Cheapest Dog Breeds: Top 10 Affordable Dogs to Own

The cheapest dog breeds to own, such as the Rat Terrier, Chihuahua and Beagle, are small, short-coated and hardy, which keeps food, grooming and vet bills low.

A dog is a long-term commitment, and the purchase price is only the first and usually smallest part of the bill. Food, vaccinations, parasite prevention, grooming, insurance and the occasional emergency add up year after year, often for well over a decade. Picking a breed that is naturally inexpensive to keep can save thousands over a dog's lifetime.

This guide looks at ten breeds that are widely considered budget-friendly. For each one you will find its size and lifespan, where it comes from, what makes it cheap or expensive to keep, and the health issues worth budgeting for. Before any breed, though, remember that adopting from a shelter or rescue is almost always the least expensive way to bring a dog home, and many of these breeds and their mixes turn up there regularly.

How We Chose the Cheapest Dog Breeds

There is no official ranking of dog ownership costs, because prices vary by country, city and individual dog. This list is an editorial selection based on the factors that drive lifetime costs.

• Size and appetite: smaller dogs eat less, need smaller beds and crates, and usually receive lower doses of medicines.
• Coat care: short, smooth coats can be kept clean at home with a brush and an occasional bath, with no need for professional grooming.
• General hardiness: breeds with fewer common inherited problems tend to need fewer specialist vet visits.
• Lifespan: a long-lived dog costs more in total, but it also spreads the one-time purchase and setup costs over more years.
• Availability: breeds that are common in shelters and rescues can often be adopted for a modest fee.

The order reflects how inexpensive each breed tends to be across all of these factors. It is not a ranking of which dog is best, and every individual dog can be cheaper or more expensive than its breed average.

The Cheapest Dog Breeds at a Glance

Weights and life expectancy follow the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed pages. Individual dogs can fall outside these ranges.

What a Dog Really Costs

Before comparing breeds, it helps to know where the money goes. The ASPCA, the American animal welfare charity, publishes an estimate of typical costs for a dog in the United States. Its 2021 update gives the following figures.

These are averages for a typical dog. Food, medication and boarding usually cost more for large dogs, while professional grooming can be skipped entirely for the short-coated breeds on this list. Prices also differ widely outside the United States, so treat the table as a guide to proportions rather than a quote.

1. Rat Terrier

Origins and History

The Rat Terrier grew up on American family farms, where it worked as a ratter and a hunting companion. It shares much of its ancestry with the small, scrappy hunting dogs known as feists, and dogs of this type were a common sight on farms in the 1920s and 1930s.

Formal recognition came late. The United Kennel Club accepted the breed on 1 January 1999, and the American Kennel Club recognised it on 1 July 2010 after letting Rat Terriers compete in companion events such as agility and obedience from 2006.

Why It Is Cheap to Own

• Its short, smooth coat needs only a weekly brush and the odd bath at home.
• A dog of 10 to 25 lb eats a fraction of what a large breed needs.
• Repeated outcrossing during its history has made it a generally hardy breed.
• It is one of the longest-lived breeds on this list, so setup costs are spread over many years.

Costs to Plan For

As the breed has become more popular, some health issues have become more common. The Canine Health Information Center recommends testing Rat Terriers for patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps), heart abnormalities, hip dysplasia and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, a hip condition seen in small dogs. Buying from a breeder who tests for these, or adopting an adult dog with a known health history, can prevent expensive surprises.

Interesting Facts

• The AKC lists two size varieties, miniature and standard.
• Rat Terriers are strong diggers and energetic, so a bored one can be hard on gardens.
• The breed ranked 81st of 210 breeds on the AKC popularity list.

2. Toy Fox Terrier

Origins and History

The Toy Fox Terrier descends from the larger Smooth Fox Terrier and is believed to have developed in the United States in the early twentieth century. It worked as a farm ratter and lived in the house as a pet, a combination that suited its small size and quick reflexes.

The United Kennel Club gave it separate breed status in 1936, and the American Kennel Club recognised it in 2003, placing it in the Toy Group. Its bright, clownish character made it a popular performer in circus acts.

Why It Is Cheap to Own

• At 4 to 9 lb, it needs very little food, and small-dog doses of medicines cost less.
• The short, fine, glossy coat needs almost no grooming.
• It travels easily and fits in small homes and flats.
• Trainable and usually not a heavy barker when well trained, it tends to be easy to live with.

Costs to Plan For

Like many toy breeds, the Toy Fox Terrier can be prone to patellar luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and von Willebrand disease, an inherited bleeding disorder. Small dogs also need regular dental care, as crowded teeth build up tartar quickly, so budget for dental checks and brush its teeth at home.

