Australian Bulldog - Pibbles & Bits

The Australian Bulldog, or Aussie Bulldog, is a relatively new breed of dog that began to emerge in the 1990’s. In an attempt to recreate the English Bulldog that was popular in Australia, but with far fewer health issues. The popularity of the breed has begun to sore, and many wonder how much do Australian Bulldogs cost? How Much Do Australian Bulldogs Cost? On Average the Australian Bulldog will cost $3000 for a puppy, with a range between $2500-$3500 depending on the breeder. The cost of an Australian Bulldog puppy varies based on the bloodline, appearance, show quality and gender of the dog. The cost of the Australian Bulldog only begins at your initial purchase of a puppy. The first year of you Australian Bulldogs life can cost you between $4850-$8610, with an average annual price afterwards of $2210-$4520. Knowing the costs of owning your Aussie Bulldog is important when deciding if this breed is right for you. Below is a breakdown of all the costs you will incur over the first 12 months of owning your Australian Bulldog, as well as the average annual cost of ownership as they grow into adults. How Much Do Australian Bulldogs Cost? PURCHASE RANGE AVERAGE COST Puppy Purchase** $2500 – $3500 $3000 Premium Food & Treats $400 – $900 $650 Harness & Leash* $40 – $60 $50 Food & Water Bowls* $10 – $50 $30 Toys & Chews $250 – $500 $375 Dog Bed* $30 – $100 $65 Dog Crate* $40 – $80 $60 Grooming $30 – $80 DIY $55 Vet Bills & Preventative Care $700 – $1500 $1100 Training* $20 – $300 $200 Insurance $720 – $1320 $1000 Registration & Tags $10 – $20 $15 Misc.. Poops bags, wipes, towels $100 – $200 $150 Total In First Year $4850 – $8610 $6770 Total Yearly After Start Up Costs $2210 – $4520 $3345 ** One time expense / * First year expense that will last years / Additional costs for dog walking services will range from $20-$30 per 30-60 minute walk. How Much Do Australian Bulldog Puppies Cost? The average cost of an Australian Bulldog puppy is between $2500-$3500. These prices are from reputable breeders that provide health guarantees, screenings for health conditions, temperament, and registration with ABCA (Australian Bulldog Club of Australia). A reputable breeder should be registered with the ABCA, provide you with health certifications of genetics conditions, a list of screenings that have been conducted, and be able to answer any question you may have without hesitation. Reputable breeders should include not only health certifications, but their first rounds of vaccinations, de-worming, micro-chipping, and registration papers. These are all the basics any good breeder will provide. When inquiring about an Australian Bulldog puppy with a breeder they should be able to provide all this information and more. Anyone selling you an Australian Bulldog that is unwilling to provide these simple requests should be avoided at all costs. Buying a certified, health Australian Bulldog puppy from a good breeder can save you thousands of dollars in potential vet bills and medications. These puppies are bred to be the best specimens of the breed. Paying the asking price from a reputable breeder for an Australian Bulldog puppy is something you need to understand. These dogs are treated and bred with care, and are worth every penny. How High Can Australian Bulldog Price Go? The price of Australian bulldog puppies starts from $1500 to $2000. This price varies due to factors like pedigree, lineage, health, age, location, demand, and breeder reputation. On average, you can expect to pay between $2000 to $5000 for an Australian bulldog puppy. This price can go high depending on the superior physical attributes, unique coloration, or bloodline. Bulldog price Australia can come to $8000 to $10000 and even more. The price differs with different countries and demands. The final price stops after including the socialization and care for the puppies. Factors Affecting Bulldog Price Australia Australian bulldog prices can be affected due to several factors. This breed is not as common as others and is limited, increasing the demand and price. Australian bulldogs are typically bred for specific traits, such as health and temperament. The breeder’s unique characteristics like muscular build, fierce appearance, and loyal nature contribute to its popularity. The elevation in the bulldog price also happens due to the proper care, veterinary expenses, and quality nutrition. The breeders provide proper training, keep them healthy, and provide regular vet check-ups. It makes the dog more expensive than others. What Should I Feed My Australian Bulldog? – The 5 Best Options Ensuring your Australian Bulldog is getting a premium quality dog food is the first step to a healthy dog. Special care and attention selecting a quality protein, good levels of fatty acids, vitamins and minerals will provide your dog food a well balanced diet. The Australian Bulldog, like many of the Bully breeds, is susceptible to skin and joint issues, as well as some potential food allergies. Ensuring your Australian Bulldog is being fed a top quality food rich in Omega fatty acids can help with many skin and joint issues, and be great preventive care. I have written extensively about some of the best premium quality dog foods on my resource page. My top recommendations for your dog would be: ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato Wellness CORE