Complete Guide to Puppy Prices by Breed: What You Should Budget

Before welcoming a new four-legged companion into your home, understanding puppy prices by breed is essential. The cost of dog ownership extends far beyond the initial purchase price—you’ll need to factor in feeding, shelter, and veterinary care. This comprehensive breakdown of puppy prices across 30 popular breeds will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your financial situation.

Budget-Friendly Puppies Under $800

If you’re looking to minimize your initial investment, several breeds offer excellent value while remaining healthy and loyal companions.

The Treeing Walker Coonhound stands out as one of the most affordable options, with puppy prices averaging just $400-$800. These tri-colored dogs typically live 12 to 13 years and require only $1,500 in baseline healthcare costs throughout their lifetime. The breed’s competitive and speedy nature makes them ideal for active families.

Plott Hounds and Black and Tan Coonhounds share similar pricing in the $400-$800 range. Plott Hounds are tenacious hunting dogs that live 12 to 14 years with approximately $3,000 in potential health-related expenses for conditions like gastric torsion. Black and Tan Coonhounds, known for their calm and happy-go-lucky temperament, have one of the lowest lifetime healthcare costs at just $1,500, with a typical lifespan of 10 to 12 years.

The Redbone Coonhound and American Foxhound both fall into the $500-$800 category. Redbone Coonhounds are laid-back and gentle with striking mahogany-red coats, living 12 to 14 years. American Foxhounds, one of the older American breeds, have minimal healthcare costs of $1,500 with a 10 to 12-year lifespan.

The Manchester Terrier represents an entry point at $500-$1,000, offering a spirited and observant companion with a 14 to 16-year lifespan. However, potential healthcare costs reach around $10,500, making this breed a mid-range investment when total cost of ownership is considered.

Mid-Range Puppy Prices: $800-$2,000 Investment

This price bracket encompasses the majority of popular breeds, offering exceptional diversity in size, temperament, and long-term care requirements.

Small Breed Leaders in This Range:

The Chihuahua represents the budget end of this spectrum at $800-$2,500, with the longest lifespan of any breed at 14 to 18 years. Their lifetime healthcare expenses total approximately $5,500. The Rat Terrier, priced similarly at $600-$1,200, lives an impressive 15 to 18 years with only $1,500 in lifetime healthcare costs, making it one of the least expensive long-term investments.

The Dachshund, initially bred to hunt badgers, costs $800-$1,500 and lives 12 to 15 years. However, their characteristic long backs require significant medical attention, with healthcare costs totaling $7,300. The Pug, popular for its wrinkled face, requires $800-$1,500 upfront but demands substantial medical care at $9,600 throughout its 12 to 15-year lifespan due to breed-specific breathing issues.

Terrier and Working Dog Options:

The Irish Terrier ($1,500-$2,500) is a feisty breed not suited for lap dog seekers, with relatively modest healthcare costs of just $1,000 over its 12 to 15-year life. The Schipperke ($1,200-$2,000) weighs only 10 to 16 pounds but demands $7,200 in lifetime care due to eye problems and autoimmune thyroiditis.

The Australian Terrier ($1,200-$1,500) is a smart and sassy 10-pound package with a 12 to 15-year lifespan and $2,500 in healthcare costs. The Cesky Terrier ($1,200-$2,500) has minimal healthcare needs at just $1,500 across its 12 to 15-year lifespan.

The Parson Russell Terrier (also known as Jack Russell Terrier) costs $1,200-$2,000 and lives 13 to 15 years with budget-friendly healthcare costs of $2,800.

Sporting and Companion Breeds:

The Border Collie, known for its intelligence and hatred of inactivity, requires $800-$1,500 upfront with lifetime healthcare costs of $1,800 and a 12 to 15-year lifespan. The Beagle ($800-$1,500) is a friendly and happy option that lives 12 to 15 years but requires substantial medical care ($7,700) for spine and hip issues.

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi, famously owned by Queen Elizabeth II, costs $1,000-$2,000 and lives 12 to 14 years with $4,000 in potential healthcare expenses for conditions including degenerative myelopathy, a serious spinal cord disease.

The Miniature Pinscher ($1,000-$2,000) thinks it’s much larger than its actual size and lives 12 to 15 years with $2,500 in healthcare costs for patellar luxation and other joint issues.

