So, you want a dog, but you’re wondering which one is best suited to your budget? Well, check out our list of the top ten breeds that might break your heart, but won’t break the bank. 10. Jack Russell Terrier Jack Russell Terriers are athletic, feisty, have a ton of personality, but don’t cost a ton of money to own. The average purchase price of a Jack Russell is $400. With a lifespan of 13 to 15 years, you would only be paying about $27 per year of companionship. The Russell should only be fed premium dog food, but since it is a small dog with an even smaller stomach, a large bag of vittles can go a long way.
Jacks need to be professionally groomed only two to three times a year, and since they are a short-haired breed, costs are typically low. They are also a very healthy breed overall, with lifetime medical expenses averaging about $3000. 9. Pug Who doesn’t love a Pug? That charming disposition, little wrinkled face, and deep soulful eyes luckily, it doesn’t take deep pockets to make this pooch your best pal. The average price of a Pug is $350, and they live for about 12 to 15 years. After the math, your investment would come to about $23 per year and your return would be constant companionship, frequent good times and unconditional love. The Pug is a short-haired breed, so there is no need for frequent professional grooming, which means more savings. On the other hand, since they have a double-layered coat, they do shed heavily, so a good vacuum cleaner would be a wise buy.
When it comes to dining, a Pug will attempt to eat their body weight. Your job is to feed your pug a reasonable amount of nutritious food and snacks and not indulge their gluttonous tendencies. If you adhere to a strict meal plan with occasional treats, your Pug’s weight will stay as balanced as your budget. Pugs can rack up some vet bills however, especially those that come from a less than reputable breeder, so as always when deciding on a pup, use due diligence in researching the breed and the breeder. 8. American Foxhound Most people don’t know the American Foxhound by name, but it is a breed that everyone should know by name, if only for the fact that it is one of the least expensive dogs to own. For an average price of $475, you can have a Foxhound as your roommate.
Their life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, so you’ll only pay about $40 per year to enjoy their company. Forego bathing and grooming costs with a DIY approach to keeping your pooch pretty. Foxhounds have a medium-length coat that typically requires brushing only once a week, and they only need to be bathed when necessary—after they get into a messy situation or fall victim to “doggy odor.” A breed with few inherent health problems, the minimum lifetime medical cost for a Foxhound is about $1,500. 7. Rat Terrier The Rat Terrier is an intelligent, stubborn, fearless dog that may be a challenge to handle, but worth it, considering the savings to be had by owning one. Rat Terriers are one of the least expensive small breeds. You’ll spend about $350 to take one home. Their average lifespan is 15 to 18 years, which works out to about $19 for each year you’ll spend with your pup.
Like most short-haired breeds, they are blissfully low-maintenance. Most grooming including brushing, bathing, and tooth care can be done at home, sparing you the cost of hiring a professional groomer. You can also clip your terrier’s nails at home, but, as with any dog, you should be careful not to clip the quick. Rat Terriers are dogs that are predisposed to few health issues, and the ailments commonly seen are relatively minor compared to those of other breeds. Over the course of their lifetime, the healthcare bill of a Rat Terrier starts at about $1,500—a heck of a lot less than that of a human. 6. Chihuahua Chihuahuas are many things. They’re feisty, fun-sized, fickle, and the BFF that you can carry in your purse, that will also keep cash in your wallet. You can get a Chihuahua for the average price of $650. With a lifespan of 12 to 18 years, you’ll be investing a minimum of $36 per year— $5 annually, if you break it down in dog years. Primping your Chihuahua will cost you “little” to nothing.
Get it? Anyway, DIY grooming and bathing expenses for a short-haired pooch will only amount to the price of shampoo, conditioner, a rubber curry brush, nail clippers, ear wash and cotton balls. Since they only need to be bathed once a month, a bottle of hair product will go a long way. Since Chihuahuas are susceptible to a variety of ailments and have a long lifespan, healthcare costs could amount to more than $5,000 in their lifetime, but don’t despair—they’re tiny, so their vet bill is easily offset by a small grocery bill. What pet necessity do you spend the most money on? 5. American Hairless Terrier It’s all in their name the American Hairless Terrier. This breed made our top 10 for the simple fact that it is completely hairless. You’ll never need the services of a professional groomer, and you’ll save tons of money on haircare products since they have no hair to care for.
