How Much Does an American Bulldog Cost? (2024 Updated)

There is no simple, straightforward answer as to how much American Bulldog costs, as there are many factors that can affect their final price tag.

You need to consider all kinds of things — everything from whether or not you are buying from a breeder or a shelter to the age, gender, color, bloodline, and registration of the specific American Bulldog in question.

In this American Bulldog price guide, all of those variables are discussed. This way, you’ll know what you’re up against when it comes to putting down your hard-earned cash for an American Bulldog puppy. Read on!

How Much Does an American Bulldog Puppy Cost?

If you wish to own an American Bulldog puppy, be prepared to spend anywhere between $1,200 and $8,000. This price range is influenced by factors such as the breeders’ reputation and location, as well as the quality, registration status, and pedigree of the pup itself.

Being one of the more popular types of Bulldog breeds, it is worth noting that American Bulldog puppies from reputable breeders can be quite expensive. However, they are still preferable to those bought from puppy mills and pet stores.

Not only are they guaranteed to be healthy and happy when they arrive at your doorstep, but they will also come with a full set of vaccinations, microchipping, and all their necessary paperwork.

Meanwhile, the following table shows the difference in price between American Bulldog puppies, depending on the purpose for which they are purchased:

Although it’s easy to get confused with the different types of American Bulldogs that you can get from trustworthy breeders, they all have one thing in common: they are American Kennel Club (AKC)-registered pups.

Sadly, As a responsible breeder myself, I have seen how backyard breeders and puppy mills have ridden on the popularity of the American Bulldog to breed them in bulk without the proper care and regard for the health and temperament of the puppies they raise.

Hence, be sure to do your research before committing to a breeder, as dishonest sources may sell you ill-bred puppies at tempting prices or with fake papers.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an American Bulldog From a Shelter?

There is no doubt that adopting an American Bulldog from a shelter is way more cost-effective than buying from a breeder. Doing so costs around $200 to $800, which is significantly less than what most breeders charge.

To add to that, adopting an American Bulldog comes with tons of benefits. First of all, you will be saving a dog that may otherwise have been put down — a major win for everyone involved.

Second, most pooches in shelters are already housebroken, so there’s no need for extra training before bringing them home. You just need to continue the good work they’ve already done.

Finally, from vaccinations and deworming to spaying or neutering costs, adoption fees typically cover everything you need as far as health care is concerned.

First-Time Expenses of American Bulldog Ownership

Now that you know the average price of an American Bulldog puppy, it’s equally necessary to learn the first-time expenses a person should prepare for when buying this dog breed.

This only makes sense, as no one wants to get a pet and then find out they cannot afford everything their new four-legged friend needs in its upkeep.

Here is a list of the initial expenses one may encounter when owning an American Bulldog:

• Food and Treats: If you have an American Bulldog, you will need to feed it high-quality food and treats. You can’t just give it anything — it needs nutritious meals. Set aside $80 to $150 for this essential expense.
• Bowls: Before your American Bulldog arrives, you must purchase food and water bowls. You can find these items at your local pet store or online. A good starter set should cost anywhere between $15 and $40.
• Toys: As is with any other dog breed, American Bulldogs require daily entertainment and mental stimulation. Fortunately, many different types of toys are available for them to play with and enjoy, such as balls, frisbees, and interactive ones. These will cost around $30 to $100.
• Beds: Since American Bulldogs are predisposed to hip dysplasia, they must be kept off hard surfaces and provided with a comfortable bed. It should be large enough for them to stretch out on and provide ample support for their joints. The average cost of such a bed ranges from $50 to $300.
• Collars and Leashes: Given that leash training is important for all dog breeds, the American Bulldog will not be an exception. Collars and leashes come in various styles and colors, ranging from $15 to $50. Also, do not forget to go for a durable set, as it will be used quite frequently.
• Crates and Carriers: Buying a crate and carrier is a must for American Bulldog owners who travel or leave their pups alone for an extended period. American Bulldogs also need crate training, and it’s vital to ensure you’re providing your pup with the proper tools for this to go smoothly. Crates and carriers can range from $60 to $500.
• Grooming Essentials: Although the American Bulldog is known for its short, coarse coat, it must be groomed regularly. Grooming tools, such as clippers, de-shedders, a toothbrush and toothpaste, dog-friendly shampoo, and thinning shears, will be required. The average price for these items is estimated to be around $50 to $250.
• Initial Vet Visits: Whether you adopt or buy an American Bulldog, one thing is certain — you will be making some trips to the vet. The first visit will be to get a general health checkup and ensure your dog has all the necessary shots. This will cost you approximately $100 to $500.
• Initial Vaccine Shots: If your American Bulldog has not been vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza (DHLPP) yet, you will need to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to get these initial shots. This should cost somewhere between $50 and $300, depending on where you live.
• Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Like other canines, an American Bulldog puppy must be dewormed and treated for fleas and ticks. After all, it is worth noting that they’re still developing their immune system and have to be protected from potential diseases or parasites. Anticipate spending $40 to $300 on these medications.
• Neutering or Spaying: Unless you bought your American Bulldog puppy for breeding purposes, it is generally urged that you have them neutered or spayed. This can help prevent cancer and other diseases, as well as help control their aggressive inclinations. Such one-time procedures are typically inexpensive, costing between $50 and $500.
• Microchipping: In order to keep your American Bulldog safe, it is crucial to have them microchipped. This small device will allow you to find your canine if they get lost. It is also mandated by law in many states, so be sure to ask your breeder if they have already microchipped your pup. If not, expect to pay $40 to $60 for the procedure and registration.
• Dog License: You may also need a dog license for your American Bulldog. Dog licensing costs vary from state to state and city to city, but they may fall between $10 and $20. Licensing aims to ensure that all dogs are legally identified and can be returned to their owners should they get stolen.
• Other Essentials: For novice American Bulldog parents, make sure to set aside roughly $30 to $80 for other essentials, including poop scoopers, wet wipes, pee pads, poop bags, and lint rollers.

