Due to higher demand, English Bulldogs may be pricier than their American and French cousins. But aside from the English Bulldog price, their upkeep and maintenance will also require you to spend a bit more.
It’s vital to assess whether you can afford your English Bulldog’s initial and annual needs — from health check-ups to all the basic items your pup needs in their lifespan before you head to a breeder.
Lucky for you, I’ve written this English Bulldog price guide to help you out!
The Average Cost of an English Bulldog Puppy
An English Bulldog puppy can cost from $1,500 to $4,500. This price range might still increase, especially if you opt for a puppy from a champion bloodline or one with rare coat color. For instance, tri-color Bulldogs could cost up to $8,500.
English Bulldogs, also called British Bulldogs, have plumper bodies and wider legs than an American Bulldog or a French Bulldog.
Compared to both cousin dog breeds, purebred English Bulldogs cost more due to the extra care needed during birth. A pregnant British Bulldog must be closely monitored once it reaches its final stages of pregnancy.
An English Bulldog puppy is usually too large for the mother to deliver naturally; that’s why they have to be delivered via cesarean section. The mother dog’s pregnancy care commonly adds to the cost of the pup.
Here’s a video on why you shouldn’t cheap out when buying an English Bulldog:
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Factors Affecting the Cost of an English Bulldog Puppy
Reputable English Bulldog breeders don’t simply set a high price for this breed at random to make more money.
Besides papers and registry documents, bloodline, age, and coat color are also some factors that could affect the average price of your Bulldog.
Here is a detailed list of the factors that affect the price range of an English Bulldog:
- Age: English Bulldog puppies cost more than seniors or adult dogs because they are healthier and more active. Senior dogs often have tons of health issues that need immediate medical attention, while puppies are a joy to be with because they are at the prime of their health.
- Gender: Female English Bulldogs may cost you a bit more than a male because of their breeding potential. Potential owners and Bully enthusiasts also request a female pup more than males because of their better temperament. The demand pushes the price of female English Bulldogs to a higher cost.
- Appearance: The dog’s coat could affect the English Bulldog price as some colors are more challenging to breed than others. Rarer colors like tri-color, merle, and blue English Bulldogs are typically much more expensive.
- Bloodline: A champion English Bulldog puppy might cost three to four times as much as typical English Bulldog puppies. They are known to exhibit the best physique, temperament, and health. Plus, they are perfect for competitions.
- Breeder’s Reputation: When buying English Bulldogs from a reputable breeder, you can expect to pay a little extra. Reputable breeders often have a long history of breeding success. Their high prices are also backed by health guarantees and other safeguards.
- Registration Papers: English Bulldog puppies with full registration papers from the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), and other organizations are often more expensive. This testifies that your English Bulldog is purebred; thus, expect that this isn’t free of charge.
- Health Screenings: Before selling their puppies, many breeders evaluate them for health problems. They sell their puppy for a higher price if it is deemed to be in excellent health. Regardless, it is still a good idea to look for an English Bulldog puppy that comes with a health guarantee.
- Training and Socialization: Some English Bulldog breeders begin obedience training with their puppies at a young age to ensure that they won’t exhibit aggression or negative behavior issues. Puppy socialization is also a must in terms of evaluating your pup’s temperament. The costs of these are usually included in the puppy’s total price.
With this list, you might already have your own cost estimation for the pup you want. However, keep in mind that it’s best to consult with the breeder to fully evaluate if their prices are reasonable.
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How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an English Bulldog From a Rescue?
It costs roughly $450 to $800 to adopt an English Bulldog from a shelter or rescue facility. Considering that an average purebred pup can cost up to $4,500 from a reputable breeder, this comes as a fair deal.
English Bullies that have been rescued have already been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and have complete registration documents. Before being put up for adoption, they undergo retraining and behavioral rehabilitation as well.
If you choose to adopt, there’s a good possibility you will end up with an older canine companion. Rescues often house more adult Bullies as puppies are more likely to be adopted immediately.
