Owning a dog is one of the most rewarding things you can do. But it is also expensive. Between vet bills, dog food, grooming costs, pet insurance and all the little extras that add up, dog ownership can hit your wallet hard!!
But not all dog breeds cost a fortune to bring home and care for.
Some of the affordable dog breeds have low initial price tags, minimal grooming needs and are generally healthy enough to save you money on vet care over time. These cheapest dog breeds are just as loving, loyal and fun as any expensive purebred out there.
Today, we are covering seven budget-friendly dog breeds that make fantastic low-cost companions without sacrificing personality, health or joy.
These are dogs that won’t drain your bank account but will absolutely fill your home with love.
Fun Fact!
Did you know that mixed-breed dogs are usually healthier and less expensive than purebreds? According to PetsCare, mixed breeds tend to have fewer genetic health issues because of their diverse gene pool. That means few vet bills and a long and healthy life for your furry friend. Budget-friendly breeds and healthier? That’s a win-win.
Affordable Dog Breeds: A Guide to Low-Cost Companions
1. Beagle
The Beagle is one of those dog breeds that checks all the boxes if you are a budget-conscious owner.
First off, the purchase price is usually pretty reasonable compared to other purebreds. Usually, $700 to $2,200.
And when we talk about ongoing costs, Beagles are low-maintenance dogs.
They have a short coat, which means minimal grooming. No expensive salon visits and no professional grooming appointments every six weeks. Just some weekly brushing at home with basic grooming tools, and you are good.
As per PetMD, they are also a healthy breed overall. Sure, like any dog, they can have health issues, but they are generally hardy and don’t rack up massive vet bills compared to some other breeds. And because they are medium-sized dogs, dog food costs are manageable, too.
They are not tiny dogs that need specialty diets. But, they are not larger dogs eating you out of house and home either.
These pups were originally bred as hunting dogs, so they have got energy and love being active. Daily walks, trips to the dog park, playing fetch… they are happy as long as they are moving.
And their playful nature makes them perfect for families, first-time dog owners or anyone looking for a cheap dog.
Plus, Beagles also get along well with other dogs, kids and even other pets. They are social, adaptable and just a joy to have around.
2. Bichon Frise
Okay, the Bichon Frise does need regular grooming. Let’s not sugarcoat that.
But once you learn some basic DIY grooming techniques, you can handle most of it yourself and avoid those frequent grooming appointments that add up fast.
And aside from grooming needs, the Bichon Frise is actually a more inexpensive dog breed to own long-term.
These little dogs are generally healthy, they don’t eat much (so dog food costs stay low), and their purchase price is also reasonable, $500 to $2,500. It is even more reasonable if you are adopting or going through a reputable breeder who is not charging luxury prices.
Bichon Frises are also hypoallergenic dogs, which is a HUGE bonus if anyone in the house has allergies. And because they are a companion breed, they are super adaptable.
They are playful, affectionate and get along well with kids and other dogs. They are one of those budget-friendly breeds that feel like a high-end dog without the high-end price tag.
Now, grooming is the main ongoing cost here. But if you invest in some grooming tools and watch a few YouTube tutorials, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars a year by doing it at home. It is not that complicated once you get the hang of it.
3. Border Collie
For people with an active lifestyle and who don’t want to break the bank, the Border Collies are worth considering.
These dogs are whip-smart (basically, one of the most intelligent dogs, ever), energetic and one of the best working breeds you can find.
And, Border Collies are typically pretty affordable to purchase and maintain. For a starter, their purchase price range is $700-$2,500.
They are popular, but they are not a designer breed, so you won’t be paying thousands upfront. And in terms of ongoing costs, Border Collies are low-cost dogs in many ways.
They have a moderate grooming routine, which means you don’t need professional grooming every month. Weekly brushing at home is basically enough to keep their coat healthy and tangle-free.
They need mental stimulation and lots of exercise (we are talking daily walks, runs and games), but they are not prone to a ton of major health issues that lead to huge vet bills.
Border Collies are high-energy. Like, really high energy. They were bred as herding dogs, so they need a job to do. If you are an active person or an active family, this dog is perfect for you. If you are a couch potato, this might not be.
If you can meet their exercise needs, Border Collies are actually one of the most budget-friendly dogs.
4. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is hands-down one of the cheapest dog breeds to own long-term.
