The Pitbull is one of the most lovable dog breeds you can own. The dog has immense love for people and is a great family companion. This intelligent dog with outstanding body features will make a great and loyal friend.
But how much does a Pitbull cost? The cost depends on various factors like the dog's age, location, breed, vet care, and training.
If you plan to own a Pitbull, this guide is yours. Read on to learn the price of a Pitbull as well as the factors that determine the cost.
How Much Does a Pitbull Cost?
Expect to spend between $500 and $55,000 to buy a Pitbull. The price varies depending on the type of Pitbull you opt for. A Pitbull puppy costs more if it's from a premium lineage. For example, hulk Pitbulls cost more than the other breeds. Hulk Pitbulls, the largest in the world, weigh around 175 pounds.
Colby Pitbulls go for about $2,000-$20,000, while Gator Pitbulls go for $2,000-$10,000. The two cheapest Pitbull breeds are Razor Edge and Blue Nose Pitbull. They cost between $2,000-$5,500 and $1,000-$1,500, respectively.
Apart from the dog’s lineage, its breed also determines its price. The American Bully Pitbull breed costs around $2,500-$5,000, while the American Staffordshire Terrier costs between $1,500 and $2000. Expect to spend between $1500-$2000 on a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and $500-$1000 on an American Pitbull Terrier.
Note that the above prices are for Pitbull puppies without the starter supply costs.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Pitbull Puppy
As we've noted above, pitbull costs are not constant, as there are factors that determine their price range. The factors to look out for include the following:
Appearance
The appearance of the Pitbull puppy you're about to buy affects the amount you pay. The Pitbull appearance, like nose and coat colors, build, and height, matters.
A Pitbull with outstanding physical features tends to be more expensive than the rest. For example, the American Pitbull terrier attracts more payment because of their red and blue nose, which makes them desirable.
Ancestry
Additionally, the ancestry or lineage of the Pitbull also affects its price. For example, a Pitbull from a champion bloodline like Hulk costs 10 more than a regular Pittie.
A Pitbull with police dog ancestry will also be much more expensive. The other champion bloodline Pitbull dogs you can opt for are Gator, Colby, Razor Edge, and Monster G.
Pet Guarantee
Pitbulls from a reliable shelter or breeder come with a guarantee, unlike those from puppy mills. Some breeders offer buyers a 2 years health guarantee for their Pitbull, while others issue temperamental guarantees. If your Pitbull has a health guarantee, expect it to cost more, as the breeders include this expense in their cost.
The PitBull’s Subbreed
Another factor that affects the Pitbull cost is its breed. The Pitbull breed is the most used determinant to set the puppy's price. The American bullies and Prague Pitbulls are the most expensive breed.
The other expensive breeds you can come across include the American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. But the American Pitbull terrier is cheaper.
Other factors affecting the Pitbull cost are their age, shipping fees, canine organization registration fees, and training. For example, if you choose a weeks-old Pitbull that has been undergoing socialization and obedience training, expect to pay more.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Pitbull From a Rescue?
You don't have to get your Pitbull from a breeder. Instead, you can adopt a Pitbull from a rescue at a cost or sometimes even no cost. Pitbull rescue costs between $100 and $500. However, the price might increase depending on the dog's age, microchipping, spraying, adoption, or vaccine shot fees.
Even though getting a Pitbull from a rescue is advisable and cheaper, you might not get the right dog with the desired characteristics. Additionally, Pitbull breeds are rarely available for adoption, and the ones you can get are senior or adult Pitbulls.
Initial Cost of Pitbull Ownership
Before owning a pitbull, it's best to prepare financially as your new friend-to-be comes at a cost. Remember, apart from the pitbull cost, you must also get essential items the dog will require to survive. The prices are to carter for:
Food and Treats
Food is the most important item your dog will need immediately after they reach your home. You might also use treats to calm your pitbull or teach it to adapt to its new environment. Get high quality food and treats for your pitbull.
Also, ensure you buy the right food for their age. Before purchasing these items, check if your puppy has any allergies. You will buy your pitbull food and treats for between $80 and $120.
Toys for your Pitbull
Additionally, you need to budget for toys, as they help your dog stay busy. Toys are also necessary for their growth and development and are your pitbull's main source of entertainment.
But since Pitbulls have stronger jaws and love chewing things, get the right toys, and they will not destroy easily. The cheaper toys might not work well for you as they spoil faster. The stronger toys for your pitbull can cost between $30 and $60.