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Initial Cost of English Bulldog Ownership
The price of English Bulldog puppies isn’t the only thing that should be considered when purchasing. Bulldog owners must also allot a budget for their dog’s basic needs in order to keep them healthy and content.
To help you in purchasing, we have compiled a list of all the initial expenses for owning an English Bulldog:
- Food and Treats: One of the basic items you should get for your English Bulldog is high-quality dog food and a few treat packages for on-hand training. You may need to buy a few of them to see which one works best for your dog. This will cost you between $80 and $100.
- Food and Water Bowls: Stainless steel bowls are the best option for your English Bulldog. As a fairly slobber-ish canine, you might have a hard time cleaning leftover dog food from a cheap container. Stainless steel bowls are not only more durable than plastic, but they’re also easier to keep clean. The price range for these bowls is from $10 to $30.
- Bed: To prevent your English Bulldog from abnormal physical disorders, it is best to invest in a high-quality dog bed. A good bed for a British Bulldog is between $40 and $180.
- Crate: Even if you don’t plan on crate training your dog, a dog crate is still recommended. A crate may also be a safe haven for your dog when you are not home or when you have visitors. Dog crates range in price from $50 to $370.
- Leashes and Collars: Some of the first things you should get for your English Bulldog are leashes and collars. Be sure to get one that is a good fit for your dog. Metal nameplates included in these items that are less likely to corrode might cost a little extra. A leash and collar should cost between $15 and $50.
- Toys: Chew toys that are easy to pick up and clean are ideal for English Bulldogs. Choose interactive and sturdy toys that will stimulate their high intelligence and withstand their strong jaws. A set of chew toys will run you $30 and $40.
- Grooming Essentials: Brushing English Bulldogs a few times a week should keep them looking nice, and their shedding would be manageable. Cleaning moisture that could be trapped under their wrinkles is also a must. Nail clippers and a doggy toothbrush are good investments, too. The best type of grooming essentials for Bulldogs would cost you at least $40 to $160.
- Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medication: If your English Bulldog puppy hasn’t been dewormed or treated for fleas and ticks, you’ll need to include medications in your initial costs. The cost of these preventive medications ranges from $50 to $200.
- Initial Vet Visits: English Bulldog puppies require initial vet examinations to ensure that they are healthy. Your vet can also guide you on properly maintaining your pup’s health during your first visit. The initial vet costs will range between $100 and $300.
- Initial Vaccine Shots: If your English Bulldog hasn’t been vaccinated, you will be accountable for these costs. The cost of the English Bulldog’s first vaccine shots ranges from $75 to $200.
- Neutering or Spaying: There’s a decent chance your English Bulldog puppy is still intact when you get it. This implies you’ll have to pay for neutering and spaying in the future. This procedure typically costs between $50 and $500.
- Dog License: For an English Bulldog puppy, a license is a necessity. This document acts as written evidence of your dog’s identity. This will cost between $10 and $20.
- Microchip: Your English Bulldog can be microchipped by a veterinarian for roughly $40 to $60. The dog microchip should have all your important contact information as the owner, increasing the chances of your Bully being returned to you as soon as possible if they get lost.
- Miscellaneous Supplies: There are a few more items you’ll need to purchase for your English Bulldog, such as carpet cleaners, poop bags, scoopers, and potty inducers. The cost of these items will range from $15 to $30.
Here’s a list of all the basic items and their estimated prices for an overview of your English Bulldog pup’s initial expenses:
Type of Expense | Cost |
Food and Treats | $80 – $100 |
Food and Water Bowls | $10 – $30 |
Bed | $40 – $180 |
Crate | $50 – $370 |
Leashes and Collars | $15 – $50 |
Toys | $30 – $40 |
Grooming Essentials | $40 – $160 |
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $50 – $200 |
Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $300 |
Initial Vaccine Shots | $75 – $200 |
Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
Dog License | $10 – $20 |
Microchip | $40 – $60 |
Miscellaneous Supplies | $15 – $30 |
Total Initial Cost | $605 – $2,240 |
As you can see, there are several costs associated with having an English Bulldog puppy. According to our estimate, this puppy’s initial maintenance will cost between $605 and $2,240.
