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22 Low-Cost Dog Breeds & Affordable Puppy Breeds

Written by Viena
Viena is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.
Published on
Friday 5 August 2022
Last updated on
Tuesday 9 May 2023
low cost and affordable dogs
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The world of dog breeds is wide, and it cannot be easy to find one that suits your needs. You need to consider size, health, and grooming when selecting the perfect pet for yourself. You may believe that higher-priced dogs are superior pets than anything else, but this is not the case. There are many least expensive dog breeds out there that will change your perspective about the value of the cheapest dogs.

Additionally, these low-cost puppies or dogs are ideal for potential fur parents who still consider their budget. There are 22 dog breeds out there that you can purchase at an affordable price. Remember, before purchasing one of these dogs; potential pet owners must know what they are signing up for.

This article will give you an overview of the characteristics of affordable dog breeds that is right for your family. So, keep on reading!

22 Affordable Dog Breeds

Set aside your worries if you want to own a dog with a limited budget. Now, here are the 22 dow breeds that you can take home without breaking the bank.

1. Australian Terrier

You can buy these energetic and easy-to-train dogs at prices ranging from $1000 to $1500. Australian Terrier requires a professional groomer as its coat needs frequent brushing. But, you can also take care of its coat at home.

One of the advantages of having these affordable puppy breeds is they can live up to 12 to 15 years. Hence, it can assure you that you can enjoy its company for a longer time.

Additionally, it has a low rate of daily food intake. This factor helps you to save money in keeping your fur pet. But, this dog may need a few walks every day because of its energetic personality.

2. Manchester Terrier

This low-cost dog breed is a perfect choice for an apartment dweller. You can have this active dog breed for only $600. As a Manchester Terrier is an active breed, you need to walk and play with it very often.

But, it requires minimal health care costs and has a 14 to 16 years life expectancy that can save you a penny. Additionally, this dog has a short and smooth coat that doesn’t need much grooming at all. But it is still important to remember that this dog needs baths, clipping nails, and ear cleaning.

3. Bichon Frise

You can have a Bichon Frise breed for only $1000. These affordable puppy breeds are the perfect companions if your life has become too busy or stressful. Also, these dogs are popular across the globe because of their sweetness.

But, despite its low price, it needs high maintenance or grooming. You need to brush its hair regularly and aside from that, it only has 12 years average life expectancy. More so, Bichon Frise breeds are lazy dogs. They don’t need any heavy training and food, but it requires much attention and love.

4. Rat Terrier

Smart and energetic, these small dogs breed is available at the price of $350. These dogs are quick to train because of their dynamic characteristics. Nevertheless, they have a lot of energy that needs an outlet for their exercise and mental stimulation.

More so, they have a minimum daily food intake due to their small size. You also need a little amount of fortune for the grooming of these dogs. In general, Rat Terriers are friendly and lovable which can ease your stress level. Indeed, it is a low-cost dog that has a lot of benefits.

5. Beagle

Beagle has a high prey drive; this breed is available at $200 to $800. They are energetic and friendly dogs that are perfect companions for your family. Given that they are energetic, you need to prepare toys for this breed. Beagles like to play from time to time, and they should have these accessories.

Additionally, these affordable puppies don’t have a strict daily food intake. But remember, overfeeding these dogs can make them obese, which is not healthy for them. Also, they only need a minimal grooming cost.

6. Border Collie

Border Collie is a dog that is not necessarily low-cost but affordable. You can purchase this breed at the price of $525 to $1500 on average. You have to consider this breed because of its high intelligence and agility rates.

Despite its small size, a Border Collie is an active and energetic dog. For this reason, it requires a high daily food intake and needs a wide playing space.

Hiring a professional groomer for these low-cost dog breeds is optional. But you need to brush its coat as part of its maintenance. A healthy breed like Border Collie has a life expectancy of 13 to 16 years.

7. Bolognese

A Bolognese is one of the dogs that need high maintenance for grooming. It would be best if you did their grooming and brushing of their coats regularly. Also, this dog comes with a price ranging from $1200 to $2000.

