Last Updated on October 17, 2023 by Fumipets
Discovering the 25 Most Affordable Dog Breeds
Choosing a dog as a new addition to your family is an exciting decision, but it’s essential to consider your budget. Some dog breeds come with higher initial and ongoing costs, while others are known for being more affordable to own. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the world of the most affordable dog breeds, helping you find a furry companion that won’t break the bank.
We delve into the key factors that make these breeds cost-effective, such as lower grooming needs, fewer health issues, and minimal dietary expenses. Our guide also includes insights on adopting from shelters and rescues, a budget-friendly option to consider. We aim to assist you in finding the perfect dog that suits your lifestyle and financial capacity.
Most Affordable Dog Breeds
When you choose to welcome a canine companion into your house, you are committing for the rest of your life. Even though we like dogs, they may be costly. Keeping a dog comes with a lot of expenses. These include of necessities including food, veterinarian care, toys, and grooming.
Depending on the breed you pick, the cost of having a dog might vary significantly. Breeds with conditions including hip dysplasia, heart illness, or brachycephalic syndrome often have health problems. Other breeds need regular, skilled grooming. Some dogs may need the installation of a high fence to keep them secure. You should also think about how much food your dog will need. Large breeds will need a significantly greater monetary outlay for food.
You should consider how much you are prepared to spend on dog care before choosing a new friend. Here are 25 dog breeds that won’t cost you a fortune to help you narrow down your choices.
The Top 25 Most Affordable Dog Breeds
1. American Hairless Terrier
Height: 12 to 16 inches
Weight: 10 to 16 pounds
Lifespan: 13 to 16 years
Temperament: Energetic, loving, attentive
Colors: Black, blue, red, brown, sable, brindle
The only canine breed without hair that originated in the US is the American Hairless Terrier. They are playful dogs that like going on long walks and playing with their owners. The American Hairless Terrier struggles when left alone for extended periods of time because it yearns for your attention. You won’t have to spend to take them to a groomer since they don’t have a coat to groom.
2. Beagle
Height: 13 to 15 inches
Weight: 18 to 30 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Temperament: Friendly, stubborn, gentle
Colors: Black, tan, white
Beagles are renowned for being everyone’s best buddy. They are horrible guard dogs since they adore everyone, even strangers. Beagles also like eating. To keep your Beagle from acquiring too much weight, you must be cautious to provide them the proper quantity of food. Otherwise, they make wonderful friends and family dogs. They are also well-known for being fairly healthy, which makes them a relatively affordable dog breed in terms of medical expenses.
3. Bichon Frise
Height: 9 to 11 inches
Weight: 7 to 12 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Temperament: Intelligent, cheerful, needy
Colors: White
Whether you’re alone or with a family, the jovial little Bichon Frise is a fantastic friend. Due to their small size, feeding your little friend won’t break the wallet. They are highly loving and like receiving attention. The Bichon Frise is a breed that is very clever. As a result, they are teachable and enthusiastic learners. Teaching your Bichon tricks can amuse you for many hours while making them happy.
4. Border Collie
Height: 18 to 22 inches
Weight: 30 to 45 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Temperament: Intelligent, energetic, sensitive
Colors: Black, white, tan
Working as herding dogs are Border Collies. They like working and learning new things. The Border Collie would be the ideal dog for you if you are interested in training and agility. It is important to emphasize that these canines must do labor and get training. They are not snoozer dogs. To prevent them from being sad and destructive, you must keep them busy and involved in something. Having said that, you may teach them yourself without spending money on a costly trainer thanks to their high degree of intelligence.
5. Cane Corso
Height: 23 to 27 inches
Weight: 90 to 120 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Temperament: Loyal, intelligent, dominant
Colors: Black, grey, red, fawn
One of the less costly dog breeds since you won’t have to pay a lot of money for a puppy is the Cane Corso and Cane Corso hybrid, which are very prevalent at shelters. Large, powerful, and clever canines are Cane Corsos. They need education and employment. The Cane Corso is a highly affectionate and devoted family dog, but socialization is necessary to prevent aggression. A Cane Corso is ideally suited to a strict and knowledgeable dog owner. It’s also crucial to remember that Cane Corsos often dislike strangers even when they like their family.
