Some dogs are usually believed to be expensive to buy, require a lot of care to be happy, or come from top-tier breeders. However, intelligence doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. There are sensible breeds that can be quite reasonable to own.
The important thing is to consider the total cost of ownership. The financial aspect could change with grooming, food, training, veterinary expenses, exercise, and even the type of home that a dog needs.
If the puppy is small in price and needs expensive professional grooming every few weeks, or has expensive health problems, it will be an expensive puppy to keep.
The following list of some healthy breeds may be inexpensive due to their simple coats. Others are not so trendy, and as a result may have a lower purchase price. Some are found in rescue agencies, so that some people have a second option besides buying a puppy.
Every time you think about adding a dog to your family, consider these seven smart dog breeds that make for intelligent additions to the household when budget is on your mind.
Clever Dog Breeds That Are Surprisingly Affordable
1. German Wirehaired Pointer
Typical Price: $1000-$2000+
The German Wirehaired Pointer is interesting because the main cost may not be its coat or vet care; it may be the time you have to spend with it.
It does not have short fur but rather has a dense double coat that resembles a ball of wires jumbled up together. Dog owners need to pay special attention to the skin so that moisture does not get trapped in it.
These dogs were bred to be multi-purpose hunters that can locate and bring down game in wooded areas, fields, and in hard terrain. They are very intelligent dogs, and they will learn tasks very quickly, which is good, but this very smart brain must be occupied according to Purina.
There is no ostentatious or showy aspect to the coat; it is functional. Their coat protects them from the winter and does not get very dirty. One thing to note about the coat is that it will need to be properly groomed twice every year.
2. Collie
Average Price: $800-$2000
One of the breeds that can save you money is the Collie.
Collies are very intelligent and are usually very inquisitive. When trained consistently, they learn house training, obedience, tricks, and other behaviors quickly.
That is important to the wallet, since training doesn’t always require spending hours at professional sessions. If owners are open to learning basic positive reinforcement techniques, everyday moments can become training sessions.
Another significant difference is the type of coat they have. Rough Collies are known for their long, flowing hair, but they can also have shorter hair if their owner wants. Their coat is very easy to groom, requiring regular brushing at home, which is simple.
Collies do not have the same extreme drive to work as other breeds. Still, they should be given daily activity and mental stimulation so these dogs can not be bored, according to the American Kennel Club.
3. Dalmatian
Average Price: $500-$2000
The Dalmation is a really interesting breed in terms of how affordable it is to purchase, as the price can be widely variable.
According to Britannica, a purebred Dalmation can cost between $500-$2000 and may even go as high as $5000 depending on the breeders and bloodlines.
Their short coat is another cost saver. No complicated haircut or frequent professional clipping sessions are required to care for this dog. A simple brushing and bath will often suffice to maintain a reasonably good coat.
This is also an athletic dog breed and has a history related to running. A bored Dalmation can turn out to be far more difficult to keep due to their destructive behaviors.
If you currently run, hike, walk long distances, or spend significant time outside, these dogs can be perfect for you. For an active owner, the Dalmation is an easy dog to keep; however, they should be cared for physically.
4. Redbone Coonhound
Typical Price: $800-$1200
The Redbone Coonhound is one of the more cost-friendly breeds on this list. These dogs are not very popular with the general public and hence are on the cheaper end of the scale.
They are an American hound bred to hunt in swamps, forests, and mountains. One of their defining feature is their short, smooth red coat. Generally, brushing once a week is sufficient to keep their coat healthy, and there is no need for costly coat styling.
These dogs are very determined to look for a job. Owners can challenge them through scent-based games, tracking activities, hide-and-seek, and outdoor exploration, all without the purchase of a series of expensive toys.
The only thing to look out for is their feeding. Because these dogs are big, they need more food than your average-sized dog breed. This is the only aspect that owners should look out for, as food costs can go up a bit.
5. Greyhound
Average Price: $800-$2500
Greyhounds are one of the most athletic dog breeds in this list. These dogs were bred to hunt alongside their owners in difficult terrains such as forests and swamps.
Their height is about 27-30 inches, and their weight is about 60-70 pounds. They have a lean and muscular physique which allows them to run at breakneck speeds. Their short gray coat is very easy to take care of.
Their grooming is not expensive because no fancy haircuts or treatments are required for their coats.
The only thing to look out for is their health. They have a deep chest and are prone to gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), and that can be fatal and expensive to treat. Their high prey drive also necessitates careful management around small animals.
6. American Foxhound
Average Price: $500-$1000
American Foxhounds are rare dog breeds that are easy to take care of.
It’s not a delicate or specialized companion. These dogs were originally bred to hunt for long periods of time. It has a sharp mind and can also be used for military roles apart from family activities.
One of their cost-saving perks is their coat. Hard, short, and intended for outdoor use only, weekly brushing is enough to keep the coat healthy. If the dogs get dirty in their daily activities, a simple bath is enough to clean them.
They are also very work-driven dogs, and this should be noted by interested owners. They require a minimum of 1-2 hours of exercise every day. Their keen sense of smell is another feature. They are very interested in scents and require secure fencing to keep them safe and inside your home.
What makes these dogs affordable is not only their price but their simplicity of grooming and their manageable size.
7. English Setter
Average Price: $800-$2600
The English Setter is a case in point for the fact that an affordable dog doesn’t mean that this dog is simple.
Setters were bred to “point” towards their target when hunting with their owners. This dog is intelligent and gentle, making it an attractive pet with a beautifully feathered coat.
Knowing how to brush and maintain the coat on your own can help to cut down on the cost of professional grooming. These dogs are also very active. Walks, games, hiking, and outside activities are enough to satisfy their exercise requirements, without the need for costly equipment.
This dog breed may be economical for an owner who likes their dogs to accompany them and be useful on their hunts. Visit a local shelter to get a puppy that is purebred and does not have health problems like hip dysplasia, dental problems, or other diseases.
Conclusion
These affordable dog breeds are proof that you don’t need to spend big bucks just to get a clever dog. From hunting to staying at home, all of these dog breeds can perform a variety of roles in your household.
It is not necessary that the smallest dog breeds in a tiny package have the lowest grooming costs. These new furry friends might be fit for apartment living, but they also come with many health concerns, need consistent training, and have a lot of coat care. Good health, daily brushing, and minimal grooming are needed by all dogs, whether they are large breeds or tiny pups.
The most important thing to know is to pick a dog that fits into what you are looking for daily. That can make the settling process much easier, and you can enjoy the company of your pet infinitely more knowing in advance what to do when adopting them.
