10 Low-Cost Dog Breeds

Are you looking for a dog to bring home? Make sure you complete your research and then go through this list. All dogs are excellent and have their specialty.

Unfortunately, the costliest dogs can fetch thousands of dollars, a significant letdown for anyone whose wallet is looking a little lean. But if that sounds like you, we’ve got some good news: Not all dogs are expensive.

The world of dog breeds is vast, and finding one that suits your needs is challenging. When choosing the perfect pet for yourself, you must consider health, size, and grooming.

You may believe that expensive dogs are superior pets to anything else, but this is not true. Many low-cost dog breeds are there that will change your view about the value of cheaper pets.

This article will give you complete information regarding affordable puppy breed characteristics that are right for your family. So, keep on reading!

10 Budget-Friendly Dog Breeds

1. Manchester Terrier

The Manchester Terrier makes for a good family dog. This low-cost dog breed is an ideal choice for an apartment dweller. You can have this energetic dog breed for only $600.

With its sleek and smooth coat, you won’t have to spend money for grooming, and its small size means you don’t have to buy a gigantic bag of dog food. Moreover, this dog breed has a minimal scent, which means rare baths and no need for furniture deodorizers.

Breed Info:

• Weight: 12 to 22 pounds
• Height: 15 to 16 inches
• Personality: Energetic, bright, observant
• Coat: Short or smooth
• Color: Tan and jet black
• Life Expectancy: 15 to 17 years

Manchester terriers have sleek, carefree coats. These dogs also love to curl up and relax after a quick walk.

2. Australian Terrier

One of the benefits of having these low-cost dog breeds is they can live up to 12 to 15 years. Hence, it can ensure you enjoy its company for a longer time. In addition, you can purchase these active and easy-to-train dogs at costs ranging from $1000 to $1500.

Australian Terrier dog breed needs a professional groomer as its coat needs regular brushing. But you can even take care of its coat at home. They usually have good health, which will compensate for the more costly grooming costs.

Breed Info:

• Weight: 12 to 14 lb
• Height: 10 to 11 inches
• Personality: Loyal, bright, observant
• Coat: Short or smooth
• Color: Blue & Tan, Sand, Red
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Additionally, it has a lower rate of daily food intake. But this dog may need a few walks daily because of its enthusiastic personality.

3. Chihuahua

Chihuahua is a small dog that has silky, long hair. It is the smallest dog in the world. The cost of this breed ranges from $650 to $1500 only.

Therefore, they need lower maintenance, which is ideal for those who want to save money. Moreover, these low-cost dog breeds don’t eat much food, so you don’t need to worry about food expenses.

Take note; these dogs may not be appropriate to play with kids. It would help to be alert when you have a chihuahua because it is warm-blooded and moody. This dog can attack strangers or people when different aspects trigger it.

Breed Info:

• Height: 5 to 8 inches
• Weight: >6 pounds
• Personality: charming, sassy, graceful
• Coat: Short or medium and smooth
• Color: A variety of colors
• Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years

Short-coated chihuahuas need a quick brush, but even long-coated versions don’t need groomers’ visits.

4. Dachshund

Dachshunds are energetic small dog breeds. You can buy this breed for a cost ranging from $500 up to $1500 only. These low-cost dog breeds come in three different furs.

You may pick if you want a soft, wire-haired, or long-haired dog. Take note that each type of coat needs a specific grooming maintenance type. However, some types need a professional groomer, and others you can groom at home.

Breed Info:

• Weight: 11 to 32 pounds
• Height: 5 to 9 inches
• Personality: Charming, friendly, stubborn
• Coat: Short or medium and soft
• Color: A variety of colors
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years

Dachshunds are healthy dog breeds that are safe from different dog health problems, which is perfect for your budget.

5. Rat Terrier

Energetic and smart, Rat Terrier small dog breed is available at $350. Rat Terriers are generally healthy, ingenious, and quick to pick up basic obedience and tricks, so there is no need to drop money on obedience training. In addition, they eat less due to their small size and don’t need regular grooming.

Breed Info:

• Height: 10 to 18 inches
• Weight: 10 to 25 pounds
• Personality: Friendly, curious, charming
• Coat: Short and smooth
• Color: A variety of colors
• Life Expectancy: 12 to 18 years

Rat Terriers are lovable and friendly, which can reduce your stress level. Undoubtedly, it is a low-cost dog that has a lot of benefits.

6. Beagles

These perpetually joyful and affordable pups come in two sizes and are available at $200 to $800. They are active and friendly dogs that are ideal companions for your family.

Beagles like games and play from time to time. Additionally, these affordable pups don’t have a strict everyday food intake. But overfeeding can make them fat, which is not healthy for them. Furthermore, they only need minimal grooming expenses.

Breed Info:

• Height: 13 to 15 inches
• Weight: 20 to 30 pounds
• Personality: Charming, friendly, merry
• Coat: Short and smooth
• Color: A variety of colors
• Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years

Beagles make faithful companions and are good with kids.

7. Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier cost ranges from $800 up to $1300. This dog breed is easy to manage and doesn’t need daily grooming. Keeping them inside the house is also peaceful because it rarely barks. Moreover, these low-cost dog breeds have different personality characteristics, like being friendly, shy, and energetic.

But in the future, this dog can cause you a considerable amount of money because of its health conditions. Therefore, you must take care of this dog due to its exposure to different sicknesses.

Breed Info:

• Height: 9 to 15 inches
• Weight: 10 to 25 pounds
• Personality: Friendly, caring
• Coat: Short and smooth
• Color: A variety of colors
• Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years

8. Pug

The face of a pug is one of its most cute features. It is undoubtedly the most recognizable trait. The cost of a pug starts at $350 only. These affordable pups need minimal grooming. They also don’t take much time for training and like to sleep.

However, you might pay a lot for healthcare expenses as this breed belongs to flat-faced dogs and is prone to several health issues.

Breed Info:

• Height: 10 to 13 inches
• Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
• Personality: Clever, charming, docile
• Coat: Short and smooth
• Color: Fawn or black
• Life Expectancy: 13 to 15 years

9. Papillon

It always looks like the Papillon is smiling! They are available at the price of $400. Most people adore them because they are sweet, loyal, and loving. Despite their humble appearance and small size, papillon breeds are excellent watchdogs.

However, you need an adequate amount of money as these breeds require routine grooming. Also, their ears are prone to ear diseases; therefore, you should clean them more usually.

Breed Info:

• Height: 8 to 11 inches
• Weight: 5 to 10 pounds
• Personality: Alert, friendly, happy
• Coat: Medium, silky
• Color: A variety of colors
• Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years

10. American Hairless Terrier

An American Hairless Terrier is a very affordable dog breed. You can buy this small dog breed for only $900 to $1200. You will not have significant issues feeding them as it is a small breed. In addition, this dog breed has fewer coats, so you don’t have to spend much on their grooming.

These dogs are perfect pets for people that have fur allergies. Furthermore, keeping these dogs from hot and extremely cold temperatures.

Breed Info:

• Height: 12 to 16 inches
• Weight: 10 to 16 pounds
• Personality: Playful, Intelligent, Lively, Alert, Loving
• Coat: Hairless
• Color: Pink & Grey, Pink & Black, Pink & Gold
• Life Expectancy: 14 – 16 years

What Makes A Dog Breed Affordable?

So, here are some of the reasons why some dogs can be more affordable than others. Of course, the expense of your pet depends on how much you will spend on the dog from the shelter or breeder. This factor is the first concern when looking for affordable dog breeds.

❖ Grooming needs costs

There are some breeds that need more than others to keep that clean dog smell and fresh coat. So the type and length of fur they have. It would help to evaluate their grooming needs before buying affordable canines.

❖ Cost of the food they eat

A nutritious dog diet plan is a must to maintain your pet healthy and well-fed. Remember to choose the best food, as your choice of food for your pet can impact its health. Moreover, when choosing costly or cheaper dog foods for your fur friend, you must be aware.

❖ How challenging they are to train

Dogs are not all made equal, and training some low-cost dog breeds can be more complex than others. In addition, some dogs need patience while still keeping the training sessions fun for you and your pet.

❖ Vulnerability to health problems

Some low-cost dogs are more susceptible to specific health issues than others. You don’t want a pet that will die young or need expensive medical care in the future. Therefore, do your research before adopting one of these puppies.

❖ Price of buying puppies from a breeder

The price of puppies from the breeder may differ depending on their capabilities. Also, the number of puppies they have can impact their cost. Some breeds are more costly than others, but there’s always the chance to adopt an animal.

Frequently Asked Questions

➢ Who is the most affordable small dog?

The most affordable small dog breed that you may buy is the Chihuahua. This breed is budget-friendly and has low costs and low maintenance requirements. Moreover, Chihuahua is a healthy dog that can live up to 18 years.

Therefore, you may pay a minimum of $5 500 for their lifetime healthcare costs and have low everyday food intake. Undoubtedly, it is the perfect small dog for your limited budget.

➢ Is adopting better than buying?

Adopting is more suitable than buying if you want to save money. For one, there are no costs for the puppy’s medical care and transportation. Moreover, buying from a dog breeder can cost you at least $300, while adopting is only $50.

In addition, adopting from shelters can save lives. For example, you can help in lessening several euthanized animals in shelters.

➢ What are the top small longest-living dog breeds?

The Yorkshire Terriers, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Lhasa Apsos, and Toy poodles are small breeds that live longer. These breeds’ lifespan can reach up to 20 years which is longer than the average 10-13 years.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for low-cost or affordable dog breeds, remember that you always have a wide choice. For this reason, you have to consider different factors at the time of adopting or buying one.

Always consider what you can give them, be it the cost of their healthcare, food, grooming, and maintenance needs. Therefore, do your research before buying a dog.

Hopefully, this article helped you choose your new furry friend and gave you an idea of all the long-term costs involved in having a dog because it’s not a one-time thing.