Live NZ price guide
Dog Breed Prices NZ
Puppy prices for 192 breeds in New Zealand, pulled live from our breed profiles — breeder price ranges plus adoption fees, grouped by budget. Prices reflect registered NZ breeders; adopting through the SPCA or a rescue is usually $150–$500. Click any breed for its full profile, temperament and care costs.
Planning the full budget? See cost of owning a dog in NZ and NZ vet costs.
Under $1,000
Mostly working lines, crossbreeds, and breeds with strong NZ supply — adoption is often the best route here too.
| Breed | NZ price range |
|---|---|
| American Foxhound | $800 - $2,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| American Pit Bull Terrier | $800 - $2,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | $800 - $2,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Australian Kelpie | $800 - $2,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Beagle | $800 - $2,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Black and Tan Coonhound | $800 - $2,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Border Collie | $800 - $2,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| English Springer Spaniel | $800 - $2,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| German Shepherd | $800 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues |
| Greyhound | $800 - $2,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA NZ or breed-specific rescue groups. |
| Jack Russell Terrier | $800-$2,500+ NZD is a broad pet-market range; adoption may be lower. Verify breeder quality, health checks, and current NZ listings before buying. |
| Keeshond | $800 - $2,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Miniature Pinscher | $800 - $2,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Poodle (Miniature) | $800 - $2,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Silky Terrier | $800 - $2,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | $800 - $2,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
$1,000 – $2,000
The mid-market: many popular family breeds from registered breeders sit in this range.
| Breed | NZ price range |
|---|---|
| Alaskan Husky | $1,000 - $3,500 NZD from reputable performance dog breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues (if available) |
| Australian Cattle Dog | $1,000 - $3,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues |
| Catahoula Leopard Dog | $1,000 - $3,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues (if available) |
| Wire Fox Terrier | $1,200 – $2,500 NZD from registered Dogs NZ breeders. |
| Akbash Dog | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders (if available, as they are less common); $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available for this specific breed). |
| American Bulldog | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $250-$500 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues |
| American Cocker Spaniel | $1,500 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| American Eskimo Dog | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| American Eskimo Dog (Miniature) | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (if available) |
| Australian Silky Terrier | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Australian Terrier | $1,500 - $3,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues (if available) |
| Basenji | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA (when available) |
| Basset Hound | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues. |
| Bedlington Terrier | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Bluetick Coonhound | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $200-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Boston Terrier | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Boxer | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Bull Terrier | $1,500 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Bull Terrier (Miniature) | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $200-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues (when available) |
| Cairn Terrier | $1,500 - $3,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Chesapeake Bay Retriever | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (when available) |
| Chihuahua | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Chinese Crested | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Chow Chow | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Dachshund | $1,500 – $3,500+ NZD from registered NZ breeders (Miniatures and rarer colours/coats often at the top end); $150 – $400 NZD via SPCA or breed rescue. Be cautious of unusually cheap or 'designer' colour litters. |
| Dalmatian | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Dobermann | $1,500 – $3,500 NZD from reputable Dogs NZ breeders performing essential cardiac and vWD DNA screenings; rescue dogs range from $150 – $450 NZD. |
| Dutch Shepherd | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (if available) |
| English Setter | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues (when available) |
| English Shepherd | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Flat-Coated Retriever | $1,500 – $2,500 NZD from registered Dogs NZ breeders. |
| German Pinscher | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (if available) |
| Gordon Setter | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Harrier | $1,500 - $3,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Irish Setter | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Lhasa Apso | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues. |
| Maltese | $1,500 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (when available) |
| Manchester Terrier | $1,500 - $3,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Miniature Schnauzer | $1,500-$3,500+ NZD from registered or health-focused breeders is a broad guide; adoption may be lower. Verify current NZ listings and breeder health practices. |
| Norwegian Elkhound | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Old English Sheepdog | $1,500 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Pekingese | $1,500 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Plott | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Pointer | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Pug | $1,500 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Rat Terrier | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA or rescue organisations |
| Redbone Coonhound | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues (if available) |
| Rottweiler | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $250-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues (when available) |
| Rough Collie | $1,500-$3,500+ NZD is a broad pedigree-breed guide where available; verify current Dogs NZ breeder/litter information and health testing. |
| Saluki | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescue groups |
| Schipperke | $1,500 - $3,000 NZD from registered breeders (NZKC); $150-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues |
| Scottish Terrier | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues. |
| Shetland Sheepdog | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Shih Tzu | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Siberian Husky | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $250-$500 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues |
| Smooth Collie | $1,500-$3,500+ NZD is a broad pedigree-breed guide where available; availability may be limited, so verify Dogs NZ breeder listings and current litters. |
| Smooth Fox Terrier | $1,500 - $3,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA NZ or breed-specific rescues |
| Standard Schnauzer | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Tibetan Spaniel | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (when available) |
| Toy Fox Terrier | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Treeing Walker Coonhound | $1,500 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA NZ (if available) |
| Welsh Springer Spaniel | $1,500 – $2,500 NZD from registered Dogs NZ breeders. |
| West Highland White Terrier | $1,500-$3,500+ NZD from reputable breeders is a broad guide; adoption may be lower. Verify current Dogs NZ breeder/litter information and health practices. |
| Whippet | $1,500 – $3,000 NZD from registered Dogs NZ breeders. |
| Airedale Terrier | $1,800 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Akita | $1,800 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Beauceron | $1,800 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Belgian Tervuren | $1,800 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $250-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA (when available) |
| Brittany | $1,800 - $3,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescue groups |
| Cocker Spaniel | $1,800 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $250-$500 NZD adoption via SPCA NZ or breed-specific rescues. |
| German Shorthaired Pointer | $1,800 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescue groups (when available). |
| Great Pyrenees | $1,800 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $200-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA NZ or breed-specific rescues, though Pyrs are less common for adoption. |
| Irish Terrier | $1,800 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Kuvasz | $1,800 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| Labrador Retriever | $1,800 - $3,800 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Norfolk Terrier | $1,800 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Pomeranian | $1,800 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Poodle (Standard) | $1,800 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Saint Bernard | $1,800 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Weimaraner | $1,800 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues, depending on age and health. |
$2,000 – $3,500
High-demand family favourites and breeds with smaller NZ breeding populations.
