Bull Terriers are very distinctive dogs, perhaps most famous for being the face of Target for many years. These dogs are large and stocky and have very elongated heads and mischievous personalities. If you have ever been interested in owning a Bull Terrier there are some cost considerations that you should be aware of, including the cost of purchasing one from a breeder that can be upwards of $2000.
Here is how much it costs to own a Bull Terrier including upfront costs, recurring monthly costs, and additional costs you might not think of at first.
Bringing Home a New Bull Terrier: One-Time Costs
Getting a new Bull Terrier can be exciting, but it can also be expensive. The one-time costs for a Bull Terrier can run anywhere from free to $2,000, depending on the circumstances. Some people luck out and are able to find a free dog to take home, while others choose to purchase a purebred puppy from the best breeder in the area.
Free
- $0
If you are lucky enough to find a Bull Terrier at the shelter or find one that needs to be rehomed for free, you will not have to pay anything. This is uncommon. Purebred dogs rarely end up in the shelter, and even if they do, they usually have an adoption fee or will be scooped up by rescue groups, who will often turn around and sell them for more than the shelter charges for basic adoptions.
Adoption
- $50–$300
Adoption fees are more common than finding a free Bull Terrier. Government animal shelters, Humane Society shelters, and rescue groups will often charge adoption fees when you get a new Bull Terrier. Adoption fees are far lower than breeder costs, but they can still be a considerable amount depending on what organization you are adopting from. Shelters tend to have the lowest fees, while rescue groups tend to be more expensive.
Breeder
- $700–$2,000
Buying a purebred Bull Terrier is the most expensive way to obtain one, but it is the most surefire. Bull Terriers can cost anywhere from $700 to $2,000 depending on the region, breeder, and stock. The more reputable the breeder, the more expensive the dog will be. It can be expensive to buy a Bull Terrier from a breeder, but if you are looking to get one of your own, it is the best way to obtain one without waiting for something to appear in the shelter (and that may never happen).
Initial Setup and Supplies
- $200–$600
The initial setup and supplies for a new dog can vary. If you get the bare minimum basics, such as a leash, collar, ID, dog bowls, and some food, you can expect to spend around $200. If you decide to get everything you might possibly need, such as a crate, carrier, harness, toys, treats, and some basic medical checkups, you can spend as much as $600 or more.
You can save a lot of money if you reuse things from a previous dog. If you already have a crate, bowls, toys, collars, and leashes, you can save a lot of money on the initial setup. These costs reflect a person who has to buy everything from scratch because they have not owned a dog previously.
List of Bull Terrier Care Supplies and Costs
| ID Tag and Collar | $30 |
| Spay/Neuter | $40–$500 |
| X-Ray Cost | $150–$300 |
| Ultrasound Cost | $300–$1,000 |
| Microchip | $50 |
| Teeth Cleaning | $150–$350 |
| Crate | $30–$100 |
| Nail Clipper (optional) | $10 |
| Brush (optional) | $10 |
| Treats | $20 |
| Leash | $10–$40 |
| Toys | $15–$40 |
| Harness | $30 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $10–$20 |
How Much Does a Bull Terrier Cost Per Month?
- $130–$600 per month
Dogs come with a lot of recurring monthly costs. Bull Terriers are fairly large dogs that eat a lot of food, and they are known for being highly mischievous, which means they also come with some extra costs that some people might not realize at first.
Health Care
- $90–$450 per month
A Bull Terrier’s health care covers everything that you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, and thriving during any given month. Bull Terrier health care includes food, medicine, vet visits, and grooming considerations. Below is what you can expect to pay for basic health care services during any given month.
Food
- $30–$100 per month
Bull Terriers can weigh as much as 70 pounds which means they can eat a considerable amount of food. If you buy affordable food and keep your dog on a reasonable diet, you can save money. However, if you buy name brand foods or (accidentally) overfeed your dog, you can end up racking up a bill. This price can spike even further if your veterinarian recommends a medicated or prescription food for things like skin allergies, which are common in Bull Terriers.
Grooming
- $0–$20 per month
Luckily, Bull Terriers do not need much in the way of grooming. They have a very short, manageable coat. You might want to bathe your Bull Terrier to keep them smelling their best, and that can result in some shampoo costs. But you should not need to brush your Bull Terrier or take them to the groomer.
