These Are The Most Affordable Dog Breeds, According To Research

Choosing your future furry friend can be a heartwarming if stressful endeavor, as you want to ensure you provide the right home and that they fit comfortably into your lifestyle. While you'll need to consider certain factors like other pets, family dynamics, and your ability to provide the best care possible based on the breed of dog, there is one aspect that we don't always like to address: affordability. Dogs can be expensive, and if you are on a tight budget, you want to ensure you get a companion you can adequately care for.

While some dogs may seem affordable up front, they come with potential issues and higher "maintenance costs" than others. For example, pugs are adorable and make great pets, but their lower adoption price is deceptive given their common health issues. To help you pick a more budget-friendly pooch and future best friend, we've put together some affordable options, looking at the initial purchase price, grooming, training, and potential medical expenses. You'll find additional information about how we picked these dog breeds at the end of the article.

The Japanese Chin was initially bred as a "palace dog" to entertain nobles with their curious antics, including the infamous "Chin spin." To this day, the breed still carries that desire to please, displaying new tricks to entertain companions. Despite their small size, Chins are intelligent and prideful dogs with a bit of a stubborn streak. If you want to bring one into a household with kids and other canines, getting a puppy and socializing them at a young age is best.

The Japanese Chin is a low-maintenance pup; despite their luxurious coats, they need little grooming beyond brushing. Their small frame means their food consumption will be minimal, and the breed requires moderate exercise to remain content. The Chin's intelligence makes them easy to train, but their stubbornness may make the process take longer than other breeds.

For a Japanese Chin puppy, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500, though because the breed is popular, you may be able to adopt from a shelter. Still, getting one from a reputable breeder is vital, as the Chin is prone to issues common in flat-faced dogs, such as brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS) and heart disease. It is also essential to clean a Chin's eyes and look out for of any changes as they are susceptible to eye issues. Market Watch listed the Japanese Chin as the most affordable dog breed at $13,695 over eleven years (they have an average lifespan of ten to twelve years).

A bichon frisé can be the perfect family dog, with their natural kindness and willingness to consistently meet and play with new human and canine friends. They are also less allergenic, joining the list of more allergy-friendly dogs. While bichon frisé are very social, their small size and generally quiet nature make them the perfect companion for those living in apartments or condos.

Because of their smaller stature, food costs for bichon frisé will not be substantial. However, because this breed is prone to dental issues, you may want to look into dental diets, chews, or powders approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Coat maintenance is also essential with a bichon frisé; brushing daily, taking monthly baths, and nail trims are commitments you need to make. Bichon frisé tend to be quite easy to train due to their high intelligence and willingness to please.

A bichon frisé puppy costs between $1,000 and $2,000, though it can go as high as $3,500. They are generally a healthy breed, with an average 14-year lifespan, though they are more prone to diabetes than others, making a proper lifestyle essential. Eye issues and bladder stones are also not uncommon in bichon frisés.

Border collies rank among the most popular pups, and are considered one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. Their high intelligence and energy make them the perfect pets for families or active singles or couples, and their protective nature makes them good watch dogs. As long as you can handle the energy and stimulation they need, a border collie will be an ideal addition to your home. However, getting them used to people and other dogs at a young age is essential, as poor socialization can lead to various behavioral issues.

Border collies are a high-energy breed, and if they get adequate exercise, you won't have to worry about obesity. However, their big frame and active lifestyle mean they require a higher protein diet. Proper training of a border collie is essential so they can use that overflowing energy for rewarding tasks; an untrained and inactive border collie may become destructive around the home. Thankfully, these dogs are typically happy to learn and please their owner. Border collies are among the many breeds with double coats, meaning they require semi-regular grooming and brushing.

A Border collie puppy will cost between $800 and $1500, though depending on the breeder, it can go as high as $3,500. They are generally considered healthy, with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. The breed is predisposed to various conditions, including canine hip dysplasia and herding-breed-specific issues like collie eye anomaly, and may be resistance to certain medications (multidrug resistance mutation).

This little pooch is one of the oldest dog breeds, with their roots tracing back to ancient Mexico. The small barky warriors have abundant personality and energy. At the same time, the affectionate nature of the Chihuahua makes them a great lap dog; they tend to pick their favorite cuddle buddies. Chihuahuas often get along with other dogs but are not the greatest with kids. If you want a Chihuahua as a family dog, supervise play and introduce them as puppies.

Due to their short hair, the Chihuahua requires minimal grooming beyond brushing. Many owners don't train their Chihuahua due to their small size, but those who choose to go that route will be surprised to find that they are attentive learners. Because they are prone to obesity, you will want to ensure you feed them the proper amount, but their tiny structure means these costs will be minimal.