| Breed | NZ price range |
|---|---|
| Afghan Hound | $2,000 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (if available) |
| American Bully | $2,000 - $5,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Anatolian Shepherd Dog | $2,000 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| Bearded Collie | $2,000 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Belgian Malinois | $2,000 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| Bordoodle | $2,000 – $4,500+ NZD from reputable NZ breeders; $150 – $450 NZD via rescues or SPCA. |
| Bouvier des Flandres | $2,000 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Bullmastiff | $2,000 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues (when available) |
| Canaan Dog | $2,000 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| Chinese Shar-Pei | $2,000 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues. |
| Doberman Pinscher | $2,000 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Finnish Spitz | $2,000 - $4,000 NZD from registered NZKC breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues (if available) |
| German Wirehaired Pointer | $2,000 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (if available) |
| Italian Greyhound | $2,000 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (when available) |
| Japanese Chin | $2,000 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (if available) |
| Japanese Spitz | $2,000 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Lakeland Terrier | $2,000 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescue. |
| Olde English Bulldogge | $2,000 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (if available) |
| Poodle (Toy) | $2,000 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Puli | $2,000 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Pumi | $2,000 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Samoyed | $2,000 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues |
| Schnoodle | $2,000 – $4,000+ NZD from reputable NZ breeders; $150 – $450 NZD via SPCA or local rescue organisations. |
| Sealyham Terrier | $2,000 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| Spoodle | $2,000 – $4,500+ NZD from reputable NZ breeders (rare coat colours and multi-gen lines command premium prices); $150 – $450 NZD via SPCA or local rescue organisations. |
| Swedish Vallhund | $2,000 - $3,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Tibetan Terrier | $2,000 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (when available) |
| Affenpinscher | $2,500 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (when available) |
| Alaskan Malamute | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$400 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| American Water Spaniel | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Appenzeller Sennenhund | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| Australian Shepherd | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $250-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Basset Bleu de Gascogne | $2,500 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (if available) |
| Bichon Frisé | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Bloodhound | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Boerboel | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| Borzoi | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| Boykin Spaniel | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| Bracco Italiano | $2,500 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| Briard | $2,500 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (when available) |
| Cane Corso | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $300-$600 NZD adoption via SPCA (if available, rare for this breed) |
| Cardigan Welsh Corgi | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $200-$500 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka) | $2,500 - $5,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Cavoodle (Cavalier x Poodle) | $2,500 - $5,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Dogo Argentino | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| English Toy Spaniel | $2,500 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders (NZKC); $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues (if available) |
| Giant Schnauzer | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (if available) |
| Golden Retriever | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues. |
| Goldendoodle | $2,500 – $4,800+ NZD from reputable NZ breeders (Miniatures and red/apricot multi-gen coats command premium prices); $150 – $450 NZD via rescues or SPCA. |
| Great Dane | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues (when available) |
| Groodle | $2,500 – $5,000+ NZD from reputable NZ breeders (rare coat colours and smaller sizes command premium prices); $150 – $450 NZD via SPCA or local rescue organisations. |
| Havanese | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (when available) |
| Labradoodle | $2,500 – $4,500+ NZD from registered or reputable NZ breeders (rare colours and multi-gen coats command the highest prices); $150 – $450 NZD via SPCA or local rescue organisations. |
| Maltipoo | $2,500 – $4,500+ NZD from reputable NZ breeders (toy-sized and apricot/red colours command premium prices); $150 – $450 NZD via rescues. |
| Mastiff | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $300-$600 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues |
| Norwich Terrier | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| Papillon | $2,500 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $250-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA (when available) |
| Perro de Presa Canario | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| Pomsky | $2,500 – $5,000+ NZD from specialized breeders (prices are high due to mandatory veterinary costs for Artificial Insemination); $150 – $450 NZD via rescues such as the SPCA. |
| Rhodesian Ridgeback | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $250-$450 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues (when available) |
| Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier | $2,500 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescue groups (when available) |
| Spanish Water Dog | $2,500 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (if available) |
