Which dog breeds have the lowest maintenance costs?
- Updated
It can be easy to overlook the day-to-day expenses of keeping your dog well-groomed and fed.
- Data curated by PetBreeds.com
- Updated
When you add a dog to your family, you're not just getting a new best friend — you're adding a new set of responsibilities and expenses to your daily life. Of course, there are the initial costs of adoption, shots and equipment — ranging from toys and crates, to harnesses and bones. Long term, pet owners should budget for recurring veterinary checks, medication and potential procedures. According to Kiplinger, an accident requiring surgery can run between $3,000 and $5,000, while cancer treatment for dogs averages $3,500.
However, beyond these costs, it can be easy to overlook the day-to-day expenses of keeping your dog well-groomed and fed.
PetBreeds assessed the grooming needs and weight (as a proxy for food costs) of the most popular American Kennel Club breeds to determine which pooches have the lowest day-to-day costs. We provide the top 25 breeds here, ranked from highest to lowest expected maintenance cost.
Note: This story does not factor in adoption or purchase costs, merely the recurring costs of maintaining a breed. Medical costs were not factored in due to lack of data.
- Updated
#25. English Cocker Spaniel
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Weight: 34 pounds
The English cocker spaniel comes in a wide range of colors, the most common of which are black, black and tan, blue, brown, and red. The breed is easy to train and good around children.
- Updated
#24. Dachshund
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Weight: 32 pounds
A dachshund is easy to spot with its long hot dog-like body. Be sure to get a short-haired dachshund rather than a long-haired one to save time and money on grooming.
- Updated
#23. Icelandic Sheepdog
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Weight: 30 pounds
This herding purebred will do whatever it takes to protect its owner and family. Icelandic sheepdogs are also cheerful and energetic.
- Updated
#22. Shiba Inu
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Weight: 23 pounds
The Shiba Inu is one breed that has it all — outgoing and fun to play with, but also an aggressive guard dog. The breed handles the cold weather well, but it cannot handle extreme heat.
- Updated
#21. Cairn Terrier
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Weight: 18 pounds
The cairn terrier is nicknamed the “Toto dog” because of the breed’s role in "The Wizard of Oz." The breed is easy to train and can perform a large variety of activities, such as agility, competitive obedience, hunting and tracking.
- Updated
#20. Parson Russell Terrier
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Weight: 17 pounds
The Parson Russell terrier is very similar to a Jack Russell terrier, but is much easier to train. The breed is intelligent and cheerful, making it a great companion.
- Updated
#19. Pomeranian
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Weight: 7 pounds
Many apartment owners have Pomeranians because of their high adaptability. The breed doesn’t need a yard or too much exercise to stay happy and healthy.
- Updated
#18. Maltese
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Weight: 7 pounds
The gentle and affectionate Maltese will require some grooming, such as stripping and trimming. However, the breed barely sheds and food costs will be low due to the breed’s small size.
- Updated
#17. Australian Cattle Dog
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 45 pounds
The Australian cattle dog makes a fantastic ranch dog due to its natural herding and guarding abilities. This breed is great with kids, but expect your children to be herded often.
- Updated
#16. Rat Terrier
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 40 pounds
Due to the rat terrier’s intelligence, it is an easy breed to train. Rat terriers also live an extremely long life, averaging from 15 to 23 years. Be prepared for your rat terrier to live with you longer than your children!
- Updated
#15. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 40 pounds
This short-haired purebred sheds minimally and acts courageously when needed. The only downside to this breed is that it cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold, so owners will have to take extra care during certain months.
- Updated
#14. German Pinscher
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 35 pounds
Expect the German pinscher to be confident, courageous and fearless. These traits make the breed a great watchdog that is protective of its owner.
- Updated
#13. Miniature Bull Terrier
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 33 pounds
The miniature bull terrier, like the one featured in the advertisements of retailer Target, is lively and easy to train. which is probably why the breed participates in a wide variety of activities such as agility, competitive obedience, hunting and retrieving.
- Updated
#12. Beagle
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 30 pounds
The beagle is one breed that is suitable for apartment living or small-home living, as long as you indulge the breed with regular walks. Families love how energetic and affectionate beagles are toward the whole family.
