Updated at: 15-09-2023 - By: petstutorial

If you’re looking to adopt a dog but are on a tight budget, you might be wondering which breeds are the most affordable. While all dogs require financial commitment, some breeds are less expensive than others. 

This article will provide a list of the top 10 cheapest dog breeds in the world, taking into consideration upfront costs, regular monthly expenses, one-off expenses, and the chances of surprise expenses from vet bills. 

Whether you’re looking for a small lap dog or a larger companion, there are plenty of affordable options to choose from.

Top 10 Cheapest Dogs

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is a Mexican breed of toy dog that is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world and is usually kept as a companion animal or for showing. 

Chihuahuas have a distinctive look with a small body, pointed ears, and big expressive eyes. They are courageous, extremely lively, proud, and adventurous, and they enjoy affection. 

Chihuahuas can be prickly around strangers as they like to have all of their owner’s attention for themselves. They are loyal, playful, and famously adorable. 

Chihuahuas can be found in virtually any color combination, from solid to marked or splashed. They are the smallest breed recognized by some kennel clubs. Chihuahuas can weigh less than 10 pounds and have a lifespan of 14-16 years.

Beagle

The Beagle is a breed of small scent hound that was originally developed for hunting hare, known as beagling. They are similar in appearance to the much larger foxhound, but are smaller in size. 

Beagles are intelligent, loving, and companionable, making them excellent family dogs. They have an even temper and gentle disposition, and are typically neither aggressive nor timid, although this depends on the individual. They enjoy company and make poor guard dogs for this reason, although their tendency to bark or howl when confronted with the unfamiliar makes them good watch dogs. 

Beagles have a sturdy, hardy build and look like miniature foxhounds. They have a square muzzle, large brown or hazel eyes, and wide, pendant ears that are low set and long. 

Beagles are muscular, solid dogs with a slightly domed skull and a deep chest. They are loving, sweet, and gentle, and are excellent with children and generally good with other dogs, but because of their hunting instincts, they should not be trusted with non-canine pets unless socialized with cats and other household animals when young. Beagles have minds of their own and require patient, firm training.

Pug

The Pug is a small, ancient dog breed that originated in China around 2,000 years ago. They are easily identifiable due to their flat, wrinkly face, curly tail, and snorty, loud breathing. 

Pugs are typically 10 to 13 inches tall and weigh 14 to 18 pounds. They have short coats that are typically fawn (tan) or black. Pugs are a very friendly dog breed that thrive on attention from their owners. They are people pleasers and like to feel included in the day-to-day happenings in their home. 

Pugs are a brachycephalic breed, which means they have short muzzles, flat faces, narrow nostrils, and narrow airways, and often have an elongated soft palate. The elongated soft palate can cause a blockage to the windpipe entrance, creating the typically loud snoring and breathing noises they produce. 

Pugs have an even and stable temperament, great charm, and an outgoing, loving disposition. They are happy and affectionate, loyal and charming, playful and mischievous. 

Pugs are very intelligent, however, they can be willful, which makes training challenging. They are low-maintenance companions, but they thrive on human companionship and do not appreciate being left home alone for long hours of the day.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a small, toy dog breed that originated in Tibet and is known for its long, luxurious coat, short snout, and large round eyes. 

Shih Tzus are affectionate, playful, and intelligent dogs. They can be independent and wary of strangers. Shih Tzus are bred solely to be companions and make excellent house dogs. They are adaptable and well-suited to life in apartments or on a farm.

Shih Tzus are great with children and other animals, but should be socialized with non-canine pets when young. They have a calm and friendly temperament, but can be highly independent and not the most obedient breed.

Shih Tzus require regular grooming due to their long coat. They have a lifespan of 10-18 years and weigh between 9-16 pounds.

Overall, the Shih Tzu is a loyal and affectionate companion that loves to sit on laps and follow their owners from room to room.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small, sturdy dog breed that originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales. 

Appearance:

– Pembroke Welsh Corgis have a long body and short legs.

– They have a wide, flat skull and oval eyes that are shades of brown.

– Their ears are erect and medium in size.

– They can be red, sable, fawn, and black and tan, with or without white markings.