This breed is quite expensive when you buy it from a breeder. But, you can always adopt one and save money. Aside from that, Bolognese requires less food intake and exercise because of its calmness.

Despite its high maintenance requirements, it has a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years. Additionally, these affordable puppy breeds are smart, friendly, and have smooth cotton ball characteristics.

8. Jack Russell Terrier

Despite being small and short-haired, Jack Russell Terrier is one of the healthy breeds. The price of a Jack Russell Terrier is ranging from $800 to $1200 only. This breed can help you to unleash your stress.

These low-cost dogs don’t need much cost for grooming and have a low rate of daily food intake. Jack Russell Terriers can help you to unleash your stress.

On the other hand, you need to take put attention to these dogs because they are stubborn. For this reason, you need to train them well and give them a wide playing area.

9. Chihuahua

Chihuahua is a small dog that has long, silky hair. This breed is the smallest dog in the world. The price of this breed ranges from $650 to $1500 only. They require minimum maintenance, which is ideal for those who want to save money.

These low-cost dog breeds don’t eat much amount of food. Hence, the food budget is not a big problem. But, they can live from 12 up to 18 years.

Take note, these dogs may not be good to play with children. It would help if you were careful when you have a chihuahua because it is moody and warm-blooded. This type of dog can attack people or strangers when different factors trigger it.

10. Miniature Pinscher

A Miniature Pinscher is a dog breed that doesn’t require much grooming. This dog is ideal for those who don’t want to spend much time and money on grooming. Aside from that, they have a life span of 12 up to 18 years.

You can have this dog for only $500 to $1300. This breed’s personality may vary from one individual to another. But, it can be aggressive towards strangers and other dogs.

Additionally, this breed has a big and strong personality. A Miniature Pinscher likes to bark and chase the things that surround it. But despite its aggressive characteristic, it doesn’t require much exercise like other breeds.

11. Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier price is ranging from $800 up to $1300. This dog breed is easy to take care of and doesn’t require much grooming. It is also peaceful to keep them inside the house because it rarely barks.

More so, these low-cost dog breeds have a life span of 12 up to 18 years. This breed can have different personality traits, such as being friendly, energetic, and shy.

But the downside is, this dog can cause you a huge amount of money in the future because of its health condition. So, you need to take care of this dog thoroughly due to its susceptibility to different sicknesses.

Boston terrier dog breed
The Boston Terrier is easy to take care of and doesn’t require much grooming.

12. Pug

A Pug is a dog breed with an adorable wrinkly face, with a life span ranging from 12 to 15 years. The price of a pug puppy starts at $350 only. More so, these affordable puppy breeds require minimal grooming. They also don’t take much time for exercise and prefer to sleep on the couch.

But on the other hand, you might end up spending a lot of money on healthcare costs. This breed belongs to flat-faced dogs that are prone to various health issues.

13. Plott Hound

A Plott Hound is an excellent breed that you buy for around $275. This breed is one of the most affordable dog breeds that you can own. It has a life expectancy of between 12 to 14 years, and it needs minimal grooming.

Moreover, these breeds are hunting dog types. Therefore, you need to train and exercise them regularly. The training will help the dogs to stay healthy and active. Plott hound dogs are friendly towards children despite their hunting capabilities. But, you should not buy this breed if you are an apartment owner because of its big size.

14. Irish Terrier

An Irish Terrier is another low-cost dog breed that costs around $650. People often describe this breed as a friend of the farmer and a favorite pet of a gentleman. More so, these dogs are loyal to their owner and are generally courageous.

To emphasize, these breeds are great with families because they enjoy children’s company or playing outdoors. They can also serve as watchdogs for your family or house.

They also require minimal grooming needs. But still, you have to make sure that their coats are in good condition. Also, the life expectancy of these good fur friends is ranging from 13 to 14 years.

15. Schipperke

These small affordable puppy breeds can cost around $800 to $1100. Despite their small size, they are known as “little black devils” that rarely barks. They become aggressive towards small animals, such as rats, mice, moles, and vermin.

