There are no if, ands, or buts about it. Adopting a bulldog puppy is expensive but very rewarding. When looking into getting a bulldog there are many factors that contribute to the overall price of purchasing a bulldog.
What is the cost of a bulldog? The average cost can range anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 dollars for a bulldog. These costs are associated with the breeder expenses to breed, birth, and raise a healthy litter of pups. The bulldog type and quality of the bulldog will play a significant factor in the asking price as well. A healthy, good pedigreed bulldog will cost more but will be the best choice when adopting a new family pet.
There are many ways to find and purchase a bulldog puppy, but some ways may not be the best, or promote the breed. We will help you know when you are talking to a responsible and reputable breeder and when you are not. We will first go through the cost of a Bulldog by breed, and discuss why bulldogs cost so stinkin’ much.
Cost of a Bulldog by Breed
Since there are a few different types of bulldogs, and the average cost of a bulldog is a little different for each breed, let’s go through the average cost of a bulldog by breed first. These are just averages, we will discuss real life examples later in the article. Prices range by breeder, if the dog is show quality, and comes from a show winning bloodline.
- The English Bulldog is the most expensive of the bulldog breeds, ranging from $1,500 to $4,000, although it is rare to find a bulldog puppy at the lower end of that price range.
- French Bulldogs cost between $1,500-$3,000 depending on coloring, and pedigree.
- The price of an Olde English Bulldog can run $1,800 to $2,500.
- The Boxer, although not a true bulldog it shares some similar ancestry bloodlines as the bulldog breed. Boxers are the least expensive of the bulldog breed and can cost about $700-1,500.
| Bulldog Breed | Average Cost |
| English Bulldog | $1500 – $4000 |
| French Bulldog | $1500 – $3000 |
| Olde English Bulldog | $1800 – $2500 |
| Boxer | $700 – $1500 |
Breeding Costs
Breeders will inevitably rake up huge costs to reproduce a bulldog, which is the main reason the cost of a Bulldog is so high. The bulldog is often bred through artificial insemination. Not only that, ninety percent of the time, bulldogs must be born via C-Section, which can bring in a vet bill of more than $2,000.00 alone. Because of the shape of bulldogs, with their large heads and wide bodies, it is almost impossible for a bulldog to mate and birth naturally. The average litter of bulldog puppies is four. The cost of breeding a litter of bulldogs can add up quickly, and of course, you’ll be paying for that when you purchase a puppy.
Going back to the C-Sections. Like I said, bulldogs must be born C-Section 90% of the time. The most obvious reason is the shape of the bulldog’s body. The shape of the bulldog just simply won’t pass through the birth canal naturally. Since bulldogs have poor health and not much stamina, the physical exertion to go through labor is too hard on the bulldog mother.
Then let’s talk economics. Bulldogs have been rising in popularity since the late 90’s. Bulldog breeders have been busy, and as long as there is a high demand, the cost of a bulldog will continue to be high.
Breeder’s Time
The breeder will have to spend several hours a day helping the mother and the bulldog puppies after they are born. Many times, they must be hand fed, or need help learning to nurse from the mother. Bulldog mothers are also clumsy, and unaware. They can sit down on their puppy with out realizing it and the puppy must be rescued. New bulldog litters need assistance for the first several days after the puppies are born, which the breeder will want compensation for.
Other Costs for Breeders
It’s no secret that bulldogs have many, many health problems including: hip dysplasia, cherry eye, and allergies to name a few. Breeders keep track of all the health problems in pedigree charts. They should be able to tell you about any health problems on your puppies’ pedigree, if there are any. Responsible breeders care about promoting and furthering the breed, and creating healthy puppies. They do their best to select the best dogs for breeding, who are free from genetic illnesses.
This is at a cost to the breeder, but will be well worth your money when you have a puppy who is free from heartbreaking illnesses, and may save you money big time in the long run as well. You won’t have on-going veterinary bills and surgeries to correct the medical issues if the breeder has done their due diligence to select healthy dogs to promote the bulldog breed. This all contributes to the cost of a Bulldog.
The breeder should also register a new littler with the American Kennel Club. The American Kennel Club is a registry of pure-bred dogs. When a dog is registered with the American Kennel Club, the dog is eligible to participate in all American Kennel Club competitions. The competitions include obedience, and agility, and dog shows. Your purpose in buying a dog may not be to enter dog competitions, but it is still in the breeder’s best interest to register the puppy. It shows that they are trying to breed the best quality of bulldogs, they aren’t mixing breeds, and they care about the bulldog’s pedigree. If a dog that they breed places at a dog show, they can then charge more for their puppies and services.
