The Pitbull price covers a wide range — some are extremely cheap, while those from known bloodlines go sky high. You must really be financially prepared in order to get one of these mighty dogs.
If you are keen to know all the nitty-gritty details of Pitbull pricing, this guide is here to help you out!
Here, I’ll share how much each Pitbull type costs, as well as the estimated price of puppies from famous bloodlines. I have also thrown in some money-saving tips in the end so better check it out!
The Average Cost of a Pitbull Puppy
On average, the Pitbull price falls anywhere between $500 and $5,000. However, a Pitbull puppy from a premium lineage may reach prices of up to a hefty $55,000.
There are a couple of factors that affect the Pitbull dog price. Two of the biggest factors are the actual breed of the Pitbull and its lineage.
When it comes to the most expensive Pit Bulls, Hulk Pitbulls are on top of the list.
Hulk Pit Bulls are priced ridiculously high because they are fathered by Hulk, a 175-pound dog recognized as the world’s largest Pitbull. Hulk Pitbull’s price can reach up to $55,000. Note that this isn’t a separate breed.
The table below shows the Pitbull dog price based on appearance and lineage:
Meanwhile, here’s a summary of the Pitbull dog price according to sub-breeds:
As you can see, the price of a Pitbull varies a lot. However, regardless of which kind you get, you will surely be paying thousands of dollars.
Unless you purchase from puppy mills, you’ll really feel the financial impact of Pitbull ownership.
Also, keep in mind that these are the prices of the puppies alone and non-inclusive of starter supplies!
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Pitbull Puppy
Pit Bulls come in a wide range of prices. While there are some Pit Bulls that cost a fortune, others are reasonably priced. That begs the question, what are the factors affecting the Pitbull dog price? What makes Pitbulls expensive?
As you have seen in the previous section, two of these factors are the actual breed of the Pitbull and its lineage, as well as the breed’s popularity. This section dives deeper into these two factors as well as some others.
Here’s a list of factors affecting the cost of a Pitbull:
Sub-breed of the Pitbull: The type of Pitbull you get is perhaps the biggest factor affecting its price. In general, American Bullies and Prague Pitbulls are the most expensive ones. They are followed by the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Finally, the American Pit Bull Terrier is usually the least expensive.
Ancestry or Lineage: A Pitbull born from a champion bloodline is known to cost ten folds more than a regular Pittie. An example of this is the Hulk Pitbull. Aside from Hulk Pitties, there are many other champion bloodlines, such as Colby Pitbulls, Gator, Razor Edge, Monster G, and Carver Bloodline. On the same note, if the pup came from a line of police dogs, it would be way more expensive.
Breeder’s Track Record: The price of a Pitbull is also heavily dependent on a breeder’s track record. A reputable breeder will typically price their puppies higher than most backyard breeders. However, be reminded that a high-priced Pitbull is not necessarily a better dog!
Appearance: The appearance of the Pitbull puppy is also closely tied to its price. Certain physical characteristics, such as the Pitbull’s coat color, nose color, height, or build, make a Pitbull more desirable, thus, pricier. Examples of this are the nose colors of the red nose and blue nose American Pit Bull Terrier.
Pet Guarantees: Every Pitbull from a good breeder or a shelter comes with guarantees, unlike those from a puppy mill. Some offer two-year health guarantees for their pups, while others have temperamental guarantees. These guarantees are also responsible for driving up how much Pitbulls cost.
Some other minor factors that affect the price of a Pitbull puppy are registration to a canine organization like the American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club, training given, age, and shipping fees.
If the Pitties are already a few weeks old and were engaged in proper socialization and obedience training to become family pets, they would also be more expensive.
Check out this video to see what a high-quality Pitbull looks like:
2018 ADBA AMERICAN PITBULL TERRIER SHOW<a href="https://youtu.be/qAS3VNRPJMk" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FqAS3VNRPJMk%2F0.jpg" alt="2018 ADBA AMERICAN PITBULL TERRIER SHOW" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Pitbull From a Rescue?
The price of a Pitbull from a shelter or rescue will range between $100 and $500. Depending on the age of the dog, the adoption fees may be inclusive of neutering or spaying, as well as vaccine shots and microchipping.
While adopting a Pit Bull will save you a ton of money, you may find it difficult to pick a particular dog with the characteristics you are looking for.
Moreover, it is rare to find Pitbull puppies available for adoption. Adoptable Pits are typically adult dogs or senior dogs.
That said if you do not have any firm preferences when it comes to getting a Pitbull, adopting from a rescue shelter is a very good idea.
Initial Cost of Pitbull Ownership
If you have decided that you want to get a Pitbull, you might be wondering how much you need to prepare. Aside from the Pitbull dog price itself, you will also need to buy some essential things for your new furry friend.
Here are some of the initial items you need to purchase before you bring home your Pitbull puppy:
Food and Treats: There are plenty of options for high-quality dog food for Pit Bulls. You should pick the one that is right for their age and activity level. On the same note, choose a treat that is made of natural ingredients. Also, have your puppy checked to identify if they have a food allergy. A big pack of dog food for your Pit Bull, as well as some treats, will run you about $30 to $110.