| Spinone Italiano | $2,500 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| Vizsla | $2,500 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA or breed-specific rescues (when available) |
| Bernedoodle | $3,000 – $5,000+ NZD from reputable NZ breeders (tricolour coats resembling traditional Bernese markings command the highest premium); $150 – $450 NZD via rescues. |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | $3,000 - $5,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Chinook | $3,000 - $6,000 NZD from registered breeders (due to rarity); $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (if available, which is rare for this breed) |
| Clumber Spaniel | $3,000 - $5,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (if available) |
| English Bulldog | $3,000 – $6,000+ NZD from reputable NZ breeders. The high cost reflects complex breeding requirements, including artificial insemination and mandatory Caesarean births. |
| English Toy Terrier | $3,000 - $5,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available). |
| Eurasier | $3,000 - $5,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| Field Spaniel | $3,000 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Finnish Lapphund | $3,000 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| Glen of Imaal Terrier | $3,000 - $5,000 NZD from registered breeders (due to rarity); $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (if available, which is rare for this breed) |
| Griffon Bruxellois | $3,000 - $5,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Irish Wolfhound | $3,000 - $5,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| Komondor | $3,000 - $5,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available). |
| Kooikerhondje | $3,000 - $4,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA NZ (if available) |
| Newfoundland | $3,000 - $5,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA |
| Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever | $3,000 - $5,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| Pharaoh Hound | $3,000 - $5,000 NZD from registered breeders (they are a rare breed in NZ); $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (highly unlikely for this specific breed, but possible for similar sighthound mixes). |
| Russian Toy | $3,000 - $5,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (extremely rare for this specific breed) |
| Scottish Deerhound | $3,000 - $5,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| Thai Ridgeback | $3,000 - $5,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
$3,500 and up
Rare breeds, designer crosses in peak demand, and imports — waitlists are common.
| Breed | NZ price range |
|---|---|
| Alano Español | $3,500 - $6,000 NZD from registered breeders (if available locally, otherwise import costs apply); $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (extremely rare to find) |
| Barbet | $3,500 - $6,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (if available, which is rare for this breed) |
| Cotón de Tuléar | $3,500 - $6,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (when available) |
| French Bulldog | $3,500 - $6,000 NZD from registered breeders; $250 - $450 NZD adoption via SPCA (when available) |
| Lagotto Romagnolo | $3,500 - $5,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| Leonberger | $3,500 - $5,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available). |
| Shiba Inu | $3,500 - $5,500 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA or rescue groups (if available) |
| Tibetan Mastiff | $3,500 - $7,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (rarely available) |
| Azawakh | $4,000 - $8,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via sighthound rescues (rarely available) |
| Norwegian Lundehund | $4,000 - $6,000 NZD from registered breeders (due to rarity); $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (highly unlikely to find this breed) |
Buying safely: before you pay
Price is only half the decision — the breeder matters more. Our breed-specific breeder guides cover the health tests to demand and the red flags to avoid: Labrador, German Shepherd, Cavoodle, French Bulldog, English Bulldog and Golden Retriever.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dog cost in NZ?
From registered breeders, most breeds in NZ cost between $800 and $4,500, with high-demand or rare breeds reaching $6,000+. Adoption through the SPCA or rescues typically costs $150–$500 including desexing, vaccination and microchipping. The purchase price is only the start — budget for food, vet care, registration and insurance.
Why do prices for the same breed vary so much?
Health testing, registered (NZKC/Dogs NZ) vs unregistered breeders, lineage, colour, and demand all move prices. A cheap puppy from an unregistered breeder often costs more later in vet bills — see our breeder guides for the health tests to ask about before you pay.
Is it cheaper to adopt?
Almost always. NZ adoption fees ($150–$500) usually include desexing, vaccinations and microchipping — worth $400+ if paid separately. Breed availability is less predictable, but crossbreeds and adult dogs make outstanding companions.
What ongoing costs should I budget for?
Plan for roughly $1,500–$3,000+ per year: food, annual vet care, council registration, flea/worm treatment, and insurance. Large breeds and brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds tend to sit at the higher end. See our cost of owning a dog guide for a full breakdown.
petmall.co.nz
Shop at PetMall
The products below are practical support items for your pet. PetMall ships across New Zealand.
- Dog FoodStart with food that matches your dog's life stage and activity level — and change brands slowly over 7–10 days.
- Dog TreatsTraining rewards and everyday treats — small, soft pieces work best for consistent reinforcement.
- Dog ToysA small rotation of chew, fetch, and puzzle toys usually works better than buying a large variety at once.
- Dog GroomingA gentle brush and the right shampoo make maintenance easier — especially for dogs that get muddy on walks.
- Leads & HarnessesComfort matters: padded contact points and adjustable fit help reduce rubbing on longer walks or tramping weekends.
- Flea & Worm TreatmentFor NZ conditions, look for protection that fits your routine (monthly vs longer-lasting) and your dog's weight range.