Dogs have always been considered as man’s best friends from time immemorial, and some of us will go to great lengths just to get little Fido home. Forget about the thousands of dollars that goes into buying dog food and caring for the dog each year; some of these canines cost an arm and a leg right off the bat. If you’ve ever wondered just how much people spend on their beloved pets or if you are in the market for a pooch, here’s a list of the world’s most costly dog breeds.

 

Chihuahua - Damage: $1.14K

It’s pretty unusual to describe anything about a chihuahua as big, except for the huge cost that comes with owning one of these adorable canines. Buying one of these dogs costs anywhere from $100 to as much as $5K based on factors like age, gender, and paperwork involved. For its entire lifetime, owning a Chihuahua will set you back by about $118.6K. That doesn’t even take into account the damages caused by the little pooch over time (like staining carpets, chewing sofas) which could set you back another $1.14k. To save you from breaking the bank, a good alternative is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier which causes the least amount of damage - only about $230.

Dachshund - Damage: $1.067K

Better known as the sausage dog, the Daschund comes in second on the list of costly dogs to keep. Insurers can deny coverage to households that keep certain dog breeds based on the risk posed. Dog bites account for an estimated one-third of all insurance liability claims made by homeowners, and that’s how certain dog breeds end up on the uninsurable list. The sausage dog does attract quite high insurance rates, and that’s if the insurer provides coverage for the particular breed in the first place. Dachshunds are estimated to cause damage worth $1.067k in their lifetime.

Boxer - Damage:  $1.033K

Boxers are considered amongst the sweetest yet mischievous dogs, being friendly and playful with children yet deliberately wary of strangers. However, the mutts are known to wreak havoc in homes, with most ripping flooring as well as tearing chunks off of walls. Also, while they may be friendly in general, they don’t often extend the same courtesy to fellow animals and they are known to consistently get into fights with other pets. They cause damage worth an estimated $1.033K in their lifetime and they also often attract hefty insurance premiums.

Dalmatian - Damage: $1.021K

According to data collected in 2017, the average payout for a dog-related injury claim amounts to $37K and the figure keeps ticking upwards. A dog bite liability doesn’t always come as part of a homeowners/renters policy, and this is one of the aspects to be mindful about when purchasing home insurance. When the movie 101 Dalmatians came out, it created an influx of homeowners adopting this breed only to soon dump them at their nearest shelter. While the movie painted the canines as a bad breed, in reality, some are prone to hyperactive and neurotic temperaments. Generally, these mutts can cause damage worth $1.021K.

Bulldog - Damage: $987

Much like Dalmatians, 2017 saw an influx of homeowners adopting and subsequently abandoning French bulldogs. Their popularity came about when celebrities like Madonna and David Beckham were spotted with these pets. What most people adopting this breed didn’t know is that they are quite prone to health problems and they soon rack up huge medical bills. However, despite their fierce appearance, these dogs are generally gentle creatures but on the flipside, they are not easily trainable or the most intelligent of dogs. They also have some aggressive tendencies particularly when it comes to food and specifically if it’s a male bulldog. Prepare to spend as much as $987 on damages caused by this dog.

Great Dane - Damage: $784

The Great Dane is amongst the world’s largest breed of dogs, and that means that it comes with extremely high costs. The gentle giants are mild-mannered and easy-going but they do require vast amounts of space. They are also a sociable breed and they require companionship. Now, these dogs are prone to slobbering, producing copious amounts of drool after drinking or eating. Owning one does not attract cheap home insurance rates and they often feature on the uninsurable list. Great Danes can cause some serious havoc to your garden with their constant digging, and for the better part, they resort to this destructive behavior to attract their owner’s attention. They cause damages worth $784.

Husky - Damage: $761

Siberian Huskies are amongst the most beautiful dogs, what with those most stunning brown and blue eyes and wolf-like physique. However, this breed is one that sheds their coat quite a few times throughout the year and that means most of your possessions will be covered with dog fur. The dogs are also known to eat through window trims, rip window screens, chew through sofa cushions, tip the laundry basket, and then proceed to destroy any garments within. Unfortunately, you’ll also discover that the damages caused by the mutt aren't often protected under your homeowners' insurance coverage. You can spend as much as $$761 cleaning up your Husky’s mess.

Beagle - Damage: $690

Something that most Beagle owners might not realize is that their conveniently-sized and handsome canines are naturally hunting hounds. Most end up cooped up inside condos or apartments while they require long frequent walks. Beagles are also adept at digging and climbing, making them quite the clever escape artists. When left unsupervised, these compulsive chewers will gnaw through wooden table legs and tear up assortments of objects. Not factoring in the costs associated with reinforcing your parameter fence to keep the dog safely secured, you’ll find yourself constantly digging into your bank to sort as much as $690 worth of damages.

Pointer - Damage: $790

Back in the day, Pointers were bred to “point” upland games - like finding rabbits and birds. They still make exceptional family dogs and they are also very flexible canines. The tireless dogs are also great jogging companions owing to their abundant stamina and energy. Younger Pointers have a tendency of becoming restless or bored when left alone or confined, causing them to resort to destructive behavior. They’ll bark incessantly and chew on different items. Expect to spend as much as $790 on repairs related to the damages these destructive canines can cause.

