English Bulldogs are one of the most, if not the most, popular and loved dog breeds in the world today.  Some of us fantasize about owning an English Bulldog one day, while others who already own them aren’t entirely sure about the ongoing costs of ownership.  This article will:

• Tell you how much English Bulldogs cost.
• Explain ongoing costs of ownership.
• Estimate costs of any health issues.
• Give you an idea whether or not owning a Bulldog is right for you financially.

The Initial Cost of Purchasing an English Bulldog

It’s tough to put an exact number on the cost of a well-bred bully (tips on finding a good breeder here).  But typically you can expect the cost to average around $1500-$4000.  “Holy cow” you might be saying to yourself, “why is this breed so insanely expensive?

Well, the answer to that is relatively simple.   The primary cost to breeders is from the fact that English Bulldogs must be C-Sectioned from the mother which can cost upwards of $1500.  In conjunction with regular visits to the vet during the mother’s pregnancy, the cost of breeding bulldogs can escalate extremely quickly which in turn results in a higher purchase price for the end-buyer.

Outside of veterinary bills and the cost of the delivery itself, it’s also a matter of basic economics.  I’m talking about supply and demand.  Because English Bulldogs are so extremely popular today (for so many reasons), the price of them naturally rises.  In fact, bulldogs were the most searched breed in Google in 2013.  Additionally, bulldogs have jumped from the 16th to the 5th most registered breed at the American Kennel Club since 2003, further showing their increase in popularity.

Ongoing Costs of Bulldog Ownership

The initial purchase price isn’t the only thing that’s going to take a slight toll on your wallet.  You will also need a multitude of products to keep your bully healthy and happy.  A small list of these products would include:

1. Food ($20-$50/Month)
2. Food/Water Bowls ($10-30)
3. Crate (approx. $120)
4. Toys ($5-30/Month)
5. Puppy Shots (approx. $100)
6. Treats ($10-30/Month)
7. Grooming Supplies (approx. $40)
8. Collars (approx. $40/each)
9. Leashes (approx. $40/each)
10. Harness (approx. $50/each)
11. Dental Products (approx. $10/Month)

Remember, this list is an APPROXIMATION of many of the costs and are not set in stone.  It all depends on the quality of the products you buy.  Clearly, higher quality products will cost you a bit more.  Consider these costs an average, or somewhere in the middle of what you can expect to pay for each item.

So, let’s total this all up.  In monthly costs we would have food, toys, treats, and dental products which would add up to a ballpark estimate of $70/month.

The bowls, crate, puppy shots, grooming supplies, collars, and leashes would cost you ABOUT $400 total. Again, it depends on product quality. Many of these items will have to be replaced for bigger/better versions as your puppy grows (hence the “each” marking next to some of the items). These cost estimates also do not account for any ‘specialty’ items you may want to provide for your pup.

Just let this serve as a reminder that the purchase of a pup isn’t going to be your only cost, and your fiduciary duties will span throughout the pup’s life.

Common Health Issues and Costs to Fix Them

Nobody wants their baby fur ball to get sick or have bodily issues, but when they do, they have associated costs that one must factor into the costs of ownership.

• Hip Dysplasia (HD): According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Bulldogs born between 2006 and 2010 were evaluated 98 times, with 61.2 percent of them showing some form of Dysplasia.  That’s a relatively good chance that your Bulldog will at some point have Hip Dysplasia.  In its worst form, HD will require surgery, which will cost about $5000 depending on the individual surgeon.

• Cherry Eye: Cherry Eye is another health problem often found in puppy bulldogs, and is a genetic disorder that occurs in some Bulldog family lines. The cost to correct this issue varies widely, from $500-$1500 depending on the Vet used, and the procedure they implement.

• Allergies:  Similar to humans, bullies can also be affected by allergies.  Allergy testing for your dog can range anywhere from $100-$500 depending on your vet.  Costs for allergy treatments vary WIDELY depending on the type of allergy your pet is suffering from.  Sometimes changing your dog’s food will do the trick; sometimes the bulldog will need medication.  Talk to your vet for the closest estimate regarding allergy treatment for more accurate, case-by-case information.

• Interdigital cysts: These cysts are commonly found in bulldogs and form in their paws.  Usually, veterinarians will suggest that surgery is the best method for removal which can range anywhere from $250-500.  There are cheaper options, however, these options are recommended to first be discussed with your Vet.

The basic premise of this paragraph is to inform any current or potential bulldog owners that there are health problems that periodically occur in bullies, and when they arise, they have associated costs which one must consider during ownership.  Unfortunately, some of these costs can really put a ding in your wallet, especially if your bully suffers from a severe case of Hip Dysplasia.

Make sure you consider the costs of correcting these issues during ownership prior to purchasing and English Bully.

Is Owning a Bulldog Right For You?

Hopefully this article gave you insight as to whether or not you can financially handle owning a bulldog.  During my ownership, I can say that the breed is worth every penny of your hard earned money.  The joy and happiness they bring cannot be measured in dollars.  But, one must be realistic and responsible before purchasing a bulldog to ensure they have the financial means necessary to properly care for these bundles of joy.

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