Vet names the 5 cheapest dog breeds with the lowest vet bills

Bringing a dog into your life is a major commitment not just emotionally, and in terms of lifestyle, but financially too. From daily walks and cleaning to making sure your home has enough space, owning a pet involves time, energy, and ongoing costs. What many new owners don’t always realise is that some dog breeds are significantly more expensive to care for than others especially when it comes to vet bills.

A 2023 study by Experian revealed that the lifetime cost of owning a dog in the UK can reach up to £19,000 and in just the first few months of 2025, the RSPCA reported over 5,700 cases of pet abandonment, a staggering 32% increase compared to the same period in 2024. A major factor behind this is the growing number of dog owners unknowingly choosing high-maintenance or health-prone breeds. To help prospective pet parents make more informed decisions, vet Dr Amir Anwary has shared the top five dog breeds with the “lowest vet bills” according to him, which he shared in a recent TikTok video.

1. Basenji

The top spot goes to the basenji, an ancient African hunting dog. What makes the Basenji especially unique is that it doesn’t bark at least not in the traditional sense. Instead, it produces a curious yodel-like sound, often referred to as a “baroo” due to the shape of its larynx.

These dogs typically live up to 13 or 14 years and are remarkably robust, with very few genetic health issues compared to many other breeds.

Dr Anwary said: “Many people do not know about this dog breed. […] It doesn’t actually bark, it yodels and the reason why it’s so healthy is because it’s an ancient, pure-bred dog that has been minimally inbred so if you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t bark and that’s pretty healthy, basenji’s definitely for you.”

2. Australian cattle dog

In second place we have the Australian cattle dog. The vet pointed out that the oldest dog in the world was an Australian cattle dog. His name was Bluey who died in 1939 at the age of 29.

Dr Anwary said: “This is a very intelligent, very active working breed with a very strung and robust immune system.”

He did add, however, that Basenjis can be prone to certain genetic conditions, such as Fanconi syndrome. However, the risk is significantly reduced through responsible and careful breeding.

3. Chihuahua

This is quite a suprising one. The vet said that this breed can live up to 20 years of age.

He said: “They are very, very healthy and because they’re so small, this often puts so little pressure on their joints that their joints survive for very, very long.”

Dr. Anwary did note that Basenjis can occasionally suffer from dental disease and luxating patellas (a condition where the kneecap slips out of place). However, compared to many other toy or small breeds, the Basenji remains one of the healthiest options.

4. Australian shepherd

The expert noted that these dogs are not only beautiful and full of energy, but the working lines also have a strong genetic foundation with very few inherited health problems.

He said: “If a dog does happen to have certain genetic abnormalities, they will usually not allow them to breed meaning that they won’t propagate those diseases which is why this breed is actually so healthy.”

5. Beagle

In last place, we have the Beagle. Originally bred as hunting dogs, Dr Anwary said that these dogs have an “extremely strong, robust immune system.”

He said: “Very few genetic issues – the main problem you’re going to have to deal with here is obesity because they love eating everything, and a few ear infections. Otherwise, they’re really healthy.”