For your convenience, however, below is a table summarizing the initial expenses associated with American Bulldogs:

While the list of first-time expenses above can be somewhat daunting to look at, it is a great starting point for preparing your budget. Always remember that it is advisable to have a plan before embarking on canine ownership.

Annual Cost of Owning an American Bulldog

Apart from the initial expenses mentioned earlier, such as the purchase price and necessary supplies, there are several ongoing expenses to expect regarding American Bulldog ownership.

These annual expenses can go from being relatively minor to particularly substantial, depending on how much money you spend on your canine, what kind of lifestyle you lead, and how you budget your finances.

The following table provides an overview of the yearly costs involved in American Bulldog ownership:

In a nutshell, even though it can cost as much as $6,250 per year to own an American Bulldog, they’re still worth it if it means getting to share your life with this incredible breed.

Furthermore, remember that yearly expenses can be divided into monthly payments; you do not have to pay for everything all at once.

Other Potential Expenses to Consider

On top of the initial and annual costs associated with owning an American Bulldog, there are other potential expenses to consider. After all, nothing is much better than wanting to be prepared for anything.

For your reference, the following are some of the other possible expenses you should think about before taking home an American Bulldog:

• Professional Grooming Services: While you can groom your American Bulldog at home, there may come a time when you need to take your pup to the dog salon for a professional touch-up. Expect to pay roughly $100 to $150 per grooming session.
• Dog Sitting: Hiring a pet sitter can be a great solution for American Bulldog parents who travel frequently or work long hours. Employing one if you plan to go on vacation is also a good idea. Hiring a dog sitter can cost anywhere from $10 to $20 daily.
• Dog Daycare: Bringing your American Bulldog to daycare can be a great way to give them a break from the house and help them socialize with other dogs. Set aside approximately $100 to $200 per month for this.
• Emergency Medical Expenses: Since medical fees for American Bulldogs are high, especially when it comes to emergency veterinary care, you must have a plan in place to cover these costs. Saving around $1,500 to $5,000 could help cover unexpected expenses.
• Puppy Training Classes: Given that the American Bulldog is well-known for their high energy, you must take your new canine to puppy training classes as soon as possible. The average price for these classes ranges from $50 to $400 per lesson.
• Vitamins and Supplements: In most instances, your American Bulldog will need a variety of vitamins to ensure its health and well-being. For example, supplementation may be necessary if you feed your dog a raw diet or if it has any allergies. In this case, you may have to spend between $50 and $100 monthly on supplements.
• Pet Boarding Services: Another alternative for dog-sitting services is to have your American Bulldog stay in a boarding facility. These are much like kennels and doggy daycares in that they provide your pet with all their needs while you are away. The cost of this service varies from $20 to $50 per night.
• Dog Show Registration Fees: If you wish to enlist your American Bulldog in competitions, be aware that many fees are associated with canine exhibitions. Most notably, registration fees vary widely, averaging between $50 and $300 per show.

Note, however, that the potential expenses mentioned are just a few of the ones you might encounter as an American Bulldog owner. Hence, always be ready to be surprised by some unexpected costs along the way.

