Owning a dog can be… expensive. Between food, grooming, vet bills, and toys, the costs add up quickly. But it doesn’t mean you need to break the bank to have a furry companion. Some dog breeds are much more affordable than others, thanks to their low grooming needs, fewer health issues, and hardy nature.
If you are a first-time dog owner or just budget-conscious, these breeds can offer love and loyalty without draining your wallet. Pick one from this list of the cheapest dog breeds to own, perfect for pet lovers who want companionship without high costs.
Most Cheapest Dog Breeds to Own
Not all dog breeds come with hefty price tags. Some dog breeds are known as the cheapest dog breeds to own. They have low grooming needs, are generally healthy, with affordable average cost of care. For budget-conscious pet lovers trying to avoid long-term expenses, this list of dogs with affordable prices can help.
1. Chihuahua
Small but mighty, the Chihuahua is one of the cheapest dog breeds to own. Their compact size means they eat less dog food and often have minimal grooming needs, which helps keep ongoing costs low.
Chihuahuas typically don’t need professional grooming due to their short coat. They are generally a healthy breed with a good life expectancy. However, like many small dogs, they can be prone to dental problems. That’s why regular dental care is important, but still affordable compared to some large dog breeds.
Personality and care
Chihuahuas make excellent apartment dogs because of their size and low exercise needs. They are loyal, alert, and make great watchdogs. But they do require consistent training to manage their sometimes feisty temperament.
Key points
Low grooming costs
Small portion of dog food requirements
Generally healthy with proper care
2. Rat Terrier
Rat Terrier is another example of an affordable dog breed that doesn’t need much grooming or extensive healthcare. They have a short, dense and low-maintenance coat that sheds minimally and it reduces the need for constant trips to the vet parlor for professional grooming.
Rat Terriers are budget-friendly because they are known for their hardy health. It means you get fewer vet bills for common dog health problems. Plus, they are a medium-sized dog, which means moderate feeding costs. Not too big, not too small, just perfect.
Personality & Care
This breed is energetic and loves to play. That’s why they are a great choice for active owners. They are also intelligent and easy to train which also lowers the possible costs related to behavioral issues.
Key Points
Minimal grooming and grooming costs
Generally, a healthy dog breed
Medium size equals moderate food costs
3. Beagle
Beagles are a popular choice for families because they are affectionate, easygoing and have manageable grooming needs. We must warn you here: they are not the cheapest dogs to purchase, but they are definitely the least expensive dog breeds to maintain over time.
Beagles have a short, easy-care coat and generally good health. Although they can be prone to some health issues, such as hip dysplasia or ear infections. Regular veterinary care and a good health lifestyle can help you ditch expensive treatments for your dog.
Personality & Care
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Beagles are curious, clever, and love to explore. That’s why you need to emphasize regular exercise for them. They enjoy social situations and especially in multi-pet households.
Key Points:
Low grooming expenses due to short coat
Moderate food costs for a medium-sized dog
Needs regular training and vet care
4. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise may look fancy with its white, fluffy coat. But it is surprisingly affordable to own compared to many purebred dogs. Their grooming needs are moderate but manageable if you keep up with regular brushing and occasional trips to the vet’s parlour.
These dogs have a low-maintenance coat that, when cared for properly, needs very little grooming and helps avoid matting and other skin issues. They tend to be generally healthy and have fewer health problems than other breeds, which helps keep veterinary bills in check.
Personality & Care
These dogs love human attention and thrive in active homes where they love running around with children, as per PetMD. Their cheerful and affectionate nature makes them wonderful dog companions.
Key Points:
Moderate grooming costs with regular brushing
Generally healthy with proper care
Small size means lower food and healthcare expenses
5. Border Collie
Border collies are known for their high energy and intelligence, but they are also considered a healthy breed that typically does not rack up expensive vet bills. Their grooming needs are moderate; they shed seasonally but don’t need regular professional vet visits.
Border collies have a healthy constitution with few genetic health issues as compared to other dogs. Their coat can be maintained with regular brushing at home. They do need plenty of exercise, but don’t need expensive toys or equipment.
Personality & Care
These dogs are best for active owners who can provide mental stimulation and daily exercise. Their trainability makes them easy to care for, which lowers possible costs related to behavioral issues (and we all know how much that can cost if you have a puppy with a temperament).
Key Points
Not the most expensive dog breeds, they need moderate grooming
Energetic breed needing daily exercise
Healthy breed with fewer health issues
6. Dachshund
Dachshunds are an affordable breed because they are smaller dogs and generally have low-cost grooming requirements. According to Purina, the short-haired varieties need minimal grooming, while the long-haired Dachshunds may need occasional brushing.
The average cost for food is lower due to their small size, and they tend to be a healthy breed except for some back problems (due to their long spine or weight), which responsible care can help manage. Like most dogs with droopy ears, they are also prone to ear infections. Again, regular care can help avoid the total cost you would be spending at the vet’s.
Personality & Care
Dachshunds are loyal and loving dogs, but can be stubborn, so early training is important. They adapt well to apartment living but need moderate exercise.
Key Points:
Low costs, especially for short-haired types
Small dogs mean less food and healthcare costs
Need to watch for health issues such as back problems
7. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
These dogs are beloved for their friendly personality and relatively affordable pet ownership costs. Mind you, they shed heavily. But you can easily handle their grooming needs at home, which can help you save money on vet visits.
They are generally a healthy breed, but you need to pay attention to joint health and weight management to avoid expensive medical care later on.
Personality & Care
Corgis are active, affectionate, and intelligent dogs that do well with families and individuals. They stay healthy and thrive on mental stimulation and daily physical exercise, such as walking. The Pembroke is a bright dog that responds well to training, so you can cut your costs with home training.
Key Points:
Low grooming needs with home maintenance
Small dogs mean less pet food and healthcare costs
Need to watch for health issues such as hip dysplasia
Final Thoughts
You can also consider adopting Golden Retrievers or Miniature Pinschers if you love dogs that are large breeds. These cheapest dog breeds prove that with the right breed, you can enjoy love and fun without sacrificing companionship or high grooming costs, or hefty medical care.
If you want to save money, you can go for mixed-breed dogs from a local shelter, where adoption fees are often low and you get a loving pet who’s ready for a forever home.
Remember, the average cost of dog ownership varies depending on the food, grooming, and vet care. But with these affordable breeds, you can focus more on the joy your furry friend brings rather than worrying about the bills.