- Updated
#11. French Bulldog
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 28 pounds
You will get a kick out of how cute the French bulldog looks with his cat-like ears that stand up and his stocky build. This breed has a fun, laid back personality, but can sometimes be stubborn.
- Updated
#10. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 27 pounds
The Pembroke Welsh corgi is easy to train for new and experienced owners alike. Be prepared to take your corgi for a lot of walks, though, since this breed needs regular exercise to stay healthy.
- Updated
#9. Basenji
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 26 pounds
The Basenji breed participates in a wide variety of activities such as agility, hunting, lure coursing and sighting. The breed also has a long life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
- Updated
#8. Boston Terrier
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 25 pounds
Not only do Boston terriers require little grooming, but they also shed very little. This is a plus for those who hate to vacuum more than once a week.
- Updated
#7. Manchester Terrier
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 22 pounds
The Manchester terrier originates from the United Kingdom and is known for its independent and quiet demeanor. Because this breed can also be aggressive, it is not the best choice for families with children.
- Updated
#6. Smooth Fox Terrier
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 19 pounds
From guiding to agility and hunting, the smooth fox terrier does it all. The smooth fox terrier is territorial and therefore a good watch dog.
- Updated
#5. Pug
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 18 pounds
If you are an experienced owner and willing to put in the time required to train, a pug will reward you with their friendly behavior. This breed is great around kids and loves to play.
- Updated
#4. Jack Russell Terrier
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 17 pounds
You will save money on this breed, but be prepared to expend a lot of energy. Jack Russell terriers are extremely active and have large personalities.
- Updated
#3. Italian Greyhound
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 14 pounds
If you love the thought of owning a greyhound, but your budget doesn't allow for it, the Italian greyhound is the perfect substitute. Italian greyhounds are playful but also sensitive.
- Updated
#2. Miniature Pinscher (Min Pin)
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 10 pounds
Miniature pinschers, known as "min pins" for short, are known for being alert and energetic. They are most commonly colored black, red and brown.
- Updated
#1. Toy Fox Terrier
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 7 pounds
These adorable dogs are playful, lively and loyal. Toy fox terriers like to participate in many training activities such as obedience training, agility and hunting.
- Data curated by PetBreeds.com
When you add a dog to your family, you're not just getting a new best friend — you're adding a new set of responsibilities and expenses to your daily life. Of course, there are the initial costs of adoption, shots and equipment — ranging from toys and crates, to harnesses and bones. Long term, pet owners should budget for recurring veterinary checks, medication and potential procedures. According to Kiplinger, an accident requiring surgery can run between $3,000 and $5,000, while cancer treatment for dogs averages $3,500.
However, beyond these costs, it can be easy to overlook the day-to-day expenses of keeping your dog well-groomed and fed.
PetBreeds assessed the grooming needs and weight (as a proxy for food costs) of the most popular American Kennel Club breeds to determine which pooches have the lowest day-to-day costs. We provide the top 25 breeds here, ranked from highest to lowest expected maintenance cost.
Note: This story does not factor in adoption or purchase costs, merely the recurring costs of maintaining a breed. Medical costs were not factored in due to lack of data.
#25. English Cocker Spaniel
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Weight: 34 pounds
The English cocker spaniel comes in a wide range of colors, the most common of which are black, black and tan, blue, brown, and red. The breed is easy to train and good around children.
#24. Dachshund
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Weight: 32 pounds
A dachshund is easy to spot with its long hot dog-like body. Be sure to get a short-haired dachshund rather than a long-haired one to save time and money on grooming.
#23. Icelandic Sheepdog
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Weight: 30 pounds
This herding purebred will do whatever it takes to protect its owner and family. Icelandic sheepdogs are also cheerful and energetic.
#22. Shiba Inu
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Weight: 23 pounds
The Shiba Inu is one breed that has it all — outgoing and fun to play with, but also an aggressive guard dog. The breed handles the cold weather well, but it cannot handle extreme heat.
#21. Cairn Terrier
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Weight: 18 pounds
The cairn terrier is nicknamed the “Toto dog” because of the breed’s role in "The Wizard of Oz." The breed is easy to train and can perform a large variety of activities, such as agility, competitive obedience, hunting and tracking.
#20. Parson Russell Terrier
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Weight: 17 pounds
The Parson Russell terrier is very similar to a Jack Russell terrier, but is much easier to train. The breed is intelligent and cheerful, making it a great companion.
