6. Canadian Eskimo Dog
Estimated Price: $3,000 – $8,750: As one of North America’s oldest and rarest indigenous dog breeds, the Canadian Eskimo Dog (or Qimmiq) is a powerful working animal with a history stretching back thousands of years. This is not a pet for the faint of heart; it’s a primitive breed that was a crucial partner for the Inuit people, used for pulling sleds across vast distances and hunting large prey like seals and polar bears. The breed was pushed to the brink of extinction in the 20th century due to the introduction of snowmobiles and disease. The high price reflects their critical rarity and the significant efforts of dedicated breeders working to preserve this vital piece of Arctic heritage. They possess immense stamina, a pack-oriented mentality, and a very high prey drive.