Interesting Facts

• A 2024 UK study found an average life expectancy of 12.9 years for the breed.
• Its coat comes mainly in white with black, tan or chocolate markings.
• It is often recommended as a companion for older owners because of its manageable size.

3. Chihuahua

Origins and History

The Chihuahua is a Mexican breed and the smallest recognised dog breed in the world. It takes its name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The American Kennel Club registered its first Chihuahua, a dog called Midget owned by H. Raynor of Texas, in 1904.

Today it is one of the most familiar companion dogs anywhere, ranking 27th of 210 breeds on the AKC popularity list. It comes in a short-coated and a long-coated variety.

Why It Is Cheap to Own

• It eats less than any other breed, so food is a minor expense.
• The short-coated variety needs almost no grooming, and even the long coat can be brushed at home.
• It needs little space and no large equipment.
• Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes are among the dogs most often found in shelters and rescues, especially in the United States, which can make adoption easy and inexpensive.

Costs to Plan For

Pedigree Chihuahuas from breeders can be expensive, so adoption is where the savings are. Small mouths often mean dental problems, and their fragile frames make falls and rough play risky. Chihuahuas also have a molera, a soft spot on the skull similar to a baby's fontanel, which makes head injuries a particular concern.

Interesting Facts

• Life expectancy studies vary widely: a 2024 UK study found 11.8 years, below the AKC range.
• Apple-dome Chihuahuas have large round eyes and a high, rounded skull.
• Despite their size, Chihuahuas are often bold and protective of their owners.

4. Miniature Pinscher

Origins and History

The Miniature Pinscher, or Zwergpinscher in German, is a small German breed of pinscher type. It was used to hunt mice, rats, small birds and other vermin, and an 1888 drawing by Jean Bungartz already compared it with the larger German Pinscher.

Although it looks like a tiny Dobermann, it is not a scaled-down version of that breed. Genetic research published in 2017 found that it shares ancestry with the Toy Manchester Terrier. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale, the world federation of kennel clubs, fully accepted the breed in 1955.

Why It Is Cheap to Own

• Its coat is short and smooth with no undercoat, so it is naturally neat and needs little grooming.
• At 8 to 10 lb, its food costs are small.
• It is a sturdy, compact dog for its size.
• Studies show a good lifespan, including 13.7 years in a 2024 UK study.

Costs to Plan For

The Miniature Pinscher is known to be prone to separation anxiety, and a bored or anxious dog can damage furniture or need training help. With no undercoat, it feels the cold, so owners in cool climates usually buy a dog coat. It is also a skilled escape artist, so secure fencing is worth the investment.

Interesting Facts

• Fans call it the king of toys because of its proud, high-stepping hackney-like gait.
• AKC show rules accept only solid or stag red, and black or chocolate with rust points.
• The breed ranked 73rd of 210 breeds on the AKC popularity list.

5. Beagle

Origins and History

The Beagle is a small British scent hound bred to hunt hare and rabbit in packs. It has been one of the world's best-loved family dogs for well over a century, and in 2008 a Beagle named Uno became the first of its breed to win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club show.

Its nose is so good that the United States Department of Agriculture uses Beagles in its Beagle Brigade to sniff out food items in airport luggage. The breed was picked for the job after several others were trialled.

Why It Is Cheap to Own

• Its short, dense coat is wash-and-go and needs only weekly brushing.
• A medium-small dog, it eats moderately.
• It is a robust, generally healthy breed with a good lifespan.
• Its gentle temperament makes it easy to fit into family life.

Costs to Plan For

Beagles will eat whenever food is available, and obesity is a common problem if owners do not control portions. The breed can be prone to epilepsy, which is often manageable with medication, and to hypothyroidism. Its long, floppy ears trap moisture, so regular ear cleaning helps prevent infections and vet visits.

Interesting Facts

• A 2024 UK study found an average life expectancy of 12.5 years.
• The AKC recognises two height varieties, under 13 inches and 13 to 15 inches.
• Beagles are vocal hounds with a distinctive baying howl.

6. Australian Cattle Dog

Origins and History

The Australian Cattle Dog was developed in the mid-1800s by Thomas Simpson Hall, a pastoralist in New South Wales who needed a tough dog to drive cattle over long distances. He crossed blue-speckled Highland Collies imported from Britain with selected dingoes, and his dogs became known as Halls Heelers.

In the 1880s, breeders in Sydney refined these dogs into the modern Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog. The breed was made to herd by nipping at the heels of cattle, which is where the name heeler comes from.

