Bull Terriers are an incredible but rare breed. They make a great addition to any family, but it is essential to note the fees involved in owning one. Having a dog is not cheap; they have their own needs and come with many costs.
Here’s what you should know:
Bull Terrier prices in Australia differ for each breeder, depending on whether you are getting a purebred or a rescue. You can expect to pay anything between $ 1,000 and $4,000 for a Bull Terrier in Australia.
The price of a Bull Terrier in Australia ranges from $1,500 up to $5,000 when buying from a registered breeder, with puppies from strong lineages and pedigree papers sitting at the higher end of the price spectrum. Adopting is also an option and one that comes at a much lower cost, with an average price range of $300 – $600 in adoption fees.
We’ll look at what goes into determining these prices next, but one thing to note first is that, while it might seem like a bargain to buy a Bull Terrier from an unregistered breeder, it comes with major risks. These include potential health issues, behavioural problems, and ethical concerns, and we never recommend purchasing any dog breed from an unregistered or backyard breeder.
A Bull Terrier from a registered breeder will typically set you back between $1,500 and $5,000. This is a pretty wide price scale, but there are a few things that influence this, including lineage and health checks, which we’ll explore in more detail later.
Adopting a Bull Terrier is a great way of both reducing costs and giving a dog in need a second chance, and the adoption fees usually range from $300 – $600. This varies depending on the rescue organisation and tends to cover things like vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing. Most rescue organisations also provide training ahead of adoption, which is particularly beneficial for breeds like Bull Terriers but might result in a higher adoption fee.
Bull Terriers bought from both breeders and shelters have a pretty wide price range, and there are a few different factors that will influence the cost. These include:
A well-respected breeder who has been breeding Bull Terriers for many years and follows the strict ethical breeding practices will usually charge more. This is because they’ll invest more time and money into producing healthy, well-tempered puppies by carefully selecting their breeding dogs. Likewise, dogs with champion bloodlines or show-winning parents will also command higher prices, as they are bred to meet the highest standard of the breed outlined by Dogs Australia / The Australian National Kennel Council. Puppies with these credentials will likely sit at the $5,000 price mark.
Another thing that responsible and reputable Bull Terrier breeders will do is conduct health checks to make sure their puppies are free from any common genetic conditions, like hereditary deafness, heart disease, and patellar luxation. These tests are expensive and reflected in the cost of the puppies, and those that come with a clean bill of health and veterinary records showing no issues with the puppies or the parents will often be priced at the higher end of the $1,500 and $5,000 scale.
There’s also the dog’s age to consider, which has one of the biggest influences on the cost. Young puppies are, perhaps unsurprisingly, the most expensive as they are in higher demand and require the most care from the breeder or shelter before going to their forever home. Older puppies (6 months+) and adult Bull Terriers tend to sit toward the lower end of the price spectrum, especially those up for adoption.
Before you bring your Bull Terrier home, you’ll need to purchase a range of items that will give them a happy, comfortable life, but they come with an added cost alongside the initial purchase fee. These include:
Dog crate: $100 – $300 for a strong, escape-proof crate suitable for a medium-sized dog.
Dog bed: $80 – $200 for a chew-resistant, durable bed with orthopaedic support for joints and muscles.
Dog collar/lead: $30 – $80 for a strong, adjustable collar and lead made from leather or reinforced nylon for added durability.
Feeding bowl: $20 – $50 for a ceramic or stainless steel slow-feeder bowl that will help prevent bloating and digestive issues caused by eating too fast.
Dog toothbrush: $10 – $30 for a canine toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste designed to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Dog car harness: $50 – $100 for a crash-tested car harness that will hold your Bull Terrier securely in place while you’re driving.
Puppy treats: $10 – $30 per month for natural treats that can be used for training and rewarding good behaviour.
Puppy training pads: $20 – $50 for disposable or reusable puppy pads, which are essential during the house training phase.
Dog shampoo & conditioner: $15 – $40 for a hypoallergenic shampoo that is kind to the skin and won’t cause any irritation.
Dog nail clippers, brushes & combs: $30 – $60 for a variety of grooming products like rubber mitts, bristle brushes, and nail clippers or grinders.
Bull Terriers are muscular and highly energetic, and an adult Bull Terrier should weigh between 20kg and 38kg, depending on their size and sex. This means they need a nutritious diet and around 500g to 750g of food per day. Following the diets listed below, this could cost a monthly average of $75 – $300.
Keep in mind this is for adult dogs, and feeding a puppy might cost less than this at first. Also, the actual price will vary depending on the food and brand you choose, as well as portion sizes. Speak with your veterinarian for the best advice on what diet your Bull Terrier should follow.
You might think a trip to the vet is only necessary if your Bull Terrier falls ill or has an accident. However, there are routine procedures you’ll need to pay for to keep your Bull Terrier healthy all year round. These include:
Annual vet checkups: $80 – $150 per visit for a wellness check, including looking for early signs of illness or genetic issues.
Vaccinations: $100 – $200 per year for core vaccinations to protect against parvovirus, distemper, and more, as well as annual boosters.
