If you’re thinking about bringing home a pup, it’s wise to know that some breeds come with a hefty price tag beyond the adoption fee. High-maintenance dogs like Afghan Hounds, Chow Chows, and English Bulldogs often need frequent grooming, specialized diets, or regular vet visits. Their gorgeous coats and unique features might be stunning, but they also demand time, money, and effort. Some breeds are also prone to chronic health issues that can add up quickly over the years. While their companionship is priceless, the upkeep can definitely take a toll on your wallet. Being prepared is key — emotionally and financially. After all, love may be free, but luxury furballs aren’t!
Afghan Hound: The Glamour Queen with Expensive Tastes
Afghan Hounds are the runway models of the dog world, strutting a silky, flowing coat that turns heads wherever they go. That gorgeous hair, though, is a full-time job to maintain. Owners spend hours brushing, detangling, and scheduling professional grooming sessions—sometimes as often as every week. These trips to the groomer add up fast, and skipping them isn’t really an option unless you want your Afghan to look more tangled than a bowl of spaghetti.
But the bills don’t stop at the salon. Afghan Hounds are known for their sensitive digestive systems and need high-quality, sometimes specialized, food. Add in their need for regular exercise, training classes to sharpen their independent minds, and frequent vet visits for their delicate health, and you’re looking at a breed that can turn your wallet into an empty shell in no time.
English Bulldog: Lovable, But a Veterinary Bill Magnet
English Bulldogs have faces only a mother (and millions of fans) could love. With their stocky build and adorable wrinkles, they win over hearts everywhere. But behind that slobbery smile hides a host of health problems. Bulldogs are infamous for respiratory issues due to their flat faces, making even a summer walk a risky adventure. Vet visits for breathing problems, skin infections, and joint pain are common.
And let’s not forget their diet. Bulldogs are notorious for sensitive stomachs and allergies, which means pricey specialty foods and supplements. Their stubbornness also means you might need a professional trainer, and those costs add up faster than you can say “sit.” By the end of the year, you might feel like your bulldog’s medical bills could fund a small vacation—or two.
Samoyed: The Fluffy Snow Angel That Melts Your Savings
Samoyeds are often compared to living clouds, with their thick, white fur and permanent “Sammy smile.” But that beauty comes at a price. Their dense double coat requires constant brushing to prevent mats and keep them looking angelic. Professional grooming is a must, and in shedding season, you’ll be vacuuming several times a day just to keep up.
Samoyeds are also highly social and energetic, needing daily exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship. Without enough activity, they can develop destructive behaviors. Factor in their tendency toward certain genetic health issues, like hip dysplasia and heart conditions, and these fluffy companions can quickly become a costly commitment.
Great Dane: The Gentle Giant with Jumbo Expenses
Great Danes are the gentle giants of the dog world, towering over most other breeds with a presence that fills any room. Their size alone means that everything—from food to medicine to bedding—costs more. Feeding a Great Dane is like feeding a small horse; expect to buy premium dog food in bulk, with monthly costs that rival your own grocery bill.
Their health can be just as oversized. Great Danes are prone to bloat, a life-threatening condition that sometimes requires emergency surgery. They’re also susceptible to heart disease, joint issues, and have shorter lifespans, meaning frequent vet check-ups and high medical bills. Even their accessories need to be heavy-duty and extra-large, which always comes with a higher price tag.
Puli: The Dreadlocked Dynamo Demanding Daily Care
Pulis are famous for their unique corded coats that resemble mop heads—a look that’s both adorable and high-maintenance. Keeping those cords clean, dry, and untangled is a daily challenge. Bathing a Puli can take hours, and drying those cords can take even longer—sometimes a full day! Professional grooming is often necessary to keep their coat in top condition.
Beyond grooming, Pulis are energetic and intelligent, requiring plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. If you can’t provide enough, you’ll need to invest in trainers, dog sports, or daycare. Their herding instincts can also mean extra work (and cost) in keeping them well-socialized and out of mischief.
Chow Chow: A Lion’s Mane and a Lion’s Appetite for Cash
Chow Chows are instantly recognizable by their lion-like mane and deep-set eyes. They look regal, and their grooming needs are just as royal. Their thick double coat requires daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles, and professional grooming sessions are a necessity, not a luxury.
Chow Chows are also prone to a variety of health issues, including hip dysplasia, entropion (an eye condition), and skin allergies. Veterinary costs for these conditions can add up quickly. Chows are often aloof and stubborn, so obedience training is essential—and rarely cheap. If you want a dog that looks like a king, be prepared to spend like one.
Alaskan Malamute: The Sled Dog That Pulls on Your Purse Strings
Alaskan Malamutes are bred for endurance and strength, pulling sleds across frozen landscapes. In your home, their thick coat sheds heavily year-round, demanding constant brushing and regular professional grooming to keep things under control. They also need lots of exercise to stay happy, which might mean hiring a dog walker or enrolling in dog sports.
Their diet is another wallet-buster. Malamutes eat more than the average dog, and high-quality food is a must to keep their joints and coat healthy. Health-wise, they can suffer from hip dysplasia and hereditary cataracts, which require ongoing medical attention. Owning an Alaskan Malamute is a serious commitment, both in time and money.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: The Royal Who Commands a Price
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels bring elegance and charm to any household, but their royal status comes with royal expenses. They are prone to several genetic health issues, such as heart disease (mitral valve disease), ear infections, and eye problems. Regular vet visits, specialized diets, and sometimes even lifelong medication are common.
Grooming is another ongoing cost. Their silky coats need regular brushing and trimming to avoid tangles and mats. Training and socialization are a must, as they can become anxious or overly attached if not properly managed. Their sweet, loving nature makes them irresistible, but their care and upkeep can quickly become a financial burden.
Saint Bernard: The Gentle Giant with Titanic Needs
Saint Bernards are legendary for rescuing lost travelers in snowy mountains, but at home, they’re known for rescuing your money—from your wallet! Their massive size means sky-high food bills, and everything from their beds to their toys needs to be extra-large and extra-durable. Even bathing a Saint Bernard is a workout, often requiring professional help.
Health is another area where costs can skyrocket. Saint Bernards are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems, and bloat. Regular vet check-ups and preventive care are critical. These lovable giants also drool—a lot—which means you’ll be spending on cleaning supplies as well as grooming.
Portuguese Water Dog: The Spirited Swimmer That Soaks Up Resources
Portuguese Water Dogs have energy to spare and coats that require constant attention. Their curly, water-resistant fur needs regular professional grooming to keep it free from mats and tangles. Skipping grooming can quickly lead to painful skin issues and extra vet bills.
These dogs are highly intelligent and energetic, requiring daily exercise, training, and mental stimulation. If you can’t keep up, you’ll end up hiring dog walkers, trainers, or enrolling them in doggy daycare. They’re also prone to certain genetic health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye disorders, which can mean hefty veterinary expenses throughout their lives.
Bringing home a high-maintenance dog can be incredibly rewarding — but it’s definitely not for the faint of budget! From grooming needs to vet bills and special diets, these breeds require more than just love and playtime. If you’re ready for the commitment, the loyalty and affection they offer are worth every penny. Just make sure your heart and your wallet are equally prepared for the journey.
