15 Most Affordable & Cheapest Dog Breeds in 2024 (With Pictures)
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Dog ownership can be very rewarding. However, it can also be expensive. Dogs require a significant financial commitment, often costing thousands a year. Some high-maintenance breeds may even cost closer to $10,000.
However, not all breeds are expensive. Those with known health problems and high grooming needs tend to have the highest maintenance costs (vet care and grooming can get expensive). Dogs with short, low-maintenance fur and few genetic issues cost the least.
Of course, the exact price will vary from dog to dog. Some will be healthy despite belonging to an unhealthy breed. Others will be unhealthy despite belonging to a healthy breed. However, generally, we can estimate how much a dog will cost to buy and raise based on their breed.
Below, we’ve listed the 15 cheapest dog breeds, as well as some basic information about why they’re so affordable.
The 15 Most Affordable Dog Breeds
1. Beagle
Beagles are both relatively inexpensive to purchase and very healthy. Their short coat takes care of itself, and they don’t require any professional grooming. A quick brush at home (and occasionally trimming their nails) is all they need. Plus, they’re friendly and compact little dogs, so they work well in most families.
2. Bichon Frise
If you’re set on a furry canine, you may want to consider the Bichon Frise. This dog will need regular grooming. However, they have very low exercise needs and few health issues. Therefore, their overall cost tends to be quite low. They’re much more affordable than similar breeds, like the Shih Tzu.
3. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are so affordable largely due to their small size. They don’t eat as much as other dogs and have no professional grooming needs. However, very small Chihuahuas are prone to many serious health problems. Conversely, purchasing a larger Chihuahua will often provide you with a healthier, more affordable dog.
4. Dachshund
These tiny dogs have a lot of personality stuffed into their small bodies. They’re generally pretty healthy, especially if you purchase them from a quality breeder. Use ramps and prevent jumping to keep back problems at bay. Beyond that, they’re extremely healthy dogs with no professional grooming needs.
5. Jack Russell Terrier
These small, energetic dogs work well in families with children. They’re friendly to just about everyone and have tons of energy. They’re rather small and don’t have a high grooming need, which helps keep their price down.
6. Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Pinschers are different from your other small dogs. They’re much more aloof and alert, which makes them great for those looking for alert dogs (or someone who just doesn’t want an always-attached-to-your-hip toy dog).
These dogs are very healthy and have minimal grooming requirements, which is why they are so affordable.
7. Papillon
These dogs have very fun, aesthetic “butterfly ears,” hence their name. They’re absolutely adorable small dogs that make great cuddle buddies. However, they are much healthier than other dogs of their size. Therefore, they tend to be much more affordable. They also have minimal grooming needs, despite the long fur on their ears.
8. Pug
Pugs are compact, adorable dogs with a unique appearance. They are prone to respiratory problems, especially if you purchase them from a poor breeder. Therefore, it’s important to purchase them from someone who knows how to breed healthy Pugs.
If you can manage that, these canines are laidback, have no professional grooming needs, and are very small. Therefore, they work well for many families looking for an affordable companion.
9. Rat Terrier
Rat Terriers deserve far more popularity than they have. These energetic companions are smaller than most, but they work very well with children. They make a portable companion that can also keep up with you during a walk. They are affordable due to their low grooming needs and generally robust health.
10. Shih Tzu
These dogs have low exercise requirements, so they won’t require a dog walker. However, they do need professional grooming, though you can get their hair cut short, elongating the time between haircuts. Some Shih Tzus are also prone to health problems. Therefore, you must purchase them from a quality breeder who health tests all of their dogs.
While not the cheapest dog on this list, Shih Tzus are less expensive than most breeds.
11. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
These friendly dogs are very people-oriented, making them a great option for families. They love just about everyone, and they’re pretty affordable, too.
They have very few health problems, so vet costs tend to be lower. Plus, they don’t require any professional grooming. You can give them a quick brush at home to keep them clean.
12. Welsh Corgi
Queen Elizabeth has popularized the Welsh Corgi. This breed actually comes in two types: Pembroke and Cardigan. However, both are about the same price. Their moderate size and low grooming needs make them cheaper than most dogs. They’re very healthy, as well. However, they can be more expensive to purchase from a breeder than other dogs on this list.
13. Whippet
The Whippet was once called the “poor man’s Greyhound”—and that phrase could still stand true today. These dogs are extremely similar to Greyhounds. However, they are smaller and healthier. They’re also cheaper to purchase from a breeder. Many people prefer them due to their smaller size.
These dogs also don’t require any professional grooming as they have extremely short fur.
14. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are elegant, dependable dogs. They’re much more sturdy than other small breeds and tend to be healthier overall. Plus, they don’t eat a lot (because they are so small). However, they are very energetic and don’t always fit the description of a “lap dog.”
Still, if you’re looking for an active, smaller dog, the Yorkie may fit your needs perfectly.
15. Mixed Breeds
Mixed breeds tend to be healthier and less expensive than purebred dogs. Because they inherit traits from a larger gene pool, genetic issues occur less often. Plus, adopting one is often cheaper, as there is lower demand. You can also find breeders that specialize in specific mixed-breed dogs.
With that said, you never really know what you’re getting with a mixed-breed dog. While most are affordable, others could have high grooming needs or be unhealthy.
Final Thoughts
You can own a dog on a very small budget—as long as you choose the right dog. The 15 breeds we named above often come with lower costs than others, both to maintain and adopt them. Most of these breeds have little grooming requirements, are smaller, and tend to be healthier. These three traits often make them more affordable.
However, it’s important to remember that these dogs do come with some costs. They still need to eat, and illnesses still happen. Responsible ownership means providing the proper care for your dog, even if they end up being more costly than you originally thought.
Featured Image Credit: Imageman, Shutterstock