#19. Pomeranian
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Weight: 7 pounds
Many apartment owners have Pomeranians because of their high adaptability. The breed doesn’t need a yard or too much exercise to stay happy and healthy.
#18. Maltese
Grooming Needs: Moderate
Weight: 7 pounds
The gentle and affectionate Maltese will require some grooming, such as stripping and trimming. However, the breed barely sheds and food costs will be low due to the breed’s small size.
#17. Australian Cattle Dog
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 45 pounds
The Australian cattle dog makes a fantastic ranch dog due to its natural herding and guarding abilities. This breed is great with kids, but expect your children to be herded often.
#16. Rat Terrier
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 40 pounds
Due to the rat terrier’s intelligence, it is an easy breed to train. Rat terriers also live an extremely long life, averaging from 15 to 23 years. Be prepared for your rat terrier to live with you longer than your children!
#15. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 40 pounds
This short-haired purebred sheds minimally and acts courageously when needed. The only downside to this breed is that it cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold, so owners will have to take extra care during certain months.
#14. German Pinscher
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 35 pounds
Expect the German pinscher to be confident, courageous and fearless. These traits make the breed a great watchdog that is protective of its owner.
#13. Miniature Bull Terrier
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 33 pounds
The miniature bull terrier, like the one featured in the advertisements of retailer Target, is lively and easy to train. which is probably why the breed participates in a wide variety of activities such as agility, competitive obedience, hunting and retrieving.
#12. Beagle
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 30 pounds
The beagle is one breed that is suitable for apartment living or small-home living, as long as you indulge the breed with regular walks. Families love how energetic and affectionate beagles are toward the whole family.
#11. French Bulldog
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 28 pounds
You will get a kick out of how cute the French bulldog looks with his cat-like ears that stand up and his stocky build. This breed has a fun, laid back personality, but can sometimes be stubborn.
#10. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 27 pounds
The Pembroke Welsh corgi is easy to train for new and experienced owners alike. Be prepared to take your corgi for a lot of walks, though, since this breed needs regular exercise to stay healthy.
#9. Basenji
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 26 pounds
The Basenji breed participates in a wide variety of activities such as agility, hunting, lure coursing and sighting. The breed also has a long life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
#8. Boston Terrier
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 25 pounds
Not only do Boston terriers require little grooming, but they also shed very little. This is a plus for those who hate to vacuum more than once a week.
#7. Manchester Terrier
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 22 pounds
The Manchester terrier originates from the United Kingdom and is known for its independent and quiet demeanor. Because this breed can also be aggressive, it is not the best choice for families with children.
#6. Smooth Fox Terrier
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 19 pounds
From guiding to agility and hunting, the smooth fox terrier does it all. The smooth fox terrier is territorial and therefore a good watch dog.
#5. Pug
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 18 pounds
If you are an experienced owner and willing to put in the time required to train, a pug will reward you with their friendly behavior. This breed is great around kids and loves to play.
#4. Jack Russell Terrier
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 17 pounds
You will save money on this breed, but be prepared to expend a lot of energy. Jack Russell terriers are extremely active and have large personalities.
#3. Italian Greyhound
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 14 pounds
If you love the thought of owning a greyhound, but your budget doesn't allow for it, the Italian greyhound is the perfect substitute. Italian greyhounds are playful but also sensitive.
#2. Miniature Pinscher (Min Pin)
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 10 pounds
Miniature pinschers, known as "min pins" for short, are known for being alert and energetic. They are most commonly colored black, red and brown.
#1. Toy Fox Terrier
Grooming Needs: Minimal
Weight: 7 pounds
These adorable dogs are playful, lively and loyal. Toy fox terriers like to participate in many training activities such as obedience training, agility and hunting.
Most Popular
-
Gunfire during brawl at Tucson's Park Place leaves 2 wounded
-
Nancy Guthrie probe is not a cold case, Sheriff Chris Nanos says in wide-ranging interview
-
Driver falls 100 feet in fatal Catalina Highway crash
-
Tipoff time, TV assignment announced for Arizona's 2nd-round NCAA Tournament game
-
Quick turnaround to Sweet 16 game vs. Arkansas is a drill Wildcats already know
