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MoreAdopting a rescue dog can be a great way to save money on a new addition to the family, but opting for a purebred doesn't need to break the bank. While some breeds can cost thousands of dollars each, many of the most popular and charming dogs cost just a few hundred. As long as you can keep up with feeding and grooming costs, these affordable breeds are the perfect companions for owners on a budget.
Pug
At an average price of $350, the pug is one of the cheapest dog breeds money can buy. These cute and compact pooches grow to a height of around 10 to 14 inches and can live to be up to 15 years old. If you're looking for a dog to provide you with constant companionship, you definitely can't go wrong with a pug. Bred to be lap dogs, they're highly affectionate with their owners and suitable for families with children. However, that does mean you won't be able to leave your pug at home alone for too long as they tend to get a bit anxious when left to their own devices.
Papillon
The average papillon will set you back just $400 — a very small price to pay for such a beautiful breed. Papillons love spending time with their humans, but that doesn't mean they want to lounge around all day for cuddles. This 8-11-inch-tall breed has a high energy level and loves to play all day. You'll need to give your papillon over an hour of daily exercise, but they'll pay you back with up to 16 years of love and affection.
Pekingese
If you want to bring a Pekingese puppy into your family, expect to spend around $500. This breed is perfect for the novice dog owner making their first foray into canine life. They adapt well to most living conditions except hot weather, they don't need much exercise, and they're relatively easy to train. Growing 6 to 9 inches tall and living for an average of 12 to 15 years, your Pekingese will prefer to bond with you and you alone. As such, this breed isn't a great choice for families with children.
Dachshund
Dachshunds typically have a price tag as small as their adorable legs, coming in at an average of $500 each. They only grow around 8 to 9 inches tall, though they make up for that in their sausage-like length. One of the main special traits of any dachshund is their intelligence, which means they need plenty of play and stimulation. Originally bred for hunting, they also love to bark and roam, and they can be quite stubborn when it comes to training. That said, dachshunds are very child-friendly. On average, they live up to 15 years.
Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher is a high energy breed packed into a low cost of around $500. These 8- to 11-inch-tall dogs are perfect for owners who love the outdoors since they need plenty of play and exercise. However, don't be put off if you live in an apartment — Miniature Pinschers adapt well to small homes as long as they get frequent walks. They're also highly affectionate, but they may have trouble getting along with small children and other dogs because of their small size. Take good care of your Miniature Pinscher, and they'll live for up to 14 years.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise may have a luxurious appearance and a fancy French name, but on average, they only cost $525. Affectionate, adaptable, and easy to train; this breed is great for novice owners. However, you will need to put in a little effort to keep your Bichon Frise looking and feeling great. Standing 9 to 11 inches tall and living up to 15 years, the Bichon Frise needs regular trips to the groomers and won't like to spend time alone. They're best for families with or without children where someone is always home to play.
Border Collie
Many of the low-cost dogs here are small breeds, but if you're looking for something a little bigger, you can't go wrong with the Border Collie. As long as you have a large home and plenty of time for walks and play, you'll be the perfect Border Collie owner. This breed needs at least two hours of exercise each day and lots of stimulation for their intelligent minds. But, on the flip side, they're very easy to train and pretty easy to groom too. Expect your Border Collie to grow 18 to 22 inches tall and live for up to 15 years.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Considering Pembroke Welsh Corgis are the dog of choice for England's Queen Elizabeth II, it's hard to believe they cost just $550 on average. No matter your living situation, you can provide a good home to any Corgi. These dogs adapt well to apartments, cold weather, hot weather, and families with children. Growing 10 to 12 inches tall and living up to 14 years, note that Corgis do need quite a lot of exercise despite their size.
Beagle
Love Beagles? You'll love their average price of $650 even more. This charming breed gets on well with everyone they meet, from children to strangers to fellow dogs. Beagles can be pretty tricky to train and need plenty of exercise each day, but they're virtually effortless to groom. Standing 13 to 15 inches tall, a Beagle will provide up with up to 15 years of pure love and affection. The only thing you need to prepare for is that they're very vocal, barking, and baying throughout the day.
Chihuahua
Last but not least is the world's tiniest breed: the Chihuahua, which you can bring into your home for around $650. These dogs pack tons of personality into a small package, serving as the perfect companion to families with kids. With their minimal exercise requirements, the Chihuahua is also ideal for owners who don't want to walk much. Plus, they're very easy to train and groom. Growing 6 to 9 inches tall, Chihuahuas can live up to 18 years long.