Grain-Free Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe CANIDAE All Life Stages A premium quality dog food is your best bet to maintain a happy and healthy dog. The cost can be a little more than your low quality brands. Expecting to pay $50 – $80 a month should be a part of your budget. Adding in some supplementation for skin, joint, and heart health, like some Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil, can further enhance the health of your Australian Bulldog. High quality diets will lead to less Vet visits in the future, so the upfront cost is well worth it for your wallet. Australian Bulldog Harness & Leash – The 5 Best Options The proper gear for your Aussie Bulldog can be overwhelming when it comes to the choices. I can simplify that for you to make the best decision possible when it comes to harnesses and leashes for your Australian Bulldog. My first recommendation when it comes to gear for your Australian Bulldog is to get a proper harness rather than a collar. Your Australian Bulldog is going to be a strong adult very soon, and I find that harnesses are the best option with Bully breeds. A good harness and leash setup can cost between $40 – $60 and will last for years. Harnesses are the better option than collars for a few reasons. Excellent for training Teaching your Australian Bulldog puppy to walk on leash with a harness can prevent tangles and trip ups. Not only can this make learning to walk on leash easier, but can also prevent injuries from tangle ups. Provides better control A harness allows for great control of your dog’s movement, and with the large and strong Australian Bulldog, this is especially useful. If your dog is still learning leash manners, or you are in a busy area, having greater control of your dog can provide that extra layer of safety. Discourages pulling The way that a harness fits makes pulling on leash a lot less easy for dogs than a collar. Wearing a harness can reduce the amount your Australian Bulldog pulls on leash, and makes training leash manners much easier. Safer for the dog Collars, especially for your Australian Bulldog puppy, can create situations where an injury is more likely to happen. A sudden jerk or pull in the wrong direction can hurt and and injure your puppy’s neck. Prevents escape attempts Most dog escapes happen when they slip from a loose collar, or a collar breaks. A harness is designed to be a lot more difficult to slip out of, and the likelihood of a harness breaking compared to a collar is far less. When it comes to getting a leash for your Australian Bulldog my recommendation above all else is to NEVER USE A FLEXI-LEASH. Those extendable leashes that let your dog wander wherever they like are dangerous and teach your extremely bad habits. Some gear recommendations for your Aussie Bulldog‘s harness and leash needs would be the following highly quality, top rated items. Rabbitgoo Dog Harness, No-Pull Pet Harness WALKTOFINE Dog Harness No Pull Reflective RUFFWEAR, Front Range Dog Harness iYoShop 6 FT Strong Dog Leash with Comfortable Padded Handle Blazin’ Safety LED Dog Leash Source – AKC Reviews & Resources – The Best Leashes, Harnesses, & Collars for Bully Breed Dogs Australian Bulldog Bowls & Accessories – The 5 Best Options Food bowls don’t have to be a complicated affair, and can be a very affordable purchase that will last the lifetime of your Aussie Bulldog. For me it is important to have a sturdy food and water dish setup for my Staffy to prevent messy eating. Some dogs can be very fast eaters, and along with some training, things like slow feeders bowls can be a great investment. A slow feeder bowl can slow your dogs eating considerably, and add some extra mental stimulation for your Australian Bulldog. A good bowl setup will cost between $10 – $50 if you are not looking for anything to boujee and designer made. No judgement if you want to go that route, I myself have made a couple purchases from the Posh Puppy Boutique. Getting a few Kongs to keep at the ready is a must in my books. Kongs are such a versatile and essential feeding and training tool. They can provide mental stimulation, slow your dog’s eating, help with crate training and be great for dogs with separation anxiety. I myself keep 4 Kongs in the house to make sure I always have one ready to go. My top food bowl and accessories recommendations for your Australian Bulldog would be: URPOWER No Spill Dog Food Bowl UPSKY Double Dog Bowls No-Spill Resin Station Outward Hound Fun Feeder Interactive Dog Bowl YETI Boomer 8, Stainless Steel, Non-Slip Dog Bowl Pawfect Pets Premium Elevated Dog Diner Super Chewer Kongs Australian Bulldog Toys – The 5 Best Options Australian Bulldogs can be strong chewers, and enjoy a fair deal of challenge and mental stimulation when it comes to toys. Providing your dog with a strong, durable and exciting toy will be your best option to avoid constant replacements. My Staffy is a big chewer, and those cute little fluffy toys don’t stand a chance when it comes to longevity. She can have the squeaker out and the toy’s fluff stuffing all over my living room within an hour. Over the years I have found some amazing options to keep her entertained, and my monthly toy budget down to a cost of $20 – $40 I admit it might seem like I have more toys around than my Staffy needs, but I typically rotate her toys to keep her interested. She can get bored with some toys, so putting