The 15 Cheapest Dog Breeds for Budget-Conscious Pet Lovers

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The price of puppy love

The most expensive dogs can fetch thousands of dollars, a major bummer for anyone whose wallet is looking a little lean. If that sounds like you, we’ve got some good news: Not all purebred dogs are pricey. The sweet pups on our list will generally cost you less from a breeder, and you can save even more by adopting from shelters or breed-specific programs, such as the Beagle Freedom Project. That’s why we’ve crowned them the cheapest dog breeds around.

The actual cost of buying a dog varies, depending on the breed, but you can expect an estimated $600 to $2,500 to get that pup into your arms. Beyond the initial cost, all dogs have inevitable expenses to think about. “Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and one of the factors to consider when evaluating which dog is right for you comes down to the cost of proper care for them,” says Rachel Neese, DVM, a veterinarian at CityVet Oak Lawn in Dallas. There’s the basics, such as food, chew toys and yearly immunizations and heartworm prevention. Beyond that, your dog might need obedience training, daycare or a dog walker when you are away, as well as regular grooming. Plus, it’s a good idea to stash money aside or get pet insurance for unexpected vet expenses. 

So how much kibble can you expect to dish out throughout their lifetime? The ASPCA estimates the annual costs of a dog based on size, and small dogs tend to live longer, but not always. For simplicity’s sake, we’ll use 10 years for all dog sizes. The estimated annual cost for a small dog is $512 per year; multiply that by 10 years and you get $5,120. Medium dogs are about $669 a year, or $6,669 for 10 years; and large dogs come in at $1,041, or $12,492 for 10 years.

The popular dog breeds that made our list are considered the cheapest dog breeds around because their lifetime costs are lower. Reader’s Digest talked to two veterinarians—Dr. Neese and Jessica Apted, DVM, the regional medical director at Sploot Veterinary Care in Denver—to get the fascinating facts on these budget-friendly pups.

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1. Chihuahua

These tiny dogs are just a wispy 3 to 6 pounds, yet they’re no wallflowers. “Chihuahuas possess a larger-than-life personality, making them a vigilant and loyal companion,” says Dr. Apted. And a long companionship it will be. Smaller dogs tend to have longer life spans, and Chihuahuas are among the longest-living dog breeds, living 14 to 16 years on average. Luckily, they are a relatively healthy breed, so with all the money you save, you could consider bringing home another one—who would be welcomed with open paws! “A quirky trait of this breed is its tendency to prefer the company of its own kind, often bonding closely with other Chihuahuas,” says Dr. Apted.

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2. Toy Manchester terrier

In the 19th century, these teensy dogs were bred to hunt rats. Today, they might still have an itch to chase small critters, but it’s more out of curiosity. The breed is famous for being gentle and uber-affectionate with family, but timid with strangers. Since these dogs have a smooth and sleek coat, you won’t have to shell out money for grooming, and their small size means less food to buy. But you might want to pocket that savings for future veterinary care. Toy Manchester terriers are often affected by juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy, a potentially deadly heart disease. Genetic testing is available to determine if your dog has it or is a carrier.

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3. Beagle

These perpetually cheerful and affordable pups were bred to hunt in packs and, therefore, prefer to hang out with other pets and people rather than be left alone … unless they pick up a scent. Then, all bets are off until they’ve satisfied their curiosity. Otherwise, they’re all about having fun, and they are exceptional playmates for the kiddos, who will love their charming vocal range. “They can produce a variety of sounds, including barks, howls and bays, often used to express themselves or during the hunt,” says Dr. Apted. Like most short-haired dogs, beagles are low-budget when it comes to grooming costs. They get by with a weekly brushing and occasional bath.  

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4. German wirehaired pointer

If you love the outdoors and are looking for a dog that can adapt to various weather conditions, the German wirehaired pointer (GWP) could be your new hiking buddy. This breed craves daily vigorous exercise, which means you can ditch the gym membership and get fit with your bestie. And you can walk or hike in all kinds of weather because the GWP has a weather-resistant coat that is virtually water-repellent. No pricey doggy sweater for this pup! As far as grooming goes, the cheapest dog breeds often just need a good brushing a couple of times a week and an occasional bath. And you probably won’t spend a ton of money on dog training: GWPs rank among the smartest dog breeds and are remarkably eager to learn, so they should catch onto those lessons quickly! 

