7 Most Affordable Dogs For Owners On A Budget, Ranked

Budgeting for a new dog is important for many would-be pet parents. While all dogs have the potential to be pricey, there are some breeds that cost less. On top of that, there are many breeds that enjoy robust health and long lives. Over a pet’s life, the seven most affordable dog breeds tend to cost less than their pricier cousins.

Owning a dog often winds up being far more expensive than one might expect. To that point, a British vet, Ben Simpson-Vernon, shares the dog breeds he wouldn’t have as a pet on TikTok — because they have a history of health problems and massive medical bills. The top two he names are the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Dachshund. Ultimately, all dogs have some health problems to some extent. However, steps can be taken to ensure owners buy from the right place.

If you want to own a pet, then be prepared to have an annual budget of over $3,500 for their essential needs. A new study of 2,000 pet owners reveals that half of all respondents have set up a monthly budget for their pets (52%) with an average cap of $308. Pet owners, on average, spend $276 on their furry pals each month, which translates to $3,316 annually.

For those who want a new furry friend in their life, but don’t have a ton of extra money to spend, we’ve got you covered! We have scoured 10 expert sources to compile this list of the most affordable dogs for budgeting pet parents that were most frequently recommended. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

The List: Top 7 Affordable Dogs Most Recommended by Experts

1. Chihuahua

The lovable Chihuahua is frequently available at local shelters. Even when they come from a breeder, they tend to be less expensive than other breeds. According to Newsweek, Chihuahuas average $650 to purchase, $23 to groom, and they don’t cost much to feed due to their small size. You don’t technically need a professional grooming service because their coats are short and easy to maintain, so grooming costs can cost as much as a dog brush costs to purchase.

Another perk of having a small pup is they tend to live longer. Reader’s Digest says Chihuahuas are among the longest-living dog breeds and often make it to 16 years old. While that may sound like a long time to pay for a dog, it also means they suffer from less medical issues, and therefore have lower vet costs through their lives.

Hepper Blog does warn that the smaller the Chihuahua is, the more health problems they are likely to be prone to. They recommend getting a Chihuahua on the larger side for a healthier dog.

2. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are exuberant dogs that have seemingly endless energy. They can be a handful, even for experienced dog owners. Pet Keen does not recommend them for first-time owners and describes them as mischievous and stubborn.

Market Watch Guides lays it all out: “The first year of Jack Russell terrier ownership will cost you about $3,585, but subsequent years will cost only $985. Altogether, this breed costs about $15,405 over 13 years.”

Although they can be expensive to initially purchase, Oodle Life says they are typically low-maintenance as far as care goes. They don’t need expensive grooming, special food, or a lot of exercise. So, while these dogs don’t require much financial commitment, you will want to consider how committed you can be to their training.

3. Beagle

Beagles are a very popular breed in the United States. As a result of ample supply combined with typically healthy genetics, Beagles are widely available. AZ Animals shares their history of hunting. This makes them muscular, athletic, and confident with an amazing sense of smell. Their small size makes for another dog that doesn’t eat the house down. Plus, they don’t require any special grooming and typically live healthy lives, making them quite affordable.

As far as their average purchase cost, Breeding Business says they usually go for $200 to $800. A must is having toys for them to keep them stimulated. Otherwise, Beagles make great family dogs, they write in their review.

According to Newsweek, adult Beagles need only one meal a day and maybe a snack or biscuit before bed. That means a lot less of your money is spent on dog food than it would be with other breeds.

4. Pug

Pugs can draw some controversy due to irresponsible breeders. Flat-faced dogs can often face health problems, but responsibly bred pugs can enjoy a happy life with fewer chronic medical issues. Hepper Blog emphasizes the importance of doing your research on a breeder before you end up with a pug that has respiratory problems.

According to Animal Corner, Pugs are delightfully low-maintenance and adapt well to apartment living. Additionally, they add that Pugs are friendly, affectionate, and great with kids. Sounds like a win-win!

A Pug puppy can cost anywhere from $600 to $1,600, but Pugs with very high-quality lineage can be a couple thousand. They may be small, but they have huge personalities in a tiny package. Reader’s Digest says, “It’s cuteness overload with this flat-faced dog. Though 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.”

5. Bichon Frise

The adorable Bichon Frise typically straddles the line between small and medium sizes. They tend to be fluffy and affable snuggle monsters. Aside from being affordable, Oodle Life says they are great with families, and are hypoallergenic. So, these dogs make a delightful pet for anyone.

According to Newsweek, Bichons typically cost around $525 to buy, but can reach around $1,000. If you decide to have them professionally groomed, the average cost is about $33 every four to six weeks.

6. Australian Terrier

Australian Terriers are tough dogs with strong bodies. Their purportedly robust health is a major factor in the Australian Terrier’s reduced costs. Newsweek says you can buy this breed for an average cost of $550 with grooming costs of about $45. Plus, these tiny pups are another breed that does not eat very much.

Hailing from a blend of British terriers brought Down Under in the 19th century, the Australian Terrier charms with its adaptability and manageable needs (AZ Animals). While its elegant coat warrants some additional grooming, its petite stature (typically 15-20 pounds) translates to smaller appetites and less space required compared to other breeds. Keeping in mind routine vet checkups for potential knee, eye, thyroid, and hip issues is recommended, but overall, Aussies boast good health, enjoying a lifespan of 11 to 14 years (Animal Corner).

This lack of common health concerns means lighter vet bills, making them an economical choice. Whether you call a cozy apartment or a spacious countryside home your own, an Aussie can happily adjust and thrive in your environment (Animal Corner). So, if a compact, adaptable, and relatively low-maintenance companion tickles your fancy, the Australian Terrier might just be the paw-fect furry friend for you.

7. Mutt

This list would not be complete without considering the good old shelter mutt. They come in many sizes and shapes, but mutts are typically quite healthy because of their mixed lineage. While a designer pedigree might hold some allure, consider the financial and health benefits of adopting a scruffy mutt. As Breeding Business highlights, shelter dogs are remarkably affordable, typically costing under $50 and often coming with essential vaccinations and neutering already handled.

Pet Keen chimes in, reminding us that mixed breeds hold their own against purebreds in the health department – their diverse genetic makeup makes them generally resistant to inherited conditions, potentially saving you hefty vet bills down the road.

Top Dog Tips adds weight to this point, reminding us that these lovable mutts are practically the bargain of the canine world, often free or at most a small adoption fee. So, if you’re seeking a furry friend who’s gentle on your wallet and surprisingly tough in the health department, look no further than your local shelter – a loyal mutt might just be waiting to steal your heart (and save you some cash).

Sources:

• Newsweek
• Reader’s Digest
• Hepper Blog
• Market Watch Guides
• Oodle Life
• AZ Animals
• Animal Corner
• Breeding Business
• Pet Keen
• Top Dog Tips

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