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Some dogs can be more affordable to own than others due to various costs, from their initial purchase price to health expenses. The price of puppies can vary greatly and is solely up to the discretion of the breeders.
Speaking to Newsweek, Brandi Hunter, vice president of of public relations and communications at the American Kennel Club (AKC), said: “Many breeders will also provide a health guarantee, which is an agreement between breeder and buyer. This, similar to the cost of the puppies, is at the discretion of the breeder.
“Often times, these health guarantees ensure the buyer that the puppy and/or parents of the puppy have had proper health testing for genetic diseases.
“Prior to getting a new puppy, potential buyers should consider not only the cost of the puppy itself, but the cost to raise and care for this new addition. In addition to the initial purchase price of the puppy, potential puppy buyers should take into consideration costs for supplies, food, travel and boarding, toys and treats, Veterinarian visits, preventative medications and any potential injury or illness,” Hunter said.
Here we look at 30 of the most affordable dog breeds.
Chihuahua
The purchase price of a Chihuahua is around $650, with an average bathing cost of around $23, according to data compiled by GOBankingRates.
Being small dogs that eat very little, Chihuahuas are “one of the most low-cost dog breeds,” says James Rhys Clarke, a certified veterinary technician in Birmingham, England in the U.K.
Some have short hair, which cuts down on grooming costs, but even the long-haired varieties won’t be too expensive to maintain if you don’t mind brushing at home.
“While there are some common health problems with chihuahuas, if you have a vet take a look at your puppy, they can be avoided,” he added.
Three chihuahuas service dogs seen in a stroller on November 27, 2020 in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
Mark Makela/Getty Images
Beagle
These short-haired dogs come with minimal grooming needs. While they cost around $650 on average to buy, their average bathing cost is around $23.
They are active dogs but “an adult beagle only needs one meal a day, with usually a biscuit in the evening to go to bed with,” The Beagle Club notes.
A beagle at the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on December 17, 2019 in London, England.
Mike Marsland/WireImage
Dachshund
Dachshunds don’t shed as much as other breeds, which not only cuts grooming bills but also cleaning costs, with furniture and clothes remaining mostly fur-free, writes Care.com, a company providing caregivers for different services including pet care. They cost around $500 to buy on average, with a bathing cost of around $23.
Dashshund seen at the Royal Crescent in Bath, England on April 2, 2017.
Matt Cardy/Getty Images
Greyhound
Greyhounds are “low-maintenance” dogs, the National Greyhound Adoption Program (NGAP) states.
“Their skin produces little oil so only a few baths a year are needed – unless you own a greyhound who loves to play in the mud! Using a grooming mitt a few times a week will keep your dog’s coat in good condition. Monthly nail clipping and ear cleaning are required,” the NGAP advises.
Italian greyhounds at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City on February 13, 2017.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Border collie
With an average purchase price of $525 and average grooming cost of around $50, border collies are among the most affordable dogs to own.
A border collie at the DogFest even on June 18, 2017 in Northwich, England.
Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage
Bichon frise
A bichon frise costs around $525 to buy, while bathing one can cost around $33. Most owners of a bichon frise take their dog to the groomer every four to six weeks. “The Bichon is considered to be relatively hypoallergenic, as the breed sheds very little because the shed hair is caught up in the undercoat,” the AKC states, which also helps keep maintenance costs down.
A bichon frise competes in the 144th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 10, 2020 in New York City.
Stephanie Keith/Getty Images
Dalmatian
A dalmatian costs around $700 on average to buy, while the cost of bathing them is only around $30. While they live an average of 10 to 13 years, medical costs amount to only around $700.
The AKC notes: “The Dalmatian’s coat is a thing of beauty with its colored spots on a sparkling white background, and it doesn’t take much work to keep it in good condition. Occasional baths and weekly brushing with a horsehair mitt or rubber curry comb to pull away dead hairs will keep the Dal looking his best.
A dalmatian seen on January 08, 2021 in Newcastle-under-Lyme, England.
Nathan Stirk/Getty Images
Manchester terrier
Manchester terrier costs around $600 to buy, while grooming expenses are low, with a typical bathing cost of around $27. “Manchester Terriers also have very little scent, which means infrequent baths and no need for furniture deodorizers,” James Rhys Clarke said.
