Bulldog at a glance
| Adult weight | 22 to 25kg |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Typical lifespan | About 9 years |
| Grooming | Brushing at home; no regular groomer |
| Health | Well-known breed health problems |
What a bulldog costs
| First yearIncluding a £1,000 puppy, kit, vaccinations, spaying and training | £3,574 |
|---|---|
| Each year after | £1,744 |
| A month, after year one | £145 |
| Over about 9 years | £17,526 |
| With a dog sitter 3 days a weekAt £90 a week | +£4,680 a year |
These assume a girl puppy, about £48 a month of mid-range dry food for a 23.5kg adult, a week of kennels a year and no daycare. The calculator above shows every line.
Health problems to know about
Bulldogs are known to be prone to:
- Breathing problems from the flat face
- Skin infections
- Joint problems
Ask the breeder for health test results for both parents. Not every bulldog will have these problems, but they’re why insurance matters: a long-term condition can cost hundreds or thousands of pounds a year.
Insuring a bulldog?
Look for lifetime cover with at least £7,000 a year for vet fees, and check what it says about breathing problems from the flat face.
Compare dog insuranceWe may be paid if you use this link. It never changes our sums.
Next steps
- Check which insurance a bulldog needs
- See how big your bulldog puppy will get
- Work out how much to feed a bulldog puppy
- Check a bulldog breeder before you pay a deposit
Questions
How much does a bulldog cost a month?
About £145 a month after the first year, for insurance, food, flea treatment, grooming, boosters and small vet bills. Daycare or a dog sitter is extra.
How much does a bulldog cost in the first year?
About £3,574, including a £1,000 puppy price, kit, vaccinations, spaying, training, insurance and food. Breeders’ prices vary a lot, so put in yours.
How much is insurance for a bulldog?
Our starting figure is £50 a month for lifetime cover for a young bulldog, but quotes vary with where you live and the policy. Look for a vet fee limit of at least £7,000 a year.
How long do bulldogs live?
About 9 years on average.
Cocker spaniel £1,790 a year
French bulldog £1,492 a year
English springer spaniel £1,576 a year
Border collie £1,504 a year
Staffordshire bull terrier £1,444 a year
Beagle £1,360 a year