American Bulldogs are a popular and beloved breed, known for their strength, loyalty, and friendly nature.

Think an American Bulldog is right for you?

If so, you’re probably wondering how much you can expect to pay for a puppy.

In this article, you’ll learn…

Price — The price of an American Bulldog Puppy
Price factors — What makes some American Bulldogs cost more/less than others
Ownership cost — The cost of American Bulldog ownership
Breeder tips —Tips for finding a reputable breeder & how to rescue one

Factors Affecting the Price of an American Bulldog

Several factors can influence the price of an American Bulldog, including:

Lineage and pedigree — American Bulldogs that come from a known pedigree or lineage of winning show dogs will cost more than your average American Bulldog. These puppies would probably be very in-line with the American Bulldog Breed Standard.
Breeder reputation — Reputable breeders that have a record of producing healthy & well-tempered puppies tend to charge more than unknown breeders. They usually will also invest more into the dogs with stuff such as genetic testing, high quality food, and only breeding the best dogs.
Location and availability — Depending on where you live, there might not be enough American Bulldog breeders for the local demand. Areas like this tend to be rural and you might find yourself paying more when there are only a few breeders near you.
Age of the dog — Puppies generally cost more than older dogs. Not only will the puppy itself cost more, but the cost of ownership is generally more when you first get the dog with all the vet bills, shots, new puppy stuff, etc.
Coat color and markings — Some colors & patterns are considered rarer than others and usually cost more than your average American Bulldog. Some of these rare colors are: Blue, Lilac, and Merle.

Lineage and Pedigree

The lineage and pedigree of an American Bulldog can greatly impact the price. Dogs with champion bloodlines or those from well-regarded breeding lines may come with a higher price tag.

Breeder Reputation

Reputable breeders who consistently produce healthy and well-tempered dogs often charge more for their puppies.

This is because they invest time, money, and resources into ensuring the health and well-being of their breeding dogs and puppies.

Location and Availability

The cost of an American Bulldog can vary depending on where you live and the availability of puppies.

In areas with a higher demand for the breed, prices may be higher.

Age of the Dog

Puppies are typically more expensive than adult dogs. Older dogs may have lower prices due to decreased demand or because they are retired from breeding or showing.

Coat Color and Markings

Some coat colors and markings are rarer and more sought after, which may increase the price of a puppy or adult dog.

Rare American Bulldog Colors

Blue: This coat color is a diluted form of black, resulting in a bluish-gray hue.
Black: Although not officially recognized by some breed standards, pure black American Bulldogs are quite rare.
Lilac: A combination of blue and chocolate, lilac American Bulldogs have a unique, pale, silvery-gray coat color.
Chocolate: A rich, dark brown coat color, which is less common in American Bulldogs.
Black and Tan: A combination of black and tan markings, similar to the pattern seen in Doberman Pinschers and Rottweilers.
Merle: A unique pattern with patches of diluted color against a darker background. Merle is uncommon in American Bulldogs and is often associated with potential health issues, such as deafness and vision problems.

These rare colors usually will cost more than your average American Bulldog color.

Price Range for American Bulldogs

You can expect to spend anywhere from $800 – $2,000 for an American Bulldog Puppy, however, some puppies might cost even more depending on their bloodline, the breeder’s reputation, and your location.

But for most American Bulldogs, you should expect to pay somewhere in that price range.

American Bulldog Puppy Price Range

Average cost: $800 – $2,000
High-end cost: $2,500 – $5,000

Adult American Bulldog Price Range

Average cost: $500 – $1,500
High-end cost: $2,000 – $3,500

Keep in mind that pet-quality dogs, which are not intended for breeding or showing, will usually be priced lower than show or breeding-quality dogs with superior pedigrees.

Cost of Owning an American Bulldog

In addition to the price of your puppy, you’ll also need to consider the ongoing expenses involved in caring for your American Bulldog over the years. Some of these costs include:

Initial Expenses

Supplies (crate, bed, leash, collar, toys, etc.): $200 – $500
Veterinary checkups (vaccinations, deworming, etc.): $100 – $300
Spaying/neutering: $200 – $500

Ongoing Expenses

Food and treats: $50 – $100 per month
Veterinary care (annual checkups, vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, etc.): $200 – $500 per year
Grooming: $30 – $50 per session
Training classes: $100 – $200 per course
Pet insurance (optional): $25 – $50 per month

These costs can vary based on factors such as location and the specific needs of your dog.

