If you're looking for a purebred dog on a budget, you're in luck - some breeds can be had for as little as $500.
The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the cheapest purebred dogs, with prices starting at around $450.
Some breeders may charge more for their dogs, but this is the general range for this breed.
The American Kennel Club recognizes the Australian Cattle Dog as a distinct breed, which means you can be sure you're getting a genuine purebred.
In general, the cost of a purebred dog depends on various factors, including bloodlines, breeder reputation, and location.
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Least Expensive Purebreds
The least expensive purebred dogs are typically miniature or toy breeds that require less food, smaller toys, and less expensive preventive medication. These breeds cost less over an entire lifetime but don't necessarily have the lowest monthly costs.
Some of the least expensive dog breeds include the Plott Hound ($275), Harrier ($300), Rat Terrier ($350), and Black and Tan Coonhound ($350). These breeds are often small, short-haired, and healthy.
Here are the top 5 least expensive dog breeds based on estimated total costs over the lifetime of the dog:
- Japanese Chin $13,695 over 11 years
- Boston Terrier $14,620 over 12 years
- English Toy Spaniel $14,980 over 11 years
- Toy Fox Terrier $15,255 over 14 years
- Jack Russell Terrier $15,405 over 13 years
Alternatives to Buying from a Breeder
Adopting a purebred rescue dog is a lower-cost and more satisfying alternative to buying from a breeder. You can find purebred dogs through the AKC Rescue Network, with locations, availability, and adoption fees varying.
About 25 to 30% of shelter dogs are purebreds, so with patience and persistence, you may find a dog of the breed you've chosen. Keep in mind that adoptable rescue and shelter pets have already been spayed or neutered, fitted with a microchip, vaccinated, dewormed, started on parasite prevention, and treated for at least the most urgent health and behavior problems.
Adopting a rescue dog can save you money upfront, as the initial expenses are usually covered by the adoption fee. This can be a significant cost savings compared to buying from a breeder.
Consider reading: Purebred Dogs for Adoption
Least
The least expensive purebreds are often a great option for those on a budget. These breeds typically require less food, smaller toys, and less expensive preventive medication. They also have simple grooming needs.
Some of the least expensive dog breeds include the Plott Hound, which costs around $275, and the Harrier, which costs around $300. These breeds are not only budget-friendly but also have a short lifespan of around 12-14 years.
The Japanese Chin is also a relatively inexpensive breed, with an estimated total cost of $13,695 over 11 years. This breed is known for being low maintenance and having a calm temperament.
Here are some of the top 5 least expensive breeds based on estimated total costs over their lifetime:
Keep in mind that while these breeds may be less expensive, they still require regular veterinary care and attention. It's essential to consider the long-term costs and responsibilities involved in owning a dog.
Dachshund
The Dachshund is a popular purebred that's surprisingly affordable, especially considering its charming personality. They come in two sizes: miniature and standard, with the latter topping out at around 35 pounds.
Their coats are easy to maintain, with smooth coats being the most low-maintenance option. Wire-haired and long-haired coats require regular brushing and occasional trims to look their best.
Dachshunds are known for being bold, curious, and a bit feisty. They're also devoted lap dogs and make great companions.
Here's a quick rundown of the Dachshund's stats:
With a lifespan of 12 to 16 years, Dachshunds can make loyal companions for many years to come.
Manchester Terrier
The Manchester Terrier is one of the easiest terriers to train. They're known to be social, energetic, and sensitive, making them a great addition to active families.
Their small size is a bonus, as they weigh between 12 to 22 pounds and stand at 15 to 16 inches tall. This makes them perfect for city living or for families with small yards.
With proper exercise and attention, Manchester Terriers can live up to 14 to 16 years. They're eager to please and love learning, which makes training a breeze.
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Here are some key characteristics of the Manchester Terrier breed:
- Weight: 12 to 22 pounds
- Height: 15 to 16 inches
- Lifespan: 14 to 16 years
- Colors: Black, tan
Overall, the Manchester Terrier is a wonderful breed that's perfect for families who are willing to provide the necessary exercise and attention. With their affectionate nature and low-maintenance grooming needs, they're a great choice for many dog owners.
