How much does a Pitbull cost? If you are a dog enthusiast, you have doubtlessly wondered about the answer to this question, as Pitbulls are one of America’s most popular dog breeds.
In fact, many estimates suggest that about 1 out of every 5 dogs in the United States is a Pitbull of some type!
Before we further discuss Pitbull dog price, let’s first establish what sort of dogs we are referring to when we talk about Pitties.
If You’re A First Time Owner, I Highly Recommend Watching This Video.
Before Costs, What Even Is A Pitbull
So, what is a Pitbull? When you hear mention of this breed of dog, you likely picture large, muscular, intimidating-looking guard dogs. However, you may not be able to describe the lineage of these pooches, so let’s take a look.
You may think that the term “Pit Bull” refers to a specific dog breed, but in reality, this is an umbrella term for several different breeds of dogs and mixes.
Distinguishing breeds that are labeled as Pit Bulls can be confusing, as different countries disagree on how to classify Pitbulls. The United States has the loosest restrictions regarding the breeds that are considered Pitbulls.
In America, breeds such as the American Bully, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, and any combination of these breeds are accepted Pit Bull varieties.
Other countries are not as loose in their Pit Bull classifications. For instance, the United Kingdom does not regard the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as a Pitbull, but they recognize the other breeds mentioned–including American Bullies.
The American Kennel Club does not recognize Pitbulls as a specific breed of dog for the reasons mentioned above. However, the United Kennel Club recognizes Pitbulls as an official breed of canine.
Regardless of the specifics, all Pitbull-type dogs are thought to have descended from British Terriers and Bulls. Pitbulls haven’t been around for a tremendously long time, as they were first given their label in the early 20th century.
Initial Cost of Pitbull Ownership
Now that you know more about the classifications of Pitbulls, you surely would like to hear about how much it costs to purchase a Pitbull breed for yourself.
If you have ever researched the price of a dog before, you likely know that prices can fluctuate wildly depending on a variety of factors, and this is exactly what we see in Pitbulls.
Pitbulls demonstrate one of the most dramatic price fluctuations of any dog breed, and it seems that there is a Pitbull for any budget. A prospective Pitty owner could pay as little as a dog’s adoption fees or exceed $50,000 when purchasing a Pitbull!
This may seem like an unfathomable price, but after reading this article, you will understand the specifics that go into pricing a Pitbull. First, let’s discuss factors influencing the cost of a Pitbull.
Factors Affecting The Cost Of A Pitbull Puppy
When you’re looking to purchase a Pitbull, you will notice that there are dozens of factors that may influence the price of a new puppy. Let’s examine some of the most common factors that dictate the price of a Pitbull:
Pitbull Puppy Provenance
A dog’s provenance–or where a dog comes from–will have a significant impact on a Pitbull’s price. For instance, a dog from a reputable breeder will certainly cost more than Pitbulls from animal shelters.
If you notice that a purported breeder seems to be offering you a deal for a Pitbull that may be too good to be true, then beware of a puppy mill operation.
Puppy mills or backyard breeders may not raise Pitbulls in ethical conditions. This could result in a dog being sickly, malnourished, or prone to future health complications.
Specific Type Of Pitbull
As is the case with any breed of dog, those who want a specific type of Pitbull will have to pay extra to purchase their dog compared to those who adopt a dog.
Evaluating Pitbull Breeders
If you want your Pitbull to have a certain appearance, then you will likely have to purchase a Pitty from an assortment of locations that breed Pitbulls.
Since you are searching for a certain type of Pit Bull, the average Pitbull price of such dogs will be more expensive than dogs purchased from shelters.
Additionally, reputable breeders often offer a health guarantee with the dogs that they sell. Those who are breeding Pitbulls and are not reputable will not offer such a guarantee.
The Average Cost Of A Pitbull Puppy
After reading the range of money that a Pitbull owner may have to dish out for one of these dogs, you may be hesitant to read about the average price of a Pitbull. Luckily, the typical cost for a Pitbull puppy is fairly manageable.
If you buy a purebred Pitbull pup from a breeder, you will likely pay a sum of around $500 to $2,500.
When adopting a rescue Pitbull puppy from a shelter, you will only need to pay the adoption fee for the dog. Therefore, you will only have to pay between $50 to a few hundred dollars. Rescue dogs may not be the exact type of Pitbull that you’re looking for, but they are loving dogs nonetheless.
Pitbull Types
An assortment of different Pitbull types exist, with some being fairly common and others being quite rare. Keep reading to discover the different types of Pit Bulls and the prices for each variety.
Tri-Color Pitbull
Tri-color Pitbulls have coats that include several different colors such as black, brown, white, and gray. These dogs have a beautiful appearance, and they are relatively affordable. Tri-color Pitbull puppies commonly cost around $1,000.
Gator Pitbull
When a Pitbull enthusiast hears mention of a Gator Pitbull, they immediately think of a fierce dog with the heart of a winner.
Gator Pitbulls were feared in dog fighting rings when this sport was legal. These dogs have massive heads and muscular bodies.
