Are you planning to buy a puppy in Nigeria in 2025? Whether you need a loyal security dog, a friendly family companion, or a cute indoor pet, it’s important to choose a breed that matches your lifestyle, environment, and budget.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top dog breeds in Nigeria, their current prices, unique traits, and how to care for them. Let’s help you make the best decision before bringing home your furry friend.

1. German Shepherd

Price: ₦150,000 – ₦350,000
Personality: Loyal, intelligent, confident, obedient
Best for: Security, family protection, law enforcement

German Shepherds are among the most popular dogs in Nigeria because of their intelligence, loyalty, and strong protective instincts. They are easy to train, very smart, and work well as both family dogs and guard dogs.

Care Tips:

• Daily exercise and mental stimulation are crucial.

• Feed them high-protein dog food for muscle development.

• Regular grooming (they shed often).

• Keep them mentally challenged with tasks or training.

2. Rottweiler

Price: ₦200,000 – ₦500,000+
Personality: Protective, calm, fearless
Best for: Security, personal protection, estate guarding

Rottweilers are strong, confident dogs with natural guarding instincts. They are loyal and obedient if trained from an early age. Inexperienced owners must be firm and consistent with training.

Care Tips:

• Secure fencing is important (they’re strong).

• Introduce them to people and pets early (socialization).

• Maintain a balanced diet with calcium for bone strength.

• Exercise regularly to prevent obesity.

3. Boerboel

Price: ₦180,000 – ₦450,000
Personality: Calm, territorial, devoted
Best for: Homes with large compounds, serious security

The Boerboel is a South African mastiff-type dog known for its size, strength, and calm nature. It’s perfect for Nigerians living in large homes who need a serious watchdog that can also be gentle with the family.

Care Tips:

• Needs space and exercise to avoid aggression.

• Feed with high-quality dry food, avoid overfeeding.

• Routine vet visits to monitor weight and hip health.

• Early obedience training is a must.

4. Caucasian Shepherd (Russian Bear Dog)

Price: ₦300,000 – ₦700,000+
Personality: Very protective, independent, dominant
Best for: Large homes, experienced dog handlers

Caucasian Shepherds are massive, thick-coated dogs bred to protect livestock. In Nigeria, they’re popular as estate security dogs. Due to their strength and size, they're not suitable for first-time dog owners.

Care Tips:

• Large, fenced compound is necessary.

• Proper grooming (thick coat requires brushing).

• Socialize early to prevent aggression.

• Feed a meat-rich diet for healthy bones and joints.

5. Labrador Retriever

Price: ₦150,000 – ₦300,000
Personality: Friendly, playful, intelligent
Best for: Families with kids, therapy and assistance work

Labradors are one of the friendliest dog breeds. They are loving, gentle, and easy to train, making them excellent for first-time pet owners. Labs are also great with children and adapt well to apartment living if walked regularly.

Care Tips:

• Regular exercise – they love to run and play.

• Grooming once or twice a week.

• Watch their diet – they gain weight easily.

• Early training and socialization are key.

6. French Bulldog

Price: ₦300,000 – ₦550,000
Personality: Affectionate, low-energy, easygoing
Best for: Apartment living, small families

French Bulldogs are small-sized, compact dogs that don’t need too much exercise, making them ideal for city living. They are calm, affectionate, and relatively easy to care for, but they don’t tolerate extreme heat.

Care Tips:

• Keep indoors during hot weather.

• Clean facial folds regularly to avoid infections.

• Avoid intense exercise (due to breathing issues).

• Regular vet checks for respiratory health.

7. Lhasa Apso

Price: ₦100,000 – ₦250,000
Personality: Watchful, small but confident, affectionate
Best for: Indoor companionship, watchdog

Lhasa Apsos are small dogs with long hair, making them a favorite among people who want a manageable, non-aggressive breed. They’re great for small spaces and are good watchdogs, despite their size.

Care Tips:

• Groom often to avoid hair tangling.

• Keep their eyes and ears clean.

• Use indoor pads or train them to go outdoors.

• Small, regular meals recommended.

8. Pug

Price: ₦400,000 – ₦500,000+
Personality: Comedic, charming, affectionate
Best for: Singles, families, indoor pet lovers

Pugs are adorable, social, and very loving. Their small size and humorous personalities make them a favorite among apartment dwellers. They don’t handle heat well and are prone to breathing problems.

Care Tips:

• Keep indoors during sunny hours.

• Short walks only; no intense exercise.

• Watch for eye and skin issues.

• Groom facial folds and bathe regularly.

Factors That Affect Puppy Prices in Nigeria

1. Breed purity: Purebred dogs are more expensive than mixed breeds.

2. Lineage: Imported bloodlines or show-quality dogs cost more.

3. Vaccination status: Puppies with all vaccines and health records cost more.

4. Breeder location: Dogs in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt tend to cost more.

5. Age of the puppy: Younger puppies are usually priced higher.

Final Tips Before You Buy a Puppy

• Vaccinate early and stick to the schedule.

• Choose a trusted breeder with good reviews or referrals.

• Buy a dog that suits your space and time commitment.

• Budget for food, training, vet care, and accessories.

• Adopt if you can – shelters sometimes have amazing puppies!