More so, these affordable puppy breeds are excellent watchdogs. For this reason, you need to provide them with much time for exercise and a wide playing area.

Schipperke is also easy to train and doesn’t regularly need fancy grooming, so you won’t have a hard time taking care of one.

16. American Hairless Terrier

An American Hairless Terrier is a dog breed that’s very affordable. You can purchase this small dog breed for only $900 to $1200. Since it is a small breed, you will not have big problems in feeding them.

There are kinds of American Hairless Terrier that have a short coat. For this reason, you cannot spend much amount of money on their grooming. These dogs are ideal pets for people that have fur allergies.

Remember, you have to keep these hairless dogs from the hot temperature. It would help if you also make sure that they are also safe from extremely cold weather.

17. Papillon

The Papillon dogs are available at the price of $400. Most people love them because they are loyal, sweet, and affectionate. Despite their small size and humble appearance, papillon breeds are great watchdogs.

Nonetheless, you need to have enough money as these breeds need regular grooming. Also, it would help if you brushed their coats regularly. Their ears are also prone to ear infections, therefore, you should clean them more often.

18. Harrier

With only $300, you can own a Harrier. It is one of the rarest dog breeds that will give you a lot of advantages. Take note, that even though this breed is rare, it will stay at an affordable price in the market.

The Harrier breed is another active type of dog. So, they need room for running and jumping around the house or in your yard. They also need a lot of time to exercise and play.

Additionally, despite their aggressive characteristic, the Harriers are sweet and affectionate. This breed is perfect for families that need a companion for their children.

19. Dachshund

Dachshunds are active small dog breeds. You can have this breed for a price ranging from $500 up to $1500 only. Dachshunds are also active dogs, but they only need a small playing space, which is an ideal offer.

Remember, these low-cost dog breeds come in three different coats. You may choose if you want a smooth, wire-haired, or long-haired dog. Take note, that each kind of coat requires a specific grooming maintenance type.

Some types require a professional groomer, and there are also types you can groom at your home.

More so, the dachshunds are healthy dog breeds with a lifespan of up to 15 years. For this reason, they are safe from various regular dog health issues, which is ideal for your budget.

20. English Setter

If you are looking for a dog for your family, English Setter is the best breed for you. You can purchase these affordable puppy breeds for only $350 with a life span of 10 up to 12 years. These breeds are ideal for families because of their low healthcare costs.

In addition, these breeds require regular bathing and brushing of coats. You need to ensure that they are well-brushed and clean to prevent tangles and mats.

21. Parson Russell Terrier

This breed is a small, clever, and friendly dog. It is ideal for families on a budget because it only costs $400 and it can also be a good companion for your kids.

More so, these dogs have low grooming needs, and they can be active indoors or outdoors. But you need to ensure that this dog has enough exercise to maintain its healthy condition.

More importantly, a Parson Russell Terrier doesn’t take much food since it is a small breed. But, you have to make sure that it will have a healthy diet plan.

22. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier is another small dog breed. You can have these low-cost dog breeds for a price ranging from $800 up to $1500 only. To add to that, the budget for feeding this breed is not a big problem. You only have to provide this breed with less than a cup of food because of its size.

The Yorkshire Terrier Puppy price is affordable yet requires high maintenance. This dog may experience different psychological problems, such as separation anxiety issues.

Unlike other puppies, this breed needs a lot of attention to its coat resulting in higher grooming costs. This dog needs regular bathing and trimming of hair to ensure its visibility.

Yorkshire Terrier dog breed
The Yorkshire Terrier Puppy price is affordable yet requires high maintenance.

What Makes A Dog Breed Affordable?

The cost of your potential pet depends on how much you will pay the dog from the breeder or shelter. This factor is the first consideration when looking for affordable dog breeds.

More so, it would help if you remembered these cost considerations when looking for low-cost dogs:

Cost of the food they eat

A healthy dog diet plan is a must to keep your pet well-fed. Remember, your choice of food for your pet can have an impact on its health. Withal, you have to be mindful in choosing expensive or cheaper dog foods for your fur friend.

