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Low-Cost Dog Breeds

25 Most Affordable Low-Cost Dog Breeds

By

James Rhys Clarke

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Last Updated: Feb 19, 2025

Let’s face it: Owning a pet can be expensive, but even people with limited incomes want to enjoy the benefits of dog ownership.

The expenses of owning a dog begin before you even adopt your new “fur-ever” friend.

Are you planning to adopt a puppy from a breeder?

This is much more costly than adopting an adult dog from a shelter.

If you adopt a puppy, you must pay for vaccinations, spay or neutering fees, and other costs associated with welcoming a young dog into your family.

Similarly, some breeds are more expensive to own and are prone to health issues that require extensive veterinary care.

Others are grooming intensive breeds, and the bill for grooming services and at-home grooming supplies will quickly increase.

Luckily, low-cost dog breeds are ideal for potential pet parents on a budget, and we have listed 25 of them here!

Quick Look at the 25 Low-Cost Dog Breeds

*click the dog breeds to jump to each section

Affordable Dog Breeds

What Makes a Dog Breed Affordable?

Many factors, such as size, general health, and grooming needs, are considered when deciding which dogs are the least expensive to care for.

As you look at our list and explore the most affordable dog breeds, remember the factors that make a breed affordable.

The upfront cost, which is the amount you would typically pay if you bought the dog from a breeder, is a concern.

Other important cost considerations include:

The amount of food they eat
How much grooming do they require
Whether they require professional grooming
How hard training is and if you can do it yourself
Whether they are healthy or predisposed to health issues

RELATED: Can I Afford A Dog?

25 Most Affordable Low-Cost Dog Breeds

1. Mutt

Mutts are mixed-breed dogs.

They may not be high on your wish list, but they are affordable.

Mutts are usually given away for free or found in shelters for a small fee.

Mutts are generally healthier since they do not contain the genetic flaws sometimes found in purebred dogs.

These flaws can cause health and behavioral problems.

Since they come in all shapes and sizes, you can find a mutt that doesn’t eat much and needs little grooming.

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2. Puggle

The Puggle is a relatively new breed from crossing a beagle and a pug.

They have short hair that only lightly sheds. You can do any grooming at home.

Puggles are also small and do not need a yard to run in.

The simple truth is that the smaller the dog, the cheaper they are to maintain.

Their size means they do not consume much food, dog products for small breeds are typically less expensive, and maintaining a small dog's grooming needs costs a fraction of the grooming expense for a large breed.

3. Beagle

Beagles are short-haired dogs with minimal grooming needs.

They are active and will need a yard or daily walks, but their food intake is low.

Beagles have a lot of energy, so they may need a couple of toys to play with and proper Beagle dog food to maintain good health and energy levels.

This small dog has been bred to hunt, so it may not be easy to keep in the yard.

A fence or wireless containment system will likely be a necessary expense for these dogs.

Beagles are among the most popular low-cost dog breeds as they are friendly and make great companions.

4. American Hairless Terrier

This dog will save you tons of money.

No hair means less grooming and less cleaning.

If you have allergies, this dog will also help you keep your allergy medications to a minimum.

You'll notice that this list of the top low-cost dog breeds is filled with small breeds.

Like the others, food for your American Hairless Terrier won't cost an arm and a leg.

You might want to add doggy sweaters into your budget, though, as these little guys will get cold easily.

5. Chinese Crested Hairless

This dog does have some hair, but it is not enough to take away from the cost benefits of owning a hairless dog.

As a small dog, the Chinese Crested Hairless eats little.

As a hairless dog, grooming is restricted to baths you can give at home.

Affectionate and lively, this breed makes a great companion.

They are a lot of fun for owners who enjoy playing with their pups.

This is also an ideal dog for any potential pet parent who hopes to travel with their pooch.

6. Chihuahua

Some Chihuahuas have short hair, which cuts down on the grooming bills.

They are also small dogs that eat very little.

While there are some common health problems with Chihuahuas, if you have a vet look at your puppy, you can avoid them.

If you don’t mind brushing at home, there are also long hair varieties to suit your fancy.

These pups require more maintenance but are still one of the most low-cost dog breeds.

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7. Foxhound

These dogs are considered by many to be one of the most healthy and resilient breeds around.

Not only will you save money on vet bills, but you will also save money on grooming bills.

They are a little larger than others on the list but still only eat moderate food.