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5. Dalmatian

Did you know Dalmatians are born entirely white? They get their trademark spots when they’re about 2 weeks old. Another interesting fact: “Some Dalmatians have a unique way of pulling back their lips and showing their teeth in a manner that resembles a grin. This is often referred to as the ‘Dalmatian smile,'” says Dr. Neese. It might look weird or scary, but in most cases, it just means they are happy or being submissive. And you might see that smile a lot when you spend time together. They thrive on human companionship, though their rambunctious energy level may not be suitable for families with younger children.

What else makes them one of the cheapest dog breeds? Like most short-coated breeds, the require no professional grooming. But they do shed a lot, so frequent brushing is a must.

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6. Border collie

One of the most intelligent and adorable black-and-white dog breeds, these pupsters have energy, agility and stamina in spades. (FYI, they also come in colors besides black and white!) The breed’s herding skills are quite remarkable due to their intense stare. “The father of the border collie breed, named Old Hemp, had a unique style that was quiet and calm, unlike the more common aggressive methods of herding at the time,” says Dr. Neese. “His method involved using a hypnotic stare to control sheep, which became a hallmark of the border collie breed.” If those fascinating attributes didn’t wow you, maybe this will: Border collies are sweet, clever and loyal, and because they are hardy and healthy, that means less costly trips to the vet. 

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7. Schipperke

When word got around in the mid-1800s that Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium had a cute black dog, everyone wanted one of their own. Schipperkes’ confident and curious nature implores them to explore, so it’s essential to nail down dog-training basics, such as “come,” early on to keep them in your sights. Yet even with their independent streaks and mischievous stunts, they are lovey-dovey with full-grown humans. Initially bred to hunt vermin, they can still have a high prey drive toward small animals (or small humans who tease or play rough with them), so small pets may not be good roommates. What lands them among the cheapest dog breeds? They’re small, so they eat less food; their coat only needs weekly brushing, and they don’t require trips to the groomer; and they’re generally healthy.

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8. Pug

Although we would pay top dollar for those smushed faces and adorable wrinkles, pugs are an affordable dog breed. In fact, the pug motto is “multum in parvo,” meaning a lot in a little. While they can sometimes be a little stubborn and headstrong, pugs generally love to please their owners and are easy to care for. Still, those sweet little wrinkles need regular cleaning and drying to prevent skin infections, but you don’t need to pay a groomer to do this task.

You should also be aware that pugs, like other flat-faced dogs, snore and snort. “These sounds can be quite loud and are a charming (or sometimes annoying) part of living with a pug,” says Dr. Neese. Those short snouts can also create breathing problems when it is hot and humid outside, so lounging inside with the air conditioning is preferred. 

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9. Pembroke Welsh corgi

Corgis are a charming, super affectionate and calm dog breed. Their ancestors worked hard herding cattle for farmers in South Wales. Despite their cute short legs, Corgis are quick on their feet and fast thinkers. They’ll need daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep their hearts happy. Typically a healthy breed, some Corgis can pack on extra pounds. And while that Corgi “loaf” may be irresistible, don’t let it get too big. Overweight dogs are at a higher risk for developing diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, arthritis and other health issues, so ration those treats and get lots of active playtime in the books—it’ll save you money on vet bills. And here’s another money-saver: Pugs don’t need fancy fur cuts. Just remember to brush them daily because they do shed a fair amount.

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10. Dachshund

Instantly recognizable, this popular and charming long-nosed dog breed comes in two sizes: The miniature weighs 11 pounds or less, and the standard tops out at around 35 pounds. They can sport smooth, wiry or long-haired coats. The smooth coat is wash and wear, while wire-haired and long-haired coats are easy to maintain with regular brushing and (for the wires) occasional eyebrow and beard trims. Hand-plucking dead hairs will also make wire-haired dachshunds look their most dapper.

