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

If you’re considering getting an American Bully puppy, you might be overwhelmed by the many questions that arise, such as “How much does an American Bully cost?” or “What are the expenses associated with caring for this robust breed?”

It’s understandable, given the confusion surrounding the costs of owning these dogs. Moreover, American Bullies come in a variety of types and colors, which only adds to the complexity.

But don’t worry! This American Bully price guide is here to assist you through the process. From initial purchase costs to ongoing expenses and even tips for saving money, we’ve got every aspect of buying American Bullies covered. Let’s dive in!

How Much Does an American Bully Puppy Cost?

On average, the cost of an American Bully puppy can range from $1,800 to $20,000. This wide price range is due to numerous factors that influence their cost, including their lineage, color, and quality, as well as the breeder’s location and reputation.

It’s important to highlight that size is the primary factor affecting American Bully prices. There are seven American Bully sizes: Exotic, Pocket, Classic, Standard, Extreme, XL, and XXL.

Below is a table that breaks down the price differences for American Bully puppies based on their size:

Additionally, the extras included with the purchase of these pups can affect their price. For example, your selected American Bully breeder might incorporate shipping fees or a microchip implantation cost into the total purchase price.

Most reputable American Bully breeders also screen their breeding stock for hip dysplasia and other genetic disorders. This can significantly increase the overall cost of the American Bully puppies they offer for sale.

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

If you’re considering adopting an American Bully, the cost will be significantly lower than purchasing one from a breeder. In fact, adoption fees typically range from $200 to $800.

It’s also worth noting that adopters might face challenges, such as behavioral issues or health concerns with the dog. This can make it a commitment that not everyone is prepared for.

But the rewards of adoption are immense. Beyond the cost savings, you’re potentially giving a dog a second chance at a loving home. If you’re prepared to invest the time and effort, adopting an American Bully can be a deeply fulfilling experience.

One of my cousins has always had the American Bully in his mind as his dream dog. However, with the high price tag of owning even a Classic American Bully, I suggested going for adoption, which he decided to try.

Eventually, he ended up adopting a 3-year-old male Standard American Bully, Stanford. While he hesitated at first, he saw that the rescue organization did an amazing job rehabilitating the dog. He ended up paying just $450, which already covered all the costs of rehabilitation.

First-Time Expenses of American Bully Ownership

When you first decide to own an American Bully, there are numerous costs and factors to take into account. Honestly, from toys to vet bills, these initial expenses can be challenging to anticipate.

To help you navigate this, here’s a breakdown of the primary expenses you’ll encounter when first bringing American Bullies into your home:

• Food and Treats: Like many new dog owners, it’s essential to buy high-quality food and treats for American Bullies. Depending on the brand you choose, these essentials can cost anywhere from $70 to $150.
• Bowls: The first step to becoming an American Bully owner is to purchase a set of bowls. This ensures you can feed your new pup right away. While they’re relatively affordable, ranging from $10 to $40, make sure to choose quality bowls that will last for months or even years.
• Toys: To keep your American Bullies mentally stimulated, invest in a variety of toys. This includes chew toys, rope toys, balls, and other entertaining items for play. Often, you can find these in sets, with prices ranging from $30 to $100.
• Beds: To ensure your American Bullies feel comfortable and secure, invest in a spacious bed. Prices can range from $40 to $300, so it’s worth shopping around for the best value. Opt for a sturdy, well-made bed to avoid any potential mishaps with fragile frames.
• Collars and Leashes: For between $15 to $50, you can find a collar and leash set that’s a perfect fit for American Bullies. This not only keeps your dogs safe but also allows them to socialize with other dogs and people.
• Crates and Carriers: Since crate training is essential for most dogs, you’ll need to get a crate and carrier for your American Bullies. These come in various sizes and styles, with larger ones typically costing more. Plan to spend anywhere from $50 to $500 on these essentials.
• Grooming Essentials: Proper grooming is a must for American Bullies, so it’s essential to be well-equipped. Budget between $50 and $250 for grooming supplies, which should include high-quality dog shampoo, nail clippers, combs, brushes, and fur scissors.
• Initial Vet Visits: In the first few months of your American Bully’s life, regular vet check-ups are crucial. These vet visits, which include physical exams, blood tests, and other necessary procedures, can range from $100 to $500 each.
• Initial Vaccine Shots: Once you bring your American Bully puppy home, it’s vital to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date. They’ll need protection against diseases like distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza (DHLPP). A basic vaccine package typically costs between $50 and $300.
• Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: To ensure American Bullies grow up healthy and parasite-free, consistent deworming and flea and tick treatments are essential. These medications usually run from $40 to $300 per month, depending on the brand and dosage.
• Neutering or Spaying: Choosing to neuter or spay is a wise decision for any pet owner. This procedure helps prevent reproductive issues and reduces the risk of certain cancers and other health problems. The cost for spaying or neutering usually ranges from $50 to $500.
• Microchipping: Microchipping is one of the most important steps to ensure its safety. This one-time procedure offers a permanent means of identifying a dog that’s been lost or stolen. On average, microchip implantation costs between $40 and $60.
• Dog License: With just $10 to $20, you can get American Bullies licensed from your local state. Most cities and counties require this and will protect your pooch from being labeled as an “at large” dog.
• Other Essentials: From poop scoopers to wet wipes, there’s a range of additional items you’ll need for your American Bullies. Budget approximately $20 to $80 for these necessities.

