The biggest canine competition of the year is getting underway this weekend — and it will showcase some of the finest individuals of the finest breeds. The price on pooches that strut their stuff at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show may be off the charts — their owners likely paid a premium to the best breeders with the finest lineage.
Before going on, let me just say I’m a big fan of adopting, not shopping, when it comes to pets. There’s so much to be said for giving a “forever home” to a dog, cat or another animal awaiting adoption at an animal shelter or rescue group.
But suppose you simply admire the traits of a particular breed and you are determined to find the creature of your imagining. This is like shopping for fine jewels of the canine persuasion. We gathered information from the American Kennel Club, dog enthusiast sites, rescue groups, breeders’ listings and many other sources to compile a cheat sheet on costs, attributes and lifespans. Following is we found.
Cavalier King Charles spaniel
Prices for a Cavalier King Charles spaniel run anywhere from $1,800 to $3,500.
Top attributes: Great family dogs that are easy to train. And, yes, this was the kind of dog owned by Charlotte York of HBO’s “Sex and the City.”
Downsides: This breed may be prone to health problems ranging from kneecap dislocation to heart ailments.
Average lifespan: 9 to 14 years
English bulldog
Prices for an English bulldog range from just over $1,500 to more than $4,000.
Top attributes: These dogs are calm, courageous and very friendly.
Downsides: Vets caution that English bulldogs can have many heart, skin and overheating problems. They are also emotionally needy.
Average lifespan: 8 to 10 years
Love dogs, but can’t have one of your own? Make money while enjoying the companionship of furry friends by signing up to dog-walk and pet-sit with Rover.com.
Samoyed
Prices for Samoyed dogs can go as high as $3,000, but the average price is between $600 and $1,500.
Top attributes: Gentle, friendly and great with families
Downsides: Samoyed dogs, bred originally to pull sleds in cold climates, are energy balls that never stop and need lots of exercise. Also, expect hair, hair, everywhere.
Average life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
French bulldog
Prices for a French bulldog can top $8,000, but the average price ranges from $1,400 to $2,000.
Top attributes: These dogs are smart, playful and very adaptable.
Downsides: Frenchies tend to have plenty of health problems, some of which are caused by those cute, flat faces. Issues include deafness, eye problems, respiratory issues and hip dysplasia.
Average life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Rottweiler
Prices for a Rottweiler average in the range of $1,000 to $2,000.
Top attributes: Loyal and loving with family, these dogs are very trainable.
Downsides: These dogs need at least two workouts a day. Also, be forewarned: Many RV parks and other areas ban Rottweilers and other powerful dogs.
Average life expectancy: 8 to 10 years
Portuguese water dog
Prices for a Portuguese water dog average $2,500 to $3,500.
Top attributes: This breed got a boost in popularity when President Barack Obama’s family got a first canine, Bo, a Portuguese water dog, and eventually added a second first canine of the same breed named Sunny. These are very affectionate, active dogs that make great family pets.
Downsides: The Portuguese water dog likes to chew everything, edible and inedible. They even gnaw on hands. And the dogs have lots of energy, so plan to give them plenty of exercise.
Life expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Great Dane
Prices for a Great Dane range from $600 to $3,000.
Top attributes: Great Danes are known as loyal, friendly and patient.
Downsides: These dogs are very slobbery. They are strong, too, so they must be properly trained.
Life expectancy: 8 to 10 years
Akita
Prices for an Akita range from $750 to $2,000.
Top attributes: The Akita is known as dignified and loyal.
Downsides: This breed that originated in Japan also is known to be stubborn and resistant to training.
Life expectancy: 10 to 15 years
German shepherd
Prices for German shepherds range from $1,000 to $2,000.
Top attributes: The German shepherd is known as smart, loyal and protective.
Downsides: They shed a lot and need plentiful exercise.
Average life expectancy: 9 to 13 years
Siberian husky
The average cost of Siberian husky dogs range from $500 to $1,000.
Top attributes: These dogs are friendly, alert and gentle.
Downside: Siberian huskies can be stubborn and act as predators. They also are heavy shedders and like to howl.
Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Irish wolfhound
The average cost of an Irish wolfhound ranges from $1,500 to $2,000.
Top attributes: These dogs are dignified, friendly and courageous.
Downsides: Irish wolfhounds are prone to both minor and major health problems, including eye and tail tip injuries.
Life expectancy: 5 to 8 years
Doberman pinscher
The average cost of a Doberman pinscher ranges from $1,200 to $6,000.
Top attributes: These dogs are eager to please, fearless and loyal.
Downsides: These dogs have many health issues. They are often aggressive if they are not socialized. They are also very physically sensitive to loud noises, including voices.
Life expectancy: 10 to 13 years
Golden retriever
The average cost of a golden retriever ranges from $500 to $4,000.
Top attributes: These dogs are intelligent, friendly and loyal.
Downsides: This breed needs to run and often. They also eat more than most other dogs and shed more than others, too.
Average lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Labrador retriever
The average cost of a Labrador retriever is $300 to $1,000.
Top attributes: These dogs are great with children, friendly and playful.
Downsides: Labs are large and very energetic.
Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Pembroke Welsh corgi
The average cost of a Pembroke Welsh corgi ranges from $600 to $1,200.
Top attributes: These dogs are smart and affectionate.
Downsides: Pembroke Welsh corgis shed a lot.
Average lifespan: 12 to 13 years
Boxer
Boxers range in cost from about $800 to $2,000.
Top attributes: These dogs are smart, loyal and playful.
Downsides: Boxers can’t take extreme heat or cold, so they really should live in a moderate climate. They also have multiple potential health issues, including heart problems, cancer and allergies.
Average lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Love dogs, but can’t have one of your own? Make money while enjoying the companionship of furry friends by signing up to dog-walk and pet-sit with Rover.com.
Yorkshire terrier
The average cost of a Yorkshire terrier ranges from $1,200 to $1,500.
Top attributes: These dogs are affectionate and bubbly.
Downsides: Yorkies are frequent barkers, difficult to housebreak and can become anxious.
Average lifespan: 11 to 15 years
Afghan hound
The average cost of an Afghan hound ranges from $1,000 to $1,500.
Top attributes: These dogs are independent, loyal, dignified and hypoallergenic.
Downsides: Afghan hounds are bred to chase, so they need frequent runs. They can be slow learners. They need frequent grooming though their coats can be cut short.
Average lifespan: 12 to 13 years
Newfoundland
The average cost of a Newfoundland ranges from $1,000 to $2,000.
Top attributes: These dogs, equally at home in the water as on land, are known as sweet, obedient and agile.
Downsides: Newfoundlands are big droolers and chewers. They ease separation anxiety by destructive chewing.
Average lifespan: 9 to 10 years
Old English sheepdog
The average cost of an Old English sheepdog ranges from $1,200 to $1,500.
Top attributes: These dogs are sweet, mellow and gentle.
Downsides: Old English sheepdogs are strong-willed. They also need plenty of grooming and are also quite flatulent.
Average lifespan: 10 to 12 years
What’s your favorite breed of dog, or do you prefer to go with mutts? Share with us in comments below or on our Facebook page.
Disclosure: The information you read here is always objective. However, we sometimes receive compensation when you click links within our stories.
Our Policy: We welcome relevant and respectful comments in order to foster healthy and informative discussions. All other comments may be removed. Comments with links are automatically held for moderation.