If you’ve ever wondered, “How much does it really cost to own a dog?”, the answer goes beyond just the initial purchase price. Some breeds, particularly larger dogs, require more food, while high-maintenance breeds with frequent grooming or specialized care can add to ongoing expenses.
On the other hand, low-maintenance breeds often cost less to feed, groom, and keep healthy, making them a practical choice for budget-conscious dog lovers. Medical needs are another important consideration.
For busy individuals or first-time dog owners, selecting a low-maintenance dog breed is key. Dogs that require minimal exercise, minimal grooming needs, and training — or have fewer health concerns — can easily fit into a variety of lifestyles.
And the best part? Affordable, easygoing dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find a match that suits both your home and your budget.
We’ll explore low-cost dog breeds, highlighting breeds that are budget-friendly, low-maintenance, and full of personality — perfect for anyone looking to welcome a furry friend without breaking the bank.
Affordable Dog Breeds: Saving Money and Joy
1. Chihuahua
Meet the Chihuahua: small enough to fit in your handbag, but with enough energy to power a small city. At around $650 to purchase and $23 per bath, this pint-sized pup won’t break the bank—but it might steal your socks… and your heart.
Despite weighing under six pounds, Chihuahuas have a life expectancy of 14–16 years, giving you over a decade of feisty companionship.
Their tiny size means modest food costs (goodbye giant dog kibble bills!) and minimal grooming thanks to their mostly short coats. So yes, you save money, but don’t expect a low-energy lapdog—this little dynamo has a lot of opinions.
Sure, they can be a bit temperamental. One moment they’re snuggling in your lap, the next they’re barking at the mail carrier like a tiny security guard with a complex. Early training can help keep those attitude issues in check—but let’s be honest, a Chihuahua’s sass is part of the charm.
According to Britannica, while Chihuahuas have a reputation as lapdogs, in reality, they’re energetic thrill-seekers who prefer running, playing, and making sure everyone in the house knows their presence.
They thrive on human (and canine) company, but strangers? Not so much. Think of them as the pint-sized family member who guards the house, demands cuddles, and occasionally acts like they own the place—which, honestly, they kind of do.
If you’re looking for an affordable, long-lived companion that’s small in size but enormous in personality, the Chihuahua might just be your perfect match.
2. Pug
Meet the Pug: A $350 bundle of joy with a bathtime bill around $27. Don’t let their small size (14–18 pounds) fool you—they come packed with personality, snorts, and more charm than a box of puppies could hold.
Their compact size makes feeding them inexpensive, and their easygoing nature means they’re fantastic for first-time dog owners. Pugs are basically the canine equivalent of your favorite comfy sweater: low-maintenance, cozy, and hard to resist.
That said, their adorably smooshed faces come with some responsibilities. Pugs need regular baths to keep their skin happy, and if you skip grooming, those costs can sneak up on you. But roll up your sleeves and bathe your Pug at home, and you’ve got yourself one of the most affordable and affectionate dog breeds around.
PetMD points out that Pugs don’t handle extreme heat or strenuous exercise well. Those snub noses aren’t built for marathons or tropical climates.
Think of them as indoor champions—perfect for cozy apartments, long Netflix binges, and carefully monitored backyard play. Keep an eye out for signs of overheating or breathing issues, and you’ll have a snorty little sidekick who loves you endlessly.
In short: Pugs are small in stature, big in personality, and surprisingly light on your wallet, making them perfect for anyone wanting a loving, low-cost companion… just prepare for the snorts and occasional flat-faced grumpiness.
3. Dachshund
Say hello to the Dachshund: A $500 long-bodied wonder with a bathtime cost of around $23. With their sausage-like shape and tiny legs, these little pups are proof that good things come in long, low packages.
Weighing in at 16–32 pounds, Dachshunds are a manageable size for feeding and grooming, making them a budget-friendly option for first-time pet owners. Their small stature means you’re not paying for a dog-sized grocery bill—just enough kibble to fuel their curious, sometimes mischievous energy.
But don’t let their cute, wiggly bodies fool you—they come with some quirks. Dachshunds can be prone to obesity, and because of their long spine, too much extra weight can lead to back problems, as noted by the AKC.
So a healthy diet and regular exercise aren’t just good for their waistline—they’ll keep your vet bills from creeping up too. Think of it as a “health and wallet insurance” plan disguised as a tiny, floppy-eared friend.
Despite the occasional stubborn streak, Dachshunds are playful, affectionate, and surprisingly adaptable. Whether they’re chasing a ball or curling up beside you on the couch, they deliver maximum personality for a minimal price.
