Yes, it’s true, owning a lovable, highly rated dog doesn’t have to drain your wallet. While some breeds come with hefty price tags, there are plenty of affordable dog breeds that are just as cute, adaptable, and full of personality. These budget-friendly canine companions offer endless love, warmth, and entertainment without overwhelming costs.
When bringing a dog home, it’s also worth considering rescue organizations. Adoption fees are often much lower than breeder prices, and you’ll be giving a dog a second chance at a happy life. That said, smart pet ownership still means planning for ongoing expenses like food, grooming, supplies, vet care, toys, and treats.
The good news? Many low-cost dog breeds are also low maintenance, making them ideal for owners who want companionship without constant spending. Let’s meet the dogs that prove you don’t need a big budget to enjoy a big heart.
Fun fact: Smaller dogs with short coats are often cheaper to maintain over time, helping you save on grooming and veterinary bills while enjoying long-lasting companionship.
Wonderful Dog Breeds for Owners on a Budget That You’ll Love
1. Beagle
Medium size, short coat, and less food costs make Beagles a relatively inexpensive dog breed. You can occasionally find these friendly dogs for free, as their adoption fees are round about $25-$500, and a trustworthy source of breeder prices them from $500-$2,000.
In the context of their health issues, these dogs are generally healthy, lowering vet bills in the future if they are evaluated for hips, eyes, and some other MLS DNA Tests. Beagles were originally bred as hunting dogs and are blessed with a merry disposition, perfect for families.
With an easy-going nature, cute expressions, and less grooming needs, Beagles make an excellent family pet for those who are looking for the cheapest dog breed. These energetic dogs are best suited to active owners, as they crave regular exercise such as long walks in a fenced yard or on leash.
2. Dachshund
Long bodies and short coats of Dachshunds make them one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. And yes, this celebrity is also considered a budget-friendly dog breed, thanks to its minimal grooming needs.
Friendly nature and easy-to-train Dachshunds are a great choice for first-time dog ownership. Owing to their tiny mouths, these smaller dogs typically eat less, and smaller toys are needed, lowering costs over the lifetime. Calm Doxies are less destructive if provided with lots of human interaction and playtime.
Dachshunds are a fairly healthy breed, as their health issues related to the back can easily be managed by owners, ultimately lowering the vet bills. Doxies make affectionate and loyal dogs for their family members. This low-maintenance dog has easy to groom coat and needs very short bursts of exercise.
3. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are affectionately called Chis, and have a lively personality enclosed in compact sizes. Being a tiny dog, Chis saves money, as its feed and grooming costs are minimal, earning its name among the most affordable dog breeds.
Highly adaptable Chihuahua with its low energy levels and reputation as a lap dog, makes a perfect choice for first-time dog owners living in closed spaces. A reputable breeder prices this affectionate canine approximately $600 to $800.
Chihuahua is considered the world’s smallest dog breed who surely requires minimal grooming. However, their healthy and long living years can increase the maintenance costs a bit, but with fewer vet bills. Apart from the purchasing price, the expected monthly expense of your Chis ranges between $50-$100.
4. Shih Tzu
Hailing from Tibet and loved by Chinese royalty, these little lion dogs had a long history of companionship. Their beautiful long coats, spunky personalities, and friendly nature make them popular among dog lovers.
If you are a budget-conscious dog owner, a Shih Tzu can be your great lap dog in a busy routine. They demand high maintenance if their luxurious coats are kept long, such as daily brushing, weekly bathing, and groomer visits, says Britannica. For low grooming costs, a short haircut of a Shih Tzu is preferable.
Unfortunately, due to increasing demand, the unethical breeding of these tiny pooches leads to many health issues in them. Pet insurance and purchasing from a reliable breeder can save you a lot. With naturally low feed intake, their average initial cost is about $500-$1,000.
5. Jack Russell Terrier
Entertaining, smart, and loving Jack Russel Terrier is another small dog whose vet costs and grooming expenses are minimal. This affordable dog breed, with its loving nature and lower purchasing price that is $500-$1,200, is a good choice for first-time owners, as mentioned by PDSA.
