How Much Does an English Bulldog Cost?
Originating from England, the English Bulldog is a medium-sized breed with short legs, allowing it to sit low to the ground. The body and head have extra skin on the skull and forehead, falling in folds.
How much does an English Bulldog cost?
The cost of a purebred English Bulldog will depend on its quality, its bloodline, the colors, breeder, age, gender and where you live. The prices can range quite a bit, ranging anywhere from $2,500 to more than $7,000. The high costs, when compared to other breeds, is due to the costs of artificial insemination. Since most English Bulldogs can’t mate without any assistance and will require a c-section due to the puppy’s head size, breeders rack up more in veterinary bills when compared to other breeders. These vet costs alone can cost the breeder $1,000 to $1,500 per litter.
From our research, fawn, red, brindle, sable, black, white and pied would often be in the $3,500 to $4,500 range, whereas the rarer colors such as blue, lilac and chocolate were in the $5,000 to $6,500 range. An older English Bulldog, commonly found at some rescue groups, could be as little as $200 to $400, again, depending on the factors mentioned earlier. These older dogs are often classified as being two years or older.
On PuppyFind.com, the cost of an English Bulldog, at least according to more than 1,500 listings at the time of this writing, ranges anywhere from $1,800 to more than $5,000.
The official AKC Marketplace, for instance, has more than 100 registered breeders who list their puppies for sale. Glancing at a handful of these advertisements, about 80 to 90 percent of the listings we took a look at were in the $3,000 to $4,000 range. Most of these breeders would include a health screening, an OFA certification, DNA test, microchip, health guarantee, up-to-date vaccinations, starter kit and more.
| Colors | Average Price |
| Standard | $2,500 |
| Blue Sable | $3,000 |
| Chocolate Sable | $3,000 |
| Lilac Sable | $4,000 |
| Black Tri | $3,300 |
| Blue Tri | $4,500 |
| Chocolate Tri | $4,500 |
| Lilac Tri | $6,000 |
| Merle | add $1,000 to above for good estimate |
What is going to be included in the adoption fee?
Most of your reputable English Bulldog breeders should include registration paperwork, current vaccinations, a certified veterinarian examination, a health certificate/guarantee, pedigree if necessary and travel crate if it’s going to be shipped via air or car.
What are the extra costs?
If the dog is going to be shipped via an airline or even by car, then additional shipping costs can apply. These prices will all depend on the distance and which method you or the breeder chooses. On average, plan on spending anywhere from $150 to $350 for shipping.
Bulldogs are known to be extremely stubborn, and owners should be able to show them what you want them to accomplish in terms of training. If you’re not familiar with the dog and/or are having a hard time training, obedience classes may be necessary.
Ongoing costs, as with any pets, need to be factored in. This will include the food, treats, vet visits, toys, accessories, and medicine. Bulldog owners, at least according to our estimates, recommend setting aside $70 per month for a healthy dog.
Don’t forget the startup costs, especially if you have never owned a dog before. This will include the food/water bowls, crate, toys, grooming supplies, collars, leashes, harness and dental-related products. All of these startup items, depending on where you purchase them, should cost about $300 to $400.
Many breeders won’t allow breeding rights, but if they do, and you want to breed, then this could be another $1,000 or so on top of the adoption fee.
Tips to know:
The average full grown bulldog measures 13 to 15 inches high and will weigh 40 to 55 pounds, with females weighing 10 to 15 percent less.
English Bulldog colors include a red brindle, all other brindles, solid white, solid red, fawn, fallow or piebald. Rare colors, according to breeders online, can include black, blue, chocolate and lilac.
When healthy, the average English Bulldog can live eight to 10 years.
Some male English Bulldogs have been known to be aggressive toward other males and usually won’t get along with other pets, especially cats.
Bulldogs can shed more than you think, even though, from a distance, their coat doesn’t appear to look like one that sheds. Their short, coarse hair will often come off as you pet them, and it will also stick to carpet, upholstery, and clothing when rubbed against.
They are known to be big-time drool and slobber, especially after eating or drinking.
As with other dog breeds, the English Bulldog is susceptible to health problems such as hip, heart and skin problems. Hip dysplasia, for example, has been found in 61 percent of Bulldogs, according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Also, due to the unique shape, many Bulldogs have trouble walking without gasping for breath. Other common conditions owners often face include pulmonic stenosis, gastric dilatation, elbow dysplasia, aortic stenosis, colitis, entropion and deafness.
A reputable breeder, if you want to be certain you’re adopting from someone you trust, should always be certified with the AKC and be a member of the Bulldog Club of America. A good breeder will offer lineage records, impeccable veterinary records, should be able to answer any question you ask and have a great reputation online. While it’s tempting to purchase the first puppy you see, it’s so important to compare at least three breeders before making an informed decision.
How can I save money?
Consider checking out a local rescue group or adoption center. While you may not find the Bulldog of your dreams, you may be able to find a dog that you could fall in love with. Adopting, when compared to buying a fancy purebred can often thousands of dollars cheaper and you can feel good inside, knowing you helped a dog find a forever home.
If adopting from a private breeder, some may be able to arrange financing options.
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Average Reported Cost: $2000
How much did you spend?
- Terry (Hickory, North Carolina) paid $2000 and said:
12 wk pug
Was it worth it? Yes
- zanny (TULSA, Oklahoma) paid $2000 and said:
Was it worth it? yes
Do you have a lot of vet bills? yes
My bulldog had cherry eyeWas it worth it? Yes
