You might think they’re barking mad but some people will do whatever it takes to get their hands on the paw-fect pedigree pooch – even if that means forking out thousands.

And that's nothing: some dogs can even be worth millions. Read on to discover the most expensive dog breeds money can buy, with all dollar amounts in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

With their distinctive curly coats, Bedlington Terriers have been described as being "lamb-like". But there's nothing sheepish about these fluffy pooches.

With personalities that are typically sweet-natured, they're as harmless as they look and make the perfect companion for families. One of the rarest dog breeds in the world, a Bedlington Terrier can set you back up to $4,000 (£3k). 

Also known as "British Bulldogs", these strong and well-built dogs might look impressive and a tad intimidating. However, don't be fooled: they're actually sweet-natured and docile.

English Bulldog puppies are playful and energetic. Once they reach adulthood, however, they’re never happier than when snoozing on the sofa.

You might recognise this fluffy pup: former US president Barack Obama popularised Portuguese Water Dogs with his much-loved family dog named Bo, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 12.

The breed's name is a nod to its roots. Historically, these curly-coated dogs were companions to Portuguese fishermen, helping them to retrieve lost gear, deliver messages from boat to boat, and herd fish into nets. Fast-forward to now and these smart and agile dogs still love the water and are best suited to an owner with an active lifestyle. 

A breed with royal status, the Saluki is also known as the "Royal Dog of Egypt". After all, it was the dog of choice for King Tutankhamun, according to ancient carvings that date back to 21,000 BC. 

Similar in build to a greyhound, Salukis are long, slim, and tall, with males growing up to 28 inches (71 cm) tall and weighing 60 lbs (27kg). A pup could cost you as much as $5,500 (£4.2k). 

Commonly referred to as "Frenchies", French Bulldogs are expensive because their narrow hips make them harder to breed: in fact, they produce around just three pups per litter. (In contrast to five or six puppies in the average dog's litter.)

Desirable colours such as blue-grey, black, and tan can also further bump up the cost of these pointy-eared cuties.

Originally from northern Japan, the Akita breed is split into two types, the Japanese Akita and the American Akita. Both can sell for high prices. 

With their thick double coat, these gorgeous dogs are great in colder climates and can be highly protective of their owners. However, their strong-willed personalities mean they require a firm owner. 

This breed's glossy mane might look worthy of a hair salon brochure but those luscious locks could cost you a pretty penny or two.

On top of the initial $7,000 (£5.3k) cost of the typical Afghan Hound pup, professional grooming is also an expensive essential for these silky pets. Hair aside, these sleek dogs are excellent runners and can reach speeds of up to 40mph (64km).

Popularised by Scooby Doo, the Great Dane originates from Germany and can grow up to 35 inches (90cm) tall. 

With their loyal and loving temperaments, these gargantuan dogs – which will typically weigh in somewhere between 50-82kg (110-180lb) when fully grown – are gentle giants who love to give and receive affection. 

Did you know that this big-eared dog is the national hound of Malta? The Pharaoh Hound's native name is Kelb tal-Fenek, which fittingly translates as "Rabbit Dog", and the breed's upright ears are adorably prone to blushing pink when the dog is happy or excited.

As one of the world's most historic dog breeds – Pharaoh Hounds are depicted in Ancient Egyptian tomb paintings – they can cost up to $7,500 (£5.7k).

These strong and muscular dogs were bred to hunt big game, including wild boars and mountain lions. Bred from a long-extinct fighting dog, Dogos Argentinos are also regularly used for police and military work.

Despite being loyal and affectionate, their fierce reputation means that Dogos Argentinos are actually considered to be one of the world's most dangerous breeds and they're even banned in several countries. As a result, the rare pups can command a premium price.

As rare as they are beautiful, the Canadian Eskimo Dog has been part of Inuit culture for centuries – but tragically, they're becoming extict due to disease and a reduced need for sleds. As of 2008, there were reportedly only 300 pure-bred Canadian Huskies left. 

Stubborn yet also loyal and affectionate, one of these pretty pups can set you back up to $8,750 (£6.6k).

Affectionately referred to as "Rotties", these stocky dogs are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. They can be traced back to the Ancient Roman era, where their intimidating appearance and booming bark made them ideal for pulling meat carts and guarding stock. A millennia or so later, they were also used during both the First and Second World Wars as guard and messenger dogs. 

A common household pet, most Rottweilers are actually mutts. However, a purebred pup from an authentic breeder will set you back some serious cash: up to $9,000 (£6.8k), to be precise.

Azawakhs were bred by African nomad tribes as hunting dogs due to their incredible speed – they can reach speeds of up to 40mph (64km). They're rare in Europe and North America but are quietly growing in global popularity.

Male Azawakhs can grow up to 29 inches (74 cm) tall and, due to their muscle composition, their bones will always show, even when they're well-nourished. 

Commonly known as "Yorkies", don’t let the diminutive appearance of the dinky Yorkshire Terrier fool you. This black-and-tan breed, which will typically weigh no more than 7lb (3.2kg) is confident and courageous by default, and not afraid to make itself heard.

A popular pet, prices for a Yorkshire Terrier can vary according to the pedigree, and a pup could set you back as much as $9,800 (£7.4k).

These famously faithful dogs hail from Switzerland and are known for their striking tri-colour coat and friendly natures.

Once the chosen companion of Swiss farmers, the dogs were nicknamed "Cheese Dogs" as they were often used to pull carts of dairy products. Fast-forward to today and Bernese Mountain Dogs from prestigious bloodlines can sell for up to $10,000 (£7.6k).

What's not to love about these teddy-like dogs, who are famed for their excellent hugs and fierce loyalty? Well, the price tag might be a sticking point for some: this adorable breed can cost up to a jaw-dropping $11,000 (£8.3k). 

Sweetly nicknamed "Little Lion Dog", the Löwchen is an extremely rare breed and there are just 65 currently known to exist.

Intelligent, friendly, and naturally playful, these adorable dogs are widely considered to be a hypoallergenic pet choice and make a great companion.

These cheerful-looking dogs have earned the nickname "Smiling Sammies" due to their sunny demeanours.

But they're more than just a pretty face. As one of the world's oldest dog breeds, Samoyeds are descended from wolves and had ancestors that hunted polar bears, which is where their instinct to stalk and chase other animals comes from. 

First bred in the 1950s when German Shepherds were crossed with Carpathian wolves, this striking breed is the national dog of Czechoslovakia.

It’s illegal to own and breed wolf hybrids in most US states, meaning that these fearless dogs are extremely rare. In fact, a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog pup can set you back an eye-watering $50,000 (£37.9k).

These ultra-fluffy dogs are the height of desirable in the pedigree world. They're the priciest pooches out there, often selling for tens of thousands of dollars: in fact, an extremely rare red Tibetan Mastiff puppy was sold in China for a staggering €1.4 million ($1.5m/£1.1m) in 2014.

And if you manage to get your paws on one of these covetable canines, you'd better have a big house: they can weigh up to 160lb (76kg) and stand at 33 inches (84cm) tall.

More of a cat person? Discover the 20 most expensive feline breeds on the planet.