Then there is the cost of the first veterinary visit and immunizations. These costs will all come back to you and add to the cost of a Bulldog, but hey, at least it is taken care of! If you plan on adopting a bulldog puppy, the price the breeder charges is a complete reflection of the time, health tests, and other resources they used to breed a healthy puppy. In the case of the bulldog puppy, you get what you pay for.
Show Quality Dogs
As mentioned before, if the breeder has produced show quality dogs, and better yet, dogs that have won “Best in Show” at kennel clubs, then you can bet, the cost of a Bulldog will be higher. If the puppy comes from a pedigree of show winners, then you know it’ll be EVEN more. Show quality dogs don’t come cheap, especially bulldogs with their unique anatomy and birthing circumstances.
How do you know if your dog is show quality? The American Kennel Club and the Bulldog Club of America have already outlined what they look for in show quality dogs. Their list of physical attributes is incredibly long, (Almost 3 ½ pages!) including everything from where their eyes, ears, and nose should be placed.
The coloring and markings are very specific too. The automatic disqualifications include, “Blue or green eyes or parti-colored eyes. Brown or liver-colored nose. Colors or markings not defined in the standard. The merle pattern.” Dog’s that do not meet the basic standards of the American Kennel Club will be less expensive than the dogs that do fit the standard. I personally think that dogs with blue or green eyes are beautiful and would jump at the chance to own one. But I also do not plan to enter any dog I own into a competition.
It is in your best interest to purchase a dog registered with the American Kennel Club, if you are in the USA. Other dog registries do not have do not have the same high standards as the American Kennel Club. They allow mixed breeds, or don’t require and track pedigrees. You can guarantee you are getting a high-quality bulldog puppy if it is registered with the American Kennel Club.
Working with Breeders
Finding a good breeder isn’t hard. There is a registry with the Bulldog Club of America. Many breeders will want you to fill out an application with a non-refundable deposit, which can usually run around $300-$500. This deposit will be applied to the final cost of the puppy. When you fill out the application and pay the deposit, the breeder will know you are serious and interested in a puppy.
Bulldogs are a very popular breed. Breeders need to be sure to weed out the wishy-washy buyers early. However, the breeder will be there for you to answer any questions. They will be your best advocate for your bulldog, even years down the road. The breeder’s best interest is to promote the breed. They will be there to help you when health problems arise, and they will want to know that information, so they can keep track of pedigree and breed lines.
Why You Should Not Buy Cheap Bulldogs
When you see a bulldog puppy for sale and the cost of a Bulldog is less than $1,500, you have two options:
Option 1 – You can run the other way or…
Option 2 – You can have mercy on the puppy and add it to your family.
I say have mercy because these puppies will most likely be plagued with many health issues that will show up later in their life.
Cheap bulldogs come from “puppy mills” who have no interest in promoting the breed or selecting and selecting the best dogs for breeding. They are only interested in making a profit. You will be able to spot a puppy mill or a non-reputable breeder easily. The company will not have any pedigree, the puppy will not be registered with the American Kennel Club, or the dog may be a mixed breed. There is nothing wrong at all with a mixed breed, you just really want to know what you’re getting.
If you are saving up for the perfect bull dog, then wait and be patient, and the perfect addition to your family will come along. Don’t impulse buy a bulldog, or any dog for that matter. Know what you are getting into, and make sure you are buying the best option for your family.
My next quick tip is to not buy a bulldog from a pet store. Most of the dogs sold at pet stores have come from a puppy mill, and the pet store can mark up the price almost $1,500. You’ll know if the puppy came from a puppy mill because they will not be able to provide a pedigree to you.
California’s Ban on Puppy Mills
California passed a bill late in 2018, that banned the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits that are not from shelters or agencies. Pet stores cannot sell dogs, cats, or rabbits unless they came from an agency or shelter. California is the first state to pass this sort of law. The law states that pet stores can only sell animals acquired from “a public animal control agency or shelter, society for the prevention of cruelty to animal shelter, humane society shelter, or rescue group.” This was in an effort to prevent mass breeding from puppy mills and animal cruelty. This will ensure responsible ownership and responsible breeding. Although this may make the cost of a Bulldog raise, it is in the best interest of promoting the breed.
Adoption and Rescues
Yes, there is always the rescue route, and these dogs come steeply discounted, with reason. The cheaper the dog, the more health problems the dog will most likely have. There are plenty of bulldog rescues all over the country. You can find a list of bulldog rescues on the Bulldog Club of America webpage.
