For a dog lover, a dog’s love and affection are second to no other thing in this world. The loyalty, laughter, and warmth that this furry friend brings home are unmatched. If you love dogs but cannot afford an expensive pooch, we have got you covered.
Some dog breeds are quite affordable compared to others. A variety of factors can make a dog expensive or cheap. Cheap dog breeds have lower initial cost, food expenses, grooming costs, and healthcare needs compared to other breeds.
The size of a dog also plays an important role in this regard. Smaller dogs typically eat less and have fewer exercise needs due to their compact size. Moreover, adopting a dog usually costs less than purchasing one.
Here are some surprisingly affordable dog breeds you’ll adore.
Surprisingly Affordable Dog Breeds You’ll Adore
1. Beagle
Beagles are medium-sized dogs with floppy ears and keen noses. They were originally bred for hunting, but are more popular as companions today. Thanks to their manageable size, Beagles tend to be cheaper than larger dogs.
They do not eat much and have lower dietary needs. It means you do not need to spend a lot of money on their food. According to PetPlan, their coat is clean and easy to care for. You do not need to splurge your hard-earned money on a professional groomer.
Beagles are generally healthy dogs, prone to only a few health issues. However, a hip evaluation, eye evaluation, and MLS DNA test are recommended for your Beagle. This low-maintenance dog breed is one of the most affordable dog breeds out there.
2. Chihuahua
One of the cheap dog breeds in town, Chihuahuas are very tiny in size. It means they eat very little food, and you’ll not need to spend much on their dietary requirements. Smooth-coated Chihuahuas require only light brushing. There is no need for expensive dog shampoos and conditioners.
Chihuahuas are typically very healthy, so your vet visits will likely be limited to vaccine boosters and ordinary checkups. Chihuahuas are low-maintenance and budget-friendly pets. They make great apartment dogs due to their small size.
According to PetMD, the average cost of Chihuahua puppies varies between $800 and $2,000, depending on the breeder. If you are looking for a loving and devoted canine companion who can stay with you for years to come, adopt a Chihuahua.
3. Dachshund
Recognized by their elongated bodies and stubby legs, Dachshunds are fairly low-maintenance dogs. One of the reasons why they are a budget-friendly dog breed is that they experience fewer health issues in life. However, they are susceptible to some back problems.
Still, these problems can be minimized with regular exercise and using doggy stairs and ramps to access higher places like the couch or the bed.
Dachshunds also need moderate amounts of food, which can cut down costs over a lifetime. Smaller mouths require smaller (also, cheaper) treats and toys. Tiny dogs are less capable of destroying plushies and other play items. So, you’ll not need to purchase new toys frequently.
4. Pug
Pugs are adorable pups with smooshed faces and expressive eyes. One of the most inexpensive dog breeds, Pugs have a gentle and laid-back nature. They make ideal pets for first-time dog owners due to their minimal exercise needs.
Their low-maintenance short coat requires little care, which significantly lowers grooming costs. They have no professional grooming needs. However, the wrinkles on their face require regular cleaning and drying to prevent infections.
These wrinkly dogs are brachycephalic, which makes them prone to respiratory problems and overheating. So, make sure you do not over-exercise your Pug. Pugs are affectionate dogs with a friendly nature.
They thrive on human attention and can spend an entire day snoozing or lying in their owner’s lap. A Pug puppy costs no more than $3,000 in America.
5. Miniature Pinscher
Looking like a tiny version of a Doberman Pinscher, Min Pins are often known as “King of Toys.” They are described as fun-loving, fearless, and proud dogs by the American Kennel Club. Miniature Pinschers are one of the perkiest and most affordable dog breeds out there.
Miniature Pinschers have cute, pointy ears and a low-maintenance coat. The short and smooth coat has significantly lower grooming costs. These fearless dogs are full of energy and require at least half an hour to an hour of daily exercise to stay healthy and content.
Min Pins are loved for their distinctive high-stepping gait called “Hackney gait,” which resembles a horse. This healthy breed will not make you pay extra bucks to your vet. These curious dogs love to taste everything that comes across.
6. Shih Tzu
A Shih Tzu is a low-shedding dog breed with a hypoallergenic coat. This small dog breed has low dietary requirements and good overall health. These affectionate and regal dogs do not require frequent vet visits or a dog walker.
However, their luxurious coats require regular brushing and professional grooming to stay in top-notch condition. You can clip your Shih Tzu’s coat into a “puppy cut” to reduce grooming needs. It makes them an inexpensive dog breed.
However, some Shih Tzus are prone to health issues, so make sure you purchase them from a reputable breeder. These little dogs require only short walks and indoor play time to stay healthy and content. This ancient dog breed is loved for its outgoing and playful nature.
7. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is an adaptable toy breed that gets along nicely with everyone. Their minimally shedding hypoallergenic coat makes them ideal for allergy sufferers. This affordable dog breed has moderate exercise needs, so you do not need to hire a dog walker.
Adopting a Bichon from a shelter home costs no more than $600, depending on the dog’s age. This generally healthy dog breed has a long lifespan. However, some dogs may be prone to certain health issues. However, reputable breeders usually screen breeding stock.
However, they need regular grooming to keep their coats healthy. Thanks to their adaptable nature and small size, Bichon Frises are well-suited for apartment living. These gentle and playful pooches warm up to new people quickly.
8. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are smart and energetic dogs with minimal grooming needs and health costs. Their small size keeps the food costs low. Their short fur keeps the grooming costs low. All these traits make Jack Russell Terriers super affordable for dog owners.
Unlike most other smaller dogs, they are not well-suited for first-time owners due to their stubborn streak. Training Jack Russell Terriers also requires some patience. They need regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
With a brimming personality, Jack Russell Terriers are playful and fun-loving dogs. Their strong prey drive makes them unsuitable for homes with smaller pets. Jack Russell Terriers can make well-balanced pets with socialization starting at an early age.
9. Rat Terrier
Rat Terriers are healthy and clever dogs that you can train yourself. This small breed requires only a small amount of food every day, which significantly lowers their maintenance costs. Their short and wiry coat also requires minimal grooming.
These friendly and lovable dogs are a great choice for owners on a budget. You can easily brush their fur at home instead of taking them for a professional grooming session. Originally bred for ratting, Rat Terriers value the time they spend with their family.
Rat Terriers are great with children and have the enthusiasm and energy to match during playtime. They are generally very healthy. Purchasing the pet from a reputable breeder can further reduce the risk of health concerns like hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and cardiac problems.
Conclusion
Several dog breeds make a better choice for owners on a budget compared to other breeds. Various characteristics make them affordable for dog owners, such as their size, grooming needs, dietary requirements, and healthcare costs. You can also reduce health considerations by purchasing mixed-breed dogs that have fewer health problems.
Usually, small breeds are cheaper than larger dogs due to their small size. They can easily adjust to small living spaces. These canines do not require plenty of food or exercise to stay healthy. In a nutshell, they have an overall low maintenance cost.
If you are planning to adopt a cheap dog breed, you should contact a reputable breeder. It helps avoid health problems associated with poor breeding practices and keeps your vet bills low.
