13. Chow Chow
Average Cost: $2,900
Country of Origin: China
The Chow Chow, or “Songshi Quan” (puffy lion dog), is a sturdy, thick coated multipurpose worker once used for guarding and hunting.
Chow Chow Photo: otsphoto / Shutterstock
Independent and devoted, it can be challenging to train and faces regional ownership bans.
Owners often defend the breed as dignified rather than dangerous, citing loyal, well managed examples highlighted in local media features.