Got allergies? Well, no hair means no dander, no allergies, no doctor visits, and mo’ money. But that doesn’t mean you won’t have to budget for skincare. You’ll need a mild shampoo, moisturizers and sunscreen to keep your smooth little buddy’s skin healthy, and since they get cold easily, you should also set aside a few bucks for doggy sweaters. Okay, so you’ll have to fork over an average of $900 upfront for a Hairless, pay vet costs, buy food and treats, but over time you’ll appreciate the extra cash you’ll have to spend on a few treats of your own.
4. Havanese Want all the perks that come with having a cute, cuddly, furball without the cost of cleaning loose hairs? Then maybe you should have a Havanese. Since they don’t shed, their average purchase price of $1000 is not a bargain, but is also not bad for 14 to 16 years of eschewing the costs of pet vacs, brushes and brooms. On the other hand, Havs have a double coat that doesn’t shed, so you will need to budget accordingly for professional grooming. As with all toy dogs, the Havanese eats considerably less than larger breeds, so you’ll save on treats and at mealtime. They are also quite sturdy and healthy overall, with little tendency to develop major health issues, which keeps vet bills in check, so Hav at it! 3. Chinese Crested Hairless In terms of appearance, the Chinese Crested Hairless is unquestionably the most unique pup on our list.
With its baby-soft skin, little “booties,” pony-like tail, and smiling face there’s no wonder why the average asking price for a Crested is about $1000. But who cares? They’re hairless. As with the previously mentioned American Hairless Terrier, you’ll save money “up the yin yang” (Chinese reference) in grooming and bathing costs, and this doggy is also basically dander-free—so if you have allergies, you’ll be able to stash the cash you would have spent on medications and doctor visits. Of course, you’ll have to buy your Crested a small wardrobe to protect them from the elements, but it should even out with the grooming savings, and amount of adorable you’ll receive in return is priceless.
Cresteds love to eat and will play the cuteness card to get treats. To keep your pal’s weight out of the red and a more green in your pocket remember—small dogs equal small portions, which will save you big bucks. 2. Mutt Say what you will about mutts, the fact is they save money. First of all, vet visits will be few and far between because the mutt is the healthiest type of dog around. Unlike purebred dogs, mutts inherit the genes of two or more breeds, which increases the odds of them inheriting the strengths of those breeds, and decreases the likelihood that they will develop a genetic disorder caused by inbreeding. Mixed-breed dogs cost less than purebreds that are AKC registered and purchased from breeders, and some are even “free to a good home.” So, whether you get yours from a private seller, shelter, rescue group, friend or off the street you will always get a great deal.
If you are fortunate enough to bond with a stray, be sure to take him or her to get a full examination and necessary vaccines. 1. Shelter Dog The shelter dog is the ultimate return on investment. Although many shelters have “no kill” policies, there are still far too many that euthanize older dogs and those that are difficult to place; so choosing one of these will not only fill a void in your life, it could save theirs. Fees range from free to about $250, depending on whether the shelter is a county, city or private shelter, if your fave is a bit older, or has had a hard time finding a match. Adopting from a government run facility will give you more bang for your buck. County fees are more likely to include vaccinations, a vet exam, spaying or neutering, and sometimes even basic obedience training. When it comes to picking your pup, the possibilities are endless. If you really want your dollar to go far, you might consider a small dog, a hairless, a mutt—heck you might even hit the jackpot and find a small, hairless mutt! Whatever breed you choose, adopting a dog from a shelter is the one of most worthwhile exchanges you can take part in.
For little or nothing, you’ll save a life and get a new best friend that loves you unconditionally—and your new best friend will have a “furever home.” Who says money can’t buy love? Well, not only can you buy love, you can buy it at a bargain price!