Top 10 Cheapest Dog Breeds in 2025: Budget-Friendly and Loyal

Top 10 Cheapest Dog Breeds in 2025

If you're dreaming of bringing home a furry friend without spending a fortune, you're not alone. Many dog lovers want a loyal companion but need to stay within a reasonable budget. Fortunately, there are several dog breeds that are both affordable to adopt and maintain over time.

These breeds typically have lower grooming needs, fewer health issues, and manageable feeding costs—making them ideal for first-time pet owners, families, or anyone trying to cut down on pet-related expenses.

10. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide, known for its friendly, outgoing nature and excellent temperament.

Labs are highly intelligent, easy to train, and make great family pets due to their love for people, including children and other animals. Originally bred as hunting and working dogs, Labradors excel in a variety of roles, including as service dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs.

They are energetic and require regular exercise to stay healthy, often enjoying activities like swimming, fetching, and hiking.

• Price: $800 - $2,000
• Origin: Canada (Newfoundland)
• Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches
• Life Span: 10 to 12 years

Grooming Needs: Labrador Retrievers have short, dense coats that shed year-round. They require regular brushing to control shedding, especially during seasonal changes. Bathing is needed occasionally, and their ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

9. Australian Terrier

The Australian Terrier is a small but sturdy breed, often described as having a big dog attitude in a small body. They are known for their bold and confident nature, making them excellent watchdogs despite their size.

Originally bred to hunt vermin, Australian Terriers are intelligent and highly energetic.

They are affectionate with their families and can be particularly good with children, although they may be wary of strangers.

Their small stature doesn't mean they don't enjoy exercise and mental stimulation, and they should be provided with regular walks and playtime.

• Price: $1,000 - $2,000
• Origin: Australia
• Height: 9 to 10 inches
• Life Span: 12 to 15 years

Grooming Needs: The Australian Terrier has a wiry coat that requires regular grooming. They need to be hand-stripped or trimmed to maintain the texture of their coat, along with regular brushing.

8. Rat Terrier

Rat Terriers are energetic, small to medium-sized dogs known for their hunting background. Originally bred to hunt small game, they are highly intelligent, quick, and agile.

They are loyal and affectionate dogs, bonding closely with their families and often becoming quite protective.

Rat Terriers are easy to train due to their intelligence, but they can sometimes be independent, so consistent, positive reinforcement training is important.

These dogs are very social and do well in active homes, enjoying playtime and long walks.

• Price: $400 - $1,500
• Origin: United States
• Height: 10 to 18 inches
• Life Span: 12 to 18 years

Grooming Needs: Rat Terriers have short coats that require minimal grooming. They may shed moderately, so occasional brushing will help keep their coats healthy.

7. Pug

Pugs are a popular small breed known for their distinctive wrinkled faces and large, expressive eyes. They have a charming, affectionate personality and are generally friendly and playful.

Pugs are known to be excellent companions, as they thrive on human interaction and enjoy being part of family activities.

Despite their comical appearance, Pugs are intelligent and can learn commands quickly, though they can also be a bit stubborn at times.

They are prone to obesity, so it's important to monitor their diet and ensure they get regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.

• Price: $600 - $2,500
• Origin: China
• Height: 10 to 13 inches
• Life Span: 12 to 15 years

Grooming Needs: Pugs have a short, dense coat that sheds quite a bit. They require regular brushing, especially during shedding seasons, and need their wrinkles cleaned regularly to avoid skin infections.

6. Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher, often referred to as the "Min Pin," is a small, compact, and energetic breed known for its bold and fearless nature.

Despite their small size, they often act like much larger dogs, showing confidence and sometimes even a bit of a “royal” attitude.

They were originally bred to hunt vermin, and their strong prey drive means they may chase small animals. Min Pins are highly intelligent, but they can also be stubborn and independent, so early training is essential.

• Price: $500 - $1,500
• Origin: Germany
• Height: 10 to 12.5 inches
• Life Span: 12 to 16 years

Grooming Needs: The Miniature Pinscher has a short, sleek coat that requires very little grooming. Regular brushing will help maintain their coat and remove loose hairs.