Like many other breeds of hound, these guys are mellow-tempered and easygoing.

They are also independent and stubborn, so keeping Foxhounds in a fenced-in yard is best.

RELATED: 30 Most Lazy Dog Breeds Perfect for a Couch Potato Owner

8. Rat Terrier

Terriers are hyper dogs, so they need some toys and bones to chew on.

To offset that cost is their size.

They stay small and eat only a minimal amount of food.

This breed also has short, wiry hair for easy grooming and clean-up.

Rat terriers are one of the most friendly and lovable law-cost dog breeds. They are inquisitive and feisty.

Up for almost anything, this dog is a great choice for owners on a budget.

9. Australian Terrier

Australian Terriers stay small.

Their coat should be groomed professionally several times yearly, but you can easily learn to care for those needs at home.

This breed is energetic and may enjoy a walk a few times a week.

They usually have excellent health, which will offset the more expensive grooming costs.

Like many other breeds on this list of the most low-cost dog breeds, the Australian Terrier doesn't eat many foods.

10. Cane Corso

Although the Cane Corso is a larger dog, it has short hair with minimal shedding.

These dogs are brilliant, requiring minimal training.

They have excellent health, too.

The Cane is eager to please, which makes them quiet, mild-morning dogs.

If you're interested in low-maintenance breeds but want a large dog, this might be the best choice for your family.

11. Boykin Spaniel

These spaniels are medium size with long hair.

They will require some grooming but nothing intensive.

Their easy-going nature and sweet temperament mean this breed will require less training.

Boykin Spaniels are very obedient and often trained as hunting dogs, but they won't want to spend all their time in the field.

Boykin Spaniels love to be inside snuggling with their owner and prove to be a very affectionate breed.

12. Dachshund

Dachshunds stay small with short, little legs.

They do not require much space to run around in and are happy with short walks, but they need good Dachshund dog food to maintain proper health and energy levels.

If you get one from the short hair varieties, they require little bathing and grooming.

Their hair is easy to pick up, so no special cleaning tools are needed.

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13. Bolognese

This is a dog of the long-hair variety.

It will need brushing a couple of times a week.

Bolognese is pretty calm and does not need a lot of exercise.

Their energy levels and size make them one of the cheapest dog breeds to feed, which is why they are on our list of the most low-cost dog breeds.

This breed also tends to be very healthy, meaning your vet bills should also be low.

Affordable Dog Breeds

14. Bichon Frise

Although they look like a Bolognese, they are considered a different breed.

Bichon Frise is calm and downright lazy. You will not break the bank on food and exercise with these dogs.

As you can see, their coat does require a bit of grooming, but you can easily learn to do this at home.

A quick cut and a bath now and then, and your Bichon Frise will be looking great!

ALSO SEE: 40 Best Dog Breeds for Women

15. English Bulldog

The English bulldog is arguably one of the laziest dogs around, and it loves to eat food and nap a lot.

You will not need to spend a lot on collars and leashes.

They are medium-sized dogs, but their low energy levels keep the food costs down.

Bullies have short hair with minimal shedding.

However, you must clean between their fat rolls to keep bacteria out.

Bulldogs are friendly and have a rugged stature, making them ideal for families with children.

16. Manchester Terrier

The Manchester Terrier makes for a good house dog.

Their short hair requires no grooming, but you'll still need to clip their nails, clean their ears, and give them baths.

You can easily learn to do it at home if you're comfortable with it.

Manchester Terriers also have a minimal scent, which means infrequent baths and no need for furniture deodorizers.

This breed is active, though, and will enjoy walks and toys.

RELATED: 4 Dog Breeds That Require the Most Care, Maintenance, and Money

17. Jack Russell Terrier

Another short-hair, the small breed, is the Jack Russell.

They are considered to be very healthy dogs.

While they are cheap to feed and maintain, Jack Russells are stubborn and need strict training.

These dogs are also very hyperactive.

They're only suited for homes where they won't be left alone for long periods.

Jack Russells are known for developing behavior problems when they don't get the attention they need.

Only get one if they are the only dog in a kid-free home.

18. Mexican Hairless

Their official name is the Xoloitzcuintli or Xolo, though not many people can pronounce it.

That's why most people refer to this breed as the Mexican Hairless. They need no brushing and minimal bathing.

The Mexican Hairless has average exercise needs.

Their vet needs are minimal, as well.