The price for Chihuahuas fluctuates drastically depending on the breeder, with the canines going for anywhere between $800 and over $3,500. Chihuahuas have one of the longest lifespans of any breed, around 14 to 16 years. While they are generally healthy dogs, they can struggle with weight, eye, dental, heart, and other issues.

The Dalmatian is one of the most recognizable breeds, and not just because of their spots. They have become fixtures of pop culture thanks to the Disney classic "101 Dalmatians" and their long history of work with firefighters. Besides being a dog that will make you feel like you're traveling with a minor celebrity wherever they go, the Dalmatian is a highly intelligent and energetic breed, making them ideal for an active household. They are social but can be wary of strangers; it is best to introduce them to many different people as a puppy.

This high-energy pup burns a lot of calories, so it is important to feed them a well-balanced diet to complement their lifestyle. Grooming for a Dalmatian is minimal, requiring regular brushing and nail trimming at most. While the breed is highly intelligent, they can be stubborn when it comes to training, so you may find yourself investing more time and money in this department than with other large dog breeds.

A Dalmatian puppy can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $2,500, depending on the breeder. Regular vet visits are important with Dalmatians, as they are predisposed to many conditions, particularly bladder stones, skin issues, and deafness. Still, these dogs are generally healthy when taken care of properly with an average lifespan between 11 and 13 years.

There will never be a dull moment with a Jack Russell terrier by your side. This small breed is very intelligent, inquisitive, energetic, and often stubborn. Great for an active household, they can be pretty vocal, so they may be better suited to a house than an apartment. The Jack Russell also needs socialization early on with other dogs and kids to have a happy life.

Because they are prone to obesity, a balanced and measured diet is ideal for the Jack Russell terrier's energetic lifestyle. Grooming costs are minimal, though regular brushing and bathing go a long way in keeping them looking their best and controlling shedding. The Jack Russell terrier's stubbornness may come out in training, but otherwise, these are dogs that are quick and content to learn.

Unless you are going for a "show-ready" dog, the Jack Russell terrier is on the affordable side, costing between $800 and $1,500. They are generally healthy, but can develop joint issues, eye problems, tooth decay, and ear infections. Cleaning your Jack Russell's ears and teeth regularly can help save in the long run. The have an average lifespan between 13 and 16 years.

Some may hesitate to approach these dogs, best known for their high speeds and hunting prowess. However, the greyhound is an affectionate breed that thrives under routine; as long as they get the right amount of exercise, they can even enjoy an apartment setting. Their high prey drive makes them best suited for a single-pet household (though training and socialization may help them acclimate to small animals), and being attentive to their interactions when playing with other pups is essential. They make for an ideal family dog due to their natural affection toward people, though they could require consistent alone time.

Feeding costs for greyhounds are moderate, but you may want to look at supplements to keep their joints healthy and their coats soft. Otherwise, grooming is minimal beyond the occasional bath when they get messy and nail trims. Because the greyhound is naturally a solo hunter, training can be quite difficult, requiring patience and constant positive reinforcement.

You can expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,500 for a greyhound puppy. While generally a healthy breed, they may have non-curable and concerning issues, including gastric dilation and volvulus (commonly referred to as "bloat"). If possible, you should get your greyhound tested for predisposed conditions. Otherwise, this speedy breed has an average lifespan of between 12 and 15 years.

Are you the adventurous type? Do you love going on long hikes and spending time in nature? If so, the German wirehaired pointer may be the perfect companion. These affectionate dogs always want to be with their pet parent, and require a lot of activity due to their proud heritage as hunters. For those who are single and plan to stay that way, the medium-sized German wirehaired pointer makes an excellent watchdog. They are social, but because of their high prey drive, they should be supervised with smaller dogs and tend not to do well in a household with cats.

German wirehaired pointers require a diet that matches their active lifestyle and should be discussed with your vet. Despite their rich coat, these dogs need minimal maintenance, though you will want to have them semi-regularly groomed or learn to do it yourself. Training your German wirehaired pointer can be challenging due to their independent nature, but these dogs thrive when they have a job to do. Crate training at a young age is also important, as the breed is prone to separation anxiety.

The German wirehaired pointer is an affordable breed, with a price range between $800 and $1,200. They have a long life span for a medium-sized dog, between 14 and 16 years, and are generally a healthy breed with manageable predisposed conditions.