Worming and parasite protection: $10 – $30 per month for regular flea, tick, and worm prevention.
Dental cleaning (every 1-2 years): $300 – $800 depending on the procedure, keeping in mind that Bull Terriers are prone to dental issues.
Pet insurance: $50- $125 per month to help cover unexpected medical expenses, although this will vary depending on the plan and coverage you choose.
Bull Terriers don’t need much brushing as they have short, low-maintenance coats. However, they are prone to skin problems, so regular cleaning of their skin is important, and this is often best done by a professional. Here’s what you can expect to pay across a range of services:
While Bull Terriers are intelligent and loyal, they’re also strong-willed and often stubborn. To keep them under control and prevent destructive behaviour or excessive barking, training is very important, and there are different average costs for different types of training. For example:
Basic obedience training prices: $200 – $500 for a 6-week course where your Bull Terrier will learn commands like sit, recall, leash walking, and impulse control.
Puppy training class prices: $150 – $250 for a 6-week course that covers socialisation, new experiences, and toilet training.
Specialised training prices (i.e. anxiety, aggression): $100 – $250 per session to work on issues like reactive behaviour, separation anxiety and aggressive behaviour towards other dogs and people.
Before you decide a Bull Terrier is the right dog for you, you need to understand that owning one is a long-term commitment with a large annual bill that will span their average 11 – 14 year life span. This includes food, grooming, and vet care that could become even more expensive as they reach later life. So, just make sure you budget properly, and if you’re sure you’re able to cover everything they need, your Bull Terrier will have the best quality of life.
Bull terriers, like other dogs, have a price point that is determined by several factors. Here are some things that could impact how much you pay for this unique breed.
The ownership and breeding of these Bull Terriers are heavily restricted and regulated. Bull Terriers are considered a dangerous breed; thus, finding and purchasing one requires much work.
They are also rare and not very easy to come by. These pups originate from England, where you will find most of them today. It is unlikely that you will find one in a shelter, and getting your hands on one can be challenging.
Bull Terriers have a very different look; their heads are weirdly shaped and sized, and their features are rather unusual. Many people have fallen in love with these dogs due to their odd aesthetic. However, their appearance has also made others more reluctant to purchase them. Not to mention, their intimidating appearance has added to the belief that these dogs are naturally aggressive.
This has given them a spot in the niche aesthetic group, making them much more popular and expensive.
Finding a Bull Terrier can be difficult due to the restrictions on breeding this dog. And because of their rarity, most people will go with the first breeder that offers them. But slow down, be patient and choose wisely because not all breeders are good.
Read on to learn how to choose a good breeder and identify a bad one.
Cares about where the puppy is going. A good breeder will take the time to listen to you, answer your questions about the breed, and ask you details about your background before selling you the puppy. They genuinely care about their pup’s potential owners and forever homes.
Have the necessary documentation. People breeding dogs should have proof of all documentation, like worming treatments, vaccinations, or any health issues the dog might face. They should have documents for the puppies and their parents so they can show you any information if you request it.
Breed their dogs ethically. You want to know that you are buying a healthy breed and only looking at high-quality bull terriers. These will not be bought in puppy mills where there are many different breeds in small cages.
Has a good reputation. Do some research and find further information about the breeder.
Unfortunately, when it comes to breeding bull terriers, there are bad breeders around.
Most scammers or bad breeders seem too good to be true. Buying a dog is expensive, and if the costs seem low, run in the opposite direction! Bad breeders often have dodgy deposits and hidden fees. Genuine sales will be transparent with you.
If they seem ignorant and don’t know much about the breed, do not trust them. Look at their website; if it looks unprofessional rather, avoid them. Bad breeders also take to social media as it is free marketing.
If the Bull Terrier puppies are in cages, it might be a puppy mill, and often, bad breeders won’t let you see the puppies. Major red flags!
The first year of owning a Bull Terrier will be pricey. A lot needs to be done, from vaccinations to training. The first-year expenses can be anything up to $4,590 and then about $1,635 yearly. This totals to $136 a month.
You will need to feed your pup high-quality food and, of course, some treats to let them know they have done a great job. You can expect to pay about $600 per year on average for dog food.
You will need to take your pup for regular checkups, and they will need vaccinations and deworming, de-sexing, tests, and much more. All of this can add up. So, expect to pay an annual fee of about $130 to $600 on vet care.
This cost does not include surgeries, x-rays, or additional fees involved should something go wrong. Due to this, it is vital to get insurance for your pet.
Bull Terriers are low-shedding dogs, and their grooming needs are minimal. They do not need to go to a professional groomer, but you can send them to one occasionally. But general grooming costs can range from $55 to $120, depending on your desired services.
They make excellent pets and companions, and with proper training and socialisation, you’ll have a wonderful and well-rounded pup. The type of dog you want depends on personal preference, but these little guys are lovely and worth it!
Owning a dog can be pricey. It is not only the upfront fee that you need to pay. You also need to feed and care for your pup throughout its life; none is free. It is essential to make yourself aware of all the costs of owning a dog before committing!
Welcome to Pets Online, a team of pet parents, animal lovers and veterinarians devoted to providing you with everything you need to know about pets.