Gator Pitbulls do not have a specific appearance to which they conform. Instead, these dogs can be an assortment of colors and patterns.
The Gator Pitbull bloodline is the selling point for this type of Pitbull. Those interested in buying one of these dogs should be prepared to pay between $2,000 to upwards of $10,000.
Razor Edge Pitbull
Although Razor Edge Pitbulls sound ferocious, these dogs are among the sweetest of all Pitbulls.
American Bullies are frequently mixed with breeds outside of the normal realm of what is considered to be a Pitbull to produce a Razor Edge Pitbull. Mastiffs are frequently used in this hybrid mix.
The result of this mix is a caring dog that loves to spend time with its family.
The coats of Razor Edge Pitbulls are usually blue-gray in color. Those interested in buying a Razor Edge Pitbull will need to pay anywhere from $2,000 up to $6,000.
Blue Fawn Pitbull
Blue Fawn Pitbulls are gorgeous American pit bull terriers with cool gray coats and red noses.
The coat color combined with the red nose is a difficult combination to produce. Consequently, these dogs often sell for up to $5,000.
Blue Nose Pitbull
Blue Nose Pitbulls are perhaps the most tender of all Pit bulls. These medium-sized dogs are great family pets considering their calm nature.
The characteristics that make these dogs special include a gray coat and a blue-gray nose. Blue Nose Pitbull price ranges from $1,000 to $3,000.
Colby Pitbull
A Colby Pitbull is any dog that is a direct descendant of a bloodline of Pitbulls bred by John Colby in the late 1800s. These dogs are muscular with black noses and their fur can be an assortment of different colors.
Colby Pitbulls are uncommon but not tremendously rare. One of these dogs can be purchased for anywhere between $2,000 to $20,000.
Hulk Pitbull
Hulk Pitbulls are the most expensive type of Pitbull available, as the cost of one of these Pitbulls could be upwards of $50,000!
You may wonder why these dogs are so expensive. Well, a Hulk Pitbull has to meet very specific genetic requirements, as a single male, Hulk, is the father of all Hulk Pitbulls in existence.
Those who own a Hulk Pitbull can expect to have a massive dog, as Hulk weighs in at 175 pounds, making him the biggest Pitbull in the world.
Black Panther Pitbull
Black Panther Pitbulls are among the rarest of all Pitbull breeds. With their stunning black coat and muscular appearance, these dogs are highly sought after.
To purchase an American Pitbull Terrier such as the Black Panther Pitbull, expect to pay at least $1,500.
Red Nose Pitbull
Red Nose Pitbulls trace their origins back to Ireland several hundred years ago. They were among the most aggressive dogs in illegal dog fighting rings, and today their strain is still somewhat preserved through careful breeding.
A Red Nose Pitbull will cost at least $1,000, with some dogs being closer to $3,000.
Gotti Pitbull Price
Gotti Pitbulls are descended from a single Pitbull that lived several decades ago. These dogs are known to be very muscular. The average price for one of these Pitbull puppies will be around $2,000.
Where To Find Pitbull Puppies For Sale Or Adoption?
If you’re interested in owning a Pitbull but unsure of where to start, you can begin by reaching out to local shelters and inquiring about their American Pit Bull Terrier availability.
If you think that you may want a specific type of Pitbull, then try to look online at the hundreds of different breeders that specialize in breeding these dogs. Be sure to vet your sources when researching reputable breeders.
You will want to ensure that your Pitbull dog comes from a loving, responsible environment.
How To Verify The Pedigree Of My Pitbull
Many Pitbull owners are invested in the pedigree of their furry friend. Knowing the pedigree of a Pitbull is essential for dog breeders, those who compete in dog competitions, and dog pedigree enthusiasts.
So, how can you verify the pedigree of your precious pooch? A purebred Pitbull purchased from a reputable breeder will come with papers that confirm the lineage of your dog.
Papers are often an additional cost that factors into the price tag of a purebred pooch, but they are worthwhile for many.
If your Pitbull puppy did not come with papers, you may have to take a dog DNA test to confirm the lineage of your canine companion. Dog DNA tests will describe the ancestry of your Pitbull.
How Much Do Pitbulls Cost Without Papers?
Prospective Pitbull owners often ask, “How much does a Pitbull cost without papers?”. For many, the pedigree of their pooch is not important to them, so they may be curious about the price of an American Pit Bull that doesn’t have papers.
Well, buying Pitbull puppies without papers usually saves owners anywhere from $300 to $1000.
How Much Does A Pitbull Cost Per Year
Making the initial purchase for your Pitbull is certainly one of the bigger costs that owners should expect to absorb during their pet’s life.
However, as anyone who has owned other dogs knows, dogs cost a lot of money over their lifetime.
Considering all of the expenses that go into annual Pitbull costs, owners should expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $300 each month, or $1800 to $3600 a year. Most owners would agree that the cost of owning a Pitbull is quite manageable.
Here are some of the additional expenses that dog owners should anticipate when owning an American Pit Bull Terrier:
Initial Vet Visit
After you bring your Pitbull puppy home, you will want to take it to your veterinarian so it can get a checkup. This will ensure that your Pitbull puppy is healthy and ready to begin its new life with you.