those away and bringing out other toys that have been in the cupboard, reinvigorates her interest to play with them. These are some of your best toy options for a Australian Bulldog. Benebone Bacon Flavored Wishbone Chew Toy Arm & Hammer Super Treadz Gator & Gorilla Chew Toy LECHONG Dog Rope Toys Petstages Dogwood Tough Dog Chew Bark Box Super Chewer Subscription Resources & Reviews – The Best 15 Dog Toys & Chews for Aggressive Chewers Australian Bulldog Beds – The 5 Best Options Dog beds come in a range of prices, from the most basic not so comfy ones, to the over the top posh ones. Getting a comfortable sleeping area for your Australian Bulldog to have a snooze and relax is a basic necessity if you don’t want them in your bed, or on the couch. Crate training your Australian Bulldog is one of your best moves when it comes to potty training and prevention of your dog developing separation anxiety. Getting yourself a crate that will work from the time your dog is a puppy to an adult can save you a lot of money. The iCrate comes with a divider that allows you to adjust the size and space your dog has as they grow from puppy to adult. A bestseller, and what I always recommend to any new dog owner. Grab one on Amazon. Getting a dog bed with a removable, machine washable cover is probably the most important feature next to comfort. You will need to wash the stink, hair and food bits from your dogs bed on a regular basis. My recommendations for affordable, comfortable, and easy care beds will cost between $30 – $100 and these beds can last several years with proper maintenance. Frisco Plush Orthopedic Frisco Pillow Dog Bed Furhaven Pet Dog Bed – Orthopedic Ultra Plush Furhaven Pet – Plush Orthopedic Sofa BarksBar Large Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed If you really want to spoil you Aussie Bulldog, get them a top notch Bully Bed at BullyBeds.com Australian Bulldog Cost of Grooming The Australian Bulldog is a low maintenance breed of dog when it comes to grooming. A weekly brushing of their short coat, and a bath every 6-8 weeks is all it will take to keep them smelling good and looking shiny. Additional costs of toe clippings can remain fairly cheap whether you do it at home, or take them in to a groomer. The cost of grooming at home with your own supplies will cost you between $30 – $80 a year. Get yourself a good brush, shampoo, and nail clippers and you are all set. I use a gentle hypoallergenic shampoo on my Staffy because of her sensitive skin, and I would recommend the same for your Australian Bulldog. Recommended Grooming Tools KING KOMB™ – Deshedding tool FURminator Short Hair Dog Deshedding Tool PetNeat Pet Grooming Brush SleekEZ Original Deshedding Grooming Tool Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Dog Shampoo Casfuy Pet Nail Trimmer: Painless Paws Grooming & Smoothing If you would rather take your Australian Bulldog to a groomer, this can cost you $150 – $200 a year depending on where you live and what sort of spa package treatment you choose. Thankfully you can save a few bucks on hair cuts with your Aussie Bulldog, as they will never need one. Resources & Reviews – The 15 Best Dog Grooming & Bathing Products Australian Bulldog Cost of Training Depending on your own personal experience when it comes to training dogs, giving your Australian Bulldog the foundations for a well behaved and balanced life is crucial. The Australian Bulldog is a strong, and sometimes stubborn breed that will require proper handling. The cost of training your Australian Bulldog can range anywhere from $20 – $300. This includes supplementary materials and tools. There are a number of options one can take when training their dog, and depending on your needs and budget you can achieve this through group classes, 1:1 sessions, books, and online video courses. Puppy and Group Training Classes Enrolling your puppy in a 6-8 week group puppy class is a great way to lay a foundation of learning not just for your dog, but also for you as the owner. Training classes are meant to introduce your puppy to basic commands, walking on leash, and socialization skills. Keeping these new skills going with consistent training after the 6-8 weeks is up to you, not your Australian Bulldog puppy. Puppy and group training classes can range in price between $20-$25 a session, or $120 – $200 for the full course program. This can vary depending on where you live, but is about the average cost. Over the course of these 6-8 weeks you will learn all the basics on how to communicate effectively with your puppy, and use positive reinforcement techniques. The trainer of these courses should equip you with everything you need to get a great start on your puppy’s learning path. 1:1 Private Training Sessions Private training sessions with your Australian Bulldog will cost anywhere from $35-$75 a session, sometimes more depending on the trainer and your specific need. The purpose of a private training session is typically far beyond learning the basics of sit, stay, down, and walking on leash. These sessions are usually for a specific behavior you are needing help correcting. A single session with a private trainer is unlikely to resolve whatever issue you are looking to fix. Expect to have multiple sessions with this trainer to work on the consistency of the training they are providing. Ask about package rates to perhaps get a lower rate per session. Typically