Jack Russel Terriers are purebred dogs, so they should be screened against a few health issues to lower vet bills, adding more years to their lives. Quick and agile Russel Terriers love to be involved in family activities and outdoor adventures, forget about their small size.
You can groom your Terrier from a professional, but their short coat just needs regular brushing. Jacks are widely available in local shelters, as they are a bit stubborn, and people do not really want to understand them. Consistent training helps owners to grow them as loving and well-behaved adults.
6. Pug
The flat face of this sweet and jolly Pug appeals to dog lovers the most, and they think they are paying more, but that’s not actually true. Pugs are generally healthy, pleasing to their family, and have minimal diet expenses, overall making them an affordable dog breed.
To keep its health costs low, Pugs need routine cleansing due to their wrinkled skin. Additionally, their coats need low grooming as they can be managed at home easily. However, their respiratory issues are the main concern for dog owners, so avoid taking them outside in harsh climates.
The laid-back and affectionate temperament of pugs makes them great for first-time pet ownership. This small breed, when purchased from a trustworthy source with proper screening, can initially cost you around $600 to $1,200.
7. Miniature Schnauzer
Loyal and courageous Miniature Schnauzer also makes its name among the top inexpensive dog breeds. With its strong protective instincts, this low-maintenance dog not only offers you guardianship but also a devoted and loving companionship.
Minimal grooming cost is due to its low-shedding coat, despite having profuse hair on its face, giving it the name beard dog. According to PetMD, cleaning and brushing are basic necessities of this double-coated canine to keep its shine and coat health maintained.
Miniature schnauzers have a lively and a bit energetic personality. However, they also adore their human interactions and make a fine cuddling partner as well. Due to their smartness and alertness, they make your free watchdogs, better than any expensive security system.
8. Greyhound
If new dog owners are looking for a calm and gentle hound breed that is also one of the cheapest dog breeds, the Greyhound is the one that they can adore. Their attributes make them irresistible, with less barking, exercise demands, and grooming needs; a perfect low-maintenance dog for first-time owners.
This large dog surprisingly keeps vet visits low, due to its healthy physique and good genes. Being a quiet dog breed, Greyhound is an ideal choice for owners who want a peaceful life but with a dog friendship.
Though Greyhounds have athleticism, they are calm indoor companions and make perfect apartment dogs as well. Their ongoing costs, which include health, food, and other things, are about $50-$100 per month, while the initial cost is about $350-$900, depending on the breeder.
9. Papillon
Papillons with their unique butterfly ears and adorable faces tend to be one of the cheapest dog breeds. More astonishing is that their silky coat needs minimal grooming, as they do not have any undercoat.
This small breed is generally healthy, with a life span of 14-16 years. To keep their coat shiny and tangle-free, regular brushing is mandatory. Though they eat less, pet parents should give them enough food at regular intervals to avoid hypoglycemia.
Papillons are smart and amiable dogs who love spending their time with pet owners. They make perfect cuddling partners as a low-key dog breed. They should always be mentally stimulated to prevent separation anxiety.
10. Rat Terrier
The initial price of a Rat Terrier ranges between $350 to $1,000. After that, due to their petite size, lower feed cost, and grooming needs, they easily make one of the cheapest dog breeds worldwide. Their tenacious and mischievous behavior needs consistent training; better suited to experienced households.
Rat Terriers are called Jack of all trades, thanks to their hunting instincts, and loving persona that comes with lots of entertainment and comics. Since they thrive in human companionship, leaving them alone for a longer time is not a good consideration.
Owing to good breeding contributions, Rat terriers are generally healthy dogs. In the grooming department, these short-coated dogs do not need too much maintenance. Weekly brushing, nail trimming, monthly bathing, and yearly dental cleansing are the basic factors that save money and keep them healthy.
Conclusion
While having a considerable amount to buy a new pup is not enough, the right breed that comes in your budget also needs proper attention and love from you. Owning a dog is not a dream, but responsible pet ownership is the major factor that keeps your furry friend healthy, preventing any extra load on your bank balance.
We are hoping that one can easily choose the right companion from our list of the cheapest dog breeds, keeping in mind their temperament and daily needs. There are some other affordable dog breeds as well, such as Labrador retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie, Pit Bulls, Beagle, Siberian Husky, and Bichon Frise.