6. Chihuahua
Height: 6 to 9 inches
Weight: 3 to 6 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 18 years
Temperament: Sensitive, alert, energetic
Colors: Fawn, white, black, chocolate, grey, silver, tricolor
Little dogs with big personality are known as chihuahuas. They are intelligent and eager to learn. They will follow you around all day long and want to be near their family. Since they dislike being left alone, they are not a suitable option for a family that is gone all day. Due to their small stature, chihuahuas are not recommended for households with young children. The Chihuahua may be violent, especially against bigger dogs, thus they should always be kept under close observation while around other dogs. You won’t have to spend a lot of money on food for your Chihuahua because of their small size.
7. Chinese Crested Hairless
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
Lifespan: 13 to 18 years
Temperament: Playful, sensitive, affectionate
Colors: Mahogany, blue, lavender, copper
The Chinese Crested Hairless wants to be with you constantly, much like the Chihuahua. These cute small dogs often attach to only one person. They are not designed to be left alone for extended periods of time. Chinese cresteds come in two different varieties. You won’t need to spend money on pricy grooming since the Hairless variety has no hair and the Powder Puff has very little hair. The Chinese Crested has excellent athletic ability. Despite not showing much evidence of a regular exercise need, they are capable of climbing, leaping, and running. The Chinese Crested Hairless can be the right dog for you if you don’t mind having a small shadow follow you around.
8. Dachshund
Height: 8 to 9 inches
Weight: 16 to 32 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Temperament: Stubborn, energetic, intelligent
Colors: Blue, chocolate, black, fawn
Dachshunds are wonderful household pets. They are amicable, entertaining, and smart. Also tiny enough to live comfortably in an apartment is the Dachshund. However, they will bark if they are bored. There’s a chance your neighbors won’t like the loudness. However, if given the right attention, training, and care, your Dachshund will become a delightful, fun member of your family. They are also commonly accessible and reasonably priced in shelters.
9. Dalmatian
Height: 19 to 24 inches
Weight: 48 to 55 pounds
Lifespan: 13 to 16 years
Temperament: Energetic, curious, intelligent
Colors: White, black spots
Dalmatians are avid runners. They need a house with a large fenced yard or a family that is active and will provide them with plenty of daily exercise. For the Dalmatian to understand appropriate behavior guidelines, early positive training is also necessary. If you’re thinking about getting a Dalmatian, there are two additional considerations. Often, they are born either completely or partly deaf. This might make training difficult if you aren’t willing to put in the required effort. In contrast, they seldom have other health issues, which might help you save money on medical expenses throughout the duration of your pet’s life.
10. English Bulldog
Height: 12 to 15 inches
Weight: 40 to 50 pounds
Lifespan: 8 to 12 years
Temperament: Affectionate, stubborn, sociable
Colors: White, fawn, red, fallow
The low-energy Dalmatian is the complete opposite of the English Bulldog. They need to be persuaded to exercise in order to avoid gaining weight since they are quite pleased to spend their days snoozing. Excessive weight may make respiratory and health issues worse. The Bulldog requires little maintenance overall. They are affectionate, peaceful, and loving and don’t need costly grooming.
11. Glen of Imaal Terrier
Height: 12 to 14 inches
Weight: 25 to 35 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Temperament: Feisty, loyal, intelligent
Colors: Wheaten, silver, blue, brindle
These terriers make wonderful, affectionate family pets. As long as they get sufficient attention and exercise, they can adjust to practically any living situation. The Glen of Imaal Terrier enjoys digging since they were developed as hunting dogs. They like chasing as well. You will need to keep a watch on them to prevent them from digging up your lawn or chasing away all the neighboring small animals. However, because of their high intelligence level, they are quite simple to teach, thus hiring a trainer won’t cost you a lot of money.
12. Irish Terrier
Height: 18 to 20 inches
Weight: 25 to 27 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Temperament: Brave, loyal, intelligent
Colors: Red, golden, wheaten
The Irish Terrier requires plenty of playtime and open space. They have a great, lengthy lifetime and are often in excellent health. They need constant training beginning at a young age since they are incredibly bright. They are terrific watchdogs and adore their families. They prefer living in a home as opposed to an apartment since they bark a lot. The Irish Terrier is best kept as the sole pet in the home since, being a hunting dog, they may want to pursue your smaller pets. They might be hostile toward other dogs and dislike them as well.