By the time you bring your English Bully home, you should already have all the items listed above. You’ll be able to save money if you already own some of these things.
If you’re a first-time pet owner, however, you’ll almost certainly need to purchase these items.
Maintaining your English Bulldog’s items in good condition will cost you less as you don’t need to buy replacements for your dog’s accessories often.
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Annual Cost of Owning an English Bulldog
Knowing if you can afford the yearly expenses is one of the most crucial aspects of budgeting for an English Bulldog.
Dog food, services from professional groomers, pet health insurance, training costs, yearly vaccines, and other similar expenses are also included in maintaining the lifestyle of this dog breed.
Listed below is a checklist for the average yearly and monthly cost in maintaining your English Bulldog:
Type of Expense | Yearly Estimate |
Food and Treats | $480 – $960 |
Toys | $25 – $125 |
Bed and Crate | $120 – $420 |
Leashes and Collars | $25 – $35 |
Grooming Essentials | $150 – $350 |
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $150 – $250 |
Routine Veterinary Care | $200 – $400 |
Pet Insurance | $500 – $900 |
Vaccinations | $80 – $250 |
Miscellaneous Supplies | $30 – $50 |
Yearly Total | $1,760 – $3,740 |
Average Monthly Cost | $147 – $312 |
The recurring costs of owning an English Bulldog mostly include food, treats, and other essential needs. The estimated cost an English Bulldog owner might pay annually is between $1,760 and $3,740.
Take note that these expenses could differ depending on the lifestyle you maintain for your English Bulldog.
A routine health check-up at least once every eight weeks to prevent common health issues for an English Bulldog will cost you $200 to $400.
Aside from vet visits, pet insurance is something you may be compelled to ignore. However, it is not advisable to do so because it can cover emergency medical expenses for your dog.
The cost of pet insurance, which ranges from $500 to $900, is much less than the cost of most canine medical procedures.
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Other Potential Expenses
Aside from the English Bulldog cost, there are other expenses that you might encounter while raising your British Bully.
When you’re going out of town or busy with work, you might not be able to avoid certain expenses like pet daycare, dog walker, and others.
Here is a detailed list of other possible costs for an English Bulldog:
- Pet Daycare: You can leave your English Bulldog at a pet daycare if you’re regularly on work trips or traveling. These types of services are rather popular these days. Pet daycares have expert pet handlers who will care for your pet. This will set you back between $20 and $30 per day.
- Dog Training: The English Bulldog is a highly intelligent breed. With proper training, your pooch could easily learn different tricks. Group dog training with a dog trainer costs $30 to $50 per class, and private dog training costs $45 to $120 per hour.
- Pregnancy Expenses: Most female English Bulldogs need a C-section for their puppies to be birthed. The procedure could cost up to $2,000 when completed by a professional veterinarian.
- Emergency Medical Treatment: Medical emergencies are unavoidable at times. Of course, these situations frequently come at a high price. Emergency treatment for an English Bulldog can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.
- Grooming Services: The cost of grooming services varies depending on the size, health, and age of your Bulldog, as well as the coat condition, behavior, and treatments needed. The average cost of each session at a professional grooming service for your Bulldog will range between $45 and $55.
With the exception of emergency medical treatment, these potential expenses are optional. You can find out ways to avoid these charges altogether as you go along, which will save you even more money.
Places to Find English Bulldog Puppies for Sale and Adoption
If you have already decided and assessed that you could afford to take care of your own English Bulldog, it’s now time to find one best suited for you!
Always do your research and avoid getting your English Bulldog puppy from puppy mills or backyard breeders because puppies bred by them are often in poor health conditions.
To assist your search, we compiled a list of reputable breeders and rescue organizations that house purebred English Bulldogs.
