Bringing a dog into your home is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make, but the costs associated with owning a dog can quickly add up. From food and grooming to veterinary care, the expenses can be overwhelming, especially if you’re on a tight budget. The good news is that owning a dog doesn’t have to drain your wallet.
There are plenty of affordable dog breeds that offer all the love, loyalty, and companionship you’d expect, without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or simply looking for a more budget-friendly option, choosing the right breed can help you strike the perfect balance between cost and care.
In this guide, we’ll explore cheap dog breeds, showing you how to find a furry friend that fits your budget and lifestyle. Let’s dive into the world of affordable, loving pets!
Cheap Dog Breeds to Own
1. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are one of the most affordable dog breeds to own, making them a perfect choice for budget-conscious pet lovers. Known for their tiny size and big personality, Chihuahuas are a great option for those looking for an affordable yet affectionate companion.
One of the key factors that make Chihuahuas so affordable is their low medical expenses. Despite their delicate appearance, Chihuahuas are relatively healthy dogs with fewer major health problems. They have a longer lifespan, typically living between 12 to 20 years, which means you’ll spend less on vet visits in the long run.
As per AKC, Chihuahuas come in both short and long coat varieties, but regardless of their fur length, they don’t require frequent grooming sessions. A simple brushing once a week and occasional baths are enough to keep them looking their best. This simplicity means fewer costs for grooming services or supplies.
Chihuahuas also tend to be very adaptable to different living situations, including apartments and smaller homes. Their small size makes them ideal for owners with limited space, and their low exercise requirements further reduce potential costs for outdoor activities and training. A few short walks or play sessions indoors are sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.
Chihuahuas are typically inexpensive to purchase upfront. While their prices can vary depending on pedigree and location, they generally cost much less than larger, high-maintenance breeds.
With their small food portions, low grooming needs, and manageable exercise requirements, Chihuahuas offer tons of love and loyalty without breaking the bank.
2. Toy Manchester Terrier
The Toy Manchester Terrier, with their compact size and low grooming requirements, they are affordable to maintain. Their small stature means less food, and they don’t need frequent grooming sessions, keeping your costs down. A weekly brushing is usually enough to keep their sleek coat in good condition.
Health-wise, Toy Manchester Terriers are generally a healthy breed. They are less likely to experience serious conditions, making them a cost-effective choice for long-term ownership. Their lifespan of around 12-14 years typically involves fewer vet visits, which helps save on medical expenses.
The Toy Manchester Terrier is an easygoing breed in terms of exercise. They enjoy playtime and fun tricks, but they don’t require extensive outdoor activity. A short walk or indoor play session will suffice to keep them happy and healthy, making them suitable for apartment living or busy schedules. Their moderate activity level keeps their exercise needs low, which means no additional costs for dog parks or long outings.
While they are relatively low-maintenance, it’s important to keep an eye on their weight. They can be prone to weight gain if overfed or under-exercised. Keeping them active with daily playtime and feeding them proper portions will help prevent any weight-related issues, making them a cost-effective breed to care for.
Toy Manchester Terrier is a lovable and affordable breed with minimal grooming requirements and manageable health concerns. They offer plenty of fun and affection without the high upkeep, making them a great option for anyone seeking an affordable pet.
3. Beagle
The Beagle is known for their friendly demeanor and manageable size, Beagles are affordable both in terms of initial cost and upkeep. With their small to medium build, they don’t require as much food or grooming as larger dogs, which helps keep the total cost of ownership down.
Their short hair means minimal grooming needs, and they enjoy spending time as a little companion in your home.
While they are generally hearty, it’s important to monitor them for conditions such as heart disease or dental problems. With proper care, however, Beagles can live long and happy lives without major medical costs. Their lifespan typically ranges from 12 to 15 years, making them a great long-term, budget-friendly option.
PetMD states Beagles are intelligent and easy to work with, though they can be a bit independent. They respond well to training for basic commands, especially when rewards are involved. Their playful nature also makes them fun to engage with, whether you’re teaching them new tricks or simply playing games. Their love of food and natural curiosity can help make training sessions enjoyable and cost-effective.
Beagles are social animals that tend to get along well with other animals, making them great pets in multi-pet households. Whether you have other dogs or even cats, Beagles are generally easygoing and adapt well. Their gentle nature and social tendencies help them integrate smoothly into most homes, reducing any stress that might add to the cost of pet ownership.
Beagles have moderate dietary needs but they do need a balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight and energy levels. It’s important to feed them high-quality food to prevent issues like obesity, which can add unnecessary vet costs.
4. Schipperke
The Schipperke is prized for its energetic and playful nature. These little dogs are easy to care for, making them a budget-friendly option for many pet parents. With their small size, Schipperkes have minimal food requirements, which helps keep costs low.
Their coat, though fluffy, requires only a little grooming to stay in tip-top shape, making them much easier to maintain than breeds with more extensive grooming needs.
Schipperkes are relatively robust and typically don’t face the same level of health concerns as larger breeds, and their overall care costs remain manageable. Ensuring they stay in good health with regular vet visits and proper exercise will help reduce long-term medical expenses.
Schipperkes are also known for their intelligence and alertness. They are quick learners and can easily pick up commands, which makes training relatively straightforward. Their energetic and playful disposition keeps them engaged and entertained, making them a great companion for those who enjoy interactive play with their pets.
