How Much Is a Small Dog?

Small dogs may be pint-sized, but that doesn’t mean they have less love to give! No matter which small breed you ultimately choose, you can be confident that they’ll be affectionate, devoted, and turn your house into a home. Plus, small breeds come with plenty of perks over their larger counterparts. They’re easier to manage in terms of size and can adapt better to small living spaces (like one-bedroom city apartments).

Of course, if your heart is set on a small four-footer, then you may be wondering how much is a small dog to buy. There are plenty of factors that can affect their price, including their breed and whether you choose to adopt an older small dog or purchase a puppy from a breeder.

Keep reading to learn more about these factors and everything else to account for when budgeting for a new tiny companion.

How Much Is a Small Dog: The Initial Cost

The first cost to consider when purchasing a dog is the initial purchase fee. This cost can vary from as little as $50 to as much as $8,000, with the average cost of a small dog being between $500 and $2,500. The main factors that can affect a small dog’s price include the following:

Adoption vs Breeder

Choosing to adopt an older small dog from a rescue agency is significantly cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. Most rescues and shelters set their dog adoption fees at $50 to $550, and some may even waive these fees completely during periods of overcrowding. In addition, rescues also often pay for initial healthcare expenses like microchipping and neutering or spaying.

Working with a breeder means you’ll get to be with your pup from their very first days. However, this does come at a price. Breeders of small dogs typically sell their puppies for $1,500 at a minimum.

Breed

The small dog’s breed can also affect the price. Popular breeds tend to sell for higher prices as people are eager to pay a lot more for them. This includes pure breeds like the Maltese, Yorkie, Boston terrier, and poodle, and designer mixes like the cavapoo.

Small breeds prone to health complications during birth — like brachycephalic dogs such as the French bulldog — are also priced on the higher end, as breeding them requires more veterinary intervention and specialized care.

Individual Characteristics

A small dog’s individual characteristics can also factor in. Small dogs with rare characteristics, such as bi-colored eyes or merle coats, are often priced higher in line with demand.

You should also expect to pay more for a small dog if they have undergone thorough health testing, comes from an American Kennel Club (AKC) bloodline, or has champion lineage.

Your Location

If you live in a high cost of living area in the US, you should also expect to pay more when buying a small dog. This is because breeders and rescue agencies both have to charge more to cover their overhead costs.

How Much Is a Small Dog to Care For?

As well as this initial purchasing cost, you also need to consider how much is a small dog to care for. Most small dog owners allocate around $70 to $180 per month to cover the cost of care, which goes towards essentials like food, treats, grooming supplies, as well as routine veterinary check ups.

Of course, the cost of your small dog’s care will ultimately depend on your lifestyle and their individual needs. For instance, if your small dog has a long coat that’s prone to matting, you may need to pay for them to be professionally groomed each month.

How Can I Find Small Dogs for Sale?

Now you know what to expect in terms of costs, you can look to begin your journey as a new dog owner! You can usually find small breed puppies for sale by browsing online puppy marketplaces, like this one, and applying search filters (i.e. dog’s size and/or breed) to weed out large dogs.

If you have a particular small breed already in mind, you can also try contacting breed-specific clubs. They will often be able to provide you with a list of vetted breeders.

If you would prefer to adopt, then reach out to shelters and rescues in your local area. Ask the staff if they have any small dogs currently available for rehoming. Once you find a small dog who seems like a possible match, you can look to send in an adoption application form. The rescue staff will advise you on the next steps.