Why It Is Cheap to Own

• It is easy to groom, needing little more than brushing during shedding season.
• Bred for hard outdoor work, it is a tough and resilient dog.
• It has one of the longest lifespans of any medium-sized breed.
• It needs exercise rather than expensive accessories, so long walks and games can replace daycare.

Costs to Plan For

The most common health problems are inherited deafness and progressive blindness. One Australian study found that around 10.8 percent of Cattle Dogs were deaf in one or both ears, so buy from breeders who test hearing. The breed needs a lot of physical and mental activity, and a bored Cattle Dog will invent its own jobs, which can mean chewed property.

Interesting Facts

• An Australian Cattle Dog called Bluey long held the record as the world's oldest dog.
• Puppies are born white and develop their blue or red speckled coats as they grow.
• The breed ranked 52nd of 210 breeds on the AKC popularity list.

7. Dachshund

Origins and History

Dachshund means badger dog in German, from Dachs (badger) and Hund (dog). The breed was developed to scent, chase and flush badgers and other burrowing animals, and the smaller miniature was bred to hunt rabbits. The first verifiable references to these dogs date from the early 18th century.

The Dachshund became so closely tied to Germany that a striped Dachshund called Waldi was chosen as the first official mascot of the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. In the United States, the AKC recognised the breed in 1885.

Why It Is Cheap to Own

• Its small size means modest food bills, especially for the miniature variety.
• The smooth-haired variety needs very little grooming.
• It is a long-lived breed, with a 2024 UK study finding 13.2 years for standards and 14 years for miniatures.
• It is consistently popular, ranking 6th of 210 breeds with the AKC, so rescues and breed clubs are easy to find.

Costs to Plan For

The Dachshund's long spine and short rib cage make it prone to intervertebral disc disease, a back condition that can cause pain or paralysis and may need surgery. Keeping the dog slim, using ramps instead of stairs and stopping it from jumping off furniture all reduce the risk. Pet insurance taken out early is especially worth considering for this breed. Long-haired and wire-haired Dachshunds also need more grooming than the smooth variety.

Interesting Facts

• Early names for the breed included badger crawler and badger warrior.
• Dachshunds were also used in packs to hunt wild boar.
• They come in three coat types: smooth, long-haired and wire-haired.

8. Labrador Retriever

Origins and History

The Labrador Retriever was developed in Britain from St John's water dogs brought from Newfoundland on trading ships from the 1830s onward. British aristocrats such as the Earl of Malmesbury and the Duke of Buccleuch bred them as gun dogs for retrieving waterfowl. The Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1903, and the AKC registered its first Labrador in 1917.

It is one of the most commonly kept dogs in the world, ranking 2nd of 210 breeds on the AKC popularity list, and it works as a guide dog, assistance dog, search dog and water rescue dog.

Why It Is Cheap to Own

• Labradors and Labrador mixes are very common in shelters and rescues, so adoption is often possible.
• Its short, water-resistant coat needs brushing but no professional grooming.
• It is easy to train, which can save money on classes and behaviour problems.
• Mixed-breed Labradors may carry less risk of some inherited conditions than purebreds.

Costs to Plan For

The Labrador is the largest dog in the top half of this list, and its food bill reflects that. It is somewhat prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and to eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy. Labradors are also famously food-motivated, and in some dogs a missing section of the POMC gene, which affects appetite, contributes to obesity. Careful portions are cheaper than treating weight-related joint problems later.

Interesting Facts

• Early Labradors were usually black; the first yellow Labrador on record was born in 1899.
• Labradors serve as canine lifeguards at the Italian School of Canine Lifeguard.
• Some are trained to help their owners use cash machines.

9. English Foxhound

Origins and History

The English Foxhound is one of four foxhound breeds and a cousin of the American Foxhound. It is a scent hound bred to hunt foxes in packs, and its stud books go back to the 18th century, making it one of the best-documented breeds in the world.

During British rule in India, English Foxhounds were exported for jackal hunting, but they rarely lived long in the hot climate. Today the breed is still mostly kept by hunts in Britain and is rare as a pet, ranking 201st of 210 breeds on the AKC popularity list.

Why It Is Cheap to Own

• Its short, hard hound coat is easy to keep clean.
• Bred for stamina in the field, it is a sturdy, athletic dog.
• It has few widely reported breed-specific health problems.
• It is generally friendly with people and other dogs, having been raised to live in packs.

Costs to Plan For

The English Foxhound is big and very energetic, so it eats more than any small breed and needs a lot of exercise and a secure garden. Because it is rare as a companion dog, finding one can be harder than finding the other breeds here. Like all hounds, it follows its nose and may need extra training to come back when called.