American foxhound
“These dogs are considered by many to be one of the most healthy and resilient breeds around. Not only will you save money with vet bills, but with grooming bills as well. They are a little larger than some others on the list, but still only eat a moderate amount of food,” said James Rhys Clarke. They cost around $475 to buy, on average, while bathing costs are around $27 per session.
An American foxhound at the 140th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden on February 16, 2016 in New York City.
Getty Images
Australian terrier
The average purchase price of an Australian terrier is $550, while typical grooming costs are around $45. “They usually have excellent health which will offset the more expensive grooming costs,” James Rhys Clarke notes. They also don’t eat a lot of food, which also helps reduce costs.
An Australian terrier at the Westminster Kennel Club 140th Annual Dog Show on February 16, 2016 in New York City.
Matthew Eisman/WireImage
Pug
Pugs cost around $350 to buy, while grooming expenses are relatively low, with bathing costs estimated at around $27. The AKC notes “The Pug’s short, smooth, glossy coat needs minimal maintenance,” while they “don’t need to be bathed unless they happen to get into something particularly messy or start to get a doggy odor.”
A pug at a veterinarian clinic at the Salem Animal Rescue League in Salem, New Hampshire on May 27, 2020.
Joseph Prezioso / AFP via Getty Images
Pembroke Welsh corgi
Pembroke Welsh corgis can be purchased for around $550, while bathing costs amount to around $40 per session. They are typically a healthy breed, which helps keep health costs low, but “as with all breeds, a Pembroke’s ears should be checked weekly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed regularly,” the AKC states.
Corgi dogs at the Corgi Nationals championship at the Santa Anita Horse Racetrack in Arcadia, California on May 26 2019.
Mark Ralston / AFP via Getty Images
Schipperke
These small dogs each cost around $650 on average to purchase, while bathing them costs around $30. The AKC notes: “The Schipperke’s coat needs only weekly brushing, though they do go through a shedding season once or twice a year. During these periods, more frequent brushing will help to keep the amount of shed hair under control.”
A Schipperke dog.
H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock/Getty Images
American pit bull terrier
With an average bathing cost of only $27 and average purchase price of around $600, American pit bull terriers are among the most affordable dogs to own.
An American pit bull terrier competing at the AKC Meet The Breeds at Pier 92 event on February 13, 2016 in New York City.
Brad Barket/Getty Images
Pekingese
Pekingese dogs cost around $500 to purchase, while bathing costs average around $40 per session.
A pekingese at the 43rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2019 in New York City.
Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Affenpinscher
An affenpinscher costs around $400 on average to buy, while grooming costs around $42 per session. The AKC advises: “The Affen’s coat does not grow quickly, so trimming a pet Affen every few months should suffice,” while at home, its “medium-length, wiry coat should be groomed twice a week, first with a brush and then with a metal comb.”
An affenpinscher seen at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show February 12, 2013 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Stan Honda/AFP via Getty Images
Rat terrier
These small dogs require only a minimal amount of food. They cost around $350 to buy, with an average bathing cost of around $25 per session. James Rhys Clarke notes: “This breed also has short, wiry hair making for easy grooming and clean up. Rat terriers are one of the most friendly and lovable low-cost dog breeds….a great choice for owners on a budget.”
A rat terrier competes at the Westminster Kennel Club 140th Annual Dog Show on February 16, 2016 in New York City.
Matthew Eisman/WireImage
Harrier
Costing around $300 to buy and around $27 per grooming session, harriers are one of the cheapest dogs to maintain. Their “short, glossy coat requires minimal maintenance,” AKC states. “While they are generally healthy dogs, there are several health and genetic screening considerations specific to the breed.”
Harrier hounds look towards a hunt master near one of the presentation rings at the Festival of Hunting on July 19, 2017 in Peterborough, England.
Leon Neal/Getty Images
Miniature pinscher
These small dogs cost around $500 and around $25 per bathing session. “The Miniature Pinscher’s short, hard coat is very easily maintained. A weekly once-over with a soft brush or a hound glove will keep him shining,” the AKC said. They are a generally healthy breed but their “teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs.”
A miniature pinscher competes in the Westminster Dog Show on February 11, 2014 in New York City.
Andrew Burton/Getty Images
English setter
These medium-sized dogs cost around $350 and around $40 to bathe. The AKC says: “Nails should be trimmed once a month, and a bath every four to six weeks keeps the English Setter’s coat and skin clean and healthy.”