To give you a complete picture, the following is a table summarizing the first-time expenses involved in raising American Bully puppies:

Knowing the initial cost of American Bully ownership beforehand will help you better manage your finances. Ultimately, no one wants to be caught off guard by unforeseen expenses.

Annual Cost of Owning an American Bully

Now that you are familiar with the upfront costs of owning an American Bully, it’s time to consider the annual expenses for food, medical care, and other essentials.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a table outlining the typical first-year expenses for raising American Bullies:

While it might seem overwhelming at first, it’s worth noting that these annual expenses become more manageable when broken down into monthly payments. Simply put, if your budget permits, you’ll find it quite feasible to cover these costs.

I also stressed the importance of getting pet insurance for Stanford, my cousin’s American Bully, whom I mentioned earlier. With potential health issues affecting the breed, having one will definitely help him save on the costs of medical emergencies.

However, keep in mind that these figures are just rough estimates and don’t account for your individual habits or lifestyle choices.

Other Potential Expenses to Consider

Owning an American Bully involves more than just the initial purchase price and annual costs.

Below is a list highlighting some other potential expenses you might encounter when raising American Bully puppies:

• Emergency Medical Expenses: No matter how careful you are, your American Bully may get injured or become ill at some point. In such cases, it is important to have a budget set aside for the unexpected. Typically, $1,000 to $5,000 should be allocated for emergency fees.
• Dog Boarding Services: If you need to be away from your American Bully for a few days or weeks, many dog boarding facilities can provide temporary care for your pet. They usually charge around $20 to $50 a day.
• Pet Walking Fees: If you are a fur parent who is always working and doesn’t have time to walk your canine, you will want to look into hiring a pet walker. Generally, dog walkers charge around $20 to $30 an hour.
• Dog Sitting Services: More often than not, you will need to hire a dog sitter to take care of American Bully puppies while you are away on vacation or at work. The average cost of a dog sitter is around $10 to $20 per hour.
• Professional Grooming: Every once in a while, you will need to get your dogs professionally groomed. This can be anything from a simple bath to a full-on spa day, depending on how much time, money, and energy you want to spend on the process. Grooming services can range from $30 to $100 per visit.
• Kennel Club Registration: If you want to register American Bullies with the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC), you’ll need to pay a fee for this service. Set aside roughly $20 to $50 for canine club registration costs.

All things considered, these other potential expenses are merely the beginning. Nevertheless, knowing a few things in advance can help you avoid surprises later on down the line.

Best Places to Find American Bully Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Once you’ve decided to take the plunge and get an American Bully puppy, you’re probably wondering where to find one. The good news is there are many places to look for American Bully puppies for sale and adoption.