13. Jack Russell Terrier
Height: 10 to 15 inches
Weight: 13 to 17 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Temperament: Energetic, stubborn, intelligent
Colors: White, black, tan
The Jack Russell Terrier, a cunning, perceptive, and tenacious little dog, comes in second on our list of inexpensive dog breeds. Since they may be quite challenging to train, they are not a suitable option for first-time dog owners. Perhaps because individuals don’t fully grasp their demands before purchasing a Jack Russell, they are often seen in shelters. However, if you are seasoned and want a tenacious little friend, the Jack Russell could be the right choice. These little puppies need to be exercised often and trained firmly and consistently to avoid becoming destructive.
14. Manchester Terrier
Height: 15 to 16 inches
Weight: 12 to 22 pounds
Lifespan: 14 to 16 years
Temperament: Social, energetic, sensitive
Colors: Black, tan
Due to the Manchester Terrier’s reputation as one of the terrier breeds that is simplest to train, you won’t need to hire a costly trainer. They are devoted to and kind toward their family. They are eager to please and like learning. Having saying that, they do need a lot of care and exercise. They will bark incessantly and become destructive if left alone for a long time.
15. Miniature Pinscher
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 8 to 11 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
Temperament: Energetic, curious, fearless
Colors: Rust, chocolate, red, black
Bossy and courageous, the Miniature Pinscher is a breed of dog. You must be willing to be a strict, dependable trainer if you are thinking of getting one. This will produce a devoted and loyal buddy. They are adept at escaping and need a lot of activity. You should keep a constant eye out to prevent the Miniature Pinscher from escaping. They also have a great sense of curiosity and enjoy to sample new foods. When it comes to spending money on their food, though, their tiny stature makes them one of the cheaper dog breeds.
16. Miniature Schnauzer
Height: 13 to 14 inches
Weight: 11 to 20 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
Temperament: Affectionate, intelligent, friendly
Colors: Black, grey, white
The Miniature Schnauzer is a sociable, loving dog that enjoys going everywhere with his family. These adorable small canines with beards lust for your company and want to be wherever you are. They like playing and moving about. They are excellent watchdogs as well, barking to let you know if anything is moving or making noise. When the Miniature Schnauzer lives in your home, you may avoid spending money on a costly home security system!
17. Otterhound
Height: 24 to 27 inches
Weight: 80 to 115 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Temperament: Playful, energetic, independent
Colors: White, black, tan
Otterhounds like running and playing. You can rely on them to keep you engaged and alert. Having an Otterhound eliminates the need for a costly gym membership. They need a household that appreciates their demand for activity and has lots of energy. You will get a loving dog as compensation. The Otterhound enjoys swimming in addition to running. They also adore the water. Being a barker, the otterhound will often be heard baying.
18. Papillon
Height: 8 to 11 inches
Weight: 4 to 9 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, active
Colors: White, black, tan, red
The Papillon is a little, cute, and active dog. They like spending all day, every day, with their family. As long as they get the proper exercise and care, they adapt to most types of living situations effectively. In addition, their small size means that they need less nourishment. Despite their small size, Papillons are fiercely guarded. Additionally, they lack fear and won’t think twice to attack a much bigger dog if they believe you are in danger.
19. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 25 to 30 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
Temperament: Loving, intelligent, stubborn
Colors: Red, black, sable, fawn, white
As a family pet, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi excels. They get along well with children and other pets because of their kind, amiable disposition. They have a lot of energy and love to play. Additionally, corgis are often in good health, so you shouldn’t have to pay a lot for their care. Although bright, the Corgi may sometimes be a touch headstrong. As a result, starting training early is advised.
20. Pit Bull
Height: 17 to 19 inches
Weight: 30 to 85 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Temperament: Confident, alert, loving
Colors: White, blue, grey, red, black, brown, brindle
Despite their bad image as vicious canines, pit bulls make fantastic, devoted family pets. Because they were gentle with small children, they were commonly used as nanny dogs. The fact that they are used as fighting dogs has led to the idea that they are violent and deadly. Humans instill in them at an early age the aggression necessary for combat. Pit bulls are not inclined to do that. Pit bulls are smart, eager learners that enjoy humans and affection as long as they are properly reared and socialized. You can easily find one in practically any animal shelter and save one for a little money.