Many of these dogs have been abused and abandoned and will come to you with their guard up. It will take time for rescue dogs to adjust to their new home and you will have to be gentle yet vigilant at teaching the bulldog the rules of their new home. Not only that but you will have to be extra loving and affectionate towards the bulldog the first few weeks in your home to teach them that this is a safe and loving place. Once you have proven yourself to them, they will be just as loving and affectionate as any dog, possibly even more so than if you brought home a puppy straight from the breeder. They may also be more aggressive to strangers and harder to train. With the right kind of love, these dogs will thrive.
These dogs are so deserving of love and a good and have been through in their short life. They need you just as any dog would. If you plan on adopting a bulldog from a rescue group, you must be prepared for the ongoing health issues the bulldog most likely has. Not only will you have to be monetarily prepared, you will have to spend your time giving extra care and attention to your bulldog each day.
Cost of a Bulldog – Real Life Examples
The cost of a Bulldog can vary, lets discuss some real-life examples. We discussed how much time and extra costs bulldog breeders have, and the quality of dogs they produce. Of course, dogs bred by a reputable breeder will cost more. If the dog is show quality, then the breeder can and will charge more. If the dog comes from a lineage of show winners, then of course, the breeder will notch up the price again.
Then there are the rescue bulldogs. These are a bit cheaper, and will be less expensive with age and health issues. Be sure to read our article on Bulldogs as Pets if you are still deciding if a bulldog is right for you.
Cost of a Bulldog Puppy from Breeders
Let’s walk through some examples so you know what to expect when looking for a bulldog. I am not listing the breeders I am referring to, nor links to the particular puppies as they will most likely no longer be available. I have found all these breeders and listings on the American Kennel Club Marketplace website.
Health Guarantee
You will see a lot of listings that make mention of a “Health Guarantee” so let’s talk briefly about what you can expect. Many breeders will make a health guarantee for a limited amount of time. Should any medical conditions come up, you could return that puppy for a refund. Many people will have already fallen in love with the and wouldn’t return them anyways.
A health guarantee is a pretty standard in dog breeding. Breeders should have some more “fine print” with their health guarantee. As a buyer, consider the health guarantee for what it entails. As a buyer, you should be more concerned about finding a breeder who is health testing their dogs, knows each puppy’s pedigree, and can speak about the medical risks with the bulldog breed. Search for a breeder who is taking measures to limit the risk of passing on genetic diseases associated with the bulldog breed. In other words, the breeder’s best interest should be promoting the breed, not just making money. You should be most interested in purchasing a healthy puppy, not just getting your money back if the dog becomes ill.
The breeder should never imply that your new puppy will never get sick. If they do, you should begin looking for a new breeder.
Cost of an English Bulldog
Our first couple examples come from a breeder out of McKinney, TX. This breeder has been in the breeding business for over 10 years and is a well respected and reputable breeder in the bulldog community.
- American Kennel Club registered, up to date on all vaccinations, 1 year health guarantee. A minimum deposit of $500.00. Female English bulldog puppy, with coloring and patterns approved by the American Kennel Club. $4,500.00.
- American Kennel Club registered, up to date on all vaccinations, 1 year health guarantee. A minimum deposit of $500.00. Male English Bulldog puppy, show quality, with a lineage of show winners. $10,000.
My advice is if you are just looking for a bulldog puppy, and you aren’t interested in shows, save these more expensive puppies for those interested in competing. You can find a great dog, bred to have minimal health problems for much less.
- Here is good example of what you can expect for a well-priced bulldog. This breeder has been in business for over 15 years, and has pedigrees for his puppies that go back 4 generations. The dam of this particular puppy is an American Kennel Club champion and has 6 health clearances. The sire has just earned this first American Kennel Club points, but is two you to have had health clearances. The entire pedigree includes 12 American Kennel Club champions. The puppy comes with a health guarantee and is up to date on vaccinations and veterinary checks. This particular available puppy is female, 14 weeks old. The breeder has listed the puppy at $3,500.00. This looks like the perfect price to me. This puppy has a clear pedigree and is still cheaper than the puppies listed above. Do your research to be sure you are getting a good price!
Cost of a French Bulldog
French bulldogs usually run a few hundred dollars less than English Bulldogs. These next examples come from a breeder in Maryland with out a pedigree of show winners.
- American Kennel Club registered, Female, 11 weeks old. Up to date on all vaccinations, potty trained, coloring and markings not to American Kennel Club standards. $700.00
- This same breeder has several male bulldog puppies available. All 10-11 weeks old, up to date on all vaccinations, potty trained, but body shape and markings not up to American Kennel Club standards. They are all listed for $600.00.
