Cheapest Dog Breeds for Families & First-Time Owners
Owning a dog is hardly an inexpensive prospect. The average dog owner spent $143 per month in 2024, according to Capital One. And all it takes is a medical emergency for the cost of owning a dog to skyrocket.
Still, there are some dog breeds that tend to be less expensive than others. For one thing, some breeds, based on their size, require more food than others. And dogs that don’t need much grooming may be cheaper to own than their more high-maintenance counterparts.
And then there are medical needs to consider. While any dog could get hurt or sick at any time, low cost dog breeds, as a general rule, tend to have fewer health issues.
Also, dogs that are adopted tend to come with lower up-front costs than dogs purchased directly from a breeder, even when adoption fees are accounted for.
With that in mind, here’s a rundown of some of the most inexpensive dog breeds out there. If money is tight but you’re eager to welcome a dog into your home, you may want to focus on these budget-friendly dog breeds.
1. Chihuahua
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Chihuahua?
Adoption cost: $50 - $2,500
Annual healthcare: $300 - $800
Annual grooming cost: $100 - $300
Annual food costs: $240 - $360
With an average weight of under six pounds and a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years, Chihuahuas are a great option for first-time dog owners and those looking for low cost family dogs.
Due to their tiny size, Chihuahuas don't need to eat a lot, so your food costs may be modest. And since Chihuahuas tend to have short coats, you may not need to pay for more than the occasional grooming.
Although Chihuahuas are nice and compact, making them easy to walk, they can be temperamental. Proper training can address obedience issues early on.
2. Beagle
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Beagle?
Adoption cost: $25 - $1,500
Annual healthcare: $1,080 - $2,640
Annual grooming cost: $0 - $480
Annual food costs: $360 - $600
With an average weight of roughly 20 to 35 pounds (though some can weigh less), the Beagle is another nice and compact dog that ranks among the cheapest small dog breeds. Their small size means their food needs aren’t too expensive.
Beagles tend to be playful, good-natured dogs that need their fair share of exercise. They’re a great fit for active families, or first-time dog owners willing to go on regular walks.
Beagles can also be a little sly, getting into food if you're not careful. Similarly, it's important to exercise caution with Beagles since they're known to have a strong hunting instinct. Since Beagles tend to have short coats, outside grooming can often be skipped as long as you brush your dog regularly.
3. Border Collie
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Border Collie?
Adoption cost: $150 - $3,000
Annual healthcare: $600 - $1,200
Annual grooming cost: $120 - $600
Annual food costs: $360 to $720
If you're looking for a friendly medium-sized dog, Border Collies tend to fit the bill. They commonly weigh 30 to 55 pounds and are a great fit for active families.
Border Collies are not a low-energy breed. They're wired to work, so it's important to keep yours well exercised and stimulated.
It’s common for Border Collies to require professional grooming every few months so their coats don’t grow too long. Regular brushing in between is essential to avoid matting. At a medium size, their food needs are moderate.
4. Bichon Frise
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Bichon Frise?
Adoption cost: $50 - $2,500
Annual healthcare: $1,380 - $3,480
Annual grooming cost: $300 - $1,000
Annual food costs: $480 - $1,200
The Bichon Frise is a small dog, weighing an average of 12 to 18 pounds. For this reason, they can be less expensive to feed and may not have the health issues of a larger dog.
However, the Bichon Frise does need to be groomed every few months. The nice thing about this breed is that it sheds minimally and therefore may be a good fit for households with allergies.
The Bichon Frise is typically a friendly, playful dog, and their small size makes them a good fit for new dog owners. The Bichon Frise usually has a moderate energy level, so regular exercise may be essential.
5. Dachshund
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Dachshund?
Adoption cost: $150 - $3,500
Annual healthcare: $600 - $3,600
Annual grooming cost: $0 - $600
Annual food costs: $240 - $840
Weighing in at an average of 16 to 32 pounds (sometimes less), the Dachshund is another great breed for first-time pet owners on a budget. One of the reasons they’re among the cheapest dog breeds is because of their size. They don't have the same nutritional requirements as larger dogs.
With a healthy Dachshund, your vet costs may be minimal too. But do know that Dachshunds can be prone to obesity which, coupled with their body composition, could lead to spinal issues. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine can help keep your costs of ownership down.
6. Pomeranian
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Pomeranian?
Adoption cost: $50 - $2,000
Annual healthcare: $1,992 - $6,216
Annual grooming cost: $1,200 - $4,800
Annual food costs: $72 - $180
Weighing just three to seven pounds on average, the Pomeranian is easy to care for due to their small size. Pomeranians tend to be fairly healthy dogs and don’t need a lot of food because their small size.
Pomeranians also have a fun personality but a moderate energy level, which means they're not too overwhelming for new dog owners. The one area where you might pay up is grooming, since their coats need to be tended to often. If you’re able to do your own grooming, you can lower your costs significantly.
7. Miniature Pinscher
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Miniature Pinscher?
Adoption cost: $50 - $1,215
Annual healthcare: $400-700
Annual grooming cost: $140 - $200
Annual food costs: $50 - $150
Weighing just eight to 10 pounds, Miniature Pinschers are an easy dog to incorporate into your household, since they don't take up a lot of space. Their small size translates into minimal food costs, and their coats only need the occasional grooming -- once every three months should suffice.
Miniature Pinschers tend to be playful and outgoing, making them a great dog to have. They can also be assertive, so it's important to train your dog well early on.
8. Pug
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Pug?
Adoption cost: $100 - $2,000
Annual healthcare: $240 - $2,400
Annual grooming cost: $360 - $720
Annual food costs: $240 - $600
At just 14 to 18 pounds, pugs are small dogs by nature, and that makes them inexpensive to feed. Pugs tend to be easygoing and adaptable, making them a great fit for new dog owners.
Pugs do, however, need to be bathed pretty frequently to keep their skin clean. Grooming costs can add up if you’re not willing to do that work yourself. But if you are, you may find that a Pug is one of the more affordable dog breeds out there.
9. Australian Cattle Dog
How Much Does It Cost to Own an Australian Cattle Dog?
Adoption cost: $500 - $1,500
Annual healthcare: $1,200 - $2,400
Annual grooming cost: $240 - $600
Annual food costs: $480 - $1,200
Weighing an average of 35 to 50 pounds, the Australian Cattle Dog is a great medium-sized canine companion.
Australian Cattle Dogs are high energy, so they need to be exercised regularly. They're also working dogs by nature, so they need a job to be happy. If you're new to dog ownership but are home often, you may find that an Australian Cattle Dog is a great companion.
Because of their smooth, short coats, Australian Cattle Dogs don't need to be groomed very frequently. Their food needs are moderate due to their size.
10. Greyhound
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Greyhound?
Adoption cost: $200 - $4,000
Annual healthcare: $3,600 - $7,200
Annual grooming cost: $240 - $600
Annual food costs: $720 - $1,200
Larger dogs tend to be more expensive to own than smaller ones, generally speaking. But if you're looking for a relatively cheap dog breed on the larger size, you may want to look at a Greyhound.
Weighing 60 to 70 pounds on average, Greyhounds are known for their speed and gentle nature. They're also a fairly calm and affectionate breed, making them a great family dog.
Thanks to their short coats, they do not need frequent grooming. They do, however, need regular exercise. You may want to make sure you have a fenced-in yard before adopting a Greyhound, as keeping up with one on a walk could prove challenging.
Looking for dogs that don't cost much? Browse our vast network of shelters and rescues to find low maintenance dog breeds, low grooming dogs, or any dog that's the right fit for you and your family.