Temperament:

– Pembroke Welsh Corgis are highly intelligent, loyal, and eager to please their owners.

– They are active and have a strong herding instinct, which may cause them to nip at the heels of children when they are playing.

– They are vocal dogs that have a tendency to bark at anything and everything.

– Pembrokes are good with children and other pets, but they should be properly socialized and trained when they are young.

– They are wary of strangers and should be socialized to prevent shyness or aggression.

History:

– Pembroke Welsh Corgis were originally bred to herd cattle, sheep, and horses.

– They were passed over in the early days of dog showing, but entered the show ring in England in 1926.

– Pembroke Welsh Corgis were shown as the same breed as Cardigan Welsh Corgis until 1934.

– Queen Elizabeth II was a famous fan of the breed and had many Pembroke Welsh Corgis throughout her life.

Overall, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are intelligent, loyal, and active dogs that make great family pets with proper training and socialization.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small toy spaniel breed that originated in the United Kingdom. 

Appearance:

– The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is slightly longer than tall, with moderate bones.

– They have a silky coat of moderate length, with a slight wave permissible, and long feathering on the feet.

– The breed comes in four recognized colors: Blenheim (chestnut and white), tricolor (black/white/tan), black and tan, and ruby.

– They stand 12 to 13 inches tall at the withers and weigh 13 to 18 pounds.

Temperament:

– Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate, playful, and intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners.

– They are active and sporting little dogs that require regular exercise.

– Cavaliers are outgoing and sportive, and are said to be naturally well-behaved.

– They are intelligent enough to understand what you want and are usually easy to train and respond well to gentle obedience training.

– Cavaliers are friendly toward strangers and other dogs and animals, and get along well with children.

History:

– The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was originally bred as a companion dog for royalty.

– The breed was recognized by the Kennel Club in England in 1945.

– Cavaliers are one of the most popular breeds in England and North America.

Overall, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an affectionate, playful, and intelligent dog that makes a great companion for families and individuals alike.

Australian Terrier

The Australian Terrier is a small dog breed that originated in Australia in the early 19th century. 

Appearance:

– Australian Terriers are small dogs that weigh around 6.5 kilograms (14 lb) and stand about 25 centimeters (9.8 in) at the withers.

– They have a medium length shaggy harsh double coat that is not normally trimmed, with fur that is shorter on the muzzle, lower legs, and feet, and a ruff around the neck.

– The breed comes in various colors, including blue and tan, sandy, and red.

Temperament:

– Australian Terriers are high-spirited, tenacious, independent, and hard-working dogs.

– They are spirited, alert, and have the natural aggressiveness of a ratter and hedge hunter.

– They are intelligent, friendly, and anxious to please their owners.

– Aussies are upbeat, active, and silly, clowning around and entertaining their owners.

– They are devoted to their owners and make great companions for individuals or families who want to share their energetic lifestyle.

History:

– The Australian Terrier was bred from rough coated type terriers brought from Great Britain to Australia in the early 19th century to eradicate mice and rats.

– The breed shares ancestors with the Cairn Terrier, Shorthaired Skye Terrier, and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier; Yorkshire Terriers and Irish Terriers were also crossed into the dog during the breed’s development.

– Aussies were the first native-bred Australian dog to be recognized and shown in Australia.

Overall, the Australian Terrier is a brave, hardy, and determined dog that makes a loyal companion with an adventurous personality.

Chinese Crested Dog

The Chinese Crested Dog is a small, toy breed known for its unique hairless appearance and elegant, graceful nature. 

Appearance:

– The Chinese Crested Dog is a fine-boned, slender dog that stands between 11 and 13 inches tall and weighs between 5 and 10 pounds.

– The breed comes in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff.

– Hairless Chinese Crested Dogs have smooth, soft skin on their head (crest), tail (plume), and lower legs (socks), while powderpuff Chinese Crested Dogs have a full coat of short, soft undercoat with longer, silky guard hairs.

Temperament:

– Chinese Crested Dogs are affectionate, playful, and happy-go-lucky dogs that thrive on human company.

– They are intelligent and alert, and make excellent companions for individuals or families.

– Chinese Crested Dogs are generally good with children and other pets, but should be socialized and trained when they are young.