Best Places to Find American Bulldog Puppies for Sale and Adoption

If you are still interested in owning an American Bulldog after knowing the costs and expenses involved, allow this section to guide you on where to find American Bulldog puppies for sale and adoption.

Given that many puppy mills and backyard breeders still exist in the United States, it’s necessary to be wary of where you purchase or adopt your puppy.

To begin, the following is a list of places to look for American Bulldog puppies for sale:

• AKC Marketplace – The American Kennel Club has assembled a marketplace where responsible breeders and families can connect with each other to buy or sell dogs. Since the American Bulldog is a recognized breed, you’ll surely find plenty of listings here.
• Think About It Farms American Bulldogs (TAIFAB) – Located in Florida, TAIFAB has been producing American Bulldogs since 1997. They are well-known in the community and have a great reputation for breeding high-quality AKC-registered puppies.
• Sunshine’s American Bulldogs (SAB) – Established in 2015, Sunshine’s American Bulldogs has been one of the top sources of American Bulldog puppies for sale. They are also affiliated with the AKC and National Kennel Club (NKC), which ensures that their dogs are bred in accordance with strict standards.

Besides purchasing a purebred American Bulldog from a reputable breeder, those who do not want to spend lots of money can consider adopting one from a local animal shelter or rescue center.

Below are some places where you can find American Bulldog puppies, adults, and seniors for adoption:

• American Bulldog Rescue (ABR) – Based in eastern Pennsylvania, ABR is one of the most established organizations in the country that works hard to save American Bulldogs from being euthanized. Their adoption fee is $450 per dog, which includes spaying or neutering, microchipping, and vaccinations.
• Petfinder – With Petfinder being connected with over 11,000 rescues and shelters, you can find American Bulldog puppies, adults, and seniors all in one place. The site is set up to make it easy for you, as it allows you to search by breed, age range, size, sex, and zip code.
• Peaches Bully Rescue (PBR) – Peaches Bully Rescue is a foster-based rescue organization that provides a safe haven for American Bulldogs of all ages and sizes. You can guarantee that all the canines you find at PBR have been thoroughly vetted, properly socialized, and are ready for their forever homes.

However, do take note that these aren’t the only ways to acquire an American Bulldog puppy. For instance, you can search for social media groups and forums that are dedicated to this large dog breed.

Another option is to ask around. You can consult with local veterinarians, your friends, and even your family to see if they have any information regarding American Bulldogs for sale or adoption.

Money-Saving Tips for American Bulldog Owners

Since buying an American Bulldog puppy can be a pricey endeavor, it’s worthwhile to do everything you can to save money. Luckily, this can be accomplished without compromising your dog’s health or quality of life.

The following is a list of money-saving tips for new and current American Bulldog parents:

• Train your puppy at home. With the help of the internet, it’s easier than ever to learn how to teach your American Bulldog tricks and commands. There are blog posts, videos, and articles on training, which will help you save money by not having to go to a professional trainer.
• Don’t skimp on dog supplies. Without a doubt, investing in high-quality food and supplies will save you cash in the long run. For one thing, your American Bulldog will be healthier and happier, which means it will need fewer vet visits and less expensive medications.
• Bring your dog to the vet for routine checkups. While you may be tempted to put off bringing your American Bulldog to the vet, it’s important to schedule their regular checkups. Always remember that the more preventative care you can provide for your puppy, the more likely it will live a long and healthy life.
• Be a bulk buyer of dog food. Surprising as it may seem, American Bulldog puppies have big appetites and will eat a lot. For this reason, it’s best to buy dog food in bulk. Doing so will save you money because you won’t have to go to the store every week, which can be inconvenient and costly.
• Make dog toys from scratch. If you’re feeling crafty and have some time to spare, creating homemade toys is a great way to save money while giving your American Bulldog something fun to do. Remember that this dog breed can chew through anything, so ensure your materials are durable.

As you can see, many things can be done to save money on the cost of owning an American Bulldog. With these tips and tricks, you can provide your pet with the best care possible without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the question, “How much does an American Bulldog cost?” can’t be answered in a single number. Many aspects come into play when you’re considering buying a puppy, and all of them will influence its price.

Further, it’s important to remember the other expenses of owning an American Bulldog: food, toys, vet visit fees, etc. Hence, keep the total cost in mind before buying one.

However, if you have already chosen to get this dog breed, you’ll be happy to know it’s worth every cent. After all, American Bulldogs are one of the most loyal, sweet, and comical canines.

So, as long as you do your due diligence and budget accordingly, getting an American Bulldog will be one of life’s best decisions.

Feel free to share your thoughts about this American Bulldog price guide in the comments!