Some of these puppies have blue eyes which is an automatic disqualification for show dogs. However, eye colors and marking shouldn’t dieter someone from buying these puppies. Most people aren’t interested in shows and using their personal dogs to breed anyways, and I personally love blue puppy eyes and would jump at the chance to bring one home. The fact that these puppies are so inexpensive sends up a red flag to me. I am wondering about their health screening and pedigree. If you see bulldogs listed at a seemingly discounted price, inquire about health and pedigree from the breeder if you are seriously interested in a puppy.
- Here is a good example of a good dog at the right price. Male French bulldog, 9 weeks old, up to date on all vaccinations, health screening done on sire and dam, health guarantee, a written bill of responsibility for buyer and seller, puppy can be returned if buyer cannot keep the puppy. Puppy register with the American Kennel Club. Microchipped. Pedigree available. This puppy is for sale for $3,500.
I am seeing all the right things here. A pedigree, health screenings, and registered. You know you are working with a reputable breeder and you will be getting what you pay for.
Cost of a Bulldog – Boxers
Boxers tend to be the least expensive of the breed. They have less health problems, and tend to be easier to breed than the other bulldog breeds.
- A new litter of puppies, 2 males and 1 female. All puppies are American Kennel Club registered, they have received their first shots, de-wormed, and will receive a well puppy check up before they go to their new homes. Dew claws removed, and tails docked. Comes with a health guarantee. All these puppies are listed for $2,000.00 with a deposit.
- This little of puppies come from a small family business in Idaho. The puppies are registered with the American Kennel Club, and come from a bloodline of American Kennel Club champions. Come with the first round of vaccinations and deworming, health guarantee and health screenings available. The puppies are about 7 weeks old, 3 males and 4 females, each $900.00. This seems like a completely appropriate price for a Boxer.
- Here is our last example. A puppy out of Alabama. 5 males, that are 3 weeks old. Not quite ready for a new home, but will be soon. As with the other puppies, they are vaccinated, de-warmed, and a health check from a veterinarian prior to going home. Each puppy is listed at $1,200.00.
Cost of a Bulldog from a Rescue
Rescuing a bulldog will be a bit cheaper, but may come at big cost in the long run. First, you are most likely purchasing an older dog, and will not be able to spend as many years with them. Second, they all come with health conditions. Often these puppies are either abused and abandoned. If they aren’t abused before becoming abandoned, they’ve been abandoned because the previous owner could no longer afford the properly take care of health conditions.
The great part about rescuing a bulldog is that you get some insight on their personality before bringing them home.
Here are just a few examples of the cost of a bulldog from a rescue.
- Neutered, male English Bulldog. Male, 7-8 years old. This dog has been through several homes already. House and crate trained, likes car rides, and knows basic commands. Loves walks, and playing, and is very friendly. This dog has alopecia on his chest. Currently on antibiotics for skin and will probably never have skin re-grow on his chest. He has dry eyes and requires a life long medication twice-daily. The Adoption Fee for this cute bully is $400.00 and includes 6 months of flea and heartworm predications. He is microchipped and current on vaccines.
- A male bulldog 4-5 years old. Nurtured, microchipped, and current on vaccines. He timed out of a shelter and was relocated to a rescue before he was put to sleep, so the price on this bully is a little less since he desperately needs a new home. This bulldog is in good health, loves toys, and well mannered. He often carries a toy in his mouth and will carry his water dish if nothing else is available. $250.00.
- French Bulldog $350.00. This Frenchie has allergies, so she required a specific diet and takes daily supplements and prescription medication to help with her manage her allergies. Suffers from separation anxiety and needs plenty of exercise to help her with her anxious energy. Very territorial and must be managed to avoid fights with other dogs.
Conclusion
You’ve saved up your money and are ready to bring a new bulldog family member home. Now don’t buy a bulldog on a whim but follow these simple steps.
- Take your time to perform due diligence while looking for a responsible breeder.
- Have a money deposit ready to put down on your bulldog.
- Request the breeder show you health checks and pedigrees of your new bulldog puppy, helping you select a healthy one.
- Expect the average cost of a bulldog will range from $1,500-$4,000
Buying a bulldog from a reputable breeder can be very expensive but worth the cost for a healthy dog. But if you are fine with possibly getting a bulldog with a poor medical history, maybe a pet rescue group may be more suited to your pocketbook. Don’t be afraid to check out rescues. Just be prepared for the health costs, as many of these puppies are on lifelong prescriptions or require special diets.
Although the cost of a Bulldog can be high, you’ll enjoy a lifetime (or a solid 10-12 years) of companionship, and a family member that you really cannot put a price tag on.
