Your budget will often play a big part in the dog breed you decide on. Not only will you have to factor in the initial price, but the food and vet bills cost are also worth considering.
This article will look at all the cost factors to consider should you be interested in buying an English Bulldog.
You could expect to pay around $3,000 for a British Bulldog puppy. You might find some slightly cheaper and others considerably more expensive.
Bulldogs are one of the most sought-after breeds, and a Bulldog puppy from a registered breeder can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on factors like lineage, coat colour, and more. The cost of adopting a Bulldog is much lower, with adoption fees typically ranging from $400 to $1,000.
You might find listings for Bulldog puppies even cheaper than this, but these are likely from unregistered breeders. This is something you should avoid, as these breeders may not follow ethical breeding practices, which, in turn, can result in the puppies suffering from severe health issues, genetic defects, and behavioural issues. So, if a Bulldog is the breed you want, make sure you only purchase from a registered breeder or through a shelter.
Buying a Bulldog from a registered breeder in Australia will cost an average of $3,000 and $7,000. We’ll take a look at what determines these prices a little later, but as a quick reference, it’s based on pedigree, lineage, breeder reputation, and even coat colour. A good breeder will also invest in proper healthcare for both the parents and the puppies, which will push the price up higher.
If you’re thinking of adopting a Bulldog, the average adoption fees are between $400 and $1,000 in Australia. However, this fee usually includes vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing, so you’re potentially saving money right away on vet fees, not to mention offering a rescue Bulldog a chance. We should note, though, that Bulldogs aren’t very common in shelters compared to other breeds, but organisations like RSPCA Australia and PetRescue may sometimes have Bulldogs in need of forever homes.
As we touched on above, there are a few factors that affect the price of Bulldogs, whether you buy from a registered breeder or adopt from a shelter. These include:
Breeders with good reputations will stick to best breeding practices, conduct health checks, and socialise their puppies from an early ages to make sure they’re healthy and well-adjusted before they are sold. Naturally, all of this comes with a higher-price tag, as more time, effort, and money goes into them. Similarly, Bulldog puppies from show-winning bloodlines are charged at a higher price and will often reach the $7,000 mark because of their superior genetics.
Bulldogs are prone to certain conditions like cherry eye, hip dysplasia, and brachycephalic syndrome, but responsible breeders will screen their breeding dogs to minimise the risk of passing on any genetic conditions. Puppies that come with health clearances and vet records showing these conditions should be a problem in the future are usually priced higher.
Puppies aged between 8-12 weeks old are the most in demand, which usually means they’re the most expensive. The older the Bulldog gets, the lower the price becomes, and those from rescue organisations tend to have the lower prices of all. However, you should be aware that older Bulldogs often have health issues, so while the initial purchase price may be cheaper, their ongoing medical care needs can add up.
Bulldogs come in a variety of coat colours, and puppies with rare coat colours like blue, lilac, and chocolate are typically the most expensive as they are the most in demand.
So, that’s the initial price of either buying or adopting a Bulldog. But there are other expenses to keep in mind that your dog will need for their comfort and wellbeing. These include:
Dog crate: $150 – $350 for a large, sturdy, well-ventilated crate suitable for Bulldogs.
Dog bed: $100 – $250 for a high-quality, orthopaedic bed that can support a Bulldog’s joints and muscles.
Dog collar/lead: $30 – $70 for a durable, adjustable set designed for a Bulldog’s thick neck.
Feeding bowl: $20 – $60 for a non-slip, slow-feeder bowl designed to prevent bloat and indigestion.
Dog toothbrush: $10 – $30 for a toothbrush and toothpaste set that will maintain dental health and prevent gum disease.
Dog car harness: $50 – $120 for a Bulldog-sized, crash-tested car harness that will keep them secure in the car.
Puppy treats: $15 – $40 per month for natural, grain-free treats that can be used for training and rewards.
Puppy training pads: $25 – $50 to assist with house training in the early weeks.
Dog shampoo & conditioner: $25 – $50 for hypoallergenic products suitable for a Bulldog’s sensitive skin.
Dog nail clippers, brushes & combs: $30 – $80 for grooming tools to maintain their coat and nails.
Bulldogs are muscular, and a healthy adult should weigh between 20kg and 30kg, depending on their sex. To maintain their muscle mass and overall health, they need to eat 400g – 500g per day, which can cost anywhere from $90 to $360 each month, depending on the diet you choose for them.
The actual costs will vary quite dramatically based on what diet they have, the brand of food, the ingredients used, and the recommended portion size. It’s best to speak to your vet for food advice, who will help you choose a diet best suited for your Bulldog and recommend the correct portions.
Because Bulldogs are susceptible to certain genetic conditions, routine vet care is important to identify any issues. However, there is also other preventative care needed all year round, so you’ll need to factor these into your ongoing costs. To give you a better idea of these, here are some averages:
Annual vet checkups: $90 – $180 per visit to identify early signs of health problems like obesity, joint pain, and breathing difficulties.
