14 of the most expensive dog breeds

Old English Sheepdog

PUPPY PRICE RANGE: $1,300 STATS: An intelligent breed once often tasked with droving, today's animals are recognized as strong, obedient and loving. Usually close to 23 inches in height and weighing about 80 pounds, these dogs usually live to about an age of 11 years.

Irish wolfhound

PUPPY PRICE RANGE: $1,500 STATS: These massive canines (capable of reaching seven feet in length) were once used for hunting, but are considered generally mellow and nonaggressive in nature. Usually approaching 33 inches in height and 160 pounds in weight, potential owners should note this breed has a notoriously short life expectancy (about seven years).

Portuguese water dog

PUPPY PRICE RANGE: $2,500 STATS: As their name implies, these canines enjoy a dip, and even have webbed feet. Likely to reach a height of 21-23 inches and a weight of 50-60 pounds, these pets tend to reach an average age of 13.

Chow Chow

PUPPY PRICE RANGE: $1,000 STATS: A sturdy, compact pup with a reserved, catlike personality (and a lion-like mane), these dogs tend to be loyal, but are known to lack fondness for children or strangers. Averaging 19 inches in height and 55 pounds in weight, chows have a life expectancy of around 12 years.

Lowchens

PUPPY PRICE RANGE: $5,000 STATS: A toy dog breed, these canines are historically popular with the well-to-do, and are known to be very trainable. Usually about a foot in height and weighing under 20 pounds, Lowchens are known to survive on average to their 13th birthdays.

Tibetan Mastiff

PUPPY PRICE RANGE: $2,000 STATS: Mellow by nature, these dogs were bred in Tibet as guard dogs. Averaging approximately 24-30 inches in height, males can weigh over 150 pounds and the breed tends to live an average age of 13-14.

Pharaoh Hound

PUPPY PRICE RANGE: $2,000 STATS: Athletic and quick, you can anticipate an independent streak among these dogs. Reaching two feet in height and about 50 pounds on average, you can expect these canines to hit the 12-13 mark in life expectancy.

Samoyed

PUPPY PRICE RANGE: $1,000 STATS: Known to be gentle, curious, energetic and friendly, Samoyeds (also known as "Sammies") were bred for hard work in cold locales, average 21-24 inches in height. They live to an approximate age of 13.

German Shepherd

PUPPY PRICE RANGE: $900 STATS: Consider this canine critically acclaimed; they are known as solid, agile, speedy and a good fit for several occupations. Capable of reaching 24-26 inches in height and 70-90 pounds in weight, this breed can be expected to reach around 10 years of age.

Akita

PUPPY PRICE RANGE: $1,000 STATS: Originating in Japan, these dogs were once used to help hunt big game, and they are considered protective and loyal. Potentially growing to 26-28 inches in height and 100-130 pounds, it's not unusual for these pooches to reach an age of 12.

Saluki

PUPPY PRICE RANGE: $1,500 STATS: Fast but not necessarily furious, these slender dogs have been clocked running over 40 mph, and it has been suggested the breed may be even faster than greyhounds; gentle but independent, they can be hard to keep up with, and difficult to train. Potentially reaching 23-28 inches in stature and 40-60 pounds in weight, Salukis are known to live an average of 12-13 years.

Saint Bernard

PUPPY PRICE RANGE: $1,100 STATS: Hailing from a background that included such jobs as guard duty and rescue work, this large breed is known to be gentle with children, patient and friendly (and as droolers). Likely to weigh over 150 pounds and surpass 28 inches in height, owners can expect these dogs to reach an average age of nine.

Rottweiler

PUPPY PRICE RANGE: $2,500 STATS: History knows the "rottie" as a police or military animal, and they are notably loyal and affectionate to family members but reserved with strangers. Capable of reaching 25-27 inches in height and 110-130 pounds, Rottweilers aren't the longest-lived canines; they have an average life expectancy of around nine years.

Golden Retriever

PUPPY PRICE RANGE: $1,500 STATS: Relaxed and friendly, hardworking yet playful, you can expect an intelligent, athletic and loyal friend in this breed. Usually around the area of 23 inches in height, 65 pounds in weight, the Golden Retriever has been reported to be undergoing a decrease in life span; once considered capable of living past 15 years old, currently this animal's life expectancy has dropped to an average age of about 10.