The English Bulldog is loved across the world. Although they are a tad bit stubborn, it’s nonetheless a delight to be raising them. If you’re thinking of bringing an English Bulldog home, you may be wondering about the cost.
Well, first, let’s make it clear that there are ways you can adopt an English Bulldog without huge expenses. However, if that isn’t possible, you can get an English Bulldog from a rescue organization which could cost you around $150 to $600, or buy one from a breeder which could cost you $1,000 to $6,000.
Read on to learn about factors that impact the cost of an English Bulldog and ongoing expenses.
Before you read this guide, “How Much Does an English Bulldog Cost,” check out: 5 Best English Bulldog Breeders in the United States! (2023) and Where to Find English Bulldog Puppies For Sale Under $1,000? (2023).
About the English Bulldog
The English Bulldog breed originated in England in the 13th century, where it was used for bullbaiting and fighting. Those canines weren’t as cute as today’s smush-faced puppies; they were much bigger, heavier, and more ferocious.
Since bull baiting was outlawed in England in the early 1800s, this breed has seen a significant decline in popularity and was nearly wiped out by the turn of the nineteenth century. A small group of breeders were able to save the breed from extinction.
Today, several different varieties of English Bulldogs exist. The American Bulldog and the Old English Bulldog are two examples.
The English Bulldog is often commonly referred to as a Bully dog or a British Bulldog. Due to their sweet demeanor and wrinkled yet endearing looks, these puppies have become more popular as pets.
Although they might be a handful due to their stubborn nature, this breed continues to be a favorite with families all over the world. Many Bullies have a squished, round face and a short nose. Even at a young age, they often show signs of obesity, such as a pot belly. Underbite and tooth loss are also frequent in Bullies.
At maturity, they weigh between 40 and 55 pounds. Males tend to be a tad bigger than females. Both are stocky and manage to cram a whole lot of personality into their strong yet small bodies.
One-Time Costs of an English Bulldog
Below, we’ll cover some of the one-time costs of owning an English Bulldog.
Getting for Free
It’s possible, though unlikely, that you could find a free English Bulldog.
Some folks have to sell their dog because they’ve fallen on hard times. If you do end up in this situation, the current owners may have additional requirements for you to take ownership, such as a screening process or a house inspection.
If you’re fortunate enough, you can give a dog a new, permanent home.
Adopting From a Rescue Organization
$150 to $600
There are many situations in which pet owners must give up their animals. English Bulldogs‘ considerable health expenses are a major contributor to their high surrender rate. Some owners can’t afford the ongoing cost of treatment for their pets with costly medications.
There are, of course, many additional causes for dogs to end up in rescues and shelters. Adoption fees for a purebred English Bulldog range from $150 to $600.
Buying from a Breeder
$1,000 to $6,000
You might be surprised at the price of this breed if you’ve done any shopping for puppies before. The price of a healthy, well-bred English Bulldog can range from $1,000 to $6,000 or more. Price ranges can vary widely based on factors like location, puppy quality, and breeder’s rates.
Factors Affecting English Bulldog Price
The following factors influence the price of an English Bulldog.
Credibility of the Breeder
The price goes up significantly if both parents are purebred show dogs from a reputed breeder. In addition, these breeders typically spend far more money than others do in order to ensure the health and well-being of the dogs and their offspring.
Documents of Registration
Some dog breeders are members of various kennel clubs, with the American Kennel Club being the most well-known. Additional costs can be incurred when they choose to register their breeding dogs and puppies.
Medical Costs
Breeders who take their profession seriously will have the health of their breeding dogs and puppies examined and tested for a variety of conditions.
In addition, some will have their puppies checked out by a vet, and have them dewormed, vaccinated, and microchipped before selling them. This raises the cost, but it also makes it less likely you’ll receive a sick dog.
Training
Some breeders sell their dogs once they have had them socialized and trained. The cost of the English Bulldog puppy will go up, but you’ll save money in the long run because well-socialized puppies require less training overall.
Demand
The cost of a puppy will vary depending on the supply and demand in a given area. Small dogs, for instance, are more common in urban areas due to the limited space available there. The popularity of hunting in some areas might increase demand for certain dog breeds, and vice versa.
Although it’s a good idea to compare prices, you shouldn’t buy a dog without first meeting the breeder and seeing the kennel.
Age
Most people want to purchase a puppy while they are very young, so older dogs typically cost less. A six-month-old English Bulldog puppy, for instance, is probably going to cost less than an eight-week-old does.
Coat
Trends in coat colors can shift rapidly. Some coat colors will always be more in demand than others for any given breed. Puppies with a certain coat color tend to go up in price as the demand for them rises, just like anything else.
In addition, kennel groups have strict guidelines about the colors and patterns that are acceptable on purebred dogs. Finally, puppies with unusual colors might cost a lot of money.
Monthly Costs
$60 to $840 monthly
After making the commitment to buy a Bulldog, there will be ongoing expenses. Your dog will have monthly expenses, like food, veterinary care, and item replacements.
