How much does a Tornjak puppy cost?

Tornjak puppies aren’t cheap, and the $1,000 to $2,800 price tag isn’t arbitrary. These dogs are rare in the U.S., registered in the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service, which means there’s no high-volume breeding and very limited supply. Responsible breeders can’t just crank out litters—they’re working with a small gene pool, often importing semen or coordinating across countries, which drives up costs. Health testing is non-negotiable with this breed. Given their susceptibility to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and eye conditions, ethical breeders invest in OFA certifications, eye exams, and cardiac clearances. That testing gets passed on to buyers, but it’s necessary to reduce long-term health risks. Since the breed isn’t popular, you won’t find puppy mills flooding the market—but that also means fewer breeders, and those who do specialize in Tornjaks are often deeply invested in preserving the breed’s working-dog integrity. A puppy priced below $1,000 should raise red flags. At that point, corners were likely cut: no health testing, possibly backyard breeding, or worse, conditions that lead to obesity or joint problems down the line. You’re not just paying for a puppy. You’re paying for genetic diligence, responsible stewardship, and a dog that should stay healthy past age three. Skip the testing, and you’ll pay later in vet bills.