Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Bull Terriers are another popular dog breed in the US! If you’re interested in adopting one of these great dogs, then you’ll want to know how much it costs to adopt one!
We’ve put together information about Bull Terriers, how much it costs to adopt them, and other expenses to consider when adopting one of these dogs. Let’s get started!
What is a Bull Terrier?
The Bull Terrier dog breed dates back to about 1835. It’s though these dogs were developed by breeding a Bulldog with a White English Terrier (now extinct). Later, these dogs were crossed with Spanish Pointers to make the dogs larger.
While these dogs were originally bred for dog fights (now an illegal activity), today, these distinctive dogs are beloved family companions. Did you know that Bull Terriers were nicknamed “the kid in a dog suit?” That’s because they’re very active and mischievous!
The Bull Terrier has a large personality and is somewhat of a clown. They’re highly intelligent and creative. They’ll come up with ideas and activities that you may not like! However, Bull Terriers can also be laid back and are very loyal to their families.
It’s been said that Bull Terriers are busy dogs from the time their puppies on up! They don’t like to be alone for long periods. Instead, they prefer to be with their pet parents and participate in family activities.
In addition, these dogs require a pet parent with a firm but loving hand. The pet parent must be experienced and know how to handle Bull Terriers. If the pet parent doesn’t rank as “alpha” the dog, then the dog will become dominant. So, Bull Terriers are not recommended for inexperienced pet parents.
Bull Terriers can be aggressive toward other animals, including other dogs. This behavior is more common in dogs that have not been fixed. They also require early training and socialization to make them a well-rounded, well-behaved, happy dog. And when it comes to cats or other small animals, these dogs won’t take kindly to anything like that in their territory!
What about kids? Can Bull Terriers get along well with kids? These dogs are not recommended for families that have young children. However, Bull Terriers can do well with older kids. However, the kids must be taught how to respect and properly treat the dog.
Bull Terriers are full of energy, so be ready to provide your fur baby with plenty of exercise every day! Otherwise, the dogs can become destructive and will find ways to release their pent-up energy. You may come home to chewed-up furniture, shoes, and more!
Bull Terriers usually stand between 21 to 22 inches tall and weigh between 35 to 75 lbs. They have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.
One note: ownership of Bull Terriers has been restricted or banned in some cities and states. For this reason, it’s imperative to research local dog laws before adopting one of these dogs. Adopting a banned dog may lead to the dog being seized and euthanized.
If you’re an experienced pet parent who has the time to devote to a Bull Terrier, then this may be the right dog for you!
Now that you have some background about these dogs, let’s see how much it costs to adopt a Bull Terrier!
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Bull Terrier?
Adoption costs for a Bull Terrier can vary, depending on different factors. For instance, if you’d like to adopt a show-quality or breeding dog, expect to pay a higher adoption fee. Adopting from a reputable breeder can also increase the adoption fee.
A Bull Terrier can cost between $815 to $2,000. This is the adoption price from a reputable breeder. These are usually pet-quality dogs that have been sterilized. So, they make great family companions.
If you’d like to buy a show dog or a breeding dog, then your adoption costs could run between $1,300 and $2,200 or more. It depends on the dog’s bloodlines.
But don’t fret if these adoption fees are more than you can budget for a Bull Terrier. Another option is to search for a Bull Terrier at a local rescue.
It is possible to find a purebred Bull Terrier at a shelter. In this case, the adoption fee may be between $100 to $300. Some find adoption fees expensive; however, stop considering that a rescue is a non-profit. The rescue must pay for housing, food, and medical care for all of their pets. This can be pretty expensive. So, the adoption fee you pay for your Bull Terrier is re-invested in the shelter. They can then use these funds to help other pets.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowOther Expenses with Adopting a Bull Terrier
In addition to the adoption fees, there are also other expenses to consider. These include supplies and items your fur baby needs on the first day he comes to your home.
Here’s a list of items & supplies (and their costs) you’ll need for your Bull Terrier!
- Food & water bowls: $10 to $40
- Dog collar: $10 to $40
- Leash: $10 to $40
- Harness: $20 to $50
- Dog bed: $30 to $120
- Dog crate: $30 to $120
- Toys: $50 to $155
- Brush: $5 to $20
- Shampoo: $5 to $20
- Dog food: $30/month
In addition, you’ll need to include medical care in your expense calculations. This will include regular vet checkups, vaccinations, and more. Annual vet costs can be between $125 and $265 a year, depending on the age and health of your dog.
Bull Terriers are prone to certain health issues, including:
- Cancer
- Allergies
- Patellar luxation
- And more
For this reason, you may also want to consider purchasing a pet health insurance policy for your Bull Terrier. Look for a pet health care policy that covers both accidents and illnesses. This way, you’ll be covered and have financial assistance available if your dog does become very sick. This type of pet health insurance policy can run about $600 a year.
Summing It Up
As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when adopting a Bull Terrier! The costs vary depending on whether you adopt from a reputable breeder or a rescue. And then, there are additional costs for supplies and items your dog will need.
No matter what, if you adopt a Bull Terrier, we’re sure you’ll have an amazing companion for years to come!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now