Why bulldogs cost so much?

If your first question is PRICE, maybe this is not the breed that you should be looking into. In order to breed HIGH QUALITY and HEALTHY bulldogs it is NOT cheap! There is a great deal of time, effort and expense involved in raising a Bulldog litter. It costs $3000.00 and upward  to breed, deliver & raise a litter, and that is not including the countless hours involved.

Getting the female ready for breeding requires pre-breeding testing, progesterone testing (Ovulation testing) etc. and at least 3 trips to see the veterinarian $$$$.

When it is time to breed the female, bulldogs are artificially inseminated, which then requires 3 more trips to the veterinarian, as well as the expense for the semen/stud fee, shipping costs (if shipping needed) which is anywhere from $1000.00 and up.

4 weeks later an ultrasound and/or x-rays will be scheduled, as it is important to be sure the female is pregnant. We must follow a special diet, vitamins and constant monitoring for the next 5 weeks, plus getting the nursery ready which includes: heating pads, bottles, blankets, medical supplies, milk replacer, a puppy scale, and the list goes on and on. $$$$

Then comes the C-section, which can cost upwards of $950.00 assuming she went into labor during regular office hours and everything went well.

The average litter size is 4. Females produce only 2 -3 litters. This is a special breed, which requires the constant help of humans to bring a litter to 8 weeks of age. In spite of their appearance, the Bulldog, as a newborn puppy is extremely fragile. It requires constant monitoring of the puppies (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Bulldogs don’t make the best mothers because they may lie on a puppy by accident and not even realize it. The vet normally checks the puppies at least 3 times during their first 8 weeks, including worming, puppy vaccines and micro chipping. It is a breed that requires MAXIMUM effort on the part of the breeder to make sure that all the puppies turn out healthy.

The whole procedure is VERY costly. Beware of "great deals" and "cheap puppies", they may cost you a lot more in the long run - not just money, but heartache too!

Why pay more for a pet puppy?

Reputable Breeder -  Both the sire and dam of this puppy came from top quality breeding stock which was developed over years and years of selective and knowledgeable breeding. Both meet the requirement of the written AKC/CKC and ASCA standard for the breed in conformation as well as temperament. Each has a pedigree, which has been studied and thoroughly researched. These dogs have been selected to breed to each other because they can both contribute to the excellence of the breed as well as complement on another.

Backyard Breeder - The dam of this litter was purchased from a local pet store and originally came from a puppy mill. She was sick off and on the first year of her life due to too many different types of intestinal parasites and malnutrition. The sire, an over-sized male, lives down the street and was purchased from an ad in the newspaper. Neither owner has ever heard of the AKC/CKC or ASCA written standard. Neither owner has seen a written pedigree. The female is skittish and snappy. Her owners hope that having a litter will calm her down.

Reputable Breeder - Before this breeding ever took place, years of planning began between both the Stud and Bitch owners. Both male and female were veterinarian tested to determine that there were no physical or genetic problems that might be passed on to offspring. The breeder is well aware of the genetic problems to which the breed is predisposed and uses no animal for breeding unless it is certified clear of defects by a qualified Veterinarian. The health of her pups is guaranteed.

Backyard Breeder  - The breeder is totally unaware of the genetic problems within the breed. Trips to the Veterinarian, except for dire emergencies or yearly shots, are considered too expensive. The breeders' hope is to make money off the sale of the puppies. If he keeps expenses down, he can buy that new couch he's been wanting. Puppies are sold with no guarantee.

Reputable Breeder  - The breeder is a professional and he has a good reputation to maintain. His goal is to produce beautiful and sound specimens, which anyone would be proud to own. Profit, if any is made, goes toward future breedings, always aimed toward the betterment of the breed, or for show entries, handler's fees, new equipment and important veterinary tests. Both the mother and pups are fed the highest quality diet. Many trips to the vet assure him that mother and pups are thriving under the very best care. The pups are raised in a busy part of the house where they are socialized, groomed and exposed to different kinds of stimuli. They are touched and talked to, cuddled and even sung to. They never leave before they are at least 8 weeks old. Every buyer is interviewed at length and pups are placed only in homes where they will receive the finest treatment. The breeder spends time with each new owner, educating and answering questions. Follow-up calls are made to make sure the pups are adjusting well. Each new owner receives a bill of sale and health guarantees, vaccination/microchip records, minimum five-generation pedigree, guarantee of registration with the AKC or CKC and thorough puppy care and nutrition information. If the puppy is not considered to be of show quality as it will better the breed the puppy is sold with a limited registration or non-breeding agreements. The new owners are encouraged to continue a relationship with the breeder, and to call and ask questions at any time during the dog's life.

Backyard Breeder -  These puppies are born in a box, in the garage and receive little care other than what the mother gives. To cut costs they are weaned on generic dog food and allowed to nurse on the mother as long as possible to keep food bills down. The bitch's health declines rapidly due to poor health and some pups are weak and runty. They are sold as quickly as possible because advertising and vaccines are expensive. They are sold without shots, parasite checks, vet examinations, guarantees or information of any kind. They are sold to anyone who has the cash. If the new owner is lucky he may receive an AKC or CKC registration application. Although the puppy is of very poor quality, it is sold with full breeding rights. The new owner usually disappears with the pup, never to be seen again. If the market is not good, the breeder takes the leftover pups to the local pet shop.

The comparison you have just read is hypothetical, but very typical of what we see all too often. Although not every breeder who charges higher prices is reputable and ethical, pet buyers should keep looking until they find one that is. When I am asked why my prices are so much higher than those in some newspaper ads, I mail a copy of this article. Those buyers who respect the quality and excellence are wonderful customers and become "partners" in this hobby that I love so much. Those that are seeking pets deserve nothing less than a nice quality, healthy and trusting animal. As well as a breeder they can count on."

- Anonymous

The Breeder  

      I love my little puppy; she makes my house a home. 
       She is my very sweetest little friend; I never feel alone.
       She makes me smile; She makes me laugh; She fills my heart with  love . . .
       Did some person breed her, or did she fall from above?
 
      I've never been a breeder, never seen life through their eyes;
       I hold my little puppy and just sit and criticize.
       I've never known their anguish; I've never felt their pain,
       the caring of their charges, through snow or wind or rain.
 
       I've never waited the whole night through for babies to be born,
       The stress and trepidation when they're still not there by morn.
       The weight of responsibility for this body in my hands,
       This darling little baby, who weighs but 60 grams.  
 
       Should you do that instead of this . . . or maybe that was wrong?
      Alone you fight and hope, one day, he'll grow up proud and strong.
      You pray he'll live to bring great joy to someone else's home.
      You know it's all just up to you; you'll fight this fight alone.
 
       Formula, bottles, heating pads, you've got to get this right,
       two-hour feedings for this tiny guy, throughout the day and night.
      Within your heart you dread that you will surely lose this fight,
       To save this little baby, but God willing . . . you just MIGHT.
 
       Day one; he's in there fighting; you say a silent prayer.
       Day two & three, he's doing well, with lots of love and care.
       Day four & five . . . he's still alive; your hopes soar to the
       heavens.
       Day six he slips away again, dies in your hands, day seven.
 
      You take this little angel, and bury him alone.
      With aching heart and burning tears, and an exhausted groan,
      You ask yourself, "Why do this? . . . Why suffer through this pain?"
      Yet watch the joy your puppies bring, and everything's explained.
 
       So, when you think of breeders and label them with "Greed,"
      Think of all that they endure to fill another's need.
      For when you buy your puppy, with your precious dollars part,
      You only pay with money . . . while they pay with all their heart.
 
       .... Author Unknown....