Tips for Finding a Reputable Breeder

To ensure you are purchasing a healthy, well-bred American Bulldog, it is important to find a reputable breeder. Consider the following tips when searching for the right breeder:

Research and referrals: Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or veterinarians. You can also search online forums or social media groups dedicated to American Bulldogs for breeder suggestions.

Online resources: The American Bulldog Club of America (ABCA) and other breed-specific organizations may have breeder directories or listings to help you find a reputable breeder in your area.
Checking breeder credentials: Look for breeders who are members of reputable breed clubs or organizations, have a history of producing healthy dogs, and adhere to ethical breeding practices.
Visiting the breeding facility: Arrange a visit to the breeder’s facility to observe the living conditions of the dogs and puppies, as well as the overall health and temperament of the animals. Reputable breeders will welcome such visits and be transparent about their breeding practices.
Ensuring health and temperament: A responsible breeder will provide health clearances for both the puppy and its parents, as well as information on any genetic health issues common to the breed. They should also be able to discuss the temperament of the puppy’s parents and other dogs in their breeding program.

Adopting an American Bulldog

Adopting an American Bulldog from a rescue organization or shelter is an alternative to purchasing one from a breeder. There are several benefits to adoption:

Lower cost: Adoption fees are generally much lower than purchasing a dog from a breeder. Fees typically range from $100 to $500 and often include initial veterinary care, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering.
Saving a life: By adopting a dog, you are providing a loving home to an animal in need and making room for other dogs in the shelter or rescue organization.
Adult dog benefits: Adopting an adult dog can be advantageous for those who prefer a dog with an established temperament and personality or who want to avoid the challenges of puppyhood.

Tips to find an American Bulldog to adopt

Search online adoption databases such as Petfinder, Adopt-a-Pet, or RescueMe for American Bulldogs available in your area.
Contact your local animal shelters or rescue organizations to inquire about any American Bulldogs in their care.
Reach out to breed-specific rescue organizations, which often focus on rescuing and rehoming American Bulldogs.

Before adopting, be prepared for the adoption process, which may involve filling out an application, providing references, and participating in a home visit.

Finding an American Bulldog Breeder — What to Look For

They “vet” you
They allow you to see where the puppies are raised
They encourage you to meet the puppy’s parents
The breeder has a close relationship with their dogs
They have documentation
They specialize in one or a few breeds
They won’t let you take the puppy home until they’re at least 8-10 weeks old
They allow you to tour their entire premises
They have a website and/or a history on social media
You found them through a trustworthy source
Their price is about what you’d expect for a American Bulldog

If you notice these “green flags” when talking and meeting with your breeder, it’s a good sign that you’ve found yourself a reputable breeder that really cares about the wellbeing of their puppies.

Ask yourself the following questions when you visit the breeder

Do the dogs look happy & healthy?
Is the dogs’ environment clean & not overcrowded?
1. How many dogs are living at the kennel?
If the dogs have an outside area, is there a fence around it?
Where are the dogs kept during the day?
Do the dogs get sufficient time to play outdoors & socialize?
Where do the dogs sleep?
Do the dogs have toys & other sources of stimulation?

American Bulldog Breeder Red Flags

They don’t “vet” you
You aren’t allowed to see where the dogs stay in-person
You aren’t able to meet the dog’s parents
The breeder doesn’t seem to have a close relationship with any of the dogs
They don’t offer any papers
1. If they do offer papers, verify that they are legitimate as many shady breeders will provide fake documents
The breeder doesn’t specialize in one breed
The puppy is less than 8-10 weeks old
They insist on meeting in public
They have no website or social media presence
You found the breeder at a flea market or from a sign on the side of the road
The price is too good to be true

If you notice any of these signs, you might want to start meeting with other breeders and considering other options. If you notice many of these red flags, I’d suggest you stay away from that breeder.

Conclusion

The cost of an American Bulldog can vary significantly based on factors such as lineage, breeder reputation, location, and coat color.

In addition to considering the purchase price, potential owners should also take into account the ongoing costs of caring for their pet.

By researching reputable breeders or considering adoption, you can ensure that you are bringing a healthy, well-tempered American Bulldog into your home.

Remember that responsible pet ownership involves not only financial commitment but also dedication to providing a loving and nurturing environment for your new companion.