5. Fox Terrier

Fox Terriers are a small but energetic breed that was originally bred for hunting foxes. They are known for their lively and bold personality, as well as their ability to dig and chase.

Fox Terriers are very intelligent and quick learners, but they can also be quite independent and a bit stubborn.

Their strong prey drive means they enjoy chasing small animals, so they should be closely supervised around other pets. These dogs are often described as being "big dogs in small bodies" due to their confident demeanor and fearless nature.

• Price: $800 - $2,000
• Origin: United Kingdom
• Height: 10 to 11 inches
• Life Span: 12 to 15 years

Grooming Needs: Fox Terriers, especially the smooth variety, require minimal grooming. The wire-haired type needs more attention, including hand-stripping or trimming to maintain their rough coat texture.

4. Border Collie

Border Collies are widely regarded as the most intelligent dog breed in the world. Originally bred to work as herding dogs on farms, they are energetic, focused, and incredibly trainable.

These dogs excel in agility, obedience, and sports, and they thrive when they have a job to do.

Border Collies are highly social and bond strongly with their families, though they may be reserved around strangers. Their high intelligence and energy levels mean they require a lot of mental and physical stimulation, making them best suited for active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities.

• Price: $600 - $1,200
• Origin: United Kingdom
• Height: 18 to 22 inches
• Life Span: 12 to 15 years

Grooming Needs: Border Collies have a medium-length, double coat that requires regular brushing, especially during shedding season. They do not require frequent baths but should be brushed a few times a week to prevent mats.

3. Dachshund

The Dachshund, often referred to as the "wiener dog" due to its long body and short legs, was originally bred for hunting small game like badgers.

They are curious, bold, and independent dogs with a great sense of smell. Despite their small size, Dachshunds are known for being stubborn and strong-willed, which can sometimes make training a challenge.

They are affectionate and loyal, often bonding closely with their owners, and they enjoy being the center of attention.

Dachshunds have a variety of coat types, including smooth, longhaired, and wiry, which adds to their unique appeal.

• Price: $200 - $3,500 (depending on type and lineage)
• Origin: Germany
• Height: 8 to 9 inches
• Life Span: 12 to 16 years

Grooming Needs: Dachshunds have three coat types: smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired. Smooth-coated ones need minimal grooming, while longhaired and wirehaired types require regular brushing and occasional trimming.

2. Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is a tiny breed with a big personality. Known for being the smallest dog breed in the world, Chihuahuas are alert, lively, and often protective of their owners despite their small stature.

They are extremely loyal and tend to bond closely with their families, often seeking attention and affection.

Though small, they are confident and fearless, sometimes acting much bigger than they actually are. Chihuahuas come in both long and short-haired varieties, and their small size makes them perfect for apartment living.

• Price: $500 - $1,500
• Origin: Mexico
• Height: 6 to 9 inches
• Life Span: 12 to 20 years

Grooming Needs: Chihuahuas have either long or short coats, and both types require regular grooming. Short-haired Chihuahuas need less maintenance, while long-haired ones need regular brushing to prevent matting.

1. Beagle

Beagles are small to medium-sized dogs known for their adorable, wrinkled faces and soulful eyes. They were originally bred for hunting, specifically rabbits, due to their excellent sense of smell and tracking abilities.

Beagles are friendly, curious, and extremely energetic, making them great companions for active families.

They have a strong prey drive and often follow their noses, so they require proper training to prevent them from wandering off. Beagles are also known for their vocal nature, often barking or howling when they detect something interesting.

• Price: $400 - $1,200
• Origin: United Kingdom
• Height: 13 to 15 inches
• Life Span: 12 to 15 years

Grooming Needs: Beagles have short, dense coats that require minimal grooming. Regular brushing will help reduce shedding, and they should be bathed occasionally to keep their coat clean.

Disclaimer:

The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. The details regarding prices, grooming needs, height, lifespan, and origin of each breed are general estimates and may vary based on factors such as location, individual dog characteristics, breeder practices, and health conditions. It is recommended to conduct further research or consult with a veterinarian or reputable breeder to obtain more precise information tailored to your specific needs.