Are you thinking of bringing home an American Bulldog? If the answer is yes, you may be interested to know that on average, an American Bulldog puppy can cost between $800 to $3,000, but can cost more.1 For an in-depth breakdown of other costs that come with bringing home an American Bulldog puppy, continue reading.
Characteristics of an American Bulldog
Adult weight: Male - 70 to 120 lbs., Female – 60 to 100 lbs.
Adult height: 22 – 28 in.
Origin: Southern United States
Life expectancy: 10 – 15 years2
Bulldogs are believed to have originated in the 17th century and their purpose was to be a utility farm dog. American Bulldogs arrived in the United States in the 1800s and were known for catching feral animals on farms.3 They are both loyal companions and great guard dogs. In the 20th century, the breed experienced a decline in popularity, but a few enthusiasts took on the task of making sure the breed would not disappear. Today, the American Bulldog is known for their loyalty and loving temperament.2
Currently, there are two types of American Bulldogs; the Classic or Johnson type, that have a more muscular build, and the Standard or Scott type, which is often more agile. The American Bulldog has a muscular appearance with a broad head, strong jaws, and a sturdy build. They may look muscular, but they are also gentle towards their family and very protective.
What is the Price of an American Bulldog?
Adoption or Buying: $800 – $3000
The adoption or purchase cost of an American Bulldog can vary based on various factors like coat color, pedigree, lineage, the breeder's reputation, and geographic location. Purchasing an American Bulldog puppy from a reputable breeder may cost you more, but the puppies often come with health guarantees that can provide new pet parents with additional peace of mind.
Other factors that can affect the price of a puppy include; whether the dog is registered with the AKC, whether it has already received its first round of vaccinations, and any additional services provided by the breeder, including training. Adopting a dog is a much more affordable option, but make sure the shelter gives you a clean bill of health before you take your puppy home. If you do decide to adopt your American Bulldog, check out our dog adoption checklist as you prepare to bring home your new pet.
Monthly Costs for an American Bulldog Puppy
Diets: $20-$40
The American Bulldog is a muscular breed that needs daily exercise, so they need a diet that is rich in proteins and nutrients. Review nutrition and diet tips for your pet. The monthly cost of feeding an American Bulldog depends on a few factors like the quality of the dog food, and the dog's size, age, and activity level. High-quality commercially-bought dog food could cost $20-$40 per month.
Grooming: $50-$100
Maintaining the coat of an American Bulldog is not as tedious as it can be for other breeds. American Bulldogs do not shed a lot of hair and their coats are relatively low maintenance. Regular brushing is needed to keep their coat clean. Baths are not needed frequently unless they are dirty.3 Bathing and basic grooming may cost $30-$60. Nail trimming, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning may be needed occasionally to help maintain their health. Professional groomers can cost between $50-$100 per session.
Medical Costs: $200-$400
The initial medical expenses may be higher for puppies as routine vet visits tend to be more frequent in the first year than they are as your puppy ages. The initial expenses may include routine veterinary exams as well as vaccine costs. Just like any other breed, American Bulldogs are prone to certain medical conditions over their lifetime:2
Hip Dysplasia: Hip Dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint does not develop properly. The potential treatment cost can be about $1,000 to $5,000.
Cherry eye: This is a condition where the gland in the eye prolapses and causes swelling and redness. The treatment can cost $300 to $800.
Entropion: This condition is when the eye rolls inwards and causes irritation. The cost of surgical correction typically ranges from $300 to $800.
To help protect your breed from developing an illness, it's better to take precautionary measures and get regular checkups to identify potential issues early.
Insurance: $30-$90
It’s a good idea to consider getting your pet insured. Pet insurance helps your pet get the best treatments in case of an unexpected medical condition. The premiums for an American Bulldog can range around $30-$90 in the US market. The premium typically depends on the type of plan, annual limit, deductible, as well as the age and location of the dog.
One-Time Costs for an American Bulldog
Initial Costs: $200-$400
The initial costs of an American Bulldog would be based on all the supplies needed in the first few days of getting your pet. This can include a collar, leash, ID tag, bed, crate, poop bags, water bowl, dog treats, dog toys, and a first aid kit. This expense can vary depending on the needs of your pet and the items you choose. It’s a good idea to keep aside $200-$400 for such expenses.
Microchipping: $25-$50
Microchipping is a common practice that helps to locate your pet if they get lost. It involves implanting a tiny chip under your pet’s skin which has the registered contact information of their owner. Microchipping maintenance involves keeping your contact information updated.
Vaccines: $100-$150
The cost of vaccines for an American Bulldog depends on a few factors like location, and the specific vaccines needed. Some of the core vaccinations you’ll need to get are - Distemper, Parvovirus, and Adenovirus (DA2PP) which amounts to $20 to $50 per vaccine. The Rabies vaccine can cost $15 to $30 or more. It is essential to consult with your vet and get clarity on which vaccines are needed.
Miscellaneous: $100-$200
Miscellaneous expenses can include; premium dog treats, spa sessions, or the cost of boarding a pet or leaving them with a pet sitter. It’s best to budget for these expenses in advance.
Lifetime Cost
The estimate for the lifetime cost of caring for your American Bulldog takes into account the cost of bringing your puppy home ($800-$3000), purchasing food ($300-$500), and veterinary costs ($300 to $800). The estimate also takes into account $600 for training and grooming costs ($600), pet insurance ($200 to $600), the cost of crates and toys ($300), and around $500 for additional expenses. Taking into account their average life span, an estimate of the lifetime cost comes up to around $20,000 - $35,000.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a pet that does well in an apartment, then this is a breed that is adaptable and can do well in most spaces. This breed may need to be trained, but once they are they serve to be great companions that are protective and loyal.3 American Bulldogs may look fierce and grumpy but they are gentle giants and need as much love as any other breed.
Happy parenting to you and lots of love to your pup!
“American Bulldog Price,” Top Dog Tips, https://topdogtips.com/american-bulldog-price, Aug 23, 2023.
“American Bulldog Breed Guide,” Pawlicy Advisor, https://www.pawlicy.com/blog/american-bulldog-breed, accessed Dec. 10, 2023.
“American Bulldog,” American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-bulldog, accessed Dec. 10, 2023.
