Samoyed
Price range: $3,000
Common health issues: Hip dysplasia, Cardiac and eye disease
Additional expenses: Fenced yard, early training
One of the ancient breeds genetically linked to wolves, the Samoyed stands 19 to 24 inches tall and weighs 35 to 65 pounds. The correct pronunciation of the name puts the accent on the last syllable: Sam-a-YED, which comes from the Samoyede, semi-nomadic people from Northern Siberia.