Health and Owning Costs
Owning a dog can be expensive, but there are ways to prepare and save. The estimated annual cost for a small dog is $512 per year, while medium dogs cost about $669 a year, and large dogs come in at $1,041.
To give you a better idea, here are some common health care costs for dogs: dental care can cost $500 to $2,000 or more, lab tests can range from $9 to $132, preventive medication and supplements can cost $155 to $600 per year, routine veterinary visits can cost $125 to $265, and vaccines can cost around $80.
You can also expect to pay for boarding and pet sitters if you need to go out of town, which can cost $25 to $85 per night. Additionally, you'll need to consider the cost of food and treats, which can range from $80 to $390 per month, depending on the size of your dog.
Health Costs
Health costs can be a significant expense for dog owners.
The cost of vet bills can be reduced by getting a pet insurance plan, which reimburses you for unexpected occurrences like accidents and illness. You pay a regular monthly premium to the insurance provider.
Lab tests can vary in cost, but one lab charges anywhere from $9 for routine calcium tests to $132 for pesticide toxicology tests.
Preventive medication and supplements are essential for all dogs, with annual costs ranging from $155 to $600 for miniature and giant breeds, respectively.
Dental care is crucial, with full canine dental cleanings costing $500 to $2,000 or more, not including X-rays.
Routine veterinary visits, such as annual physical exams, typically cost $125 to $265, though additional tests or vaccines may incur extra costs.
Vaccines can cost around $80 for a cluster of annual boosters, with other vaccines necessary for dogs who may encounter ticks or wildlife.
Here are some common canine health care costs that often fall under pet insurance plans:
- Dental care: $500 to $2,000 or more
- Lab tests: $9 to $132
- Preventive medication and supplements: $155 to $600
- Routine veterinary visits: $125 to $265
- Vaccines: $80
Other Owning Costs
Owning a dog comes with a range of expenses beyond just healthcare costs. Boarding and pet sitters can cost between $25 to $85 per night, while collars and leashes range from $5 to $40.
Collars and leashes are a necessary investment for any dog owner. Harnesses, which are often needed for larger dogs, can cost between $15 to $50. Daycare and walking services can be expensive, with prices ranging from $40 to $280 per day or $15 to $25 per walk.
Food and treats are another significant expense for dog owners. The cost can range from $80 for a miniature breed to $390 for a giant breed. Toy costs also vary, with smaller toys costing less, around $30 per year for a miniature breed, and larger toys costing more, around $150 per year for a giant breed.
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Grooming is another essential expense for many dog owners. Costs depend on the dog's size and fur type, ranging from $25 to $200 per visit. Nail trimming and ear cleaning may or may not be included in the grooming cost.
Here's a breakdown of estimated annual costs for dog owners, based on the ASPCA's estimates:
Keep in mind that these estimates are based on 10 years of ownership, and actual costs may vary depending on individual circumstances.
Cost Analysis
So, you're looking for the cheapest purebred dogs? Well, you're in luck because some breeds are surprisingly affordable. The estimated cost of buying a dog can range from $600 to $2,500.
The ASPCA estimates the annual costs of a dog based on size, and small dogs tend to live longer, but not always. For simplicity's sake, we'll use 10 years for all dog sizes. The estimated annual cost for a small dog is $512 per year.
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The cost of dog care can add up quickly, with expenses like food, toys, and grooming. For example, food and treats can range from $80 for a miniature breed to $390 for a giant breed. And let's not forget about grooming, which can cost anywhere from $25 to $200 per visit.
Here's a rough breakdown of the estimated annual costs for different-sized dogs:
The cost of owning a dog can be a significant investment, but some breeds are more budget-friendly than others. For example, the miniature poodle is the cheapest across our whole study, with an estimated cost of around $600 to $2,500.
Methodology and Key Findings
To find the cheapest purebred dogs, we looked at data from PuppyFinder.com, which shows that the Miniature Poodle is the cheapest breed overall, costing an average of $800 per puppy.
We compiled this data by dividing dog breeds into small, medium, and large categories based on the American Kennel Club's size classification. We included breeds classified as "XSmall" in our small category and "XLarger" in our large category.
