This article is for you if you are looking for a puppy or just curious about puppy prices. I have reviewed over 48,000 ads (for 151 breeds in total) from various sources like the American Kennel Club, PuppyFind, NextDayPets, and breeders websites to establish this ranking of the Top 25 cheapest puppies you can find in the United States.
In this post, the popularity factor for each breed is based on the American Kennel Club’s most popular breeds list. Finally, the price range represents 80% of the ads found (it excludes the cheapest and most expensive 10%).
At the end of this article, we have also added a few tips to find cheaper puppies without buying from unreliable sellers and backyard breeders. Remember that the puppy’s price is a small portion of the expenses when raising a dog. If you want to buy or adopt one, I would advise you to read the related cost article to find all the information about how much owning your furry friend will be (training, food, supplies, grooming, etc.).
Finally, I cannot start without recommending adoption to anyone looking for a dog. It is much cheaper ($50 to $500), usually faster, and easier than buying a breeder’s puppy.
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25 – Cocker Spaniel
Average Price: $800
Price Range: $500 – $1,500
It is very easy to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 28
Weight: 20 to 30 lb.
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Breed Personality: Gentle, Smart, Happy
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Cocker Spaniel or learn How to Find a Cocker Spaniel Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
24 – German Shorthaired Pointer
Average Price: $800
Price Range: $500 – $1,000
It is very easy to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 9
Weight: 45 to 70 lb.
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Breed Personality: Friendly, Smart, Willing to Please
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a German Shorthaired Pointer or learn How to Find a German Shorthaired Pointer Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
23 – German Shepherd
Average Price: $800
Price Range: $450 – $1,900
It is very easy to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 2
Weight: 50 to 90 lb.
Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years
Breed Personality: Confident, Courageous, Smart
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a German Shepherd or learn How to Find a German Shepherd Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
22 – Miniature American Shepherd
Average Price: $800
Price Range: $450 – $1,500
It is very easy to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 29
Weight: 20 to 40 lb.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 13 years
Breed Personality: Good-Natured, Intelligent, Devoted
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Miniature American Shepherd or learn How to Find a Miniature American Shepherd Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
21 – Basset Hound
Average Price: $800
Price Range: $450 – $1,400
It is easy to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 37
Weight: 40 to 65 lb.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 13 years
Breed Personality: Charming, Patient, Low-Key
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Basset Hound or learn How to Find a Basset Hound Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
20 – Dalmatian
Average Price: $800
Price Range: $450 – $1,200
It is hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 59
Weight: 45 to 70 lb.
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Breed Personality: Dignified, Smart, Outgoing
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Dalmatian or learn How to Find a Dalmatian Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
19 – Australian Shepherd
Average Price: $800
Price Range: $400 – $1,500
It is very easy to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 13
Weight: 40 to 65 lb.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Breed Personality: Smart, Work-Oriented, Exuberant
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own an Australian Shepherd or learn How to Find an Australian Shepherd Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
18 – Labrador Retriever
Average Price: $800
Price Range: $400 – $1,500
It is very easy to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 1
Weight: 55 to 80 lb.
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Breed Personality: Friendly, Active, Outgoing
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Labrador or learn How to Find a Labrador Retriever Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
17 – Chihuahua
Average Price: $800
Price Range: $375 – $2,420
It is very easy to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 35
Weight: 3 to 6 lb.
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
Breed Personality: Charming, Graceful, Sassy
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Chihuahua or learn How to Find a Chihuahua Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
16 – Collie
Average Price: $800
Price Range: $375 – $1,450
It is easy to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 38
Weight: 50 to 75 lb.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Breed Personality: Devoted, Graceful, Proud
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Collie or learn How to Find a Collie Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
15 – Brittany
Average Price: $750
Price Range: $500 – $1,060
It is hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 26
Weight: 30 to 40 lb.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Breed Personality: Bright, Fun-Loving, Upbeat
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Brittany or learn How to Find a Brittany Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
14 – Bloodhound
Average Price: $750
Price Range: $450 – $1,200
It is hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 51
Weight: 80 to 110 lb.
