8. Tibetan Mastiff

First imported to the United States in the 1970’s, the Tibetan Mastiff is a loyal, calm, and loving house pet. Hailing from the Himalayan Mountains in Tibet, this breed can reach up to 200 lbs. Although it is not generally the most expensive dog breed, the most expensive dog ever sold was the Tibetan Mastiff for a price of $1.5 million.

7. Rottweiler

Never judge a book by its cover. The Rottweiler has a reputation for being an aggressive dog with a powerful, dangerous body. On the contrary they are very loyal dogs that tend to risk their safety for any member of their family. They are ideal guard dogs who are extremely protective of their owners. This breed is truly a man’s best friend.

6. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow, known for its distinct blue tongue, come it at No. 5. Don’t be fooled by its fluffy exterior, this breed has an extremely dominant personality. Therefore, it needs a dominant owner who is firm yet gentle. Averaging about 70 lbs. this breed has a tendency to snore loudly, so they are not advised for light sleepers.

5. English Bulldog

As classic to Britain as the Queen, the English bulldog fills the No.4 slot. Commonly referred to as the gentlest breed in the world, the English Bulldog is the ideal house pet. They are an indoor breed that does not do well in hot climates (air conditioning required).

4. Samoyed

Kicking off the top three is the Siberian Samoyed. This thick haired beauty is known for being playful and social. As many things from England are, this breed is considered highly intelligent. Due to its thick luxurious coat, this breed will require more extensive grooming than its owner. Averaging about 65 lbs. the Samoyed is the perfect easy-going dog for its equally enthusiastic owner.

3. Cavalier Kings Charles Spaniel

This tri-colored breed is known for its loving personality shown by its endless tail wagging. On average, this breed weighs in at around 15 lbs. However, like most of us, they tend to gain weight easily so daily exercise is a must. The Cavalier Kings Charles Spaniel is fit for just that, a King.

2. German Shepherd

Presenting the breed with the most buck for its bark; the German Shepherd. This dog can be trained as a drug sniffer, rescue dog, a helping aid for the visually impaired, and can certainly ward of your creepy neighbors. German Shepherds require a lot of exercise and can handle strenuous activity. It is ideal for their owner to be the leader of the pack, just as they are.

1. Red Tibetan Mastiff

Genghis Khan had one, legend says. So did the Buddha. And now, the prized red Tibetan mastiff, thought to be one of the world’s oldest and most venerable breeds, has another distinction: One of the massive, fluffy dogs has become the most expensive dog ever sold. An 11-month old pup named Big Splash (“Hong Dong” in Chinese) recently sold in the Chinese city of Qingdao for 10 million yuan — about $1.5 million in U.S. dollars. The 3-foot-tall, 180-pound dog is one of a breed that has been around since time immemorial. Tibetan mastiffs are said to have guarded nomad camps and monasteries, and are rarely seen outside of Tibet.