why are english bulldogs so expensive?

Question

I would love to get one, but they are never less than $1200.
Also, is there anything I need to know about them, having never had a bullie breed before?

Answer 1

Quality dogs are expensive to buy and raise. The breeder has to pay for a stud fee, health exams and tests for canine VD. Because of their big heads, Bulldog pups often have to be delivered by an expensive c-section. They also have small litters, which can drive up the price of a pup. The pups then need food and shots and worming and lots of care for eight weeks. One of my breeder friends once calculated that she made less than $1.85 per hour after expenses!

All dogs cost money to take care of. Puppy shots are another $200, then $100 a year. Annual Heartworm test and preventative medication $100. Professional trainer $600 and up. Going on vacation? Boarding kennel $40/day. Spaying? $250. If you can't afford to pay for a good dog, maybe you can't afford to maintain one either?

Dogs are terrific companions but they require training and discipline and exercise. Bulldogs live about 10 years. Paying $1200 for a pup means that the dog cost you only $100 a year - is that really too much???

With their pushed-in faces, Bulldogs can have severe respiratory problems on a hot day. They can also have "knee" problems and their facial wrinkles can develop infections. They were originally bred for fighting, so they may be aggressive towards other dogs. They pass gas (really!) on a regular basis - quite toxic at a dinner party!
They can be very stubborn and harder than average to train. They are also OBSESSED with chasing skateboards - don't ask me why!

Find a good breeder by going to www.akc.org or talking to people at dog shows. You can also find info about the breed clubs on the akc site - they probably have a rescue group where you can get an older dog for less money. The best breeders will be members of their breed club, promoting healthy dogs with great temperaments. They should ask you a bunch of questions to make sure their puppy will be getting a good home. If all a "breeder" seems to care about is whether your check will clear, you can be sure he won't care a week later when the pup is dying from distemper or parvo and you want your money back.

Whatever you do, DON'T go to a pet shop, a flea market or buy one sight-unseen off the Internet!!!! You'll pay top dollar for what is usually a poor quality puppy mill dog. And you'll be supporting one of the cruelest industries in the country. The breeding animals are often kept in deplorable conditions - spending their entire lives in small wire-bottomed cages. They probably haven't been vaccinated against contagious diseases or tested for any health or temperament problems or genetic diseases - that costs money and cuts into their profits. A female is often bred every time she comes into heat. When her poor little body can't take it any more, she is often clubbed in the head and tossed into a dumpster or an open ditch. Most puppy mills ship their pups to pet stores at wholesale prices and many pups die before they even get there.

These so-called "breeders" have now figured out that they can use the internet to ship a dog directly to the customer and thus make more money by cutting out the middleman. If you buy a dog from out of state, good luck getting your money back if there's something wrong with the pup. These people count on you becoming instantly attached to the poor little guy and being willing to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars at the vet to treat whatever is wrong with him.

Answer 2

English Bulldogs are expensive to breed. The average heat cycle for bulldogs is 2 times a year. Insemination is usually done artificially, and the average number of pups per litter is 3. The pups are delivered via c-section to minimize trauma to both the bulldog and the pups. A gestating bulldog requires a lot of monitoring, which is time consuming (although worth it!). A reputable breeder is recovering their cost-not out to make a profit. If you really want an English Bulldog, but aren't interested in showing or breeding, try contacting your local Bulldog Rescue. Visit www.akc.org to find your local rescue. The dog may have behavioral or health problems, but you can tell the rescue society what you are willing and not willing/able to deal with. Some have just been abandoned due to owner's inability to take care of the dog properly. They will screen your application and most likely do an on-site visit to ensure the bulldog is going to the right home. It may take some time, but with patience, you can get a loving, loyal companion.

They do have some peculiarities related to the breed-as any purebred will have. The wrinkles on their face require cleaning and attention, as do their tail pockets. They are prone to hip displaysia. They are not "hearty" dogs in that they need to be kept cool all the time and cannot tolerate strenous excersize. They have an average life span of about 8-10 years.

However, if you're looking for unconditional love and a very good "lap" dog, bulldogs are great! They have wonderful personalities and are a bit of a clown. They are trainable, although they can be very stubborn when it suits them! I wouldn't trade mine for anything in the world!! Good luck!

Answer 3

As cute as they are, English bulldogs have numerous health problems. Many breeds, in an attempt to reach "breed standards" have been altered in such a way as to negatively impact their overall health. Because of their large heads, English bulldogs have difficult births, often requiring C-sections. Additionally, they can get hip dysplasia, skin problems, and respiratory problems.

As much as I like the look of English bulldogs, I would never buy one. I would never reward people who intentionally create such unhealthy animals.

If your heart is really set on a English bulldog, check your local animal shelters and breed rescue groups. You probably won't find a puppy, but you may find a nice adult.

Answer 4

The reason why they cost so much cause the breed is not a popular dog and they have a gentle kindness to them. I had a friend who got two of them from England and it cost alot. They have been know to be good around kids..and they are a very protective of there home ad owner

Answer 5

Mainly because they're pure bred...the price usually varies though. If you get a dog that's pedigree has been bred for something, such as showing, and has done well then that lines puppy's or dogs out of that line will be more expensive than a dog who's pedigree didn't have any show titles or what ever in it...

Answer 6

i don't know much about the breed - but i was once told that bulldog puppies are all born by caeserian section & i don't think that they have very big litters - i'm sure that the vet costs incurred get passed on to the consumer.

Answer 7

because of the large size of the pups, they can have a very difficult and dangerous pregnancy and labor. they are also in high demand because lets face it, they're adorable. my advice to you with bully breeds would be make sure you are able to show them who is in charge. they can be VERY stubborn and need an assertive but loving owner

Answer 8

Any pure bred dogs are expensive. It is tough for dogs not to be a mutt of some degree.

Answer 9

You probably won't find one cheaper unless it is a bit older than a pup. And it will still be pricey.
They don't like too much heat or excersize. They are very loyal companions.

Answer 10

they only have a few puppies. like 2or3 and almost always have to have a c- section. the breeder passes the cost of surgery on to the buyer. supply and demand