– They are playful and endearing dogs that fill their owners’ lives with love, laughter, and entertainment.

History:

– The origin of the Chinese Crested Dog is uncertain, but it is thought to have originated in Africa and spread throughout the world by Chinese merchant ships.

– The breed was used for ratting aboard Chinese ships and was traded by sailors at different ports.

– The Chinese Crested Dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991.

Overall, the Chinese Crested Dog is a unique and affectionate toy breed that makes a great companion for individuals or families who want a playful and loving dog that thrives on human company.

American Foxhound

The American Foxhound is a breed of dog that is closely related to the English Foxhound. 

Appearance:

– The American Foxhound is taller and rangier than its cousin, the English Foxhound.

– They have a close, hard coat of medium length that is traditionally black and tan with white, or mostly white with black and tan.

– They have a melodious voice when on the trail and are known for their musical baying.

Temperament:

– American Foxhounds are energetic, friendly, and easygoing dogs that make great companions for families and people with other pets.

– They are intelligent and independent, but can be stubborn and difficult to train.

– They are good-natured and get along well with children and other pets, but may have a strong prey drive and should be supervised around small animals.

– American Foxhounds are active dogs that require plenty of exercise and attention to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

History:

– The American Foxhound is known to have originated in the states of Maryland and Virginia, and is the state dog of Virginia.

– United States Founding Father George Washington contributed to the breed’s development by breeding his own collection of specially bred hunting dogs.

– The breed was used for hunting foxes by scent and was bred for speed and stamina to cope with the terrain in the new country.

Overall, the American Foxhound is an energetic and friendly dog that makes a great companion for families and people with other pets. They are intelligent and independent dogs that require plenty of exercise and attention to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Rat Terrier

The Rat Terrier is a small, muscular dog breed that is known for being intelligent, alert, and loving. 

Appearance:

– Rat Terriers have a compact, well-proportioned body with perky ears and an alert face.

– They have a short, shiny coat that can be found in a variety of colors, including black, tan, grey, blue, and apricot.

– The breed can also come in pied patterns with large patches of white.

Temperament:

– Rat Terriers are intelligent, alert, and loving dogs that make excellent companions for those who enjoy an energetic dog.

– They are good with children and other pets, especially if they are raised with them from puppyhood.

– Rat Terriers are friendly with strangers and make good watchdogs.

– They are quick, very playful, and are not yappers.

– Rat Terriers are stubborn and difficult to train, but with proper training and socialization, they can be an invaluable member of your family.

History:

– The Rat Terrier is an American breed that was developed from the Fox Terrier, Bull Terrier, Manchester Terrier, and Old English White Terrier, among others.

– The breed was used for hunting rats and other small vermin on farms.

Overall, the Rat Terrier is an intelligent, alert, and loving dog that makes an excellent companion for those who enjoy an energetic dog. They are good with children and other pets, but require proper training and socialization to prevent stubbornness and destructive behavior.

FAQS

1. What are the cheapest dog breeds?

– The top 10 cheapest dog breeds are Chihuahua, Beagle, Pug, Shih Tzu, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Australian Terrier, Chinese Crested Dog, American Foxhound, and Rat Terrier.

2. How much do these dog breeds cost?

– Many popular dog breeds can be had for no more than $300 and shouldn’t be too difficult to find. Even from a trusted breeder, it’s often possible to find many of the dogs on this list for $500 to $1,000.

3. What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a dog breed?

– The most important factors to consider when choosing a dog breed include upfront costs, regular monthly expenses, one-off expenses, and the chances of surprise expenses from vet bills. Other important factors to consider include trainability, grooming needs, and activity level.

4. Are these dog breeds good with children and other pets?

– Yes, many of these dog breeds are good with children and other pets, but should be properly socialized and trained when they are young.

5. Should I adopt or buy a dog?

– Adoption is a cost-effective option for getting a dog, and it also helps to reduce the number of dogs in shelters. However, if you choose to buy a dog, make sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder.

6. What are some of the ongoing expenses associated with owning a dog?

– The ongoing expenses associated with owning a dog include food, toys, tools, training classes, and regular visits to the vet. Food usually represents the largest drain on finances, so it’s important to consider the size of the dog when choosing a breed.

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