English setters are a high-energy breed that require a lot of activity and stimulus, but they are very loving and get along with kids and other dogs when properly conditioned. They were used to hunt birds, so you won't want to introduce them into a household with avian residents. These dogs generally crave companionship and open spaces, so apartment living with a working pet parent would not be a good match.

Due to their large energy expenditures, these pups require a well-balanced diet to keep their engines going. Since they are prone to dysplasia, you may want to augment their food with joint supplements. Your biggest cost with English setters may come from grooming, as bathing once a month is ideal for keeping their coats nice and clean and they need regular hair trims. They love to learn and are generally friendly with strangers, making them relatively easy to train.

An English setter puppy will cost between $1,000 and $1,500. The breed has an average lifespan of 12 years and is very healthy overall. However, they are predisposed to ear problems, infections, and deafness, so proper ear cleaning and care are essential.

The "king of the toys," this mini breed has abundant energy and personality that make them utterly endearing companions. The miniature pinscher needs exercise to be content, but they are ideal for apartment living or any space where they are surrounded by their favorite toys and can find a warm spot when the weather turns cold. The min pin is also a great family dog, as they get along well with children and other canines; however, because they don't always realize their size, monitored play is ideal.

This toy breed is best served with a high-quality diet, but unless a vet suggests supplements, you likely don't need them. These dogs require minimal grooming, though they are moderate shedders for their size. Many people don't bother to train toy breeds, but the miniature pinscher is an impressively quick learner for those who want to invest the time.

For your min pin pup, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000. They are generally healthy dogs, with a longer lifespan than most others ranging between 12 and 16 years. The min pin still lives with the common predisposed conditions of smaller breeds, but many of these are manageable with proper care.

If you have a home with a backyard and want a well-rounded pooch that will be both a companion to your family and a protector, the black and tan coonhound can be a perfect fit. These big dogs were used for hunting all manner of game, including bears, and while they still keep that prey drive and scent-hound curiosity, they are adorable softies. Still, this is one canine you will want to bring home as a puppy to ensure they get along with family and other pets.

Because of their active lifestyle and hearty frames, you will want to feed your coonhound a heavy protein diet and consider various supplements. Training a black and tan coonhound can be a struggle, as they are independent dogs who are also likely to get distracted when they catch a scent; reward-based training will go a long way to keep them on track. Grooming is a breeze, with the coonhound only needing the occasional brush (more if you are worried about their constant shedding) unless they get messy outside.

Black and tan coonhounds are highly affordable pups, costing between $400 and $800. Health problems can be an issue; on the less serious side, they may experience eye and ear troubles. However, potential pet parents may be more concerned about bloat and hip dysplasia. If acquired from a reputable breeder, the black and tan coonhound should live a healthy life with an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years.

Rat terrier certainly is an undesirable name, isn't it? Yet, this charismatic breed once had the important job of hunting vermin. Nowadays, these pups make the perfect family or apartment dog, thanks to their silly antics and big personality. When socialized properly at a young age, these dogs want to be friends with everyone, furry or human; they also tend to bond well with cats.

Grooming your rat terrier will be simple, as they only need the occasional brush (though they are seasonal shedders). As this breed is prone to obesity and joint issues, a well-measured diet combined with joint supplements is recommended. Training a rat terrier is a rewarding experience, as these dogs are keen and quick learners, though expect them to be easily distracted by squirrels, mice, and bunnies.

To adopt a rat terrier puppy, expect to spend between $600 and $1,500. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, which is a breakdown of the joints between the hips, will be the biggest concern for pet owners, hence their need for supplements at a young age. Cardiac disease is also not uncommon as they get older. Still, this is a generally healthy breed with an average life span between 12 and 18 years.

While picking your breed potentially results in a better understanding of what you will get behaviorally, mixed breeds offer a unique personality. The best part is that these puppo's generally need good homes from shelters. If you are the right fit for them, you are providing a kind service. Not to mention the fact that the adoption fee for mixed dogs can be as little as $50, though potentially ranging up to over $350.

Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, of Point Grey Veterinary Hospital does write that the concept that mixed breeds are automatically healthier than purebreds is a misnomer. She notes that mixed breeds can be susceptible to pre-existing health issues from their parents, and a reputable breeder should be mindful of breeding only the healthiest dogs. Still, a healthy mixed breed tends to be sturdier and live longer.

In preparing our list of affordable dog breeds, we considered several factors, including known medical issues that could lead to high costs, trainability, diet, and adoption fees. We used Dogbreedslist.info information for the purchase price and PetMD to examine potential health issues. To provide the best options for any family, we also picked a wide range to suit various lifestyles.