To get you off to a good start, below are some places to find American Bully puppies for sale:

• American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace – Even though the AKC does not recognize American Bullies, their list of reputable breeders producing other Pitbull-type breeds may prove helpful. These reputable Pitbull and Bully breeders are listed in the marketplace, which is updated regularly.
• Big Momma’s Bullies (BMB) – If you are looking to get your hands on an XL American Bully puppy, Big Momma’s Bullies is a Florida-based kennel that specializes in producing large dogs. Their American Bully puppies for sale usually cost between $5,000 and $7,000.
• Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is a puppy advertising site that has been around since 2001. They have an extensive database of many dog breeds available for sale, which includes American Bully puppies. They thoroughly screen all the breeders listed on their site.

Aside from buying from a breeder, you can also adopt American Bully puppies. Doing so is much cheaper and more rewarding, and it helps support rescues and shelters across the country.

Here are some sources you can check out if you’re looking for American Bully puppies to adopt:

• California Bully Rescue (CBR) – CBR’s adoptable American Bullies are already spayed or neutered, have been dewormed, and are up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccinations. You just need to fill out an application form, pay an adoption fee, show proof of your home insurance, and show references before you get your new dog.
• New York Bully Crew (NYBC) – The New York Bully Crew is another trustworthy source for finding an American Bully up for adoption. It was founded in 2010, and now it services clients throughout the United States and Canada.
• Petfinder – Petfinder is a searchable database of adoptable pets. It is connected with over 11,000 adoption organizations and shelters, which means that you can find an American Bully near you in just a few clicks on their site.

If none of these options seem right for you, consider joining a Facebook group dedicated to the American Bully breed. You can also search online forums or ask your local shelter if they have any available American Bullies.

Money-Saving Tips for American Bully Owners

For American Bully owners, money-saving tips are crucial. While you can expect to spend a lot on a new puppy, you need to ensure that you have enough money left over to pay for vet care and other costs that may arise.

Below are some of the best ways to save money when it comes to American Bully ownership:

• Ensure regular veterinarian visits for your pet. To maintain your American Bully’s health and well-being, it’s essential to stick to a consistent check-up routine. Remember, routine vet visits can detect issues early on, preventing them from escalating.
• Master your dog’s grooming needs. Grooming American Bullies at home can lead to significant savings. With the right tools and supplies, you can keep your furry friend looking sharp without breaking the bank.
• Opt for high-quality dog accessories. Rather than settling for inexpensive, fragile items that might not last, invest in durable products that can withstand the test of time. After all, you don’t want American Bullies gnawing on something that can’t endure its strong jaws.
• Train your American Bully at home. One of the best ways to cut costs is to train American Bully puppies at home. There are various methods available, from positive reinforcement techniques to tried-and-true methods like clicker training.
• Prepare homemade dog food and treats. Making your own dog food and treats not only saves money but also lets you handpick top-quality ingredients tailored to your dog’s health and dietary needs.

Clearly, raising American Bully puppies doesn’t have to break the bank. With a bit of research and informed decisions, whether it’s about food, training, or grooming, you can ensure quality care without overspending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is American Bully the Same as Pitbull?

The American Bully is a breed that falls under the broader “Pitbull” category and originated in the United States. However, when referring to the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), it’s important to recognize that they are distinct breeds.

Which Is More Expensive American Bully or Pitbull?

It might come as a surprise, but American Bully puppies often carry a heftier price tag than Pitbulls. While American Bullies typically range from $1,800 to $20,000, Pitbulls usually cost between $1,500 and $5,000.

How Much Does a Pocket Bully Cost?

Typically, a Pocket Bully puppy’s price ranges from $3,000 to $8,000. However, this price can fluctuate based on various factors, including the puppy’s lineage, registration status, and color.

How Much Are American Bullies Without Papers?

The price of American Bullies without papers is generally lower than ones with papers, ranging from $1,800 to $3,000.

However, without papers, it’s harder to verify a dog’s lineage, health history, or potential genetic issues. Always ensure you’re buying from a reputable source and that the dog is in good health.

Did the article help you become financially aware of how much it takes to take care of this popular breed? Share your thoughts on the American Bully price in the comments below!