If you plan to adopt a furry friend, consider several factors, including your lifestyle and the dog’s needs. Cost is a significant factor to consider while purchasing a pet. If your budget is limited, an affordable dog breed may be the ideal fit for you.
Usually, small breeds make good low-cost companions. The initial purchase price of some small dogs may be high, but they have lower maintenance costs. For instance, they eat less, so you do not need to spend a lot of money on their dietary needs.
Some dog breeds have easy to maintain coat, so you do not need to pay a hefty amount in the name of grooming costs. You can also reduce the purchasing cost by adopting a dog breed instead of buying one from a breeder.
Here are the 7 best dog breeds for those seeking low-cost companions.
Best Dog Breeds for Those Seeking Low-Cost Companions
1. Chinese Crested
Chinese Crested dogs come in two coat types: hairless and powder puff. Hairless Chinese Crested have hair on their heads, tail, and feet, whereas powder puff is covered with a coat of fine hair that sheds minimally.
Little hair means minimal grooming needs. However, Hairless Chinese Crested need extra care and attention when it comes to their skin. You may need to invest in a good-quality sunscreen for your pup. These lively and alert toy dogs are no more than 13 inches high, explains the AKC.
Their small size means they do not eat much and have fewer dietary costs. If you are looking for a furry friend who dances when you get home and cuddles up next to you in bed, you should adopt a Chinese Crested.
Both Chinese Crested varieties are very much in tune with their families. You can easily satisfy their exercise needs with daily walks and indoor play sessions. Purchasing a Chinese Crested may cost you around $1200 to $4000.
2. Beagle
Beagles are low-maintenance dogs in terms of grooming needs and dietary costs. They are small in size, which means you do not need to spend much on their food. Their short coats do not require expensive professional grooming.
These factors make them one of the most affordable dog breeds. Beagles are curious dogs known for their phenomenal sense of smell and superior tracking instincts. However, potential health issues may cost you a few bucks.
Purchasing a Beagle in 2026 may cost around $1000-$1500. Upon purchasing, you may need to spend a few extra bucks on heartworm treatment and dental cleaning. Beagles are an extremely loyal and affectionate dog breed, ideal for individuals seeking a low-cost companion.
Their happy-go-lucky personalities make them a good fit for first-time dog owners. Beagles are energetic dogs who need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
3. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are compact and well-balanced little dogs, recognized by their stylish ‘tuxedo’ coat. Also known as ‘American Gentlemen,’ Boston Terriers are highly social dogs who thrive on human interaction and make excellent family pets.
Their short coat does not shed a lot and needs only weekly brushing using a soft-bristle brush. Boston Terriers are generally healthy and long-living dogs. However, they are brachycephalic, which makes them prone to breathing difficulties.
However, regular vet visits can further reduce the risk of health problems. Minimal grooming requirements combined with low healthcare costs make them one of the cheapest dog breeds, ideal for budget-conscious dog owners.
Purchasing a Boston Terrier may cost between $100-$2500. Boston Terriers have a high prey drive, which makes them unsuitable for homes with smaller animals.
4. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a companion dog breed hailing from Mexico. These little dogs eat less and have fewer food costs. Chihuahuas are surprisingly low-maintenance. Only quick grooming is enough to keep the coat healthy.
Adopting or purchasing a Chihuahua may cost between $200 to $2500. These healthy dogs have a long lifespan, but are predisposed to certain genetic issues. Regular veterinary care can significantly help reduce the risk of such health issues.
Chihuahuas are feisty canines who get short bursts of playful energy. They do not have extensive exercise needs to stay physically and mentally fit. Chihuahuas are wonderful companions and lap dogs, full of personality.
According to PDSA, Chihuahuas are clever little dogs who respond well to reward-based, positive training.
5. Basenji
Basenjis are ‘barkless dogs’ known for their yodel-like sounds and fastidious nature. Having a cat-like personality, Basenji’s love to groom themselves with their paws and have minimal doggy odor. Their short coats do not need extensive grooming.
Their coat sheds minimally and requires occasional brushing, which means you don’t have to buy expensive brushes for coat care. As long as they are getting adequate exercise and playtime, Basenjis make excellent apartment dogs.
Purchasing a Basenji puppy from a reputable breeder may cost between $1500 and $2000. Show-quality pup can cost up tp $2500. Their low maintenance costs make them one of the cheapest dog breeds. Basenjis are generally healthy dogs, but are predisposed to some genetic problems.
Responsible breeders screen for health disorders like hyperthyroidism, Fanconi syndrome (a kidney disorder), and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
6. Dachshund
Originally bred in Germany, Dachshunds are recognized by their floppy ears, stubby legs, and elongated bodies. These lively dogs may have a relatively high purchase price of several thousand dollars. However, Dachshunds are a budget-friendly dog breed due to their low maintenance needs.
Smooth-coated Dachshunds need minimal coat care, so you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for grooming. They are minimal shedders and need occasional brushing. Dachshunds are intelligent and independent dogs, but can be a bit stubborn at times.
They are incredibly loyal and affectionate to their owners and form strong bonds with them. Dachshunds also have a high prey drive, so they may not be well-suited for multi-pet households. They make excellent family pets but are better for homes with older children.
7. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are loving and affectionate dogs who bond firmly with their humans. The typical price of a Shih Tzu puppy ranges between $1000 and $3000, explains PetMD. They are quite low maintenance in terms of exercise and dietary needs.
Being small dogs, they eat very little and have fewer costs. Like many other small dogs, Shih Tzus also have a long lifespan. They are considered a healthy and robust dog breed overall, but may be prone to some genetic disorders.
Purchasing the dog from a reputable breeder and regular checkups can lead to fewer vet bills. Their luxurious coats are high maintenance, and you need to prepare yourself for groomer’s fees.
However, their hypoallergenic coat makes them a good choice for allergy sufferers. They produce less dander, so you don’t have to spend money on allergy medications.
Conclusion
The best dog breeds for individuals seeking low-cost companionship are usually low-maintenance. Some of them have a lower purchase price, while others have lower maintenance costs. Low-maintenance dog breeds have easy-to-maintain coats that do not require extensive grooming.
They are generally healthy and less prone to certain health diseases, so you do not need to spend much on veterinary care. Despite being low-cost dogs, these pooches make loving and loyal companions.
