How Much Are English Bulldogs? And Why Is The Cost So High?
English Bulldogs are expensive, often costing up to $4,000 to buy from a breeder. They cost a lot to bring home, but even more to raise. A typically unhealthy breed, they quickly rack up the veterinary bills and eat pricey specialist food. Today I’ll share why Bulldogs cost so much more than other puppies, and what you’ll need to budget to care for them through a lifetime together.
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How Much Are English Bulldogs?
English bulldog puppies price ranges vary considerably, depending on where the puppy comes from. Those from small-scale breeders are likely to cost between $1,500 and $4,000. But the price of owning one is much more, due to their poor health and vet costs.
If you see an English bulldog puppy priced below $1,500, beware. This is an expensive dog to breed for a variety of reasons.
Cheap English bulldogs in pet stores or sold via online ads likely come from disreputable breeders or even large for-profit breeding operations known as puppy mills.
The price can vary depending on factors such as the breeder’s reputation and geographic location, and if the puppy is show quality or pet quality.
Why Is the English Bulldog Price So High?
The cost of breeding English bulldogs is substantial for breeders.
The head and body structure of the breed makes it difficult for most English bulldogs to mate and give birth naturally. This means that a majority of English bulldogs are bred using artificial insemination and birthed via Caesarean section.
Another significant expense for reputable breeders is health clearances. Genetic tests for inherited health conditions such as luxating patella, hip and elbow dysplasia, congenital heart disease, tracheal hypoplasia, congenital deafness, eye problems and autoimmune thyroiditis all add up.
Average Cost of English Bulldog Health Care
New owners should factor in the costs of both routine and specialized veterinary care. The extremely flat muzzle and undershot jaw of the breed (a condition known as brachycephaly) means that even routine care such as dental work can be costlier than average.
Skin infections, obesity and eye infections are common issues that need specialist help, costing thousands of dollars over the years.
Problems that often require surgery include bone and joint disease such as hip and elbow dysplasia. They can also have spinal deformation, urinary blockages and heart disease.
Respiratory distress, heat stroke and exercise-induced collapse caused by brachycephaly can require emergency treatment to save your dog’s life.
English Bulldog Insurance
The most important thing to remember when shopping for pet health insurance is to read the fine print. Be clear what conditions the policy does and does not cover.
Coverage for purebred dogs tends to cost more than for other dogs. More importantly, they found that most of the policies exclude preexisting conditions. Some exclude or charge more for breed-specific conditions too.
The price range for plans starts at around $60 per month and can go as high as $130 per month. Be aware that most plans require that you pay your vet bill up front. Then they will reimburse you later.
You’ll also find that a lot of insurers will not take on English Bulldog puppies, as they have too high a risk of needing to pay out above and beyond your premium.
Specialist Foods Cost More
Breathing and dental problems caused by the brachycephalic facial structure often require special food created for your dog’s needs. A dry food that is easy to pick up and chew, or a wet food that makes chewing and swallowing even easier.
A 30-pound bag of quality dry food created for English bulldogs can cost around $60. While a breed-specific food may not be necessary, you may have to purchase food for other issues such as sensitive stomach or weight control.
Your Monthly Budget
A chronic health condition may mean that your English bulldog will need to be on long-term prescription medications. They may also need expert in-home or boarding care when you’re away, which can be expensive. You’ll need ramps to help them get into the car or even your home
Romeo Aduamah says
I won to have bulldog
Daniel says
I am looking for a bull dig puppy in the tombst one AZ area. Do you have any recommendations?
Malissa Van Zee says
I’m considering getting an English Bulldog the 1st of the year after I get moved to Dallas, TX in the next few weeks. How do I find a reputable breeder in that area?
Randy says
If you properly take care of your English bulldog it will do away with alot of costly vet Bill’s. Most people who have spent alot of money on vet visits dont take very good care of there bulldog.
Paul says
I fully agree with that. I have had my English Bulldog for 2 years and he still gets a clean bill of health when brought in for his check ups. No problems what so ever.
Keshav says
Like puppy
debra beard says
I would love to have a English bull puppy
Scott Rae says
I would love to be a vet who specializes in British bulldogs.
Jose Lopez says
I just got one and was worried, thanks for the comment. Ill be sure to take good care of her
Sharon French says
Thank you for a well informed essay. I have had many bulldogs…and problems….wonderful family pets, but genetic disasters….I decided years ago…never again, and have been happy with rescued (I was rescued)….mixed breeds.
Shelters often have bulldogs, so if you must have one, try there.
Lourdes Tanglao Maligat says
i looking for a Labrador pet
Siddhesh Raykar says
I want a bull dog puppie
Anil says
I want a bulldog puppy
Rod Brown says
Where are reputable locations to purchase English Bulldogs.
Dee says
I have 2 bulldog boys ages 1 and 4.Other than routine vaccines we have had no real problems.If you get your baby from a reputable breeder and take care of them properly,you can avoid high vet bills.They are still costly on quality food and of course being spoiled and having more toys than my skin child did!LOL…That being said both my boys have Healthy Paws insurance and 1 of my boys has had entropian eye surgery.(I paid only a 250.00 deductible for)All that aside if you can afford the breed you will never look at another.They are the most human acting dog you will ever meet.
Rod says
Where did you get your bulldogs ?
Tiffany says
Hi, we’ve recently brought a English bulldog puppy and didn’t realize that my daughter is allergic to the puppy. We’re currently looking for a new home for our puppy. Let me know if you’re interested or looking for one. We can chat further.
kiera says
I am interested do you still have him?
Phil says
we are interested in the puppy if you still have him
Jack Ingram says
I really wanted an English Bulldog but thanks to this article I realize I couldn’t afford to own one. Thank you for the information.
I just put down a dear pet of 17 years who had diabetes for his last 7 years of life. I know how expensive that was and you will do whatever it takes for them. You saved me from a bad mistake.
Chris says
I just put my bulldog down three weeks ago and it still breaks my heart, not to mention the $12K i put into his health the past two years. But I loved that dog and breed so much I would do it again. I have had dogs in my life for 30 years and the love for my Bulldog was like no other. If you take care of them early you can avoid costly Vet bills later
Joe says
How old was he if I may ask? Sorry to hear about the little guy, sure he lived a great life