The Top Eight Least Expensive Dog Breeds to Own
If you’re looking to add a dog to your family, price isn’t necessarily the first consideration on your list. However, it is something that deserves some pondering. The “sticker price” you pay to acquire your new fave furry friend is only a small portion of the expenses your canine bundle of joy will require throughout his lifetime. Large breed dogs often come with heftier price tags when it comes to items such as food, medications, and even crates and dog beds. But just because a dog is small doesn’t mean the costs required to keep that breed healthy will necessarily be reduced when compared with a larger breed. Some dogs are prone to health problems, so while their initial purchase price and regular upkeep may not seem that expensive, you will be doling out lots of bucks in regular veterinary care and treatments. And what about breeds with high maintenance coats? Regular visits to your favorite groomer will add up to a lot of money over the lifespan of your dog. With all of these factors in mind, the importance of considering which breeds are the least expensive to own becomes clear. If you’re searching for the perfect pooch for you, what are the least expensive dog breeds and why?
Schipperke
The friendly Schipperke is a dog that enjoys an excellent lifespan, ranging from 13-15 years. A dog that only reaches between 10-16 lbs, this little bundle of joy has lots of energy to spare and is known as a natural mischief maker.
Schipperkes have low grooming requirements and few health concerns. Their diminutive size also indicates only a moderate amount of high quality food is required to keep your Schipperke happy and healthy.
Irish Terrier
A rarer breed that is hallmarked by its vibrant personality, the Irish Terrier is known to live between 13-14 years. The Irish Terrier requires more activity than your average dog; however, it is this exercise that helps to keep this medium-sized dog and his family youthful and healthy.
The biggest expenditure you will encounter with an Irish Terrier is the cost of regular hand stripping to keep the coat in its natural wiry texture. However, you could reduce costs by simply having a groomer clip the coat several times a year to keep it neat and tidy.
Beagle
The amiable little Beagle is a joy-filled, friendly dog of medium size. Happy to be wherever you are, the Beagle is an easy companion who fits in perfectly with families, especially those with children. Beagles do love to eat and will gorge themselves if given opportunity to do so, so you will need to carefully manage your pooch’s food supply to prevent him from overeating.
Beagles most often live between 11 to 15 years and enjoy good health; however, they can be plagued by ear infections, allergies, and hip dysplasia, any of which could drive up required veterinary costs.
Border Collie
The incredibly active and brilliant-minded Border Collie is a dog with excellent temperament and health to his credit. A breed which can live from 13-16 years, the biggest concern and possible expense with Border Collies is hip or eye conditions.
Border Collies do require regular grooming, so you will need to visit a professional grooming salon several times a year to keep your pooch in tip top shape. You will also need to invest in a high quality brush and to commit to brushing your dog several times a week.
Otterhound
An extremely rare breed which now features prominently on the list of endangered dog types, the Otterhound is a dog of medium size with moderate activity needs.
A dog who can live from 10 to 13 years, Otterhounds can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, and torsion, but most often is simply a healthy pooch indeed.
Otterhounds do have a coat which can stink if not regularly bathed, so you will need to take the time to do this on your own or enlist the help of a professional groomer to keep your pup smelling like a rose.
Dalmatian
The highly distinctive Dalmatian has become synonymous with fire stations and children’s movies. Dalmatians are exceptionally healthy creatures. They require minimal grooming and eat a moderate amount of food.
Dalmatians are known to live between 10-12 years. The breed is known to carry the gene for congenital deafness which would be evidenced at birth. Other problems experienced by Dalmatians include stones of the kidney and bladder.
American Pit Bull Terrier
A breed with an undeserved bad rap, the American Pit Bull Terrier is an extremely loving family companion. American Pit Bull Terriers are medium in build, require only a moderate amount of an excellent quality food, and beyond regular nail care, do not need any additional grooming.
In a sea of Bully-type dogs, it can be very difficult to source a true American Pit Bull Terrier. Their health issues include hip dysplasia and bloat, but overall, this breed is an extremely healthy one with a very low price tag attached to his lifetime of care.
Affenpinscher
The comical appearance of the Affenpinscher makes him a natural charmer. A dog with excellent health, the Affenpinscher is quite small in size.
The largest cost you will associate with this breed is earmarked for grooming. Your pooch will need to see a regular groomer throughout its 11-14 year lifespan.
If you’re looking to add a pooch to your family, you are wise to consider all associated costs ahead of time. While all dogs will take time and money to keep healthy and happy, some will cost more than others, and it is always a good idea to know what to expect. One of these dog breeds might be the perfect companion for your home. Consider adding one of them to your family!