Here are a few respectable breeders to contact if you’re looking for English Bulldog puppies:
- Cazares Royal Lineage Bulldogs – This reputable breeder based in Sabinal, Texas, focuses not only on producing healthy English Bulldog pups but also on ensuring you get a pup that fits your personality. This breeder boasts of their well-socialized purebred dogs that underwent their extensive puppy curriculum.
- Berkshire Bulldogs – This small town breeder in Berkshire County prides itself on producing English Bulldogs that fit as family pets. Berkshire Bulldogs have been breeding dogs since 2001.
- Gorge Us-Bullys – In business since 2017, Gorge Us-Bullys raise their English Bulldogs in a home environment in Hood River, Oregon. Their dams and sires are DNA tested and certified pedigree English Bulldogs carrying the Cherokee Legend Line.
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If you prefer an adult dog or want to rehome one, here are some English Bulldog shelters and rescue organizations where you might be able to adopt instead of buying:
- AdoptaBull English Bulldog Rescue – AdoptaBull English Bulldog Rescue is a non-profit organization with a mission to innovate Bulldog rescue in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Northwest Indiana. All of their foster volunteers are licensed and have previous expertise with English Bulldogs.
- Georgia English Bulldog Rescue (GEBR) – Over 800 Bulldogs have been saved by this volunteer organization. They provide foster care to surrendered dogs in order to rehabilitate and prepare them for adoption.
- Northern California Bulldog Rescue – The Northern California Bulldog Rescue is dedicated to saving and improving the lives of abandoned Bulldogs, particularly senior ones. They offer a network of foster homes where the dogs are reintroduced to a family environment before being rehomed.
If you have trouble going to these rescues to find an English Bully, you might want to read our guide on top places to find English Bulldogs for adoption. Some of these places also offer American and French Bulldogs.
Also, check out our ultimate dog adoption guide to ace your adoption application at any of the rescues listed above.
It includes meaningful pieces of advice on how to impress rescue organizations as well as how to prepare for your dog’s arrival.
RELATED: 10 Best English Bulldog Rescues for Adoption (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!
Money-Saving Tips for English Bulldog Owners
An English Bulldog may be pretty costly despite being a low-maintenance breed.
Though it’s worth every penny, it’s always best to be cost-effective in your spending.
With that, here are some money-saving tips for English Bulldog owners:
- Make your own food and treats. Instead of buying store-bought dog food and treats for your English Bulldog, you can learn how to make them yourself. You’ll have greater control over the contents of your homemade dog food, as well as the price of each ingredient.
- Consider home grooming. The English Bulldog is a fairly mellow dog breed. With a short coat, its grooming could easily be done by its owner. Once you already have your grooming tools and you’ve watched tutorials on YouTube, this will come easy for you.
- Bring your Bulldog to the vet regularly and keep an eye out for accidents. Because medical bills can be pricey, you must ensure that your English Bulldog does not suffer from any significant illnesses or injuries. By keeping dangerous objects out of your dog’s reach, you can greatly reduce the chances of them getting wounded.
- Train your English Bulldog yourself. Paying for dog trainers could cost you extra. If you do not plan to join dog shows and competitions, it’s better to train your English Bulldog yourself. This would cost you less and provide a bonding experience for you and your English Bulldog.
- Choose quality dog supplies. For a first-time English Bulldog owner, it’s advisable to buy high-quality items for your dog. Settling for a much cheaper item may cost you more in the long run as you might need to replace them regularly.
Remember that saving money should not be used as an excuse to ignore your dog’s needs. You can cut costs where you can, but make sure your English Bulldog gets the care and attention it needs.
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Final Thoughts
The English Bulldog may be an expensive dog to buy, but a healthy pooch is actually low-maintenance. In fact, their overall cost to own is average for a medium-sized dog.
An unhealthy dog is an expensive dog. An English Bulldog could easily cost its owner thousands of dollars if not properly cared for.
Finding a healthy English Bulldog from a local rescue or shelter is the best-case scenario if you want to adopt one. You will save hundreds of dollars in upfront costs by doing so.