Having a dog in your home brings with it lots of love and while we all know that these furry friends come with a lot of responsibility, there are some breeds which tend to demand more work than most.
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From constant training to excessive grooming, we found the 20 dog breeds whose care should be considered a full-time job. These breeds will not only take your time away from you but will end up costing thousands in care… but of course, they are worth it!
1. PORTUGUESE WATER DOG
First up is a breed many people haven’t heard about and there is a very specific reason why, because well… they are expensive. The rare Portuguese water dog arrived in the U.S in the 1970s and has a very traditional haircut (shortly trimmed tail and hindquarters) all owners are expected to manage.
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The breed is hypoallergenic and requires an active lifestyle. So, for anyone with a 9 to 5, the Portuguese water dog isn’t for you. Also, you must have at least $22,000+ lying around to keep up with this breed’s care with an initial cost of $2,200.
2. CHOW CHOW
The famous chow chow has become a staple on Instagram and while they deserve all the “oohs” and “awwws” for being incredibly cute in every possible way, they also tend to be very expensive and high-maintenance.
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At 45-70 pounds, Chows Chows are considered serious, loyal and very stubborn. And with an initial cost of $2,250, the Chinese breed will end up costing $21,000 during its lifetime. Plus, to maintain their beautiful coat, expect to brush them multiple times a day.
3. AFGHAN HOUND
If you want a dog which acts like a cat then the Afghan Hound is for you… but first, be ready to shell out $2,250 and expect to pay up to $27,000 for lifetime care. Once you have that out of the way, expect a dog who is very independent and likes to keep to itself.
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And of course, that flowing coat needs daily brushing and since they were once used as hunters in the Middle East thousands of years ago, expect to take your Afghan Hound on daily walks and introduce plenty of exercise into its routine.
4. BRUSSELS GRIFFON
This sensitive dog breed makes excellent companions and is known for being incredibly loyal. Perfect for those looking for a companion, all you have to do is spend $2,300 initially and another $17,000 during your Brussels Griffon’s life.
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Native to Belgium, they usually bond quickly and are usually gentle. But don’t leave this breed alone for extended or well, any period of time since they have major abandonment problems and tend to act out.
5. SALUKI
While expensive at an initial cost of $2,400 with an average lifetime cost of $24,000, Salukis are well worth it. This beautiful breed has been the preferred pet of royalty since 7000 B.C.!
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They are native to the Middle East. Known for being even-tempered pets and well, stunning to look at! While they are very gentle, they’re also very energetic and need exercise after every meal.
6. LEONBERGER
This cuddle dog breed is the perfect family pet for anyone who has $2,400 to spare and another $25,000 to spend over the dog’s lifetime on care. Once you have that done, expect to upgrade your home since the bear-like breed needs lots of space and an expansive yard.
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Also, their thick coats require daily grooming to keep them free from mats. The Leonberger Club of America highly recommends all owners enrol their puppy on training classes to ensure that their dog learns commands easily and to help tame this breed’s nature.
7. GREATER SWISS MOUNTAIN DOG
With great cuteness and size come great vet bills! The Greater Swiss Moutain Dog is the cousin of the very popular Saint Bernard and shares many of the same qualities but with a higher price tag.
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Expect to pay an initial cost of $2,500, with an average lifetime cost of $22,000. Plus, get ready to plan lots of doggy park dates because this breed thrives on being social and is very affectionate. The one major upside though: Minimal Grooming!
8. ENGLISH BULLDOG
The English Bulldog is a well-loved and popular dog breed despite being rather expensive. A puppy might come with an initial cost of $2,500 with an average Lifetime Cost starting from $16,000.
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The Breed is known to be a bit lazy, sweet and affectionate and should never be overexercised as they can easily develop trouble breathing. Also, the breed can not stand the heat and need constant supervision in hot climates.
9. ENGLISH TOY SPANIEL
Another adorable dog breed which requires a lot of dedication of not only time but money to keep it healthy and happy. After paying an initial Cost of $2,500, get ready to budget at least $14,000 for your English Toy Spaniel.
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The breed has a very sensitive disposition and needs constant love and support. Also, owners are expected to check their ears often, brush them multiple times a day and get regular trimmings.
10. GIANT SCHNAUZER
With an initial cost of $2,500 and an average lifetime cost of $34,000, the Gaint Schnauzer is one of the most expensive dogs on our list. The German breed is known to be intelligent and tends to think they know best!
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They also are very strong and this matched with their size, it is a must that all dogs of this breed be properly trained to ensure that they can follow commands easily. Plus, the very active breed needs constant activity and is known to become destructive if bored.