Interesting Facts

• Breed standards allow heights of 20 to 27 inches at the withers.
• Its paws are round and almost cat-like.
• It comes in any recognised hound colour.

10. Basset Hound

Origins and History

The Basset Hound is a short-legged scent hound developed in Britain from several now-extinct French basset strains. Its name comes from the French word bas, meaning low, and it was bred to hunt rabbit and hare at a pace slow enough for hunters to follow on foot.

Its sense of smell is considered second only to the Bloodhound's, and its long ears help stir up ground scent as it tracks.

Why It Is Cheap to Own

• It is calm and low-energy, so it rarely needs daycare, sports or lots of equipment to stay content.
• Its short, smooth coat needs only regular brushing.
• It is friendly and tolerant of children and other pets.
• It is happy with steady daily walks rather than long, demanding exercise.

Costs to Plan For

The Basset Hound is a heavy dog on short legs, so keeping it slim is important for its back and joints. Its long ears and loose skin need regular cleaning to prevent infections. It is also one of the breeds most often affected by primary open angle glaucoma, an eye condition, which is worth discussing with a vet early.

Interesting Facts

• Its short legs are caused by a genetic condition called osteochondrodysplasia.
• The loose skin around its neck is called the dewlap.
• France recognises six basset-type breeds.

Breeds That Cost More Than You Might Expect

Some popular breeds are expensive to keep even when the purchase price looks reasonable. Thinking about these helps explain why the dogs above make the list.

• Long-coated breeds such as poodles and many doodle crosses often need professional grooming every few weeks.
• Giant breeds eat a great deal and need larger doses of every medicine.
• Flat-faced breeds can need costly treatment for breathing and eye problems.
• Very high-energy working breeds may need daycare or a dog walker if owners are out all day.

Comparing the Cheapest Dog Breeds

Tips for Keeping Dog Ownership Costs Down

• Adopt rather than buy: shelter fees usually cover vaccinations and often neutering and microchipping.
• Keep up with yearly check-ups, which the ASPCA notes are far cheaper than treating illness later.
• Ask your vet whether every optional vaccine is needed for your dog's lifestyle.
• Look for low-cost spay and neuter programmes, which many local shelters support.
• Learn to brush teeth, trim nails and clean ears at home.
• Feed measured portions to prevent obesity, one of the most common and costly problems in dogs.
• Compare pet insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest dog breed to own?

Small, short-coated and hardy breeds such as the Rat Terrier, Toy Fox Terrier and Chihuahua are among the cheapest to own because they eat little and need almost no professional grooming. Still, the cheapest route is usually adopting a dog of any breed from a local shelter.

How much does it cost to own a dog per year?

The ASPCA's 2021 estimate puts the annual cost of a dog in the United States at about 1,391 dollars, including food, routine vet care, preventive medicine, insurance, toys and treats. The first year is higher, at about 3,221 dollars, because of one-time costs such as neutering and equipment.

Are small dogs always cheaper than big dogs?

Small dogs usually cost less in food, medicine and boarding, but not always overall. Some toy breeds need more dental care, and a long-coated small dog can cost more to groom than a short-coated large one. Health and coat type matter as much as size.

Is it cheaper to adopt or buy a dog?

Adopting is almost always cheaper. Shelter and rescue fees are usually much lower than breeder prices and often include vaccinations, neutering and a microchip, which would otherwise be separate costs. Many breeds on this list, especially Chihuahuas and Labrador mixes, appear in rescues regularly.

Which cheap dog breed is best for families?

The Beagle, Labrador Retriever and Basset Hound are known for gentle, friendly temperaments that suit family life. Toy breeds such as the Chihuahua can be fragile around young children, so a slightly larger, sturdier dog is often a better choice for busy households.

Which cheap dog breed lives the longest?

The Rat Terrier has the widest AKC life expectancy range on this list, at 12 to 18 years, while the Chihuahua's range is 14 to 16 years. A long life means a higher lifetime total, but it spreads one-time costs over more years with your companion.

Conclusion

The cheapest dog breeds share a few simple traits: a manageable size, a short coat that can be cared for at home, a sturdy constitution and, ideally, a good chance of finding one in a rescue. The Rat Terrier, Toy Fox Terrier and Chihuahua lead the list on those terms, while larger dogs such as the Labrador and English Foxhound earn their places through easy coats and robust health.

No breed is free of costs, and every dog deserves a budget for food, preventive care and the unexpected. Choose a breed whose energy and size fit your home, adopt if you can, and keep your dog slim and up to date with check-ups. That approach will do more to cut lifetime costs than any single breed choice. For more on choosing a companion, see our guide to the top 10 best dog breeds.