If you assumed that crossing a wild cat with a domestic cat would produce something very special, you are right. And in this case special also means expensive.
According to All About Cats, the two most expensive cat breeds in America are both wild-blooded. At the top of the list is the Savannah cat, a cross between a domestic cat and a serval: a big-eared, long-legged creature with cheetah-like spots that is native to Africa. The price of a Savannah can range from $ 1,500 to a staggering $ 50,000. In second place is the Bengal cat, whose origins date back to 1965 when a female Asian leopard cat and a male house cat – both owned by a woman named Jean Mill – mated. Mill continued to breed these hybrids, and Bengali have grown in popularity since then. You can take one home with you today for between $ 1,000 and $ 25,000.
Compared to these estimates, the most expensive dog breeds seem pretty cheap. Known for its loose skin and ancient origins, the Neapolitan Mastiff costs around $ 3,500 on average, ranking first with the pointy-eared Norwich Terrier the size of a pint. French Bulldogs, who ranked second on the American Kennel Club’s latest list of the most popular dog breeds, ranked third here. The average price for a French bulldog is around $ 2,800, just a few hundred more than its English counterpart.
If you are looking for a pet because you love animals and / or could use some company, there are currently many dogs and cats housed in animal shelters that you would like to take home – and they have advantages Going beyond that simply saves you a ton of money. Even if you’ve been wanting to own a particular breed for years, consider adoption first: many purebred pets also need homes. The AKC Rescue Network is a great resource for rescue dog adoption, and Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue can match you with the perfect cat lover. There are also many breed specific rescues across the country.
Or, you can just go to your local animal shelter and meet the animals that need a forever home – you might find yourself with an unexpected buddy.
Read on to see the full list of the most expensive breeds of cats and dogs, and learn more about pet trends here.
The most expensive breeds of cats
- Savannah // $ 1,500- $ 50,000
- Bengal // $ 1000-25,000
- Persian // $ 500- $ 5500
- Peterbald // $ 1200- $ 5000
- Russian blue // $ 400- $ 3000
- Sphynx // $ 200- $ 3000
- Scottish Fold // $ 200- $ 3000
- British Shorthair // $ 500-1,500
The most expensive breeds of dogs
- Neapolitan Mastiff // $ 3500
- Norwich Terrier // $ 3500
- Norfolk Terrier // $ 3250
- French Bulldog // $ 2,800
- German Pinscher // $ 2800
- Xoloitzcuintli // $ 2750
- English Bulldog // $ 2500
- English Toy Spaniel // $ 2500