Having a dog can bring years of companionship, laughter, and plenty of good memories. But the cost of owning one goes well beyond the adoption fee or purchase price.

Food, grooming, routine checkups, medications, training, and unexpected medical bills can all add up. Some breeds tend to cost more simply because they’re larger and eat more, while others have thick coats that require frequent grooming or are more likely to develop certain health problems.

That doesn’t mean these breeds are a bad choice. It just means prospective owners should be ready for the financial commitment that can come with them.

Here are 13 breeds that can be more expensive to feed, groom, train, or care for throughout their lives.

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are loved for their playful personalities and compact size, but their small stature doesn’t necessarily mean small expenses.

Their flat-faced structure can make them more prone to breathing problems, overheating, skin issues, and allergies. Some also develop problems with their ears or digestive systems.

Regular veterinary care can become a bigger part of the household budget, particularly if a Frenchie develops one of these conditions. Keeping their weight under control and paying attention to changes in their breathing or skin can also require extra care.

Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is a huge dog with an equally impressive coat. That thick fur needs regular brushing, and seasonal shedding can leave owners dealing with plenty of loose hair around the house.

Food is another major expense. A dog this large simply eats more than a small or medium-sized breed.

Tibetan Mastiffs can also experience joint problems and other health concerns associated with their size. Between feeding, grooming, and veterinary care, keeping one can become a sizable long-term commitment.

Samoyed

That fluffy white coat is one of the Samoyed’s most recognizable features, but keeping it looking and feeling healthy takes work.

Regular brushing helps remove loose fur and prevent mats. During heavy shedding periods, owners may find themselves brushing much more often.

Samoyeds are also active dogs that need plenty of exercise and good-quality food. Routine veterinary visits are another part of the budget, particularly because the breed can be prone to certain inherited health conditions.

Chow Chow

Chow Chows have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming. Their dense fur can become tangled or matted if it’s neglected, so owners need to keep up with brushing and occasional professional grooming.

The breed can also be prone to problems involving the eyes, skin, hips, and joints. Those issues can mean additional veterinary visits or treatment.

Chow Chows also tend to be independent and strong-willed. Investing in training early can make life easier for both the dog and its owner.

English Bulldog

English Bulldogs may not need the same amount of food as giant breeds, but healthcare can be a different story.

Their distinctive body structure can make them more susceptible to breathing problems, skin infections, allergies, and joint issues. Some may also need extra care during hot weather because they can have trouble regulating their body temperature.

Routine veterinary care can become a regular expense, and unexpected medical problems can add considerably to the lifetime cost of owning one.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small, affectionate dogs with soft, silky coats. Their grooming needs are manageable, but health care deserves extra attention.

The breed has a higher risk of certain heart conditions, along with other inherited health problems. Regular checkups can help catch issues early, but treatment for chronic conditions can become expensive.

Their smaller food bill may be easier on the wallet than that of a large breed, but medical expenses can make up the difference.

Rottweiler

Rottweilers are large, muscular dogs that need a nutritious diet to support their size and activity level. Feeding one can cost considerably more than feeding a small dog.

They also need regular exercise and training, which may mean spending money on classes or professional help during puppyhood.

As Rottweilers get older, joint problems and other age-related conditions can require additional veterinary care. Keeping them at a healthy weight can help reduce some of the strain on their joints.

Akita

Akitas have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, particularly during seasonal coat changes. Regular brushing is part of life with one, and some owners also rely on professional grooming.

They are large, strong dogs that benefit from early training and proper socialization. Veterinary expenses can also increase if joint problems or other health conditions develop later in life.

Food, grooming supplies, training, and routine medical care can make an Akita more expensive to keep than its quiet nature might suggest.

Pharaoh Hound

Pharaoh Hounds have relatively low grooming needs compared with some of the other breeds on this list. The bigger expense can come from their rarity and activity level.

These athletic dogs need regular exercise and enough food to support their active lifestyle. Because they’re less common than many popular breeds, finding one can also mean paying a higher purchase price.

Owners should also budget for routine veterinary care, quality food, training, and plenty of opportunities for exercise.

Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest dog breeds, so it’s no surprise that many of its expenses are larger too.

Food bills can be substantial, especially while a young dog is growing. Everything from beds and crates to collars and medication may also cost more because of the dog’s size.

Giant breeds can be prone to serious health conditions involving the heart, joints, and other parts of the body. Veterinary treatment can be costly, making this a breed where planning for medical expenses is especially important.

Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino is a strong, athletic breed that needs regular physical activity and a nutritious diet.

Training is another major part of ownership. These dogs are powerful and energetic, so consistent training and socialization can help them become well-mannered household companions.

Between food, exercise, training, routine veterinary care, and potential health expenses, the costs can add up over the dog’s lifetime.

Canadian Eskimo Dog

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a rare working breed with plenty of energy. These dogs need regular exercise and enough food to support their active lifestyle.

Their thick coat also requires routine brushing, especially during heavy shedding periods. Owners living in warmer climates may have additional challenges keeping the dog comfortable and healthy.

Because the breed is relatively rare, finding one can also come with a higher purchase price. Training, food, grooming supplies, and veterinary care add to the long-term expense.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, gentle dogs with thick coats that need regular brushing. Their size means they also require more food than smaller breeds.

Unfortunately, the breed has a reputation for certain health problems, including joint conditions and some types of cancer. Veterinary bills can become a major expense if serious health issues develop.

Their relatively short average lifespan can also mean owners face substantial medical decisions during their later years. Anyone considering a Bernese Mountain Dog should be prepared for both the everyday costs and the possibility of higher medical expenses.

Looking Beyond the Purchase Price

The cost of a dog isn’t limited to what you pay to bring it home. Food, grooming, training, routine checkups, medications, supplies, and emergency care can all become part of the budget.

Some breeds simply cost more because they’re large or require frequent grooming. Others may have health concerns that make veterinary care a bigger expense.

That doesn’t mean you should rule out a particular breed based on cost alone. It does mean that knowing what you’re getting into can help you decide whether the breed fits your budget and your lifestyle.