Bedding
Your pitbull will also have to sleep on a comfortable bed. Go for a durable, strong bed that can withstand your Pitbull's weight.
A good bed also prevents health complications like hip dysplasia and muscle problems. A good bed goes for around $40 to $200.
Food and Water Bowls
You must serve your pitbull in the right food and water bowls that are easy to clean and safe. Buying stainless steel for your pitbull is advisable, as it's stronger than plastic ones. Depending on the size and material, feeding bowls cost between $10 and $35.
Leashes and Collars
Also, plan to buy your Pitbull leashes and collars to enable you to walk around with them without challenges. They can cost approximately $20-25.
Getting a Fi GPS tracking collar that keeps your dog safe and enables you to track their movement is advisable. The price of a GPS collar is a bit more and you can see those costs here. You can also customize your leashes to inscribe your Pitbull's name and contact information, increasing the cost.
Crate or Kennel
Crates can also help you keep your dog in the house, preventing accidents and littering the place. It can also be necessary for obedience training and make your pitbull more lovable. Get a strong crate for $50-$500.
Grooming Kits
Also, plan to buy a grooming kit for your pitbull to be in good shape. Buy a brush, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, and nail clippers for about $40 to $180. With these items, you can easily groom your pitbull at home as they need minimal grooming.
Neutering/Spaying
If you don't want your pitbull to reproduce or be aggressive, budget for their neutering/ spaying. You will spend between $200 and $250 for the whole procedure. But ask the breeder if they've spayed/neutered before you take it home.
Initial Vet Visit
Plan to visit a trusted vet with your pitbull to ensure its health condition. Do this even if the breeder tells you your pitbull is already vetted. Budget $100 to $300 for this.
Dog License
A dog license can help you trace your dog at a shelter if they get lost. The shelters can keep your pitbull longer if they've got a license. The dog license costs $10 to $20.
You can also use a microchip that works similarly to a license to help identify your dog. The rice grain-sized chip is inserted into your Pitbull's shoulder through a non-invasive procedure. Check out our full guide on microchip costs!
Annual Cost of Owning a Pitbull
It's easier to understand the cost of owning a pitbull after getting the annual budget breakdown. Let's break down the yearly cost of owning a pitbull for you below:
- Food and treats- an average of $1140.
- Vet visits- a younger dog requires at least one trip to the vet per year. However, the older ones from ages 7 years need 2 vet trips. Each trip needs an average of $100.
- Groomer- if you can't groom your pitbull at home, take them to a groomer after every 3 months. A single visit to the groomer costs between $75 and $300 annually.
Other Potential Expenses
You might also have to part with some cash to cover other potential expenses for your pitbull like:
A Fi GPS Collar to Keep Your New Puppy Safe
Your dog can get lost anytime, even under your watch, leaving you miserable. But this is something you can avoid with a Fi collar.
Buy this collar and track your new puppy’s movement from anywhere. With it in your budget for other potential expenses, you’ll tour the world in peace, knowing your dog is safe.
Money-Saving Tips for Pitbull Owners
Owning a pitbull requires owners to be ready financially, as it comes with a cost. To avoid financial challenges after bringing your pitbull home, ensure you use the following tips:
Adopt
So how much does a pitbull puppy cost? If this is a question you ask yourself when looking forward to owning a Pitbull, adopt one.
Since buying a pitbull is expensive, consider adopting one instead. However, doing this might not allow you to get the preferred breed or age, and you must also conduct a medical assessment.
Buy High-Quality Stuff
Cheap is expensive, so avoid buying your pitbull cheaper items that will get destroyed faster.
Be a Good DIYer
You’ll spend less money living with your pitbull if you can groom them and make toys and treats. But do them the right way to avoid harming your dog.
Keep Your Pitbull Healthy
A healthy dog will keep you away from the vet, saving you money. Give them healthy food and treats and keep them clean.
Final Thought
Owning a Pitbull comes at a price, as you have to pay for the breeder's costs, buy its essentials like food, and visit the vet or groomer. You must be ready to pay for these expenses per month or per year. However, considering the temperament of this dog, owning a Pitbull is without doubt worth the cost.
You can also lower your Pitbull cost by using the right money-saving tips, like being a great DIYer. Remember to use a Fi collar to avoid frustrations if they get lost.