11. MINIATURE BULL TERRIER
The name explains much of the characteristics of the miniature bull terrier since they are simply the smaller versions of their Bull Terrier cousins. And both breeds are known to be a handful who always want to play.
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After the initial cost of $2,500 and an average lifetime cost of $17,000, expect to arrange many vet appointments as the breed is known for joint issues. Also, an untrained and unsocialised Minature Bull Terrier is known for being very territorial and aggressive.
12. NOVA SCOTIA DUCK TOLLING RETRIEVER
Spend an average Initial Cost of $2,500 and you can also end up enjoying the company of one of the smallest retrievers in the world with one of the longest names! The affectionate breed makes for the perfect pet for big families and loves the outdoors.
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They are energetic and will end up costing around $22,000 over their lifetime. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever or Troller for short was bred to look like foxes to trick waterfowl! While not as popular in the U.S, this breed is a favourite of the rich.
13. AZAWAKH
The strikingly Azawakhs have their own beauty that is a rather acquired taste. The skinny and bony breed comes with an initial cost of $2,500 with an average lifetime cost of $20,000.
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They are intelligent, reliable and loyal. The breed makes for perfect show dogs but rarely is used as housepets. Azawakhs are originally from Western Africa where they naturally hunt gazelle, running as long and as fast as they can.
14. TIBETAN MASTIFF
The average price of $2,500 and lifetime cost of $32,000 for this breed is a very optimistic estimate as the Tibetan Mastiff end up selling for far more than that. For instance, in 2014, a Tibetan Mastiff sold for $2 million in China.
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Despite being known for being stubborn, the Tibetan Mastiff is a status symbol in Asia and a favourite breed for the rich. They are giant, cuddly and calm dogs which hate hot temperatures and need constant grooming.
15. XOLOITZCUINTLI
Come on then, we have you try to say this dog breed’s name! Okay now that you have giggled at the name, let’s tell you how it is pronounced, read it as “show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee.” And the complicated pronunciation is just the start.
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The breed has been around for 3000 years and is native to Mexico with an average initial cost of $2,750 and an average lifetime cost of $25,000. They are hairless and require extra care to ensure that their skin stays healthy! Expect to put sunscreen on them every time you take them out!
16. GERMAN PINSCHER
After spending an average initial cost of $2,800 with an average lifetime cost of $21,000, you can add the headstrong and intelligent German Pinscher into your home. Though, it is key to train them well and early.
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They make excellent guard dogs but do not get along with kids unless they have been socialized with them since they were puppies. Also, they require constant exercise to keep them physically and mentally healthy.
17. FRENCH BULLDOG
Known as a toy dog, the French Bulldog is not only costly at an initial cost of $2,800 with
an average lifetime cost of $16,000 but also requires consistent care and support. While they are very affectionate and even-tempered, it isn’t easy to keep a French Bulldog healthy and happy.
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Their breeding process is labour-intensive and complicated. Female Frenchies must be artificially inseminated and go through a C-section to birth their puppies. It is best to research the breed and the breeder thoroughly before you decide to buy one.
18. NORFOLK TERRIER
The alert and adaptable Norfolk Terrier is a darling breed which is a favourite amongst dog lovers. Of course, first, you will need to shell out $3,250 and later budget another $19,000 for lifetime care.
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Owners are expected to hand strip their wiry, double coats and require daily grooming. Also, this breed needs plenty of exercises since they have a high prey drive. The Norfolk Terriers were once used as farm dogs that hunted foxes and small rodents.
19. NORWICH TERRIER
At only 10 inches, the Norwich Terrier tends to be quite a handful and while they are very hyper the breed also tends to be very affectionate. All of that can be yours for an average initial cost of $3,500 with an average lifetime cost of $19,000.
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Apart from wanting to play all the time, these scrappy dogs also need constant grooming and need hand-stripping to keep their coats healthy. The AKC says Norwich Terriers are also prone to dental disease, so you need to be comfortable with brushing your doggies’ teeth early and often!
20. NEAPOLITAN MASTIFF
This breed isn’t just beautiful but a part of history, the Neapolitan Mastiffs are ancient dogs from the times of the Roman Empire. They are very protective of their families and require regular training classes to help overcome their stubborn nature.
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Expect an average initial cost of $3,500 with an average lifetime cost of $21,000 for these beauties. And of course, get ready to buy them a couch or two of their own and large quantities of dog food. The one plus point, they don’t have any major health issues and don’t need an excessive grooming routine.