Bowls: A set of feeding bowls for a Pitbull usually has a price range of $10 to $30. Make sure to get one that is food safe and easy to clean. Preferably, opt for stainless steel bowls since they last longer than plastic ones.
Toys: Pit Bulls love chewing on things, especially when they are still puppies. They would surely appreciate some chew toys. You should also provide them with mentally stimulating toys like puzzles and bricks. Typically, these toys cost around $20 to $60.
Beds: It is recommended to invest in a durable and comfortable bed for your Pitbull dog. This will reduce their risk of hip dysplasia and other bone and muscle problems in the future. A decent quality bed will cost you at least $30 to $200.
Collars and Leashes: Leash and collars usually come in sets and cost around $15 to $50. There are some customizable ones where you can put your pup’s name and your contact details, but they usually cost more. These are essential, so you can bring your dog for walks in the community and for proper training.
Crates and Carriers: Just like other dogs, a crate is essential for your Pitbull if you don’t want it roaming around the house, especially when you have visitors. It helps prevent destructive behavior and provides your Pit with security. Crates are also essential for obedience training if you want your Pit to be an ideal family dog. A sturdy crate will run you about $30 to $370.
Grooming Essentials: Despite being medium-sized dogs with impressive physical characteristics, Pit Bulls need minimal grooming. You can definitely groom them at home if you have the needed supplies like a dog brush, dog shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, and nail clippers. Collectively, these items will cost you $50 to $160.
Initial Vet Visits: Even though the breeder claims that they have already vetted your Pitbull, you should still bring the pup to a trusted veterinarian. This is to verify that the dog is indeed free from health issues and you weren’t scammed by the breeder. This can cost $100 to $500.
Initial Vaccine Shots: Reputable breeders have their pups vaccinated, but if they fail to do so, you must bring your Pitbull to the vet for up-to-date shots. The core vaccines for puppies are against distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis. You should also provide your dog with a rabies shot. These vaccines will cost you roughly $50 to $200 in total.
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: If your dog has a flea allergy or ticks, you will need to treat them as soon as possible to avoid skin infections. The same applies to internal parasites. You would have to get rid of them through deworming. Over-the-counter medications for these parasite issues will run you approximately $40 to $300.
Neutering or Spaying: Depending on the age of your Pitbull dog, it may or may not be neutered/spayed by the time you adopt it. If it isn’t fixed yet, you should prepare around $50 to $500 for neutering or spaying. These procedures are vital in preventing canine aggression due to hormones.
Microchip: Similar to a dog license, a microchip can help identify your dog. A chip the size of a rice grain will be inserted into your dog’s shoulders through a non-invasive procedure. This microchip can then be scanned for identification. The price range of microchipping is around $40 to $60.
Dog License: Licensing your dog can help animal shelters identify them if they get lost. They’ll be kept in the shelter longer because they have an owner. The license also proves your ownership of the dog. Dog licensing costs $10 to $20.
Other Essentials: Just as you would for other dog breeds, it is also ideal to allot money on miscellaneous supplies like potty pads, poop scoopers, urine cleaners, etc. These extra items would incur $20 to $50.
The table below summarizes all the items you need to purchase initially for your American Pit Bull Terrier:
Of course, if you are a previous pet owner, you might already have some of these items lying around the house. In that case, you will be able to save money.
Annual Cost of Owning a Pitbull
It is important to know what to expect in the near future in terms of Pitbull-related expenses. For that reason, this section is dedicated to the nitty-gritty details of your annual expenses as a Pitbull owner.
Generally, you would need to avail of some services on top of the replenishment for your Pitbull’s food, treats, and medications.
Here’s a summary of the annual expenses of owning a Pitbull dog:
Pet insurance is a health policy that can save your wallet in case your pet needs emergency medication.
There are tons of pet insurance policies available in the market. Depending on the type of coverage, pet insurance costs around $500 to $1,500 per year.
Aside from pet insurance, you should also provide routine vet care for your Pitbull so it lives for a long time.
Routine vet cares help diagnose and cure diseases while it is still manageable, so you can avoid expensive vet bills later on.
Expect to pay $200 to $400 for annual vet care. This is a small amount compared to emergency treatments that can incur thousands if you neglect simple checkups.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Pitbull: Which Is Better?
Other Potential Expenses
So far, this guide has only focused on the cost of the bare minimum needs of an American Pit Bull Terrier and the average Pitbull price. But what about other “potential” expenses? How much will they cost?
Here are some potential expenses that you may or may not need to avail for your Pitbull dog:
Daycare Services: If you need someone to watch over your American Pitbull Terrier while you’re not around, daycare services are for you. For around $15 to $20, you can place or drop your pet off at a daycare service to keep it company.
Pet Walking Services: For busy pet owners, you will need the service of pet walkers to ensure your dog remains active. Expect to pay around $10 to $15 for a reliable pet walker.
Medical Treatment: Similar to other dogs, some health problems are inevitable for Pitbulls. These issues are often brought about by age. That said, depending on your dog’s health issue, you may need to shell out anywhere between $100 and $10,000 for treatment.
