs have a spotted, leopard-like coat and are recognised for their loyalty and sociability with other pets. Some, however, may hiss and growl at strangers. As with Bengals, Savannah cats are still relatively new and take years of dedication and lots of money to breed. For this reason, they carry a price tag to match.

Ashera

The Ashera was developed by Los Angeles company Lifestyle Pets, a result of crossbreeding an African serval and Asian Leopard cat with a domestic cat. The Ashera is a beautiful spotted cat, with long legs and an elegant appearance. Asheras love climbing and are playful cats, good at repelling mice and small dogs. These cats are known for their loyalty and companionship, as well as their high intelligence. They’ll also set you back about $22,000.

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