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Breed Personality: Friendly, Independent, Inquisitive
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Bloodhound or learn How to Find a Bloodhound Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
13 – American Staffordshire Terrier
Average Price: $750
Price Range: $250 – $1,500
It is very hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 85
Weight: 40 to 70 lb.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Breed Personality: Confident, Smart, Good-Natured
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own an American Staffordshire Terrier or learn How to Find an American Staffordshire Terrier Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
12 – Weimaraner
Average Price: $700
Price Range: $500 – $1,200
It is easy to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 39
Weight: 55 to 90 lb.
Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
Breed Personality: Friendly, Fearless, Obedient
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Weimaraner or learn How to Find a Weimaraner Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
11 – Rat Terrier
Average Price: $700
Price Range: $500 – $1,100
It is very hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 91
Weight: 10 to 25 lb.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 18 years
Breed Personality: Friendly, Inquisitive, Lovable
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Rat Terrier or learn How to Find a Rat Terrier Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
10 – Miniature Pinscher
Average Price: $700
Price Range: $350 – $1,215
It is hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 74
Weight: 8 to 10 lb.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Breed Personality: Fearless, Fun-Loving, Proud
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Miniature Pinscher or learn How to Find a Miniature Pinscher Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
9 – Border Collie
Average Price: $700
Price Range: $300 – $1,000
It is easy to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 33
Weight: 30 to 55 lb.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Breed Personality: Affectionate, Smart, Energetic
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Border Collie or learn How to Find a Border Collie Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
8 – Siberian Husky
Average Price: $650
Price Range: $400 – $1,200
It is very easy to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 15
Weight: 35 to 60 lb.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Breed Personality: Loyal, Mischievous, Outgoing
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Siberian Husky or learn How to Find a Siberian Husky Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
7 – Treeing Walker Coonhound
Average Price: $650
Price Range: $300 – $1,500
It is very hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 129
Weight: 50 to 70 lb.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 13 years
Breed Personality: Smart, Brave, Courteous
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Treeing Walker Coonhound or learn How to Find a Treeing Walker Coonhound Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
6 – Redbone Coonhound
Average Price: $600
Price Range: $450 – $1,200
It is very hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 143
Weight: 45 to 70 lb.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Breed Personality: Even-Tempered, Amiable, Eager to Please
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Redbone Coonhound or learn How to Find a Redbone Coonhound Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
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5 – Bluetick Coonhound
Average Price: $600
Price Range: $300 – $1,200
It is very hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 138
Weight: 45 to 80 lb.
Life Expectancy: 11 to 12 years
Breed Personality: Smart, Devoted, Tenacious
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Bluetick Coonhound or learn How to Find a Bluetick Coonhound Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
4 – Beagle
Average Price: $550
Price Range: $295 – $1,125
It is easy to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 7
Weight: 20 to 30 lb.
Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years
Breed Personality: Friendly, Curious, Merry
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Beagle or learn How to Find a Beagle Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
3 – Great Pyrenees
Average Price: $550
Price Range: $290 – $1,000
It is hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 69
Weight: 85 to 160 lb.
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Breed Personality: Smart, Patient, Calm
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Great Pyrenees or learn How to Find a Great Pyrenees Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
2 – Black and Tan Coonhound
Average Price: $550
Price Range: $250 – $800
It is very hard to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 141
Weight: 65 to 110 lb.
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Breed Personality: Easy-Going, Bright, Brave
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own a Black and Tan Coonhound or learn How to Find a Black and Tan Coonhound Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
1 – Australian Cattle Dog
Average Price: $450
Price Range: $250 – $1,200
It is easy to find a puppy
Breed Popularity Ranking: 55
Weight: 35 to 50 lb.