Just ensure they have shelter from the sun – as with other hairless dogs – because they are susceptible to sunburn.

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19. Glen of Imaal Terrier

Another terrier to add to the list of low-cost dog breeds.

These guys are gentler and less excitable than most other terriers.

If you want minimal grooming and walking, the Glen of Imaal Terrier will suit you well.

They are another small dog with minimal shedding, making for a cheap clean-up and low-cost grooming.

They are healthy and intelligent, making them easy to train and less costly at the vet's office.

20. Yorkshire Terrier

The popular Yorkshire Terrier is costly to buy, but they can be found at animal shelters and rescues for affordable prices.

These dogs are small and do not eat very much at all.

They do require brushing.

Some people prefer to keep their Yorkie’s hair short or cut down on cleaning.

These dogs are lap dogs requiring little exercise outside of a few toys.

RELATED: Best Dog Food for Yorkies

21. Miniature Schnauzer

Schnauzers do need grooming.

They love attention, so brushing can be a special time between you and your dog.

Many owners prefer to keep the hair clipped short.

They are small dogs with small appetites. Schnauzers are known for having high energy.

If you're thinking about adopting this breed, be sure you have plenty of time for play, exercise, and training.

22. Havanese

Havanese are tiny dogs. Not only do you save money on food, but they are one of the healthiest dogs.

These are also great breeds to travel with.

They do not shed, so you need not spend money on special cleaning items.

Light grooming is all a Havanese requires, and they are outgoing and funny.

They'll keep you smiling with their silly personalities.

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23. Pug

If you want a laid-back dog, the Pug is for you.

They are one of the low-cost dog breeds because they require minimal grooming and don't eat many Pug dog foods.

The Pug is a small dog with short hair.

They are just as happy on the couch as at the park, so you can exercise them when convenient.

This breed is affectionate, and they enjoy being lapdogs.

24. Skye Terrier

Skye Terriers are obedient and loyal, making it a breeze to train.

They are easygoing and will match their energy levels to their owners.

While they do have long hair, it should be fine with just occasional brushing.

These dogs are typically calm and would make a good family dog.

25. Australian Shepherd

No low-maintenance dog breed list would be complete without the Australian Shepherd.

They are medium-sized dogs with slightly higher food requirements.

The loyalty, intelligence, and obedience of this dog mean little training. Quick training means fewer messes.

Their fur needs weekly brushing.

Honorable Mentions

While the above are the most affordable dog breeds, the following are also inexpensive.

If you don’t see a breed above that gets your attention, consider one of these instead:

Affordable Dog Breeds

FAQs About Low-Cost Dog Breeds

What Is the Least Money for a Dog?

The cheapest way to get a dog is to adopt it from a shelter.

Adoption costs $50 to $300 and often includes vaccinations and spaying/neutering.

Some shelters offer discounts, and occasionally, dogs are rehomed for free. However, ongoing costs like food and vet care should be considered.

What Is a Good Budget for a Dog?

Owning a dog typically costs $1,000 to $2,500 per year, covering food, vet care, grooming, and supplies.

Adoption fees range from $50 to $300 while buying a purebred can cost thousands.

You can save money by adopting, choosing affordable food, and grooming at home.

What’s the Most Expensive Dog?

The Tibetan Mastiff is the most expensive dog, costing $3,000 to $10,000, with rare ones selling for over $1 million. In fact, in 2014, an 11-month-old puppy sold for almost $2 million!

Other pricey breeds include the Chow Chow ($3,000 – $8,500), the Samoyed ($2,500 – $7,000), the Lowchen ($5,000 – $8,000), and the English Bulldog ($2,500 – $9,000).

Which Pet Is the Cheapest?

The cheapest pets are small, low-maintenance ones like betta fish, hermit crabs, hamsters, leopard geckos, and parakeets.

They require minimal food, housing, and vet care, making them more affordable than dogs or cats.

Low-Cost Dog Breeds – Conclusion

Choosing the right low-cost dog breed isn’t just about saving money upfront—it’s about finding a furry companion that fits your lifestyle, budget, and ability to provide proper care.

While some breeds have lower grooming or healthcare costs, dogs still need food, exercise, training, and regular vet check-ups to stay happy and healthy.

Before bringing home a new pup, it’s important to consider the adoption price and the long-term costs of responsible pet ownership.

There are ways you can save money on pet ownership; check out our recommended articles below!

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