A Dec. 5, 2025 list identifies seven dog breeds that tend to be inexpensive to buy and maintain, pairing low purchase prices with traits many owners find appealing.

Veterinarians who contributed to the list cautioned that the initial price of a dog is only one piece of long-term ownership costs. “Purchase price is a very small part of the cost of dog ownership, which is estimated at $20,000 to $55,000 over the life of the dog,” said Julie Hunt, DVM of Embrace Pet Insurance. Long-term expenses, which average between $1,500 and $3,000 annually, include food, routine veterinary care, grooming, and preventive services such as flea or heartworm treatments. These ongoing costs can significantly impact the overall budget for prospective dog owners.

Experts from Embrace Pet Insurance, Waggel, and Dutch offered prices and temperament notes for the seven breeds and their typical upkeep; Embrace Pet Insurance provides resources on pet insurance and cost planning for prospective owners. They also noted that health care costs can vary widely by breed, with larger and flat-faced dogs generally incurring higher lifetime veterinary expenses compared to smaller, low-maintenance breeds. Health care costs can vary widely by breed, with larger and flat-faced dogs generally incurring higher lifetime veterinary expenses compared to smaller, low-maintenance breeds.

The breeds and their typical purchase prices, as presented in the list, are:

• American Foxhound — a sturdy, affectionate pup with a good-natured personality; typically costs around $475.
• Affenpinscher — a petite, affordable pup known for a silly, playful personality; usually costs around $400.
• Border Collie — an energetic and intelligent breed; typically costs around $500.
• Beagle — friendly, curious and intelligent; usually costs about $650.
• Pug — a loyal, playful breed with a distinctive face; costs around $350.
• Dachshund — a high-energy breed that generally costs around $500.
• Bichon Frise — a small hypoallergenic breed with a puffy coat; costs around $525.

On the Border Collie’s needs, Hunt added, “They are a very energetic breed and highly intelligent, so they do best when given a job and a lot of exercise.” That temperament note was offered alongside the purchase-price estimate and underscored how activity and training needs can affect ongoing expenses and owner time. Moreover, recent trends in pet ownership reflect a growing inclination toward small, low-maintenance breeds, which typically have lower ongoing costs for food and grooming.

Aimee Warner, DVM of Waggel, highlighted personality and coat traits when discussing two of the smaller entries. “Pugs are also known for their big personalities and playful nature, making them a fun, family-friendly dog breed to have around,” she said. Warner also noted of the Bichon Frise: “The Bichon Frise has a puffy coat, it doesn’t shed much.” Those characteristics contribute to how owners weigh grooming and living-environment needs, ultimately affecting the total cost of ownership over the dog’s lifetime.

The list pairs purchase-price estimates with descriptive notes such as soft, soulful eyes and, for some breeds, a bear-like appearance and Ewok-style faces that many owners find appealing. Veterinary contributors advised readers to consider ongoing costs — food, preventive care, grooming, and activity needs — alongside initial outlay when choosing a companion. This is particularly important as pet care continues to evolve, with many owners seeking to balance affordability with the quality of care they provide.

Abel Gonzalez, DVM of Dutch was also listed among veterinary contributors who provided input on breed traits and affordability. Together, the veterinarians framed the list as a starting point for budget-conscious prospective owners rather than a definitive ranking of lifetime cost.

The list, published by Yahoo, offers a snapshot of breeds that are commonly noted for lower purchase prices and manageable day-to-day needs, while reminding readers that temperament and care requirements often shape the true cost of ownership.

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Original reporting: view the original article.