Vaccinations: $120 – $250 per year to vaccinate against parvovirus, distemper, and hepatitis, as well as optional vaccines like kennel cough and leptospirosis.
Worming and parasite protection: $15 – $40 per month to prevent fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites.
Dental cleaning (every 1-2 years): $350 – $800 per session, to remove plaque build up and check for signs of dental disease caused by a Bulldog’s crowded teeth and undershot jaw.
Pet insurance: $60 – $150 per month to cover emergency treatments, surgeries, treatment for chronic conditions like Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, and more.
Bulldogs have short, smooth coats, which means they don’t need brushing as often as long-haired breeds. However, regular grooming is still needed, particularly skin fold cleaning and ear cleaning, to prevent infections. You can keep on top of this a bit at home, but deeper, professional cleaning is recommended every 4-6 weeks. Here’s what you can expect to pay for these services:
English Bulldogs are affectionate and intelligent, but they also have a stubborn streak, and without proper training, they can develop bad habits such as pulling on the lead or excessive barking. So, you’ll need to factor the cost of training into your budget using these averages:
Basic obedience training prices: $200 – $500 for a 6-week course focused on teaching basic commands, recall, and lead walking.
Puppy training class prices: $150 – $300 for a 6-week course based around socialisation, house training, crate training, and rough play.
Specialised training prices (i.e. anxiety, aggression): $100 – $250 per session to manage things like destructive chewing, separation anxiety, and aggression.
Owning a Bulldog is a long-term financial commitment, and with an average lifespan of 8 – 10 years, you’ll need to feel confident with footing the bill for food, vet care, grooming, and a host of other costs for a long time. Keep in mind, also, that Bulldogs often have specialised care needs, but as long as you’re prepared for the financial and time commitments, they’re a loyal companion who will make a great addition to your home.
There will never be a set price for different dog breeds because too many factors help to dictate different prices. Here are some of the most common.
Finding a reputable breeder is vital when buying any dog, especially if you are interested in Bulldogs. With so many health complications associated with the breed, you must go to a breeder who comes recommended.
You can check the documentation for health tests the puppy and its parents have undergone. This will help to minimise the risk of hereditary conditions.
The colour of the Bulldog you choose can also influence its price. Common colours won’t fetch as high a price tag as exceedingly rare colours like the merle-coloured Bulldog.
Your dog’s bloodline will help determine its size, colouring, and temperament. Award-winning dogs bred will produce a litter of puppies that will command a greater fee. Tracing the bloodline back and proving it is a purebred breed is important for many dog owners.
Getting evidence of vaccinations, worming treatments, health checks, and if the dog is microchipped also shows a level of care that the breeder has shown and reduces the things you will have to pay for after receiving the puppy.
Choosing a breeder can be challenging, especially if you don’t have experience. Here are some of the best tips for finding the best Bulldog breeder.
In some walks of life, it is best to make up your mind about people as they can sometimes be given an unfair reputation. When it comes to breeding dogs, you should always try to find out the reputation of potential breeders from people in the community.
Ensure you see the documentation for the puppy you are interested in that shows the vaccinations it has had, the health checks, and documentation for the parent dogs. You might also want to check the documentation if the breeder claims to be a breed club member.
Sometimes you can see the parents of the puppy you are interested in. This will give you a better idea of how the puppy will turn out.
The first thing to know is that dogs are sensitive, living creatures. They should not be treated like you are shopping for clothes or groceries. However, some breeders might have a return policy if the dog has health or developmental issues.
The cost of a Bulldog doesn’t end with paying for it. Here are some other expenses that need to be considered.
Your Bulldog will need a well-balanced diet. High-quality, nutritious dog food is essential for your dog’s development and will promote good health and ensure a smooth coat. Within a year, food can cost you between $700 to$1000 dollars a more.
Bulldogs can suffer from many health issues, including skin infections, hip dysplasia, food allergies, breathing difficulties resulting from their short face, and many more. This can result in higher pet insurance prices and vet bills than other dogs.
The short coat of a Bulldog means it does not need much grooming. Regular brushing, bathing, and cleaning of the skin folds to avoid skin irritation are essential. They shed to adjust their coat for cold weather in the winter and warm weather in the summer. They might struggle with hot weather, and heat exhaustion is a threat. Vet care can cost you anywhere from $100 for a basic consultation to over $5000 for any health complications that may arise.
While Bulldogs are expensive, have a typically short life expectancy, and can suffer from health problems, they are still a popular breed because of their great personalities and temperament.
A Bulldog will make an affectionate and loyal new family member. They can get on well with kids and other pets and cats, but training will be required. Training can be challenging because of its stubborn nature.
As well as being great for families, Bulldogs can make an excellent guard dog. They aren’t known for being particularly active dogs compared to other breeds, so it might be better for people who aren’t looking for dogs to join them on hikes.
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