Other Mid-Range Options:

The Papillon, identified by distinctive butterfly-wing ears, costs $1,000-$2,000 and lives 13 to 16 years. Their healthcare needs total $3,600 due to health issues common in smaller toy breeds. The Bichon Frise, known as one of the sweetest dog breeds, costs $1,000-$2,000 with a 12 to 15-year lifespan and $4,300 in lifetime healthcare expenses for cataracts and joint issues.

The Pekingese ($1,500-$3,000), weighing no more than 14 pounds with a bold attitude, has a 13 to 15-year lifespan and $3,150 in healthcare costs. The Affenpinscher ($1,800-$2,500) lives 12 to 14 years with $4,000 in potential medical expenses.

The German Wirehaired Pointer ($800-$1,200) is a medium-sized hunting dog that’s generally healthy, with only $1,700 in lifetime costs across its 12 to 14-year lifespan.

Premium Puppy Prices Exceeding $2,000

For serious enthusiasts and those seeking rare or specialized breeds, premium pricing reflects unique characteristics and breed rarity.

The Field Spaniel, related to the Cocker and English Springer Spaniel, requires $2,000-$5,000 and lives 11 to 15 years. Healthcare costs total $2,300 with common issues including hip dysplasia. The Harrier, one of the rarest breeds, costs $1,500-$2,500 and lives 10 to 12 years with $1,500 in baseline healthcare costs. Despite its rarity, it remains affordable compared to some alternatives.

The Otterhound, originally bred to hunt otters in Great Britain, represents a unique investment at $1,500-$2,500. These dogs typically live 10 to 12 years but require $3,500 in healthcare expenses for conditions like hip dysplasia and gastric torsion.

The English Setter, known for its distinctive feathered coat, costs $1,000-$1,500 and lives 10 to 12 years with $3,900 in healthcare expenses. The Dalmatian, famous for its spotted coat and firehouse association, costs $1,000-$1,600 and lives 12 to 14 years with relatively low healthcare costs of $700, though deafness and kidney problems are common concerns.

The American Pit Bull Terrier, despite negative stereotypes, can be a loving family dog at $500-$1,000. These dogs live 10 to 14 years and require $5,100 in lifetime healthcare for conditions like hip dysplasia and bloat.

Understanding Lifetime Puppy Healthcare Costs

When evaluating total puppy prices by breed, healthcare expenses often exceed the initial purchase investment. The most expensive breeds from a medical perspective include the Pug ($9,600), Manchester Terrier ($10,500), and Dachshund ($7,300), all suffering from breed-specific health conditions that require ongoing management.

Mid-range healthcare costs ($4,000-$7,500) include the Beagle, Schipperke, Bichon Frise, Pekingese, and Affenpinscher. These breeds typically need treatment for genetic conditions like hip dysplasia, eye problems, or thyroid issues.

The most budget-conscious choices for lifetime care include the Rat Terrier ($1,500), Treeing Walker Coonhound ($1,500), Border Collie ($1,800), Redbone Coonhound ($1,500), and Parson Russell Terrier ($2,800). These breeds combine reasonable purchase prices with minimal medical needs across their lifespans.

Finding Your Ideal Breed Within Your Budget

Selecting the right puppy requires balancing initial purchase costs against anticipated medical expenses and breed characteristics. A dog with a low purchase price might demand substantial healthcare investment, while a premium-priced puppy could offer excellent long-term value if genetically healthy.

Consider your financial capacity for both upfront costs and ongoing veterinary care. The data used throughout this guide reflects pricing as of April 3, 2023, sourced from Dogbreedslist and Embrace Pet Insurance. Current market prices may vary based on location, breeder reputation, and supply and demand.

Budget-conscious owners should explore breeds under $800, though be prepared for potential healthcare costs that can reach $7,300 or more depending on the breed. Middle-tier buyers can access most popular companion and sporting breeds between $800-$2,000, balancing affordability with established breed characteristics. Premium buyers seeking rare or specialized breeds should expect prices exceeding $2,000 alongside comprehensive healthcare planning.

Before making your final decision on which puppy to bring home, research specific breed health concerns, connect with reputable breeders, and budget appropriately for the full cost of dog ownership. Understanding puppy prices by breed empowers you to make a decision aligned with your financial situation while ensuring you can provide the best possible care for your new companion.