Most Affordable Dog Breeds Worldwide: Budget-Friendly Picks

What could be better than being greeted by a joyful dog?

Many people dream of bringing a dog into their home, but cost concerns put some off. The good news: some breeds are less expensive to buy and maintain than others.

Here are some of the most affordable dog breeds to consider.

How to Find the Most Inexpensive Dogs

When evaluating which breeds are cheapest to own, look at several practical factors:

• Food consumption: larger, more active dogs cost more to feed.
• Grooming needs: heavy-shedding or long-coated dogs often require grooming services or frequent cleaning.
• Trainability: dogs that are harder to train may require classes or a professional trainer.
• Purchase price: cost for a puppy from a reputable breeder varies widely by breed.
• Health predispositions: breeds prone to genetic conditions can generate higher veterinary bills over a lifetime.

Always consider adopting from a shelter first. Adoption fees are typically modest—sometimes as low as $50—and often include initial vaccinations and spaying/neutering. Mixed-breed dogs from shelters can also be more resilient against breed-specific genetic issues.

If you prefer a specific breed, the list below highlights affordable breeds along with key facts to help you choose.

25. Boston Terrier

Weight: 16–32 pounds

Lifespan: 11–13 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $800–$1,300

Boston Terrier Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Low

Trainability: Very easy

Bottom Line: Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are friendly, low-shedding, and easy to train, making them excellent apartment companions. They can be prone to eye issues and some other conditions—regular veterinary care helps manage those costs.

24. Border Collie

Weight: 30–55 pounds

Lifespan: 12–15 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $800–$1,200

Border Collie Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Medium to high

Grooming needs: Medium

Training difficulty: Easy

Bottom Line: Border Collie

Border Collies are highly active and intelligent; they thrive with space and mental stimulation. Their energy level translates to higher food costs and daily exercise needs. They are generally healthy but may face breed-specific conditions that require monitoring.

23. American Hairless Terrier

Weight: 12–16 pounds

Lifespan: 14–16 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $900–$1,200

American Hairless Terrier Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Very low

Training difficulty: Easy

Bottom Line: American Hairless Terrier

Originating from the Rat Terrier, the American Hairless Terrier is small, active, and needs little grooming. Hairless varieties require protection from sun and cold. They tend to be healthy and economical to feed.

22. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Weight: Up to 30 pounds

Lifespan: 12–13 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $1,000–$2,000

Pembroke Welsh Corgi Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low to medium

Grooming needs: Medium

Training difficulty: Very easy

Bottom Line: Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Corgis are intelligent, playful, and family-friendly. They do shed frequently, so regular brushing and occasional investment in grooming tools are recommended. Watch for back issues due to their long spine and short legs.

21. Bolognese

Weight: 5.5–9 pounds

Lifespan: 12–14 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $1,200–$2,000

Bolognese Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Very low

Grooming needs: High

Training difficulty: Medium

Bottom Line: Bolognese

Small and fluffy, Bolognese dogs are calm and apartment-friendly but require regular grooming. They don’t shed much and can be a good choice for sensitive households despite a higher initial purchase price from breeders.

20. Shetland Sheepdog

Weight: 15–25 pounds

Lifespan: 12–14 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $800–$1,000

Shetland Sheepdog Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Medium

Grooming needs: High

Training difficulty: Medium

Bottom Line: Shetland Sheepdog

Shelties are affectionate, intelligent, and good with children. Their dense coat requires frequent brushing, and they can be vocal. They adapt well to family life with consistent grooming and exercise.

19. Bichon Frise

Weight: 12–18 pounds

Lifespan: 14–15 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $1,000–$1,500

Bichon Frise Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: High

Training difficulty: Medium

Bottom Line: Bichon Frise

Bichons are lively, affectionate, and hypoallergenic. They require substantial grooming and attention to skin allergies, but their small size keeps food costs low.

18. Shih-Poo

Weight: 7–20 pounds

Lifespan: 10–15 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: Average around $600 (varies widely)

Shih-Poo Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Very low

Grooming needs: Very high

Training difficulty: Medium

Bottom Line: Shih-Poo

A Shih-Poo (Shih Tzu × Toy Poodle) is small and affectionate, eats very little, but requires frequent grooming. As a designer crossbreed, prices can vary substantially.

17. Shih Tzu

Weight: 9–16 pounds

Lifespan: 10–18 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $800–$1,500

Shih Tzu Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Very high

Training difficulty: Medium

Bottom Line: Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are historic toy dogs known for their luxurious coats. They can be expensive show dogs, but many are available at modest prices. They need consistent grooming and patient house training.

16. Dachshund

Weight: 12–32 pounds

Lifespan: 12–16 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $800–$1,500

Dachshund Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Medium

Training difficulty: Medium

Bottom Line: Dachsunds

Dachshunds are playful and low-maintenance but need regular exercise to protect their backs. Coat type affects grooming needs; smooth coats require the least upkeep.

15. Australian Terrier

Weight: 15–20 pounds

Lifespan: 11–15 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $1,000–$1,500

Australian Terrier Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Medium

Training difficulty: Easy

Bottom Line: Australian Terrier

Australian Terriers are loyal, smart, and suitable for families. They need daily activity and routine brushing to manage shedding.

