You’d agree with me that the cost of running a home is quite expensive, especially at this time when the whole world is facing a financial crisis. As a parent, your responsibility varies from transportation, feeding, tax payment, house rent, car maintenance, etc. It is challenging to meet all of these needs. Yet, you desire to get a dog. You’re probably at a crossroads. Should you or should you not get a dog? Before we get into that topic it is important to note that in our previous post we covered a list of some of the best dog breed for single people. If this is something that interests you, be sure to check it out.
Now that that’s out of the way, here’s a list of our Top Six Low-Budget Dogs Suitable for an Average Family. These dogs are on our top six list because we’ve considered the upfront cost, regular monthly expenses, and the expenses from vet bills.
- Mutt
- Pug
- American Foxhound
- Bolognese
- Beagle
- Chihuahua
No doubt, owning a dog is cost intensive. It goes beyond the cost of purchasing the dog. Other essential factors to consider are feeding, grooming, training, toys, medication etc. It is crucial to consider the cost of providing care as it can cost thousands of dollars yearly to care for some dog breeds.
As an average family considering getting a dog, you want to get a dog that fits your budget. Some dog breeds would cost you more, while others would cost you less. To get a budget-friendly dog, here are some factors to consider:
- The age of the dog.
It would cost you more if you’re planning on adopting a puppy from a breeder. Adopting a puppy would mean paying for vaccinations, insurance, neutering, and other things required for a young dog. Adopting an adult dog from a shelter home is a less costly option.
- The dog’s health.
Some dog breeds would require a lot more veterinary care because they are prone to health issues. The poor health of your dog can cause you heartaches and significant expenses down the line. So, please thoroughly research the dog breed and ensure that you test the dog for common health issues that affect it.
- The size of the dog.
The cost of feeding your dog takes an enormous toll on your finances; as a result, the size of your dog is essential. The cheapest breeds are some of the most miniature dogs worldwide because they don’t consume much food.
- Grooming requirements.
Some dog breeds are grooming intensive and might even require professional grooming. The at-home grooming supplies and bill for grooming services would amount to a lot.
- Cost of training the dog.
Training your dog is not easy, especially for new puppy owners. The average cost of taking your dog for training sessions cost about $30 to$80 per class. Indeed, training your dog would eat deep into your pocket over time.
Now that we’ve considered some factors that make a dog affordable, Now let’s consider what makes these dogs a good fit for families with limited income.
Mutt.
Mutts are mixed-breed dogs. They’re highly affordable because they are primarily found in shelter homes for a small fee or given away for free. They do not contain genetic flaws like most purebred dogs that can cause them behavioral and health problems. Their good genes make Mutts a healthier choice.
Mutt comes in all shapes and sizes. So you can find a mutt that fits into your family and lifestyle, does not overeat, and needs little grooming.
2. Pug.
Pugs are one of the low-cost dog breeds in the world because they need minimal grooming and do not eat much food. They perhaps need just a cup of food daily. They have a short glossy coat that does not require high maintenance and maybe a few baths yearly.
Pugs do not suffer from many life-threatening conditions; they need thorough eye, hip, and knee examinations. They sometimes also experience breathing problems, but their owners can properly manage this.
3. American Foxhound.
The American Foxhound is a hunting dog considered one of the most resilient and healthy breeds. Having a Foxhound would save you money on grooming and vet bills. Grooming the Foxhound is relatively easy. Give the Foxhound its bath when it becomes dirty.
Although the Foxhound is bigger than some other dogs, you would only spend a moderate amount of food. This dog is a good fit for average families who want a dog breed with strong hunting instincts.
4. Bolognese.
Bolognese is a calm breed and does not need to exercise much. These dogs are one of the lowest-cost breeds to feed because of their size and energy level.
It would help if you brushed the Bolognese a few times a week. The Bolognese is a healthy dog, meaning the vet bills would be low.
5. Beagle.
Beagles are one of the most popular budget-friendly dogs and make great friends and companions for family members. They tend to feed on one meal a day and maybe a quick snack in the evening.
Their grooming needs are reasonable, and they have a few health challenges. They are resilient and strong, but you should get Beagles checked for an eye evaluation, hip evaluation, and MLS DNA test.
6. Chihuahua.
Chihuahuas are five to eight inches long. They are undoubtedly small and only need about half a cup of dry food or a cup daily. The quantity of daily food for this breed makes you save a lot of expenses. They also have short hair, so you would not spend much on grooming.
Chihuahuas have some common health issues; you can avoid these common issues if you have a vet look at them. Ensure your Chihuahua receives a cardiac exam, knee evaluation, and eye test.
Conclusion
Indeed, owning a pet is expensive! But it is also possible for average families, amidst other family expenses, to own a dog and cater for it well as a family member. Remember, before settling for a dog, bear some critical factors in your mind. You would require more than upfront expenses. Please consider the cost of feeding, grooming, health, and other vital elements. And do not forget to research the breed of dog you want to buy before you buy it. Making a poor choice would cost you heartache and unplanned expenses in the future.
