Designer dogs that cost more than cars and those with hefty vet bills
THEY are the dogs that can cost as much as new car. But despite their hefty price tag, some breeders have a two-year wait for the pricey pooches. We reveal the 10 most expensive breeds.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
AUSTRALIANS are increasingly turning their back on the scruffy mutt of old in favour of designer pooches which can cost almost as much as a new car.
The Tibetan Mastiff — a bear-like dog weighing up to 100 kilograms — takes out top honours as the most expensive breed of pooch in Australia, and the world.
The rare breed is extremely popular in China with one developer paying $2 million for a puppy back in 2014.
Back home, Kristie Bates from Eungai Creek near Port Macquarie is one of only two breeders in NSW and she has a waitlist of two years for her puppies that sell anywhere between $4000 and $8000 each.
But they, and other breeds too, can fetch even more, up to $10,000, if the pooch is bred from premium imported sperm.
A Mistubishi Mirage ES Manual hatchback can be had for $12,250.
MORE FROM JANE HANSEN
MAGGOTS AND NO SHOWERS IN NURSING HOME HORRORS
WOMAN ‘HELD UNDERWATER’ IN SURF RAGE ATTACK
“In China they are seen as a status symbol, but here people like to have them because they are beautiful and look like a big luxurious bear, but they are also loving and extremely good guard dogs,” Ms Bates told The Sunday Telegraph.
“We do get Chinese buying them here, but 90 per cent are sold as family companions,” she said, adding the price was often dictated by rarity.
“They are a rare breed. They were originally bred in Tibet to protect stock and monks used them to guard the monastery, but they are a very loyal and devoted family dog that is good with kids,” she said.
Rachelle Moore from Singleton has had lots of dogs in her 49 years, but she fell in love with the Tibetan mastiff when her 22-year-old daughter Maddy brought home Logan.
Parker then joined the family and 12 week old Henry, who cost $8,000, is the latest addition.
‘If I could have 20 of them I would. They are just an amazing dog, they are so easy going and gentle. They are huge, but graceful as well,” Mrs Moore said.
“It’s a lot of money but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
An analysis of the most expensive breeds commanding top dollar by Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) found the hipster dog of choice, the French bulldog, came in at second place with puppies ranging in price from $2000 up to $10,000.
“The popularity is most certainly due to the cute factor as no one can deny how stunning this wee breed is,” Pet Insurance Australia’s Nadia Crighton said.
“The French Bulldog also a very popular celebrity dog so it’s only natural that the global trends we see in breeds, reflect those that are seen more prevalent images and the media,”
Lowchens, Chow Chows and Samoyeds are also top dollar fetches that show a fondness for the exotic and fluffy.
While most of the expensive pooches are pretty, the good old English bulldog and the rottweiler are popular and expensive breeds because of their character.
But buyer beware, an expensive puppy can cost more to maintain than a small car — with ongoing expense because of inherent issues with selective breeding.
Another PIA analysis of 2017 veterinary claims by dog breed show just which pooch puts the pinch on the purse.
The rottweiler tops the list for biggest claims, mainly because they are more common than other breeds, but according to Dr Sarah Goldsmid from the Animal Referral Hospital this popular breed can suffer a lot of joint problems.
“Rotties get a lot of elbow and hip dysplasia which often need surgery, they might need a hip replacement and surgery on elbow dysplasia can cost $5000 per leg,” Dr Goldsmid said.
Great Danes may look majestic but they are prone to gastric dilation volvulus, or twisted stomach which can kill if not treated with surgery.
“It’s the most common thing they get and part of the stomach my die off and then they may need plasma transfusions and it can cost $8,000 to $16,000. They can also have spinal problems, ” Dr Goldsmid said.
When Celia Treloar’s 16-month-old great dane started walking funny, she thought he was just lanky and goofy. But then he couldn’t walk at all.
“He needed an MRI and CT scan and it showed one of his discs was pressing on the nerves causing inflammation and he had not control over his legs.,” Ms Treloar, 32, of Grays Point said.
“At one point the house was decked out in anti-slip mats.”
Jasper had what is called Wobbler’s Syndrome, a problem that can happen in the giant breed.
“It looked like he had been out drinking all night, he’s really wobbly, if he turns quickly he falls over” specialist small animal surgeon Dr Sarah Goldsmid said.
Tricky spinal surgery relieved the pressure and Jasper could walk just two hours later.
Now he’s up and running and enjoying life in his backyard, but the fix cost $14,000.
“Luckily we had insurance, they covered most of it, but he was worth it. I’m expecting a baby in January, but he’s our first child,” Ms Treloar said.
Also prone to spinal problems are the dachshund.
“They are prone to slipped discs which can cost $3,500 to $4,000 but with MRI imaging and surgery it can cost $8,000 to $10,000, so the moral of the story is get insurance,” Dr Goldsmid said.
French Bulldogs, like other squashed nose breeds, often need airway surgery.
“They are so popular but some need extensive surgery on their airways to breathe properly,” she said.