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Our research suggests that the Boerboel is the most expensive large puppy, costing $3,000 on average, while the French bulldog is the most expensive small dog at $3,500.
Here's a summary of the cheapest breeds by size:
Note: The article does not provide information on the cheapest large breed, only that the Boerboel is the most expensive large breed.
Methodology
We compiled a comprehensive list of dog breeds by size from the official list of breeds recognized by the AKC.
The AKC's size classification is based on a filter available on their website, which we used to divide breeds into small, medium, and large categories.
We included breeds classified as "XSmall" in our small category, and "XLarger" in our large category.
We collected data on breed type, age, price, and location from U.S.-based puppy ads on PuppyFinder.com.
To ensure accuracy, we filtered out ads for adult dogs, considering a dog to be a puppy if it was up to one year old.
We then calculated the median price per dog breed and ranked breeds by median price overall and within each size classification.
Data suggests prices as of November 2023.
Key Findings
The cost of a puppy can vary greatly depending on the breed. The most expensive breed overall is the Lagotto Romagnolo, costing an average of $3,850 per puppy.
Interestingly, the cheapest breed overall is the Miniature Poodle, at an average of $800 per puppy. This is a significant price difference, making it a more affordable option for many pet owners.
The Boerboel is a large breed that comes with a hefty price tag, costing $3,000 on average. This is a notable expense, but for those who are serious about owning a Boerboel, it may be worth the investment.
The French bulldog is a popular breed that is also one of the most expensive small dogs, costing $3,500 on average. This is likely due to its increasing popularity and limited supply.
Here's a comparison of the breeds mentioned earlier:
Most Affordable Purebreds
The most affordable purebred dogs are often smaller in size and have shorter coats, which means they require less food, smaller toys, and simpler grooming. This can lead to lower monthly costs, but it's essential to consider the overall lifetime costs of owning a dog.
According to a Yahoo finance article, some of the least expensive dog breeds include the Cesky Terrier, Affenpinscher, and Papillon, with estimated average purchase prices ranging from $400 to $550. These breeds are not only affordable but also have a low maintenance lifestyle.
Here are some of the least expensive dog breeds listed in the article:
These breeds are not only affordable but also have a long lifespan, with some living up to 12-18 years.
25 Most Affordable
The Japanese Chin is a great example of a low-cost purebred breed, with an estimated purchase price of $1,650 and a total cost of ownership over its 11-year lifespan of $13,695. This tiny companion breed is perfect for apartment living, weighing in at just 4 to 9 pounds and having relatively low energy levels.
The Japanese Chin is a low-maintenance breed, requiring only about 70 pounds of food per year, and its short coat can be easily groomed at home with regular brushing. However, it's worth noting that Japanese Chins are prone to certain health issues, such as patellar luxation and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
In terms of grooming costs, you can expect to pay around $165 per year for professional grooming, although this can be reduced by doing most of the grooming yourself. The Japanese Chin's annual medical expenses come in at around $465 per year.
Here are the top 5 least expensive purebred dog breeds, based on estimated total costs over the lifetime of the dog:
These breeds are all miniature or toy breeds that require less food, smaller toys, and less expensive preventive medication, which is why they're considered some of the most affordable purebreds. However, it's essential to remember that the cheapest dog might not be the best fit for your lifestyle or personality.
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Beagle
Beagles are a great choice for families with kids, and one reason is that they're exceptional playmates. They can produce a variety of sounds, including barks, howls, and bays, which they use to express themselves or during the hunt.
Their short-haired coat makes them low-budget when it comes to grooming costs. A weekly brushing and occasional bath are all they need to stay clean and happy.
Beagles are relatively small, with a height of up to 15 inches and a weight of up to 30 pounds. They're also a long-lived breed, with an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Here's a quick rundown of their key stats:
Sources
- https://brownsburganimalclinic.com/most-and-least-expensive-dog-breeds/
- https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/pet-insurance/dog-breed-costs/
- https://www.rd.com/list/cheapest-dog-breeds/
- https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/pet-insurance/most-and-least-expensive-breeds/
- https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/most-affordable-dog-breeds
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