German Shepherd - Damage: $739

German shepherds are amongst the most popular dogs across the world but they also happen to be amongst the least healthy breeds and also rank high on the destructive list. German shepherds cost anywhere from $300 to $900 or even more when initially bringing them home regardless of their bloodline. However, add in the cost related to caring for them and regular visits to see a veterinarian, and this mutt is one of the costly ones to keep. Not to forget the $739 worth of damages you have to contend with during its lifetime.

Rottweiler - Damage: $456

Rotties are undeniably beautiful guardians especially when they are adorable little puppies. However, they are quite expensive to purchase either as puppies or adults, with their cost ranging from as much as $850 (for one from a puppy mill) to $1.5K or more when you get one from a reputable breeder. Rottweilers are by nature curious dogs and when exploring their surroundings, they’ll start chewing at random objects to fight boredom or stress. You do want to get pet health insurance if you have one of these dogs because they are amongst the sickliest of dog breeds. The damage caused by these canines can total up to $456.

Jack Russell - Damage: $419

Jack Russells are by nature hunting dogs and that means they are predisposed to barking, following scents, digging, and aggressive tendencies. They are also some of the breeds that often end up abandoned at a dog shelter before reaching adulthood; most of their owners never realize what they have signed up for when they bring the pups home. These canines are also prone to same-gender aggression towards other dog breeds. Their high energy level calls for a long-term commitment to exercising them and also keeping them entertained so that they cause the least amount of damage. Regardless, you can expect to part with $419 paying for damages these dogs cause in their lifetime.

Labrador - Damage: $369

Labradors possess all the traits that make them the perfect family companions because they are intelligent and easily trainable. Much like most other dogs, they require regular exercise and training to keep them from resorting to damaging behavior. When left alone, they’ll also turn to dig, barking excessively, and chewing destructively. When it comes to animal care, Labradors can be trained to minimize their destructiveness by encouraging them to gnaw at toys instead. It also helps to restrict the dog’s access to valuable items, including fabrics within the home. The price tag on damages attached to these canines stands at an estimated $369.

Shih Tzu - Damage: $365

The Shih Tzu is naturally one of the most loving dogs and who can honestly resist the cute furry canine? The cheerful dog is known to jump up when playing with its owner or gleefully run through fields. However, these happy canines are just like other dogs and as soon as you leave them all alone, they’ll go right ahead and exert some serious damage. Don’t let its size fool you because the little dog can wreak havoc in just a matter of minutes, owing to its high energy levels. When buying a puppy of this breed, factor in $365 in damage costs.

Whippet - Damage: $330

Whippets were initially the best companions for small game hunters because of their speed when going after rabbits. Nowadays, the breed functions as some of the most loving therapy dogs and worthy contenders as show dogs. The lightning-fast dogs have a strong instinct to go after prey and they are known to cause serious injury to small running animals around the neighborhood. These canines are also very sensitive to stress within their household and they may act out by causing some damage to release the tension. They’ll cost you about $330 to fix their damage.

Spaniel - Damage: $302

Spaniels are yet another dog breed that was initially bred for hunting and it's evident through their incessant action. However, the English Cocker Spaniels are more sporty and compared to their American counterparts. You’ll need the services of a dog walker on a regular basis to get this breed enough exertions. The merry wail-waggers are gentle and sweet by nature, much to the point of some of them becoming overly clingy when demanding for attention. They are prone to separation anxiety, shedding, and they’ll also inflict massive damage around the house. They’ll set you back about $302 for damages.

Yorkshire Terrier  - Damage: $226

The Yorkshire Terrier is the perfect breed if you are looking for an affectionate and enthusiastic dog. They are essentially big dogs wrapped up in small packages and they live for interaction with humans. When they aren’t trained well, they are likely to become bossy. Now, these little canines don’t like spending extended periods of time alone and they easily get bored. They can also become moody quite easily, leading to destructive behavior. While you won’t go bankrupt cleaning up after the mess caused by this pooch, it’ll cost you about $226.

West Highland White Terrier - Damage:  $240

Westies require quite a lot of interactive play and plenty of long walks as well. They are excellent watchdogs and they’ll bark at just about any unsettling noise or to the presence of strangers. However, they usually also turn right back and politely greet your guests with wagging tails. These little dogs have a strong instinct to hunt down rodents, making them some of the best in-house pest control weapons on farms or in the suburbs. The amount of damage they cause is also quite sizeable and you’ll find yourself spending as much as $240 cleaning after their mess.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier - Damage: $234

If the Staffordshire Bull Terrier had a motto that it lives by, it would be “run and play.” The energetic and rugged dogs are quite impulsive and they require adequate exercise as an outlet and also to maintain their muscle tone. They tend to also be somewhat manipulative and they are also quite capable of learning quickly. They are often lumped up in the same category as Pit Bulls because of their similar appearance. It often leads to bans in certain areas which can make it difficult when renting an apartment if you own one of these dogs.  You can part with as much as $234 repairing damages this mutt causes in its lifetime.

Bichon Frise - Damage: $2.63K

One look at this cute and tiny dog and you wouldn’t believe the kind of damage it can inflict. One particular Bichon Frise cross ate up an entire sofa worth an estimated $2.63K in just about three hours. Its owner, Sharon, who lives in Warrington, Cheshire, took Peaches in from a dog rescue when she was just a three-day-old pup. The breed is amongst the most difficult to housebreak and they do bark a lot. They are also highly susceptible to allergies and things like fleas, certain shampoos, and even grass can set them off to scratch and chew at their skin incessantly.