21. Pug
Height: 10 to 14 inches
Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Temperament: Affectionate, playful, stubborn
Colors: Black, fawn
The Pug is bred to be a companion dog. They like being in your company constantly and dislike being left alone. They are lively and kind. However, they are prone to weight growth without regular exercise. As long as they are properly educated and socialized, the Pug may get along well with other animals. As long as they are properly cared for, they often have a respectable lifetime of up to 15 years.
22. Rat Terrier
Height: 13 to 16 inches
Weight: 22 to 40 pounds
Lifespan: 13 to 18 years
Temperament: Stubborn, intelligent, fearless
Colors: Tan, black, white, rust, red, chocolate, blue
The Rat Terrier is most known for its love of digging. If you don’t offer them somewhere to dig, they’ll rip up your whole yard. They are tenacious and active. The Rat Terrier wants to please you, as many dogs do, but only on their terms. They need instruction and exercise. These dogs will make excellent watchdogs and enjoyable family companions if given the right care and attention. They have lengthy lifespans and are robust, healthy dogs.
23. Xoloitzcuintli
Height: 18 to 23 inches
Weight: 10 to 50 pounds
Lifespan: 14 to 20 years
Temperament: Calm, alert, territorial
Colors: Black, slate, liver, red, bronze, grey
These Mexican Hairless or hairless canines are peaceful and intelligent. Even though they aren’t adorable and fluffy, they make terrific family dogs. You will also save money on grooming expenses since they don’t have hair. These puppies form strong bonds with their owners and dislike being left alone. They like cuddling and can function with some activity. They might have a strong prey drive and don’t care much for strangers.
24. Yorkshire Terrier
Height: 8 to 9 inches
Weight: 4 to 6 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Temperament: Feisty, brave, intelligent
Colors: Blue, grey, tan
Due to its enormous personality, the little Yorkshire Terrier—the final pure breed on our list of the least costly dog breeds—is a well-liked companion. They are sassy and like the spotlight. As long as they were reared with other animals, the Yorkie gets along well with them as well. It’s crucial to constantly keep an eye on your small friend since they have a tendency to forget their size and act a bit too bravely around strangers and bigger canines. You don’t need to purchase a ton of food for them because of their small size. Yorkies are not recommended for persons who work long hours since they are prone to barking and damage when left alone.
25. Mutt
A mongrel or mixed breed dog may be the least expensive of all breeds! Purebred dogs are often more prone to genetic disorders and illnesses than dogs of mixed breeds, sparing you from expensive vet expenditures. In addition, there are a lot of mixed-breed dogs crammed into shelters all around the nation. Adoption may help you save money while simultaneously saving a life.
Conclusion
All dogs need a financial investment, but it’s crucial to understand which breeds will cost more in the long run for food, medical care, and grooming. You can better anticipate what to expect from your canine partner by doing your study.
Questions and Answers:
What factors make a dog breed more affordable?
Affordability in dog breeds often relates to lower grooming needs, fewer health issues, and economical dietary requirements.
Are mixed-breed dogs a budget-friendly choice?
Yes, mixed-breed dogs are often more affordable than purebred dogs and can be adopted from shelters at a reasonable cost.
What are some examples of affordable dog breeds?
Breeds like the Beagle, Chihuahua, and Pug are known for their affordability due to their minimal grooming and health costs.
How can I save on initial expenses when getting a dog?
Consider adopting from a shelter or rescue organization, as these dogs often come with lower adoption fees and are already spayed or neutered.
Are there any ongoing costs to consider with affordable dog breeds?
While initial costs may be lower, it’s essential to budget for regular veterinary care, food, and other essentials to ensure your dog’s well-being.
Choosing an affordable dog breed ensures that your furry friend brings joy without straining your finances. By considering the factors that make certain breeds budget-friendly and exploring adoption options, you can find the perfect companion for your family while staying within your means.