Cost of their grooming needs

Some breeds require more than others to maintain that clean, doggy smell and fresh coat. Please take note of the type and length of fur they have. It would help if you also considered their grooming needs before buying affordable puppies.

How difficult they are to train

Dogs are not all created equal, and training some low-cost dog breeds can be a little more challenging than others. Some dogs require patience while still keeping the training sessions fun for both you and your pet.

Cost of buying puppies from a breeder

The cost of puppies from the breeder may vary depending on their qualifications. Also, the number of dogs they currently have can affect their price. Some breeds are more expensive than others, but there’s always the option to adopt an animal.

Susceptibility to health problems

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

Consider Adopting a Dog

If your budget is not suitable for the prices of the breeders, then you should consider adopting from the shelter. Adopting a dog is quite cheaper than buying one that can go as low as $50. More so, the dogs from the shelter already have the first round of shots and neutering.

The majority of the canines at the shelter are mutts. These dogs have a higher level of resistance to potential health issues in the future. Withal, these canines are worth considering compared to the purebreds.

Furthermore, you may be able to locate the low-cost dog breeds from kill shelters. Aside from owning a dog, adopting can also save a life. Take note; a kill shelter has no time for training dogs. So, you must consider how much time is needed to train your new pup before adopting it.

Besides the time training, you still have to consider different factors. These factors will help you smoothen your dogs’ adoption process. You should not only consider the appearance of your potential dog. The health condition and grooming of the dog also matter.

Lastly, adopting a dog from shelters can give you a wide range of great selections. The canines from the animal shelters came from various breeds that you will not find anywhere.

Affordable Dog Breeds: FAQ

What is the cheapest dog breed in the United States?

The most affordable American puppy breeds are Beagles. This dog breed is perfect for you if you have a frugal budget. Aside from low purchasing prices, these breeds come with cheap maintenance requirements.

You may only spend a total of $7,700 for the lifetime healthcare costs of the beagles. Additionally, these breeds don’t need much food, yet they have strong health and you only need to spend a minimal amount on their grooming needs.

What is the cheapest small dog?

The cheapest small dog breed that you may purchase is the Chihuahua. These breeds are budget-friendly, as they have a low price and low maintenance needs. You may only spend around $23 for their average bathing costs.

To add to it, Chihuahuas are healthy dogs that can live up to 18 years. You may spend a minimum of $5 500 for their lifetime healthcare expenses and they also have low daily food intake. Indeed, it is an ideal small fur pet for your limited budget.

Is adopting better than buying?

Adopting an animal shelter is a better option if you would like to save money. For one, there are no costs for the puppy’s transportation and medical care. Buying from a breeder can cost you at least $300 while adopting is only $50.

Another thing, adopting from shelters can save lives. You can help in reducing the number of euthanized animals in shelters. Take note; you will not save only one animal life in adopting. As you adopted a dog from animal protections, there will be available space for a homeless animal.

What is the most expensive dog?

The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the most costly dogs. A golden Tibetan Mastiff in China was sold for $2 million. They require a lot of care and attention, which you cannot give them if you work all day.

They are considered to be the most expensive breed in the world for this breed has a lion’s blood and has a golden coat that you can sell in China. More so, they weigh nearly 200 pounds and height of 80 centimeters.

What dog breed lives the longest?

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

Therefore, the smaller the size of the dog, the longer it can live. Take note, the 20 years have an equivalent to 140 years in the dogs’ time. Hence, a 20-year life is indeed a long lifespan for fur pets.

Whether you’re looking for low-cost dog breeds or affordable puppy breeds, remember that you always have a wide selection. For this reason, you have to consider different factors when choosing. Always consider what you can provide for them be it: the cost of their healthcare, grooming, food, and maintenance requirements.

One comment on “22 Low-Cost Dog Breeds & Affordable Puppy Breeds”

  1. Gina

    I’m sorry to say paying $900 to 1,500 is not a low costing dog . So for low budget folks who want a dog . I wouldn’t recommend your site. And everyone Deserves to own a dog not just rich folks . A low income family would probably take better care of a dog than rich folks they would probably pay attention to it more and walking more

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