Bulldog Characteristics
Life expectancy: 8 – 10 years
Adult weight: 45 – 60 lbs.
Adult height: 15 – 18 in.
Origin – England
Also known as the American Bulldog, Bulldogs are a mastiff-type dog breed that originated in England from its English Bulldog ancestors. They are small but muscular and hefty-looking, with wrinkled faces and brooding mouths, giving them a tough look. These features give bulldog breeds a distinctive look that can’t be confused with any other.
Talking about temperament, the small size is not to be taken for granted as the breed is a courageous one. Their small size is compensated by their stubbornness, but otherwise, they are a very friendly and patient breed. They find comfort in children and are typically good with other dogs and pets.
The term ‘bull’ is given to it because of its bull-baiting sports history. These compact dogs used to grab the bulls by the nose and pin it to the ground. In the 17th century, small farmers and ranchers in the U.S. used these all-around working dogs for many tasks, including farm guardians, stock dogs, and catch dogs. Their cousins include bully breeds like the English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and also American Bullies to some extent.
What is the price of a Bulldog?
These compact, muscular dogs are not a cheap affair. We will provide the detailed expenses for owning one by breaking the price by initial buying/adoption costs, vaccinations, diets, healthcare, and grooming.
Buying: $2000 – $3000
You may find the average price of a Bulldog to be about $2,000 due to their distinct and attractive looks and personality. However, the American ones are usually cheaper than their English counterparts. The average cost of a French Bulldog can be around $2,500. This breed holds a place among the priciest dogs in the world. Some factors that can affect the price include appearance (especially the color of the coat), gender, age, breeder’s reputation, and bloodline. A champion bloodline can cost as high as $4,500.
If you are looking for more affordable French or English bulldog puppies for under $500, adoption might be a good option for you. There are several platforms online that can offer you a Bulldog for around $100-$300, which usually covers the cost of care provided to the dog before it’s adopted. This would not only be a cheaper option but a noble one as well. It can be life-changing for you and the puppy.
Monthly costs for a Bulldog
Diets: $100-$120
These dogs are medium-sized and require a proper nutritional diet. A high-quality, vet-recommended kibble is recommended, along with a 10% proportion of eggs, meat, fruits, and vegetables at times. A couple of treat bags should also be added to the shopping list because their stubborn personalities could require an incentive to help with training. The cost of food and treats could be about $100-$120 a month.
Grooming: $50-$100
These dogs have a short-smooth hair coat with a moderate shedding level that doesn’t need much maintenance. Once a month, thorough grooming sessions, including nail maintenance, teeth cleaning, and ear cleaning, should suffice. Coats should be brushed once or twice a week and more frequently during shedding periods. Their wrinkles can be cleaned with peroxide and dried with corn starch. Good quality equipment for grooming could cost you around $50-$80, and shampoos and other cleaning aids can be another $50.
Medical Costs: $400-$700
During the first years, it is recommended you take your pet to the vet about 3-4 times annually. Vet fees can range from $100 to $300, and could include things like annual wellness exams and blood tests among other recommended preventive care treatments. Other examinations and tests could cost you another $300-$400.
Like all breeds, Bulldogs are at risk of developing some health conditions during their lifetime. Overheating is a very common condition with Bulldogs. Some other common conditions a bulldog may experience include breathing difficulties, skin and ear diseases, and eye anomalies. The average cost to treat these conditions may be:
Breathing difficulties- $1000-$1200
Skin infections - $150-$200
Cataracts - $2500-$3000
Entertainment and Environmental cost: $30-$50
Entertainment costs could include a few toys and chewies, which can help keep the dog occupied. They could cost you around $20-$30. You can also add the cost of some trips or hikes you would like to take your pet on. Additional expenses could include a urine cleaner, poop bags and a scoop which could cost about $10-$20 per month.
One-time costs for a Bulldog
Initial Costs: $400-$500
A comfortable bed for your bulldog, toys, crate, carrier, food and water bowls, leashes, collars, and a harness would be some initial items necessary for any dog breed. Getting these items could cost you about $400-$500.
Vaccinations: $280-$300
There are certain core vaccinations that a Bulldog would need. These include distemper, parvovirus, Adenovirus, type 1, Adenovirus, type 2, and rabies. All of these could cost you around $150-$200.
There are certain non-core vaccinations as well that are recommended by most vets for a Bulldog. These include parainfluenza, Lyme disease, and leptospirosis. The cost of these vaccines can be around $130-$150.
Microchipping: $50-$70
90% of the lost pets in the U.S. are not found. This is where microchipping can help. 70-80% of microchipped pets find their way back home. The cost can vary from state to state, but the average cost is around $50. Along with a dog license, it could cost an additional 10-20 bucks.
Neutering or Spaying: $150-$250
Neutering or spaying it is heavily recommended. These procedures can help with the health and temperament of the dog. The cost can vary, but on average this procedure could cost $150-$250.
Lifetime Bulldog Price
The initial costs of an English bulldog is around $1500-$2000, French Bulldog is around $2500, and an American bulldog is around $1200-$1500. Adding in one-time and monthly costs, medical, grooming, and food costs, you can expect to spend around $15,000-$18,000 over the lifetime of your Bulldog.
How can Spot Pet Insurance help?
Spot accident & illness pet insurance plans offer a wide variety of coverages from microchip implantation to surgeries and prescription food and supplements prescribed to treat your pet’s unexpected accidents and illnesses. (Prescription food and supplements used for general health or weight maintenance are not covered). For an extra cost, Spot dog insurance plans offer preventive care coverage add-ons to help cover the costs of certain routine vaccinations, annual wellness exams and other preventive care treatments. You can view the add-on preventive care coverage options here. Get in touch with us to know more!
Conclusion
If you are looking for a medium-sized, compact but sturdy dog with a joyous and friendly personality, a Bulldog is the one for you. The cost will depend on many different factors as explained above, but however much the cost, their beautiful personalities can make it worth it. And anyways, you can worry less about the medical expenses knowing Spot plans can help cover up to 90% of your eligible vet bills!
Happy Parenting to you and Lots of Love to your Pup!