They are a small breed. Like, really small. It means dog food costs are super-low than for the larger breeds. We are talking about a bag of food lasting you months. And veterinary care is also more affordable because medications and treatments are dosed by weight.
All kinds of Chihuahuas also have minimal grooming needs if you get a short coat variety. A quick brush once a week, the occasional bath and you are done.
And the purchase price is pretty affordable ($500-$2,500). If you adopt. Even from breeders, Chihuahuas tend to be the lower end compared to other small dogs like the Shih Tzu or Miniature Schnauzer.
Now, Chihuahuas do have a reputation of being a little… spicy. But, with proper training and good socialisation, they are actually great companions. They are fiercely loyal, alert and perfect for apartment dwellers or anyone with a smaller living space.
They form strong bonds with owners. Like, they will choose their person and stick to them. It’s adorable.
Health-wise, Chihuahuas are pretty sturdy. They can live 16+ years, which means you are getting a long-term canine partner without constant vet visits or health issues draining your budget.
5. Dachshund
Dachshunds or “wiener dogs” are another one of those affordable dog breeds that don’t cost a ton to own.
The initial price tag is reasonable. $1,500 to $2,000. Ongoing costs stay manageable because they are small dogs and their grooming needs are minimal. If you get a short-haired variety.
Now, if you go for a long-haired Doxie, you will need a bit more brushing, but it’s still something you can do at home.
Dachshunds are also healthy dogs. Though they can be prone to back issues because of their long bodies. That’s something to be aware of. And it’s why pet insurance might be a smart move. But overall, vet bills tend to stay low as long as you keep them at a healthy weight.
These little dogs are full of personality. They are playful, loyal, brave and stubborn dogs at times. They were bred to hunt badgers, so they have got that bold and fearless attitude.
They are great for first-time owners, apartment dwellers and anyone looking for a low-maintenance dog.
6. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are budget-friendly. The purchase price is on the lower end, mostly. Between $800 to $2,000. Their costs are also manageable.
They have a got a short and wiry coat that requires minimal grooming and just some weekly brushing. So, if you want a dog that is pretty manageable in terms of hair care, this is it.
They are pretty healthy overall. They are actually a sturdy and athletic breed that does not need to be groomed that much, and does not tend to have a ton of genetic health issues. You get fewer vet bills and less money spent on vet care. As per the American Kennel Club, they are a “wash-and-wear” type of dog.
Now, Jack Russells are high-energy. Like, really high energy.
They were bred to hunt foxes, so they have got stamina, speed and a drive to stay busy. If you are not ready to commit to daily walks, play sessions and mental stimulation, this breed might be tough. But if you are an active person or a family that loves being outdoors, this dog is perfect.
They are great for first-time owners who are willing to put in the training effort. They can be a bit stubborn, but training is key. Once you have that figured out, they are great companions. They get along well with other dogs (with proper socialization) and are great with active families.
7. Manchester Terrier
The Manchester Terrier is one of those breeds that flies under the radar. But it is actually one of the budget-friendly dogs.
These dogs have a sleek coat that needs almost zero grooming. Seriously. A quick brush once a week and you are done. No need to buy expensive products. Just DIY grooming at home, and you will save tons of money.
The purchase price is also pretty manageable, compared to some other trendier small breeds. And because they are a healthy breed, vet care costs stay manageable over time. You can expect to pay between $800 to $2,500.
Manchester Terriers were bred as rat hunters (hence the “Terrier” part), so they are athletic, alert and love staying active. But, they are not as high-energy as some other Terrier breeds. Great fit for plenty of pet parents.
They are not huge barkers, don’t need a massive yard, and they are perfectly happy with daily walks and some playtime. If you are a new dog owner looking for a low-maintenance and low-cost dog that’s easy to care for, does not need a ton of grooming and is still full of personality, the Manchester Terrier is a paw-some choice.
Conclusion
These seven affordable dog breeds prove that you can find a loyal, loving and low-cost companion without breaking the bank.
Some other options are Rat Terrier, Boston Terrier, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Chinese Crested hairless, American Hairless Terrier, and Miniature Pinscher. These can be awesome, low-cost dogs.
But, really, the best cheap dog is the one that is best for your lifestyle, your budget and your heart. Because no matter whether you spend $50 or $5,000, the love you get in return from these canine companions is priceless.
