How Much Are English Bulldogs? And Why Is The Cost So High?
Why are some dog breeds more expensive than others?
In the case of the English bulldog, the high cost associated with this breed goes beyond the price of a puppy bought from a breeder.
Anyone considering an English bulldog should be aware of the significant costs that go into raising and caring for this dog, mostly because of the health problems common to this iconic breed.
We’ll take a realistic look at all the expenses an English bulldog owner can expect to see—from the price of a puppy to the costs of both routine and specialized veterinary care.
Up first, how much are English bulldog puppies?
How Much Are English Bulldogs?
English bulldog puppies price ranges vary considerably, depending on where the puppy comes from. English bulldog puppies 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 purebred English bulldog price is high for several reasons. Let’s look at the most important now.
The cost of breeding English bulldogs is substantial for breeders.
Why?
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.
Your breeder will be incurring considerable veterinary expenses to produce just one litter of puppies.
Another significant expense for reputable breeders is genetic testing.
Because English bulldogs are prone to several serious inherited health problems, responsible breeders will health test their breeding stock for multiple health conditions.
There are recommended and optional 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.
Sadly, this long list of health problems associated with the English Bulldog means that potential owners need to think very carefully about whether they can afford to care for an English bulldog over the dog’s lifetime.
Average Cost of English Bulldog Health Care
Just how expensive are English bulldogs? 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.
Under the category of routine veterinary care, bulldog owners tend to pay more than owners of other breeds for health problems such as dental disease, skin infections, obesity and eye infections.
Other more serious health problems can involve veterinary surgery or urgent/critical care costing many thousands of dollars.
Problems that often require surgery include bone and joint disease such as hip and elbow dysplasia, deformities of the spine, urinary blockages due to bladder or kidney stones, 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
With so many potential health problems associated with the breed, should English bulldog owners consider getting pet health insurance?
The most important thing to remember when shopping for pet health insurance is to read the fine print about what conditions the policy does and does not cover.
English bulldog owners should be especially careful when picking health insurance because the breed is prone to several inherited problems and is considered to be generally unhealthy by many experts.
A review of popular pet health insurance plans by Consumer Reports found that coverage for purebred dogs tends to cost more than for non-purebred dogs.
More importantly, they found that most of the policies exclude preexisting conditions, and some exclude (or charge more for) breed-specific conditions.
The cost of English bulldog health insurance can vary quite a bit, depending on the coverage you choose.
The price range for plans starts at around $60 per month and can go as high as $130 per month.
One more tip if you decide to purchase pet health insurance: Be aware that most plans require that you pay your vet bill up front and then they will reimburse you later.
How much are English Bulldogs to feed?
Besides the initial cost of your puppy, ongoing veterinary care and health insurance, you should also factor in other costs such as medications, grooming, boarding/pet sitting and dog food.
A chronic health condition may mean that your English bulldog will need to be on long-term prescription medications.
A dog with health problems such as brachycephalic syndrome may also need expert in-home or boarding care when you’re away, which can be expensive.
What about pet food? Breathing and dental problems caused by the brachycephalic facial structure often require special food created for your dog’s needs.
Your vet may recommend 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.
How Much are English Bulldogs?
English Bulldogs are expensive. They cost a lot of buy and even more to keep. They incur expensive vet bills and need specialist food.
We hope this guide to the costs of acquiring and caring for an English bulldog will help you make an informed decision about whether the English bulldog is the right dog breed for you.
Remember that your dog will depend on you for a lifetime of care, so it’s good to be prepared before you open your heart to any canine companion.
Related Articles
References and Further Reading:
- Bulldog, Canine Health Information Center
- English Bulldog, Prestige Animal Hospital
- Wydooghe, E., Berghmans, E., Rijsselaere, T., et al., 2013, “International Breeder Inquiry into the Reproduction of the English Bulldog,” Vlaams Diergeneeskundig Tijdschrift
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