14. Japanese Chin

Weight: 7–11 pounds

Lifespan: 10–12 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $900–$1,500

Japanese Chin Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Very low

Grooming needs: Medium

Training difficulty: Low

Bottom Line: Japanese Chin

Japanese Chins are calm, cat-like companions that need minimal exercise and moderate grooming. Monitor their eyes and heart health with routine vet visits.

13. Maltese

Weight: 7 pounds or less

Lifespan: 15–18 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $800–$1,500

Maltese Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Very low

Grooming needs: Medium to high

Training difficulty: Medium

Bottom Line: Maltese

Maltese are small, sweet dogs with long coats that require grooming. They eat little and don’t shed heavily, which can reduce cleaning costs.

12. Jack Russell Terrier

Weight: 10–18 pounds

Lifespan: 13–16 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $800–$1,300

Jack Russell Terrier Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Medium

Training difficulty: Very easy

Bottom Line: Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russells are energetic and clever; they need outlets for activity and may not be ideal for cramped apartments. Coat type affects grooming, and health issues like lens luxation should be monitored.

11. Toy Fox Terrier

Weight: 3.5–7 pounds

Lifespan: 13–15 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $800–$1,200

Toy Fox Terrier Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Very low

Grooming needs: Low

Training difficulty: Very easy

Bottom Line: Toy Fox Terrier

Toy Fox Terriers are smart, compact, and trainable. They eat very little and are generally healthy, though small-breed concerns should be considered.

10. Beagle

Weight: 20–25 pounds

Lifespan: 12–15 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $500–$800

Beagle Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Medium

Grooming needs: Low

Training difficulty: High

Bottom Line: Beagle

Beagles are friendly and family-oriented but can be food-motivated and challenging to train. Their purchase price is comparatively low.

9. Yorkshire Terrier

Weight: 4–7 pounds

Lifespan: 11–15 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $800–$1,500

Yorkshire Terrier Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Very low

Grooming needs: Very high

Training difficulty: Medium–low

Bottom Line: Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies are tiny and elegant with coats that demand daily care. They eat little but require frequent grooming, which can increase maintenance costs.

8. Manchester Terrier

Weight: 12–22 pounds

Lifespan: 15–17 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $600–$1,000

Manchester Terrier Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Very low

Training difficulty: Easy

Bottom Line: Manchester Terrier

Manchester Terriers are small, alert, and low-maintenance. They make good watchdogs and adapt well to routine exercise and training.

7. Border Terrier

Weight: 11–15.5 pounds

Lifespan: 12–15 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $800–$1,200

Border Terrier Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Medium

Training difficulty: Easy

Bottom Line: Border Terrier

Border Terriers are energetic, adaptable, and generally healthy, though some may need a gluten-free diet if diagnosed with specific conditions. Their wiry coats resist dirt and require weekly grooming.

6. Cairn Terrier

Weight: 13–14 pounds

Lifespan: 13–15 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $800–$1,200

Cairn Terrier Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Very low

Grooming needs: Medium

Training difficulty: Medium

Bottom Line: Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terriers are hardy, apartment-friendly, and known from classic culture; they need regular brushing and moderate exercise.

5. Havanese

Weight: 7–13 pounds

Lifespan: 14–16 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $800–$1,200

Havanese Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Medium

Training difficulty: Very easy

Bottom Line: Havanese

Havanese are friendly, low-energy lapdogs that require regular brushing but shed minimally. They are easy to train and generally maintain low ongoing costs.

4. Schipperke

Weight: 10–20 pounds

Lifespan: 13–15 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $800–$1,100

Schipperke Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Low

Training difficulty: Easy

Bottom Line: Schipperke

Schipperkes are lively, intelligent little dogs originally used for vermin control. They require regular activity and weekly grooming but remain economical overall.

3. Chihuahua

Weight: 3–6 pounds

Lifespan: 14–18 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $800–$1,500

Chihuahua Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Very low

Grooming needs: Very low

Training difficulty: Medium to difficult

Bottom Line: Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are tiny and economical to feed and groom. They can be stubborn in training and are fragile around small children, but their overall maintenance costs are low.

2. Rat Terrier

Weight: 10–25 pounds

Lifespan: 12–18 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $300–$600

Rat Terrier Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Low

Grooming needs: Low

Training difficulty: Easy

Bottom Line: Rat Terrier

Rat Terriers are energetic, healthy, and inexpensive to purchase and maintain. Their short coats make grooming simple, and they’re generally easy to train and good with children.

1. Miniature Pinschers

Weight: 8–10 pounds

Lifespan: 12–16 years

Estimated puppy cost from a breeder: $900–$1,300

Miniature Pinscher Facts and Figures

Daily food intake: Very low

Grooming needs: Very low

Training difficulty: Easy

Bottom Line: Miniature Pinschers

Miniature Pinschers are lively, confident toy dogs with minimal grooming needs and low food costs. They have big personalities and make spirited companions for families who can manage their energy and barking.

Choosing a dog involves balancing upfront costs with long-term care. Consider adoption and research breed-specific health needs, grooming, and activity requirements before bringing a new dog into your home.