American Bulldog Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and More!

American bulldogs have grown steadily in popularity. Throughout the years, more and more people have fallen head over heels for this adorable breed, and who can blame them? American bulldogs are loyal, brave, and above all else, completely devoted to their owners! If you’ve decided to purchase one, allow this article to be your guide. Let’s discuss the price of American bulldogs in 2024 and explore the expenses you might incur during the first year of ownership.

How Much Does an American Bulldog Puppy Cost?

Depending on where you live and the pedigree of the dog, the price of American bulldog puppies fluctuates. You can expect to pay somewhere between $1,500 and $3,000, but prices can climb even higher in certain situations. If you find someone advertising American bulldog puppies well below this price range, it’s usually a red flag that they’re engaging in unethical breeding practices. Although it’s easy to get excited about a good deal, it’s best to avoid these sellers at all costs. We’ll talk more about this later.

These dogs can be pricy, and not everyone can afford to spend thousands on a puppy. Adoption is a more economical option, and many rescues and shelters only charge a nominal fee. If you choose this route, you can expect to pay somewhere between $75 and $300.

Other Factors That Influence Purchase Price

The reputation of the breeder plays an influential role in the overall price of the puppies they offer. Seasoned breeders that have a long history of customer satisfaction usually charge more, and in most cases, it’s very worth it. A health guarantee is usually included in the price, which provides buyers with invaluable peace of mind. This is a promise from the breeder to the buyer that their animals are genetically tested before they begin breeding. This greatly lowers the risk of their puppies inheriting congenital diseases. Because they’re confident in the health of their animals, they’ll offer some form of monetary compensation to buyers if their pet receives a diagnosis covered by the agreement. Unethical breeders might offer very low prices, but the animals may suffer from painful, lifelong conditions. Avoiding them altogether is the best option, as it helps drive them out of business.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses

Some American bulldog breeders may provide your puppy with their first set of shots. However, if they don’t, you can expect to pay around $100 for their initial vaccinations. After you bring your puppy home, it’s important to take them to the vet for a health screening. Even if you buy from a reputable breeder, veterinarians can catch underlying conditions. This visit will cost about $75, and during this time, you can ask your vet to microchip your puppy for an additional $50.

After your puppy matures a bit, owners should make preparations to neuter or spay. If your American bulldog isn’t being used for breeding, this procedure is recommended as it mitigates the risk of developing ovarian and testicular cancers. Depending on where you live and which vet you visit, this operation will cost somewhere between $50 and $250.

Cost of Food and Supplies for American Bulldogs

At maturity, many American bulldogs will weigh somewhere between 60 and 100 pounds. Because of this, this breed will need to have a larger intake of food in order to maintain their muscle and body weight. According to PetMD, dogs of this size should be eating between three and four and a half cups of dry food per day. This means that you’ll have to buy a 40-pound bag of dog food monthly to meet their minimum nutrient requirements. Prices range depending on which brand you choose, but consumers can expect to spend between $30 and $80 per month on kibble. This does not include the cost of wet food or dog treats.

Prescription diets and raw diets are usually more expensive. Because of this, owners who choose to feed their dogs a specialized diet will have to budget even more. In addition, owners should put aside roughly $300 to $400 for supplies. Things like a grooming kit, a collar and leash, food and water bowls, and a crate are essentials for your new puppy.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure an American Bulldog?

Although American bulldogs are a very athletic and strong breed, it’s still important to consider getting pet insurance. This breed is hardy and tough, so they may hide any discomfort. Because of this, owners may not even realize something is wrong until the condition has progressed. Depending on the type of coverage you want and the company you choose to go with, prices will vary. The cheapest options start at just about $20 per month. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

How Much Does Training Cost?

When it comes to intelligent breeds, American bulldogs are simply one of the best. However, they are extremely energetic while they are young, and many have a stubborn streak. Because of this, training might seem like a difficult task. According to the American bulldog Rescue, “It is very important to do lots of obedience training, starting with sitting for a treat when they are less than six months. After six months you can teach them to sit, down, come, and heel on command. A class with an experienced instructor is a great way to do it.”

If you choose to bring your dog to a professional trainer, it can be a pricy experience. Classes are usually between $50 and $75 per session, and professionals recommend enrolling your dog in at least one class weekly for roughly eight months. In addition, it is very important to socialize your American bulldog early on in life. While American bulldogs are perfectly capable of being family animals, they must be trained properly. Typically, they prefer to live in single-dog households with older children. If other pets are in the home, it is recommended that they are of a similar size and opposite gender.

Final Thoughts

American bulldogs have a wealth of wonderful qualities. If you’ve set your heart on bringing one home, you can expect to pay roughly $5,500 during the first year. This includes the cost of the puppy, medical expenses, food and supplies, insurance, and training. Each year that follows will be cheaper, and owners can expect to pay around $1,500. Bulldogs have a long lifespan, so be sure that you’re prepared to financially and emotionally support them for their whole life before committing to welcoming one into your family.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Ksenia Merenkova/Shutterstock.com