They are also a generally healthy breed but “can experience bloat, a sudden, life-threatening stomach condition.”
English setters at the Crufts dog show on March 9, 2014 in Birmingham, England.
Matt Cardy/Getty Images
Redbone coonhound
Redbone coonhounds are generally healthy dogs with a low grooming cost of around $31 and an average purchase price of around $650. The AKC states: “The Redbone Conhound’s short, smooth, protective coat requires a minimum of care. Using a shedding tool or grooming mitt at least weekly will help keep shedding to a minimum.”
A redbone coonhound at the 13th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 10, 2011 in New York City.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Parson russell terrier
These medium-sized terriers cost around $400 on average to buy, while bathing costs average around $25. The AKC notes: “By far the majority of Parsons are very healthy dogs,” which can keep health care costs to a minimum.
A parson russell terrier at the Crufts dog show on March 10, 2007 in Birmingham, England..
Bruno Vincent/Getty Images
Bull terrier
Bull terriers come with fairly few hereditary conditions, according to The Bull Terrier Club, which will help keep medical costs low.
A bull terrier dog in a Halloween costume pictured on October 26, 2019 in East Meadow, New York.
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
Collie
Collies are a “fairly healthy breed” and most only require one vist to the veterinarian a year, according to the Collie Rescue Network.
In general “most Collies will only require annual wellness exams from your veterinarian and appropriate senior dog care as they age. Things like good quality food, proper grooming and dental care, heartworm prevention and regional appropriate vaccinations (or titer tests) will go a long, long way in ensuring your Collie is happy and healthy and can add years to the life of your dog.”
A collie at a dog show on March 2, 2019 in Mudgee, Australia.
Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
Treeing walker coonhound
With an average purchase price of $500 and grooming costs averaging around $31 per visit, these dogs are one of the most affordable breeds to own.
The AKC states: “The Treeing Walker is a very low-maintenance breed. His short, smooth coat repels dirt and mud, and he will require only the occasional bath to maintain his handsome appearance” and they are “overall quite a healthy breed.”
Treeing walker coonhounds at the 137th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on February 7, 2013 in New York City.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
Field spaniel
This generally healthy breed costs around $550 and around $40 to have them professionally bathed. The AKC notes their beautiful coat “requires regular care and maintenance. Weekly brushing and combing will keep the coat shiny and help to reduce shedding.”
Two English springer spaniels pictured on July 20, 2020 in Sydney, Australia.
Getty Images
Cesky terrier
Cesky terrier have an average purchase price of around $400. But grooming them can be slightly more expensive than other breeds, costing around $57 per visit. The AKC said: “Unlike grooming of some terrier breeds, hand stripping is not suggested for the Cesky’s coat. Instead, the body is clipped. You should visit a professional groomer referred by your breeder to be sure your dog is groomed correctly.”
A cesky terrier competes at the 140th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden on February 16, 2016 in New York City.
Getty Images
Otterhound
These large dogs cost around $550 on average to buy, while bathing costs around $40 per session. The AKC notes: “Otterhounds are healthy for a large breed” and “their coats do need brushing once or twice a week, depending on length and texture.”
An otterhound is pictured at the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre on March 7, 2015 in Birmingham, England.
Carl Court/Getty Images
Papillon
These small dogs cost around $400 on average to purchase, while bathing costs total around $40 per session. The AKC states: “For a breed with long, silky hair, Papillons needs surprisingly little grooming, mostly because they do not have an undercoat. Grooming every month or so is fine.”
A papillon at The Holden Centre on September 19, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia.
Kelly Defina/Getty Images
Bolognese
Bolognese will require brushing twice a week but they “are pretty calm and do not need a lot of exercise,” notes James Rhys Clarke.
“Their energy levels and size mean they are one of the cheapest dogs to feed, which is what lands them on our list of the most low-cost dog breeds. This breed also tends to be very healthy, meaning your vet bills should be low as well,” he adds.
The AKC notes: “For easier maintenance, many people are satisfied with keeping their Bolo in a shorter coat of about one inch, leaving the untrimmed ‘mop head’ around the face.”
A bolognese poses for a photograph at the Crufts dog show on March 10, 2017 in Birmingham, England.
Matt Cardy/Getty Images