Healthcare
$0 to $250 monthly
After the first year, annual veterinary checkups for your Bulldog ought to be enough. However, it is common for vet bills to be greater in the first year. This is because they have to get vaccinated, have their growth tracked, and be spayed or neutered.
After this, your dog only has to see the vet once or twice a year to ensure they are healthy and happy, except if they develop a problem that requires more frequent checkups.
Food
$30 to $100 monthly
This breed’s diet is somewhat flexible, primarily due to the fact that some dogs have special dietary needs. Because of their susceptibility to allergies and obesity, these dogs may require specialized diets, which could lead to increased dog food costs in the future.
The cost of dry kibble may also fluctuate depending on order size. For instance, a Bulldog puppy won’t require as much food as an adult Bulldog. Therefore, the older they get, the faster they eat, costing you more money.
Your dog will benefit from eating two or three smaller meals throughout the day, rather than one large one like some other breeds. Don’t overfeed or underfeed by not paying attention to measurements.
Grooming
$10 to $150 monthly
Your Bulldog will require some additional care and attention when it comes to grooming and bathing. Their wrinkles may look cute, but they can be breeding grounds for germs on these canines. To maintain cleanliness in these places, you’ll need a damp cloth or fragrance-free baby wipes.
It’s recommended that you give your Bulldog a bath at least once a month, but don’t go longer than once every six weeks. Also, because Bulldogs have such delicate skin, you should only use fragrance-free, chemical- and additive-free shampoos to wash them.
You can take them to a professional groomer once every couple of months (or more often if you believe it’s essential) to get a good cleaning and trim.
Medical Care
$0 to $300 monthly
If you’re lucky, your Bulldog will never have any major health problems. Nevertheless, depending on the diagnosis, you may be looking at some really pricey veterinary expenses as well as regular costs for medicines. Start saving now in case you ever need them in an emergency.
Insurance
$0 to $65 monthly
Pet insurance is not mandatory, but many dog owners are opting to get it nonetheless. When an unexpected problem arises, the costs can be devastating if you aren’t prepared.
You may find Bulldog-specific pet insurance policies from multiple providers. The final cost will depend on the specific package you select. While some policies cover everything, others may just pay for emergencies or prescribed medications.
Environment
$10 to $45 monthly
There will be ongoing costs associated with the upkeep of the environment throughout the puppy months. For instance, if your dog has a habit of tearing up its dog beds, you may have to replace them frequently. If you take your dog out in public, you must always be prepared with poop bags.
Entertainment
$10 to $50 monthly
Having constructive outlets for your Bulldog’s boundless energy will do a lot of good. If you can’t be with them all the time, it’s a good idea to stock up on toys, whether they’re interactive, chewable, or not, so they have something to do when you’re not around.
The price tag to replace these will change depending on how rapidly your Bulldog chews through their present stock. There are also numerous reliable companies from whom you may get monthly subscription packs of toys.
Other Expenditures
Here are some other possible expenditures that may arise when owning an English Bulldog.
Training
Training and other methods of gaining social skills come in a wide variety. The cost of professional development courses per session might range from $50 to $200. Owners who want their Bullies to have higher-level or specialized obedience skills might need to spend more.
Keep in mind that training is a financial commitment, not a one-time cost. Dogs may need further training at any point in their lives, even if they receive the bulk of their instruction while they are puppies.
Dog Boarding and Daycare
Dog daycare and boarding are optional services that many owners choose to use despite the added cost. When owners have to leave town, they need to find a trustworthy sitter or boarding service.
Some dogs of this breed are prone to separation anxiety, and if left alone for even a short time, they may become destructive and unhappy.
Doggie daycare, which can cost $15 to $100 per day or more, may be necessary in this situation. The final cost will be determined by the type of facility you choose, the size of your dog, and the services required.
Walking
Only a small fraction of dog owners can afford to pay for professional dog walking services, but those who can find it useful for getting their dogs the exercise they need.
Hiring a dog walker ensures that your dog still receives his regular exercise even if his owner is too busy with work to take him out. The cost of a dog walker’s services might vary widely depending on the dog and the walker, but the going rate for a half-hour walk is typically around $30.
Frequently Asked Questions
English Bulldogs are expensive dogs to ethically breed and care for, which is why breeders charge so much for them. They need to offset these costs to continue their breeding operations.
English Bulldogs suffer from many potential health issues, from skin, eye, and ear problems, to breathing troubles.
The life expectancy of English Bulldogs is eight to 10 years.
Conclusion for “How Much Does an English Bulldog Cost”
Owning a pet can be pretty expensive. That’s why it’s important to know exactly what to expect regarding finances when caring for a pet. We hope this guide about the true cost of an English Bulldog will help you do just that.
Now that you have a better understanding of how much an English Bulldog costs, check out:
- Australian Bulldog vs. English Bulldog: What’s The Difference? (2023)
- English Bulldog Tail Types! To Dock or Not Dock? (2023)
- Bulldog Underbite – Everything You Need to Know! (2023)
Learn more by watching “English Bulldog: The Pros & Cons of Owning One” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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