the trainer will be able to come to your home and evaluate how your dog interacts with you and your family. The private trainer should be able to provide tools and techniques to everyone in the family to help guide your dog’s behavior and consistently work your way towards the desired behaviors. Some examples of the issues you are wanting a private trainer to assist with could be: Dog jumping on people Separation anxiety Differents forms of aggression Digging, Chewing, and destructive behaviors Excessive barking Always do your research ahead of time and properly vet your potential trainers for certifications in their field, as well as any available reviews from previous customers. A trainer who practices positive reinforcement techniques, along with skills on being a pack leader are always preferred. Dog Training Books There are many fantastic dog training books that are out there. I used a few myself to supplement my group training sessions with my Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy Ruby, and they were a tremendous help. Learning as an owner should never end with your puppy or obedience classes. Getting yourself a few good books to continue will make a world of difference. When I first brought Ruby home I picked up a few books that her group trainer had recommended and dove right into learning as much as I could. Cesar Millan, Dr. Ian Dunbar, and Dr. Patricia McConell all provide valuable insights, lessons, and techniques that have stayed with me all these years. Each of these books provided me with similar yet different approaches to try and I was able to find what worked best and adapt them to my training with Ruby. I would highly recommend you check out these books, as well as a few more recent books that come highly recommended. How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond by Cesar Millan Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog by Dr. Ian Dunbar Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution The Puppy Primer by Dr. Patricia McConnell Online Dog Training Classes Online learning and dog training apps can be a great alternative to in person group classes. Though you will be missing out on the socialization aspects, so be sure to be socializing your dog as often as you can. They learn so much from other dogs as well as from us as owners. At the time of writing this article the world is currently in the middle of a global pandemic, and many group and indoor activities are cancelled. This can create issues for the many people who have brought a new puppy home, or are looking to add some additional obedience training to their adult dog’s regime. Online classes can provide you with just as much knowledge as an in person group session, and you can always go back to review the lessons afterwards. This is such a handy way of approaching your Australian Bulldog‘s training so long as you are putting in the actual work. There are some great online classes you can start right away online that are taught from professionals and cover a range of different material. Online classes can range from $20-$150 per course depending on the depth and breadth of the material you need. Pupford Academy is an online based training academy with a huge selection of courses. The Pupford Academy has real certified CPDT-KA trainers with 10-20 years of professional dog training experience. With their step-by-step instructions, video based training modules, and specific behavior type problems sections, you are well equipped to raise the well behaved puppy of your dreams. The Dunbar Academy – The Dunbar Academy offers dozens of courses to help you with general as well as very specific dog training programs. This online learning is provided by the world renowned training expert Dr. Ian Dunbar and his family. Resources & Reviews – The Best Dog Training Courses, Books, & Tools Australian Bulldog Veterinary Expenses One of the highest costs of owning a Australian Bulldog will be your medical and preventative care bills. Even with a healthy dog these are an annual or semi-annual cost you must incur to maintain and prevent future illness that can result from lack of care. A healthy Australian Bulldog should be seeing their vet once to twice each year during their adult life. When you add up the consultations, shots, dental care, and preventative treatments this can cost on average between $700 – $1500 a year. If your Australian Bulldog is sick or needs emergency treatments such as surgery, these costs can go much higher. In the case of cancer treatments and consultation with a specialist and treatment can cost between $1500-$6000. The first year of your Aussie Bulldog’s life will have an upfront cost of between $75-$100 to get the first rounds of vaccinations. Puppies should receive 3 cycles of vaccines in the first year or so of their life that cover all the core DHLPP vaccinations. These include: Distemper Hepatitis Leptospirosis Parvo Parainfluenza Additional vaccinations like bordetella and rabies are highly recommended, and oftentimes required by law, or to have your dog participate in group activities such as training classes, or boarding. Health care for you puppy is a top priority and responsibility of any pet owner. Keep your dogs shots up to date and book your annual or semi-annual check ups. Accidents can also happen, and these can be costly. A torn ACL, a broken leg, or an emergency stomach surgery