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Breed Personality: Alert, Curious, Pleasant
Considering this breed? Read our article about The Cost to Own an Australian Cattle Dog or learn How to Find an Australian Cattle Puppy to Buy or Dog to Adopt.
Here are a few observations on this ranking:
- In most cases, the supply seems to be matching the demand, which would explain why the prices are lower. The most popular ones from this ranking are easy to find (and those who are harder to find are less popular anyway).
- They are mostly low-maintenance dogs that are less costly to breed.
- Hound dogs tend to be cheaper breeds as they trust six places in this ranking. On the other hand, no designer breed made it in the top 25 because of their current popularity.
- Some prices found were extremely low. This makes us wonder how reliable and serious some breeders are and how healthy and well-behaved the dogs will be. Always be careful when buying a puppy. The best and safest way to get a cheap dog is adoption. I would strongly advise you to resist the temptation to buy from a greedy backyard breeder or a puppy mill. Get one in a rescue shelter or from a reputable breeder.
WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND A PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Our Guide will help you find a dog near you. We share the 26 best places to find your perfect pet.
How to find a cheaper puppy?
Here are five tips that will help you find a cheaper puppy:
- Adopt. Puppies for adoptions are rare and get rehomed extremely fast, but it is possible to find one if you are willing to invest the time to search and visit shelter websites regularly. Adoption should always be considered first.
- Buy an older puppy. As they grow older, prices tend to go down as breeders are more in a rush to sell. In fact, most people want to buy very young dogs. Therefore, a 6-month-old pup is likely to be cheaper than an 8-week-old one.
- Expand your research territory. Breed popularity and prices as well as breeders’ operating costs vary depending on location. Future owners who are willing to drive further away have better chances of finding a good price for their dog.
- Go for a mixed-breed dog. Purebreds tend to be more expensive, and some mixed-breed puppies will look almost exactly like your favorite breed.
- Ask around. Just by letting family and friends know that you are looking for a pet, you might be informed that a trustworthy person near you has a pregnant dog and could get one of the puppies.
Even on a budget, always make sure to buy from a serious and responsible breeder. You will have a much better chance of getting a healthy dog without behavioral problems. Avoid puppy mills and unreliable backyard breeders. Before buying a puppy, visit the kennel, question the breeder about the breeding process and how he cares for his breeding dogs and puppies, and make sure to see and interact with the puppy to see if it looks healthy.
WHERE CAN I FIND A DOG?
WHAT SUPPLIES DO I NEED?
WHAT SHOULD I ASK THE VET?
WHERE TO FIND THE BEST PRICES ON DOG FOOD?
Please find all the answers to your questions in our Dog Owner Guide. It’s a 5-minute read packed with useful information.
If you want to know more about the price of puppies in the US or compare this breed with 150 others, check our puppy prices article based on the analysis of close to 50,000 ads (for 151 different breeds).
Factors affecting the price of puppies and why prices vary for the same breed.
Purebred or mixed. Usually, mixed-breeds are sold at a lower price than purebred dogs.
Bloodline and breeder’s reputation. If the parents are purebred show quality dogs from a reputable breeder, the price will be substantially higher. These breeders also tend to invest more money than others to take care of their breeding dogs and puppies.
Registration papers/pedigree. Some breeders are members of kennel clubs, the most famous being the American Kennel Club (AKC). They can also have their breeding dogs and puppies registered which would also add to their fees.
Health screenings and medical expenses. Serious breeders will have their breeding dogs and/or puppies evaluated/tested for different medical conditions. Moreover, some will take their puppies to the vet for an exam, deworming, vaccines, and/or microchip implantation prior to selling them. This drives the price higher but also reduces the risk to get an unhealthy dog.
Training and socialization. Some breeders sell their dogs after they are trained and socialized. It will increase the puppy’s price but generate savings as you most probably won’t have to invest in more training and also gives a better chance to get a well-behaved dog.