If you want a long, loyal, and cost-conscious companion, the Dachshund is ready to waddle its way straight into your heart (and your budget).
4. Beagle
Meet the Beagle: A $650 bundle of energy with a bathtime price around $23. Short-haired and low-maintenance, these medium-sized dogs are perfect for anyone looking to save a little cash while still getting a whole lot of dog.
Beagles are active but not high-maintenance eaters. An adult beagle usually needs just one solid meal a day, with maybe a bedtime biscuit—so your grocery bill won’t skyrocket.
Their short coat keeps grooming simple, meaning fewer trips to the groomer and more money for toys, treats, or maybe a tiny Beagle-sized sweater.
While Beagles are known for their nose-first curiosity, they’re also wonderfully social and affectionate. They love company, enjoy playtime, and aren’t afraid to announce their presence with that classic Beagle howl—think of it as free entertainment and a neighborhood alert system rolled into one.
If you’re looking for a small-to-medium dog that’s playful, affordable, and full of personality, the Beagle is a fantastic choice. Just be ready for some detective-level sniffing adventures and the occasional enthusiastic bark—but hey, that’s all part of the charm!
5. Miniature Pinscher
Meet the Miniature Pinscher: A $500 little dynamo with a bathtime cost of around $25. Don’t let their size fool you—these pups are tiny in stature but huge in personality.
Weighing just 8–10 pounds, they fit effortlessly into any household, from cozy apartments to larger homes, without eating like a full-sized dog. Their short coat means minimal grooming, and a bath every few months is usually enough to keep them looking spiffy—so that’s another money-saver for your wallet.
Food costs? Barely noticeable. Space? Almost none. Yet the Miniature Pinscher brings a playful, outgoing energy that fills the room… and sometimes your lap, if they can jump that high.
These little firecrackers can also be assertive and stubborn, so early training is key. But once they learn the ropes, they become a loyal, entertaining, and loving companion who never fails to make life more lively.
Think of them as a pocket-sized cheerleader with a dash of spunk and a sprinkle of sass—fun, affordable, and impossible to ignore.
In short: if you want a small dog with a big personality that won’t drain your budget, the Miniature Pinscher is ready to stake its claim as your new favorite tiny tornado.
6. Rat Terrier
Meet the Rat Terrier: A $350 scrappy little sidekick with a bathtime cost of around $25. Small, clever, and full of energy, these pups are the perfect affordable family companion—and they come with a surprisingly heroic history.
They were expert rat-catchers in the White House. While your pup may not be tasked with pest control, you’ll still get a loyal, energetic, and clever companion who’s ready to be the hero of your household in other ways (like chasing socks or stealing your chair).
Rat Terriers are typically healthy and low-maintenance, needing only a modest amount of food and occasional at-home brushing.
Their intelligence means you can train them yourself, saving money on professional obedience classes. Most importantly, these pups love being part of the family, making them fantastic playmates for kids and a bundle of enthusiasm for anyone who loves a lively home.
In short: If you want a fun, frugal, and full-of-personality dog with a dash of history, the Rat Terrier is a tiny dynamo that packs a lot of heart into a small, wallet-friendly package.
7. Bichon Frise
Say hello to the Bichon Frise: A $525 bundle of fluff with a bathtime cost of about $33. Weighing just 12–18 pounds, these little cloud-like pups are light on food costs but heavy on personality—and fluff!
One of the perks of a Bichon is that they shed minimally, making them a solid choice for families with allergies or anyone who prefers a cleaner house (well… as much as a dog allows).
Their moderate energy levels mean they’re playful but not hyper, so daily walks and a bit of playtime are enough to keep them happy—and your wallet intact.
Of course, the Bichon Frise comes with some grooming responsibilities. Regular baths and a few trims every few months keep them looking like the elegant little snowball they are.
But the payoff is worth it: you get a friendly, affectionate, and playful companion who loves cuddles, games, and making your home feel just a little brighter.
In short, the Bichon Frise is small, sociable, and surprisingly budget-friendly, making it a fantastic choice for first-time dog owners or anyone who wants a cheerful, low-shedding sidekick without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
For those seeking the cheapest dog breeds, it’s important to consider all aspects of dog ownership, from adoption fees and vet costs to grooming costs.
Other breeds like Border Collies and Shiba Inu can be a great choice because they require only weekly brushing or occasional help from a professional groomer using a grooming mitt, keeping grooming expenses manageable.
Regular exercise is essential for active dogs, while a small size makes some breeds easier to care for and maintain skin clean. By balancing costs with proper care, these dogs become wonderful companions without straining your budget, whether adopting from a breeder or a rescue.