to remove a child’s toy. These can and do happen. Consider getting insurance for your Aussie Bulldog puppy to help mitigate some of the financial risks. Australian Bulldog Insurance Cost – The 7 Best Options Having pet insurance for your Australian Bulldog can be a lifesaver financially when it comes to unexpected expenses. Accidents can happen, dental care will be needed, and having some options for holistic treatment coverage may be desired. In doing some research for this article I obtained a series of quotes from about 10 different insurance providers. I kept all the information as consistent as possible when getting the quotes. I found that for a Male Australian Bulldog, that has been neutered the cost of monthly pet insurance can range from $50-$110 These numbers are based on a $500 deductible, $10,000-Unlimited claim limits, and an 80% reimbursement. All insurance providers have limits to coverage plans, and those vary from quote to quote. Personally I have looked at dozens of different pet insurance companies for my Staffy. I know how daunting it can be to sift through the various options for coverage, deductibles, and annual payout limits. In my search I did find some of the best options. The insurance coverage I chose was specific to my needs of my dog. These are some of the best providers I have found. Eusoh Eusoh is my choice for pet insurance community health sharing plans. You never pay more than $65 and the average monthly cost is about $40. GET A QUOTE Touting themselves as not an insurance company but a community health sharing plan. Eusoh has a very unique, and admirable business model that does not rely on premiums to make their profit. They are a member based reimbursement network, that is fast, affordable, and honestly pretty cool. Trupanion One of the most trusted, reliable, and established pet insurance companies on the market today. Trupanion has one of the most custom tailored plans you can get. They also use a specially developed technology that can pay your vet directly. Saving you time on claims immediately. GET A QUOTE PetPlan PetPlan has a great comprehensive package that covers everything from exam fees, to dental, even to chronic and hereditary conditions. The quote I received was about average cost, but the coverage was fantastic. GET A QUOTE Pets Best Offers great plan options to suit your specific needs, and coverage along with stellar service, and fast payouts. This company offers a versatile set of plan options and great customer service access. GET A QUOTE Embrace Pet Insurance Embrace coverage is very comprehensive from basic accidents to cancer treatments, prescriptions, and behavioral therapy. You are not limited to a specific network of vets, so Embrace works at any clinic. GET A QUOTE Pet First Insurance One of the fastest payout networks on claims. With a very robust selection of plans to help tailor your coverage to your budget and your pets needs. Great coverage options including exam fees and holistic options. GET A QUOTE Pet Premium Among one of the most affordable pet insurance companies. Pet Premium offers great support for your pets health insurance with open transparency on coverage. GET A QUOTE Australian Bulldog Exercise Needs The Australian Bulldog is a fairly energetic breed of dog. They are not marathon runners, but not happy to sit on the couch all day either. When you have an Australian Bulldog puppy and have to leave for work everyday, they are going to need some exercise and a potty break. This is true of adult dogs as well. Hiring a dog walker to provide your Australian Bulldog with their exercise needs is your best bet for keeping your dog happy. Leaving your dog home alone all day can lead to some mischief and destructive behaviors, not to mention smelly accidents. The average cost of a dog walker is $20 – $30 for a 30-60 minute walk with your dog. This can vary depending on where you live and the dog walking service you choose. There are many options to source out a good and reliable dog walker or dog walking service. Word of mouth is often the best method, so talk to people at your local dog park who use a dog walker. There are also services like Rover and Wag Walks that have a fast and convenient way for you to schedule in a dog walk for your Australian Bulldog. Both services are comparable in price, and allow you to set you specific appointments and instructions. The dog walking services have a large network of vetted walkers in thousands of US cities and towns. They also offer pet sitting and boarding options as well. Conclusion The cost of owning an Australian Bulldog doesn’t end once you have paid your initial adoption fee from a breeder. There are many hidden costs that can jump up and surprise you if you’re not paying attention. Planning ahead, and making a budget for your new family member will make your life a whole lot easier. Finding the right breeder, the right food, the right gear, insurance, and dog walker are necessary steps to becoming a good pet owner. I have gone through all of this myself, and wish I had a blog post like this to reference when I was first adopting my Staffy. Through my years of experience I have compiled this article into the most comprehensive yet concise set of monthly and annuals costs you can anticipate. It may seem like an Australian Bulldog is going to cost you a lot, but the gift of your furry companion will pale in comparison.