Dachshunds are famous for being bold, curious, tenacious and a wee bit saucy. Nevertheless, they are devoted lap dogs, fun companions and some of the cheapest dog breeds for their size. Due to their long backs, dachshunds are prone to disc problems, so a home with stairs wouldn’t be an ideal fit for this breed.

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11. Greyhound

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance dog breed that is calm and gentle, this could be the perfect cheap dog breed for you. You might be surprised to learn that these lightning-fast sprinters are remarkably chill and notably graceful indoors, making them great dogs for apartment living. And at around 65 pounds and 30 inches tall, that’s a plus. They don’t require long exercise sessions and have a low-maintenance coat and overall healthy bill of health. If those qualities don’t wow you, they’re also one of the dog breeds that don’t bark much … but they might replace that with occasional chattering teeth, which can be mistaken for shivering. “This behavior can occur when they are excited, nervous or even just content,” says Dr. Neese.

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12. American foxhound

If you think the American foxhound looks a lot like a beagle, you’re right. This rare dog breed regularly confuses dog lovers until they realize the foxhound is almost twice the size of the beagle. These good-natured pups are sweet-tempered and get along famously with children and other dogs. They have a strong penchant for howling and baying, which your children may love to mimic right along with them (though your neighbors might not appreciate the daily concerts). For that reason, the American foxhound might prefer a zip code in the country. Plus, they need a solid hour or two of exercise or they’ll get bored or depressed, then destructive. Typically healthy with an easy-to-care-for coat, this hound is one of the cheapest dog breeds to own.

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13. English setter

At first glance, these gorgeous floppy-eared dogs don’t seem low-budget. Their showstopping long and silky coats look pretty high-maintenance. Amazingly, visits to the groomer aren’t necessary—unless you don’t brush your pup weekly. (Those flowy locks can get tangled and painful if you don’t stay on top of them.) That said, if you’re not keen on trimming the fur around the face and feet or bathing your dog at home, you’ll have to pay a groomer for that every six weeks or so. English setters tend to be healthy, so they shouldn’t rack up vet bills. As far as companionship, they are hopelessly devoted to you and will never leave your side.

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14. Miniature pinscher

Are you smitten with dogs with pointy ears? This tiny pup may seem like a pint-size version of a Doberman pinscher, but the mini pinscher would take umbrage with that. They are their own breed, thank you very much. Now that that’s cleared up, let’s talk about the perks of having one of the spunkiest and cheapest dog breeds. This spirited extrovert is cocky, comedic and always in motion. “They stand out for their fearless and energetic nature, embodying confidence in a small package,” says Dr. Apted. “They even have a distinctive high-stepping gait, known as the ‘Hackney gait,’ resembling that of a horse.” They’re healthy, hardy dogs, and there’s no need to worry about grooming because they’re naturally clean and have short coats.

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15. Rat terrier

President Theodore Roosevelt hunted with these dogs, but they’re better known for the work they did in the White House. Legend has it that these tenacious terriers got rid of the rat problem at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. You might not be looking for a rat exterminator, but you’ll find one of the cheapest dog breeds with this furry friend. They are typically healthy and clever, so you can train them yourself. You’ll also save money by brushing their fur at home. What you’ll love most about your pup, though, is its desire to be a full-fledged family member. Rat terriers love children and have the enthusiasm and energy to match during playtime.

Why trust us

At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece on the cheapest dog breeds, Lisa Marie Conklin tapped her experience as a reporter who has covered dogs and pets for seven years, and Caroline Coile, PhD, an award-winning journalist specializing in canine breeds, health and science, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

• Rachel Neese, DVM, veterinarian and owner of CityVet Oak Lawn; email interview, Feb. 1, 2024
• Jessica Apted, DVM, veterinarian and regional medical director at Sploot Veterinary Care; email interview, Feb. 7, 2024
• ASPCA: “How Much Does It Cost to Have a Dog?”