Medications and Vet Visits
- $50–$300 per month
Medication and vet visits are some of the highest recurring costs you will face with a Bull Terrier. Dogs regularly need to be on medications like flea and tick prevention and heartworm prevention. Bull Terriers might also need skin medication or joint supplements, which can add another thing to your monthly bill. If your dog is young and healthy and doesn’t need much besides basic preventive medications, you can spend very little in a month. If your Bull Terrier is aging, unhealthy, or on multiple medications, it could cost considerably more.
Pet Insurance
- $0–$30 per month
Not everyone wants or needs pet insurance. However, pet insurance can save a lot of money over the long run, especially if you lock in your price when your dog is a puppy. If you decide to forego pet insurance, you can save a smaller monthly bill but might face steep emergency charges down the road.
Environment Maintenance
- $30–$100+ per month
Bull Terriers are known for being mischievous dogs. They can get into a lot of trouble, especially if they are young or not getting enough exercise. Bull Terriers can destroy your yard, eat shoes, tear up furniture, or chew on trim. These things can result in serious costs, but these costs are highly unpredictable. A Bull Terrier might go weeks without destroying anything and then might end up creating a $200 mess in one afternoon. Each dog is different, but Bull Terriers have the potential to create expensive problems at home.
| Yard Maintenance | $20–$40/month |
| Household Item Replacement | $10–$100+ |
Entertainment
- $10–$50 per month
Not everyone believes in entertainment for dogs, but for Bull Terriers, it is necessary to keep them happy and out of trouble when they are at home. Entertainment can come in many different forms, including toys, games, and harnesses for long walks. Some owners might choose to subscribe to Bark Box or similar products that provide entertainment on a monthly basis. Monthly boxes can cost as much as $50 per month, depending on what service you choose.
Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Bull Terrier
- $130–$600 per month
The cost of owning a Bull Terrier can vary wildly depending on a number of factors. The health and well-being of the dog is the primary driver of cost. Some Bull Terriers can cause destruction at home, resulting in recurring repair or replacement costs. A healthy and calm Bull Terrier will cost far less to maintain on a monthly basis than an unhealthy and mischievous Bull Terrier.
Additional Costs to Factor In
Pet Sitting
- $25–$100 per night
Pet sitting costs are something you need to keep in mind, especially if you like to travel. Pet sitting costs will vary depending on who watches your pet (a friend versus a boarding facility) and the season. Pet sitting prices can spike during busy seasons like the Fourth of July weekend or Christmas. Don’t forget to factor in the nightly costs for pet sitting if you plan on leaving town without your dog.
Emergency Vet Care
- $500–$10,000+
Emergency vet costs are some of the largest and scariest bills you can get as a dog owner. Emergency vet costs can vary wildly depending on the severity of the injury or condition. Some things like trauma from being hit by a car or foreign body surgery can cost thousands. Other things that are more minor, like poison control or an emergency examination, can cost less.
Training
- $20–$50 per session
It is a good idea to consider training for your Bull Terrier. Since they can be willful and energetic, Bull Terriers can benefit from some extra manners. Puppy training sessions can cost anywhere from $20 to $50 per session, and many dogs benefit from multiple sessions.
Owning a Bull Terrier on a Budget
If these costs sound worrying, there are ways to save some money. You can’t eliminate all recurring costs, but there are some tips and tricks that you can use to save up to 50% or more on your total costs.
Saving Money on Bull Terrier Care
One of the best ways to save money is by shopping for deals. Major retailers like PetSmart, Petco, and Chewy often have sizable sales on everything from toys to treats to food. If you keep an eye out, you can snag some excellent products for pennies on the dollar. Some online retailers have programs that allow you to save money by setting up AutoShip or by signing up for a shopper’s membership.
Pet insurance can also help save money on veterinarian costs by covering the expenses for large medical bills or routine procedures. Many vet offices also offer wellness plans which allow you to buy medical care upfront for steep discounts, which can lower your monthly care costs considerably.
Conclusion
Bringing home a new Bull Terrier can be an exciting and pricey affair. The upfront costs can range from free to $2,500 depending on whether you buy a dog from a breeder and whether you have basic supplies already at home. The monthly costs can range anywhere from $130 to $600 depending on the age, health, and energy level of your Bull Terrier. Luckily there are ample ways to save money on your cost of ownership for the savvy shopper if you really want to own one of these dogs.
Featured Image Credit: dudonyrud, Shutterstock
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