Kennel Club Registration: For $80 to $90, you can register your Pitbull in a kennel club such as the American Kennel Club. An AKC-registered pet will have its lineage documented. Plus, your pet will also be eligible to join canine competitions.
Grooming Services: If you prefer to have your pet professionally groomed every now and then, you need to prepare extra cash. Depending on the size of your Pittie and the length of its hair, grooming services will run you anywhere between $20 and $50.
Note that all the services above can be availed at your discretion except for emergency medical care. If you have the extra money, there’s nothing wrong with splurging for your Pit Bull from time to time.
Places to Find Pitbull Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Pit Bulls come in plenty of variations. There are different Pitbull sub-breeds, different Pit Bull features, as well as different Pit Bull lineages.
That said, there are surely many places to find Pitbulls for sale or adoption. All you need to do is to determine exactly which kind of Pitbull dog breed you fancy.
Once you know exactly what you want, you can proceed with the search! Just be cautious of puppy mills and backyard breeders because they are great at disguising themselves as legitimate sources of Pitbulls.
Below are some Pitbull breeders and services where you can find Pit puppies for sale:
XXL Designer Pitbulls (XDP) – Based in Rhode Island, XXL Designer Pitbulls is home to Azore, one of the heaviest Pit Bulls ever recorded. XDP is one of the best places to go, especially if you are looking for champion bloodline Pitbull puppies. You can also visit their Facebook page if you are interested in their dogs.
Monster Bully Kennels (MBK) – This reputable breeder should be your choice if you want celebrity-looking Pit Bulls. They breed Pitbulls from bloodlines that have appeared in plenty of magazines and other forms of prints. MBK is home to many legendary Pit Bulls, including Queen Karma, King Louii, and Morpheus.
Bossy Kennels – Bossy Kennels is California-based and has been breeding Pitbulls of all kinds and sizes. Their puppy prices are a bit higher compared to other reputable breeders. However, they are only one of the few that offer same-day shipping service for Pitbull puppies. Their pups make wonderful family companions and guard dogs.
If you want more options, you can check out our article on the best Pitbull breeders.
If you want a Pit Bull for cheap, opt for adoption. There are a lot of rescue groups that take in this breed, and they rehome them for a very minimal fee.
Just note that Pitbulls in rescues are often adult dogs that are past their prime.
Below are services where you can find Pitbulls for adoption:
Pit Bull Rescue Central – Pit Bull Rescue Central is entirely made up of volunteers throughout the United States. The team comprises vet assistants, trainers, and animal shelter volunteers who take in Pitbulls and their mixes. They rehabilitate the dogs they save and spay and neuter them.
The Love Pit Dog Rescue – This rescue was established in 2015 and has now rehomed several adult Pitbulls all over the country. They have a foster program should you wish to care for Pits before they are adopted, and they also welcome donations.
Missouri Pit Bull Rescue – The goal of this rescue is to teach proper ownership of the breed, educate non-Pit Bull owners and owners alike, combat Pit Bull overpopulation, and rehome Pits in Missouri. They have large kennels where their rescue dogs stay before adoption.
If you have not found an adult Pitbull in one of the sources listed above, check out our guide on the best Pitbull rescues. You’ll surely find it helpful!
Money-Saving Tips for Pitbull Owners
Let’s face it; there’s no going around the fact that most Pit Bulls come with a hefty price tag.
For that reason, we have rounded up a couple of tips to make owning a Pitbull a little easier on the wallet:
Buy high-quality essentials. While an inexpensive dog crate or a cheap feeding bowl is tempting to buy, refrain from doing so. Investing in high-quality accessories for your Pitbull is always a better idea.
Consider adoption. If you have no firm preference when it comes to Pitbulls, adoption will save you thousands of dollars. However, you need to be sure that the adult Pitbull you are adopting is free from health issues. Otherwise, you will inevitably spend your savings on medical bills!
Try to DIY. It is possible to cut your spending by DIY-ing your Pitbull’s treats and toys. Dogs love all kinds of homemade treats! Plus, they will surely enjoy playing with makeshift rattlers, too. Just double-check to make sure you are not giving toxic foods or choking hazards to your pet.
Keep your dog in tip-top shape. Keeping your dog healthy and fit will reduce its risk of developing illnesses. This is not only good for your dog, but it is also good for your wallet! As you have seen in an earlier section, pain medication for common health issues of Pitbulls costs a pretty penny.
Groom your Pitbull at home. Learning to groom your American Pit Bull at home will save you a few dollars every month. To do this, all you need are some basic grooming essentials.
While there are plenty of other tips that will help you minimize pet-related expenses, always remember not to cheap out on your pet. As always, your pet’s well-being comes first, even if spending a fortune is necessary.
Final Thoughts
The Pitbull price is one essential factor you have to look into when eyeing to purchase this dog breed.
Due to their size and appeal, they come with a hefty price tag. This is especially true if you decide to buy a Pittie instead of adopting one.
On top of the price of the dog itself, you will also need to spend a relatively large sum on its food and veterinary checkups.
Do you think the expensive price of the Pitbull is well worth it? Let us know in the comments!
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