Schipperkes are relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming. A weekly brushing is typically enough to keep their fur looking neat and healthy, and they don’t require regular visits to the groomer, which helps save on grooming costs. Schipperkes make it easier to maintain a beautiful coat with minimal effort.
Schipperkes are an affordable and easygoing breed, ideal for pet owners looking for a playful and energetic companion without the hefty price tag. Their small size, low grooming requirements, and manageable health concerns make them a great choice for those seeking a cost-effective dog to care for.
5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an excellent choice for those looking for a small dog breed that is both affordable and full of personality. Known for their friendly nature and adorable appearance, Corgis are one of the least expensive dog breeds to own.
Their small size means lower food costs and less space required for them to be happy, making them a great option for apartment living or homes with limited space.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are sturdy dogs with a lot of energy. They do require regular exercise, but their needs are manageable for most owners. A few daily walks and play sessions are enough to keep them happy and healthy, making them an affordable choice for those who enjoy spending time with an active dog. Their size and exercise needs make them a good match for families, singles, or anyone looking for a dog that doesn’t require extensive upkeep.
Grooming a Corgi is relatively simple, though they do have a thick coat that sheds seasonally. Regular brushing will help manage shedding and keep their beautiful coat looking neat. Corgis require more frequent grooming, but it’s still a manageable task that doesn’t incur high costs.
Corgis are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain issues, such as breathing problems due to their short snouts. It’s important to monitor their weight and overall health to ensure they remain in good condition and avoid additional medical expenses. Proper care, including a balanced diet and regular vet visits, can help keep them healthy and prevent common health issues from becoming costly.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small, affordable dog breed that offers great companionship and personality without the high costs. Their manageable grooming and exercise needs, along with relatively low medical expenses, make them a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable, loving companion.
6. American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is a fantastic choice for those looking for a low-maintenance and affordable dog breed to own. Known for their gentle and friendly nature, they are often less expensive than many purebred dogs, with reasonable adoption fees and minimal grooming costs.
Their short coat requires very little upkeep, making them a great option for owners who prefer a dog with low grooming needs. Regular brushing is enough to keep them comfortable, as their low-maintenance coat doesn’t require professional grooming sessions.
American Foxhounds are generally robust and relatively free of the major health issues seen in more high-maintenance breeds. Thus, they make a great choice for those seeking an affordable pet without the expensive veterinary bills.
When it comes to exercise, American Foxhounds are active and enjoy outdoor time, but they are generally not as demanding as more high-energy breeds. A few daily walks and some playtime will usually suffice to keep them happy and healthy. This means lower costs for exercise-related activities or training sessions.
American Foxhounds are also known for being friendly and are often good in multi-pet households. Their calm, easygoing demeanor makes them an excellent companion for families or individuals, and they get along well with other pets.
American Foxhound is a great choice for those looking for an easygoing companion with low grooming expenses. With affordable adoption fees, a short coat that requires little grooming, and relatively low medical expenses, they are a great choice for pet owners on a budget.
7. Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier is a dog native to Ireland, celebrated for its bold personality, loyalty, and affordability. Among the least expensive purebred dogs to own, this breed offers excellent value for pet lovers looking to save money. With affordable prices and manageable needs, the Irish Terrier fits well into households that want a lively, devoted companion without the financial strain often associated with pet ownership.
WebMD states this breed features a low-maintenance, wiry coat that sheds minimally and requires only occasional brushing and hand-stripping. These minimal grooming requirements translate to fewer trips to the groomer and reduced upkeep costs, making it a practical choice for those who want to keep grooming simple and budget-friendly.
Health-wise, Irish Terriers are generally robust and less prone to severe genetic conditions. Their overall hardiness means fewer vet visits and lower healthcare expenses in the long run. For added peace of mind, pet insurance can help cover any unexpected medical needs without heavily impacting your budget.
Irish Terriers are intelligent and quick to learn, responding well to consistent training and structure. Their ability to pick up commands makes them a great fit for families and first-time dog owners alike. Known for their loyalty and protective instincts, they’re not only easy to train but also affectionate and devoted companions, making them excellent family pets.
In summary, the Irish Terrier is a smart and economical choice. With their low grooming needs, strong health, affectionate nature, and trainability, they offer all the joys of dog ownership without the high expenses. If you’re looking for a loyal, spirited, and cost-effective, affectionate dog, the Irish Terrier is a top contender.
Conclusion
While the allure of the most expensive dog breeds may be strong, owning a loyal and loving companion doesn’t have to break the bank. Many mixed-breed dogs and purebreds like the Rat Terrier, Border Terrier, and Jack Russell offer all the charm, energy, and affection you’d want in a pet, without the high price tag.
When choosing a low-cost canine, consider your lifestyle and grooming preferences. For example, hairless dogs like the American Hairless Terrier or Chinese Crested Hairless may be ideal for allergy sufferers and require minimal grooming.
Meanwhile, the Bichon Frise and Border Collie bring intelligence and companionship at a fraction of the cost of breeds like French Bulldogs, which are not only expensive to buy but often come with health concerns.
Ultimately, many other breeds—especially mixed breeds—found in shelters offer incredible value both financially and emotionally. They may not carry a designer label, but they often bring unmatched loyalty and joy. Choosing a more affordable breed doesn’t mean settling; it means making a smart, heartfelt decision that benefits both you and your new best friend.