The cost of this initial visit to the vet will likely be several hundred dollars, as your Pitbull puppy will likely need to get deworming shots and vaccinations.
Additionally, owners can purchase a dog license for their Pitbull and get their dog microchipped.
A dog license often costs just a few dollars and it can help you reconnect with your furry friend if you get separated.
Annual Vet Visits
A Pitbull in good health should–at a minimum–receive annual visits to the vet. This will allow the veterinarian to administer medications to your American Pit Bull Terrier and verify that it is in good health.
Routine annual vet visits will cost anywhere from $200-$500 once vaccinations and medications are factored into the price.
Obedience Training
Some may view obedience training as a worthy investment for their Pitbull. While it is always special for owners to bond with their dogs as they train it themselves, this is not feasible for some owners.
Therefore, enrolling your Pittie in a training program where they learn to be obedient can be a good investment for some.
The price of enrollment for such a program will depend on the length and pedigree of the program, but it will likely cost as little as several hundred dollars to as much as several thousand dollars.
Food Price
Pitbulls are sizable dogs that will consume a bit of food in their lifetimes. Therefore, owners should brace themselves for footing a hefty food bill to afford the appetite of their dog.
Of course, how much an owner pays annually for food will depend on the brand and quality of the food. Moreover, an owner will need to consider how much food their dog eats in one day.
An owner could easily spend over $1,000 on food for a single Pitbull annually since adult Pitbulls have big appetites. However, some owners can keep food costs below $600 annually.
Pet Insurance
If you’re investing so much money into owning a Pitbull, then you might want to consider pet insurance policies for your canine companion.
Pet insurance can be costly, as some pay over $1,000 for a good policy annually. However, if your dog’s age is a concern or you fear that it may have future health problems, then pet insurance may be a good investment.
Grooming Costs
Choosing to spend money on grooming a Pitbull is not a necessary cost, but some owners may want to pamper their furry friend with top-notch care.
A professional pet groomer will lather dog shampoo onto your American Pitbull Terrier and make sure that its fur is a good length. They may also use nail clippers to give your pooch a pedicure.
It may cost several hundred dollars annually for professional grooming services for your Pittie, so if you’re looking to save money, then this service may not be for you.
Pitbull Potential Health Issues
While it would be wonderful if American Pit Bull Terrier owners didn’t have to worry about health complications with their dogs, we know that this is not the reality.
Though these pooches often look rock-solid, they are prone to developing several health complications over their lifetime. Here are some of the most common health complications:
Hip Dysplasia
This is a condition that these dogs often inherit. Hip dysplasia is the result of a Pitbull’s hips developing improperly.
Giving a dog proper exercise and feeding it a balanced diet are good ways to prevent severe hip dysplasia from developing.
If you aren’t able to commit time to exercising your dog, then hiring a dog walker is a great way to keep your Pitbull healthy.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a condition that plagues about half of all Pitbulls. This unfortunate condition develops in dogs that are nearing the senior portion of their lives.
If an owner catches the cataracts of their dog at an early stage, a vet may be able to prescribe medications to clear up the condition.
Otherwise, surgery may be needed to prevent a Pitbull from being blinded.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, commonly referred to as “thyroid disease”, is a condition in which a Pitbull’s thyroid gland ceases to function normally.
When a thyroid fails to produce sufficient hormones, a dog may become prone to weight gain, skin ailments, and changes to its normal behavior.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you may want to schedule a checkup with a trusted vet.
Allergies
Pitbulls seem more likely to develop allergies than other dog breeds. Therefore, owners need to monitor their dog’s health and make sure that they are breathing properly.
Allergies are usually not cause for concern, but they can be debilitating for a dog.
Skin Ailments
Just as Pitbulls are more prone to developing allergies compared to other breeds of dog, these pooches are more likely to develop a skin ailment than many of their canine counterparts.
Those who have owned a Pitbull know why this is the case. Given that Pitbulls have a short, thin coat of fur, they are more susceptible to developing skin conditions than other dogs.
Therefore, you may notice rashes and sunburns if you look closely at the skin of your precious pooch. A Pitbull’s skin can quickly dry out if it is repeatedly exposed to the sun.
Owners can help their dogs by minimizing their exposure to the sun in the middle of the day and seeking treatment options for persistent rashes that develop.
For a more in depth look into pitbull health complications, read this article by AHC Fargo.
Conclusion
Pitbulls are remarkably versatile dogs that often get a bad rap for being vicious, emotionless animals.
However, as anyone who has owned a Pitbull can tell you, these dogs are sweet and loving when given the attention and training that they deserve.
Now that you’ve read this article, you should know how to answer the question, “How much does a Pitbull cost?”.
It turns out that the amount of money that prospective dog owners dish out for one of these pooches can vary wildly.
Pitbulls that are adopted may cost a nominal fee of a few hundred dollars at most, while the rarest of Pitbull types can cost more than $50,000.
No matter your budget, there is sure to be a loving Pitbull out there somewhere that would love to join your family.