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 expenses that you should be aware of, including the cost of purchasing one from a breeder that can be upwards of $2000.
In this article, we’ll discuss the cost of owning 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 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 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 when 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
Government animal shelters, Humane Society shelters, and rescue groups charge adoption fees when you get a new Bull Terrier. Adoption fees are far lower than breeder costs, but they can still be considerable, depending on which organization you are adopting from. Shelters have the lowest fees, while rescue groups are more expensive.
Breeder
- $700–$2,000
Buying a purebred Bull Terrier is the most expensive way to obtain one. 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 one 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 much money if you reuse equipment or supplies you have from a previous dog. If you already have a crate, bowls, toys, collars, and leashes, you can save 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 you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, and thriving during any given month. This includes food, medicine, vet visits, and grooming appointments. 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, so they can eat a considerable amount of food. You can save money if you buy affordable, high-quality food and keep your dog on a reasonable diet. However, if you overfeed your dog, you can end up racking up an expensive veterinary 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 grooming. They have a very short, manageable coat. You might want to bathe your Bull Terrier occasionally, but you can get by with brushing once weekly. They also need to have their teeth brushed and nails trimmed regularly.
Medications and Vet Visits
- $50–$300 per month
Medication and vet visits are some of the highest recurring costs with a Bull Terrier. They need medications like flea and tick prevention and heartworm pills. Bull Terriers might also need skin medication or joint supplements, which can add another expense 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 can cost considerably more.
Pet Insurance
- $0–$30 per month
Not everyone wants or needs pet insurance. However, pet insurance can save you 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’ll have smaller monthly expenses 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, and tear up furniture. This can make you spend more money on repairs and replacements, but these costs are highly unpredictable. A Bull Terrier might go weeks without destroying anything and then end up creating a $200 mess in one afternoon. Each dog is different, but Bull Terriers can cause plenty of damage if they’re not trained properly.
| 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 forms, including toys, games, and harnesses for long walks. Some owners subscribe to BarkBox or similar products that provide entertainment every month. Monthly boxes can cost as much as $50, depending on which 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 several factors. The health and well-being of the dog are the primary drivers of cost. Some Bull Terriers are destructive, resulting in recurring repair or replacement costs. A healthy and calm Bull Terrier will cost far less to maintain every month than an unhealthy and mischievous Bull Terrier.
Additional Costs to Factor In
Pet Sitting
- $25–$100 per night
Pet sitting costs are important to consider, especially if you like to travel. Pet sitting costs vary depending on who watches your pet (a friend versus a boarding facility) and the season. Prices can spike during busy seasons like the Fourth of July weekend or Christmas. Don’t forget to factor in the nightly pet-sitting costs if you leave town without your dog.
Emergency Vet Care
- $500–$10,000+
Emergency vet costs are some of the scariest bills you can get as a dog owner. Emergency vet costs can vary wildly depending on the severity of the injury or condition. Trauma from being hit by a car or foreign body surgery can cost thousands.
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 professional help. 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 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 have sizable sales on everything from toys to treats to food. If you keep an eye out, you can snag some excellent products for less. Some online retailers have programs allowing you to save money by setting up AutoShip or signing up for a shopper’s membership.
Pet insurance can also help save money on veterinary costs by covering the expenses for large medical bills or routine procedures. Many providers also offer wellness plans, which provide discounts on standard services.
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 or 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.
Related Read: Are Bull Terriers Smart? Breed Intelligence Revealed
Featured Image Credit: dudonyrud, Shutterstock