Breed popularity in the buyer’s location. Local supply and demand will have an impact on puppy prices. For example, small dogs tend to be more popular in metropolitan areas where people live in smaller spaces. Some breeds are more in demand in colder climates, others where hunting is popular, etc. It is worth looking for prices in different locations, but it is risky to buy a dog without having seen it before or at least have met with the breeder and visited the kennel.
Age. As most people want to get their puppy as young as possible, prices tend to be lower when the dog gets older. For example, on average a 6-month-old pup is likely to be less expensive than an 8-week-old one.
Coat color and markings. Coat color trends can change quickly. For any breed, some colors are more popular than others, sometimes temporarily. When the interest for a specific coat color grows, puppies get more expensive as an increase in demand leads to a higher market price. Also, for purebred dogs, only specific colors and color combinations are accepted by kennel clubs. Finally, puppies with rare colors can be very expensive as well.
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- Top 25 Most Expensive Puppies in the US
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- Top 10 Cheapest / Most Expensive Medium Sized Puppies in the US
- Top 10 Cheapest / Most Expensive Large Puppies in the US
References and Resources
This article is original content from PetBudget.
This article is based on information we found while researching and does not guarantee that it will be possible to find a puppy at this price when the article is read.
The breeds considered in this research are the following: Afghan Hound, Airedale Terrier, Akita, Alaskan Malamute, American Eskimo Dog, American Hairless Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Anatolian Shepherd Dog, Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Australian Terrier, Basenji, Basset Hound, Beagle, Bearded Collie, Beauceron, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Tervuren, Bernese Mountain Dog, Bichon Frise, Black and Tan Coonhound, Black Russian Terrier, Bloodhound, Bluetick Coonhound, Boerboel, Border Collie, Border Terrier, Borzoi, Boston Terrier, Bouvier des Flandres, Boxer, Boykin Spaniel, Briard, Brittany, Brussels Griffon, Bull Terrier, Bullmastiff, Cairn Terrier, Cane Corso Italiano, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Cavalier King Charles, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Chihuahua, Chinese Crested, Chinese Shar-Pei, Chow Chow, Clumber Spaniel, Cockapoo, Cocker Spaniel, Collie, Coton de Tulear, Dachshund, Dalmatian, Doberman Pinscher, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Bulldog, English Cocker Spaniel, English Setter, English Springer Spaniel, English Toy Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever, French Bulldog, German Pinscher, German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, Giant Schnauzer, Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Gordon Setter, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Havanese, Icelandic Sheepdog, Irish Setter, Irish Terrier, Irish Wolfhound, Italian Greyhound, Japanese Chin, Keeshond, Kerry Blue Terrier, Labradoodle, Labrador Retriever, Leonberger, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Maltese Shih Tzu, Maltipoo, Manchester Terrier, Mastiff, Miniature American Shepherd, Miniature Bull Terrier, Miniature Pinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, Neapolitan Mastiff, Newfoundland, Norfolk Terrier, Norwegian Elkhound, Norwich Terrier, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Old English Sheepdog, Papillon, Parson Russell Terrier, Peekapoo, Pekingese, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Pointer, Pomeranian, Portuguese Water Dog, Pug, Puggle, Rat Terrier, Redbone Coonhound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Russell Terrier, Saint Bernard, Saluki, Samoyed, Schipperke, Schnoodle, Scottish Terrier, Shetland Sheepdog, Shiba Inu, Shih Tzu, Siberian Husky, Silky Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Spinone Italiano, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Standard Poodle, Standard Schnauzer, Tibetan Mastiff, Tibetan Spaniel, Tibetan Terrier, Toy Fox Terrier, Treeing Walker Coonhound, Vizsla, Weimaraner, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Welsh Terrier, Westie, Whippet, Wire Fox Terrier, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Xoloitzcuintli, Yorkipoo, Yorkshire Terrier.