Top 10 Affordable Dog Breeds in India: Cost and Care Tips

Posted by By Mukesh Pathak 7 Min Read

Are you planning to welcome a furry friend into your home but worried about the cost? Owning a dog doesn’t always have to be an expensive affair. In India, several dog breeds are not only affordable to buy but also relatively inexpensive to maintain. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 affordable dog breeds in India, their costs, and essential care tips to keep them happy and healthy.

1. Indian Pariah Dog

  • Price: ₹2,000 – ₹6,000
  • About: The Indian Pariah Dog, often called the “Desi Dog,” is one of the most common and hardy breeds in India. They are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and adaptability to various environments.
  • Care Tips:
    • Diet: A balanced diet with a mix of home-cooked food and commercial dog food.
    • Exercise: Daily walks and playtime to keep them physically and mentally active.
    • Grooming: Minimal grooming needed. Regular baths and brushing once a week are sufficient.
    • Health: Generally healthy with fewer genetic issues. Regular vaccinations and vet check-ups are recommended.

2. Labrador Retriever

  • Price: ₹8,000 – ₹15,000
  • About: Labradors are among the most popular dog breeds worldwide. They are friendly, intelligent, and great with families and children.
  • Care Tips:
    • Diet: High-quality dog food with a focus on protein. Avoid overfeeding as Labradors are prone to obesity.
    • Exercise: Requires regular exercise, including walks and playtime. They enjoy swimming.
    • Grooming: Moderate grooming needed. Brush their coat weekly and clean ears regularly.
    • Health: Prone to hip dysplasia and obesity. Regular vet check-ups are essential.

3. Beagle

  • Price: ₹15,000 – ₹25,000
  • About: Beagles are small to medium-sized hounds known for their curious nature and excellent sense of smell. They are friendly and make great family pets.
  • Care Tips:
    • Diet: A balanced diet with high-quality kibble. Be careful with treats as Beagles can easily gain weight.
    • Exercise: Needs regular exercise and mental stimulation. Daily walks and playtime are crucial.
    • Grooming: Minimal grooming required. Brush their coat regularly to reduce shedding.
    • Health: Prone to ear infections and obesity. Regular vet visits and ear cleaning are recommended.

4. Pug

  • Price: ₹10,000 – ₹20,000
  • About: Pugs are small, charming, and affectionate dogs known for their wrinkled faces and big eyes. They are excellent companions for apartment living.
  • Care Tips:
    • Diet: A balanced diet suitable for small breeds. Monitor their weight as Pugs are prone to obesity.
    • Exercise: Short walks and playtime are enough for Pugs. Avoid excessive exercise due to breathing issues.
    • Grooming: Regular cleaning of facial folds to prevent infections. Brush their coat weekly.
    • Health: Prone to respiratory problems and eye issues. Regular vet check-ups are necessary.

5. Dachshund

  • Price: ₹7,000 – ₹15,000
  • About: Dachshunds are small-sized hounds with a distinctive long body and short legs. They are playful, loyal, and good watchdogs.
  • Care Tips:
    • Diet: A diet rich in proteins and low in fats. Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity.
    • Exercise: Requires moderate exercise, including short walks and playtime. Be cautious of their long back; avoid activities that strain it.
    • Grooming: Brush their coat regularly. Long-haired Dachshunds may need more grooming.
    • Health: Prone to back problems (Intervertebral Disc Disease). Maintain a healthy weight and regular vet visits.

6. Indian Spitz

  • Price: ₹4,000 – ₹8,000
  • About: The Indian Spitz is a small to medium-sized dog breed known for its playful nature and fluffy appearance. They are excellent watchdogs and good with families.
  • Care Tips:
    • Diet: A balanced diet with commercial dog food and occasional home-cooked meals.
    • Exercise: Requires moderate exercise, including daily walks and playtime.
    • Grooming: Regular brushing to maintain their fluffy coat and reduce shedding.
    • Health: Generally healthy. Regular vaccinations and vet check-ups are recommended.

7. Golden Retriever

  • Price: ₹10,000 – ₹20,000
  • About: Golden Retrievers are large-sized, friendly, and intelligent dogs. They are great with families and children and are often used as therapy dogs.
  • Care Tips:
    • Diet: A diet rich in proteins and healthy fats. Monitor their weight to avoid obesity.
    • Exercise: Needs regular exercise, including walks, playtime, and swimming. They enjoy physical activities.
    • Grooming: Regular grooming needed to maintain their thick, water-resistant coat. Brush several times a week.
    • Health: Prone to hip dysplasia and heart issues. Regular vet visits are crucial.

8. Shih Tzu

  • Price: ₹10,000 – ₹25,000
  • About: Shih Tzus are small, charming, and affectionate dogs known for their long, flowing coats. They are great companions and adapt well to apartment living.
  • Care Tips:
    • Diet: High-quality dog food suitable for small breeds. Monitor their calorie intake.
    • Exercise: Needs moderate exercise. Short walks and indoor play are sufficient.
    • Grooming: Requires regular grooming to maintain their long coat. Daily brushing and occasional professional grooming are recommended.
    • Health: Prone to respiratory problems and dental issues. Regular vet check-ups are necessary.

9. Dalmatian

  • Price: ₹10,000 – ₹20,000
  • About: Dalmatians are medium-sized dogs known for their distinctive black or liver-spotted coat. They are energetic, intelligent, and make excellent watchdogs.
  • Care Tips:
    • Diet: A balanced diet with high-quality dog food. Ensure they get enough protein and avoid overfeeding.
    • Exercise: Requires regular exercise, including long walks, running, and playtime. They are highly energetic.
    • Grooming: Minimal grooming required. Brush their coat weekly to reduce shedding.
    • Health: Prone to deafness and urinary stones. Regular vet visits and hearing tests are recommended.

10. Chihuahua

  • Price: ₹15,000 – ₹25,000
  • About: Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed, known for their big personalities and loyalty. They are ideal for apartment living and make great companions.
  • Care Tips:
    • Diet: A balanced diet suitable for small breeds. Be cautious with their calorie intake to prevent obesity.
    • Exercise: Requires minimal exercise. Short walks and indoor play are sufficient.
    • Grooming: Minimal grooming required. Brush their coat regularly and clean ears.
    • Health: Prone to dental issues and patellar luxation. Regular vet check-ups are essential.