How Much Are Pitbull Puppies? A Simple Guide to All Pitbull Costs and Expenses

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Pitbulls are very popular among dog owners in the United States. However, they are not actually a single breed, but multiple breeds including American Pitbull Terries, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Bullies, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

Before getting a Pitbull puppy, you need to be aware of how much each breed costs and the factors that might affect its cost

So, how much are Pitbull puppies? Pitbull puppies cost an average of $500 to $2500 and some can even cost up to $10,000. It depends on various factors including the dog’s breed, the quality of its bloodline, and its color. It also depends on where you purchase the dog, its vaccination status, and whether it has any guarantees. 

Keep reading to learn more about the main Pitbull breeds and their characteristics, the factors that affect their cost, and where you can a Pitbull puppy

What Are the Main Pitbull Breeds?

The term “Pitbulls” is a general term that’s used to refer to multiple dog breeds including American Pitbull Terries, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Bullies, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

So, let’s take a closer look at these breeds:

• The American Pitbull Terrier – This breed is the most associated with the Pitbull term as it’s the oldest having been around for over 150 years. It’s recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA), but not the American Kennel Club (AKC).
• The American Staffordshire Terrier – This breed originally came from Staffordshire, England and it’s commonly known as the AmStaff. It’s recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC), the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA), and the American Kennel Club (AKC).
• The American Bully – This breed is descended from the American Pitbull Terrier and various Bulldog breeds. It’s recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA), but not the American Kennel Club (AKC).
• The Staffordshire Bull Terrier –  This breed is descended from The American Staffordshire Terrier and various Bulldog breeds. It’s recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC), the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA), and the American Kennel Club (AKC).

What Are the Defining Physical Characteristics of Pitbull Breeds?

Pitbull breeds tend to be similar when it comes to their temperament, but they will have some differences when it comes to their physical characteristics.

So, let’s take a closer look at some of the defining physical characteristics of Pitbull breeds:

Physical Features

Most Pitbulls share similar features which include having stocky muscular builds, square-shaped heads that are broad between the ears, fleshy noses, short muzzles, and big almond-shaped eyes.

Height and Weight

Pitbulls reach full growth when they’re at about are about 12 to 18 months of age.  At full growth, their weight will range from 30 to 80 pounds, while their height will range from 16 to 21 inches.

However, the exact height and weight they will be when they reach full growth can depend on the dog breed as American Pitbull Terriers and American Bullies tend to be larger than American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

It can also depend on the dog’s gender as male dogs tend to be larger than female dogs.

Color

The color of Pitbull coats and noses will vary from one dog to another depending on their genetic makeup.

They come in various colors and the most common colors include black, red, red fawn, blue, blue fawn, fawn, fawn sable, tan, buckskin, seal, brindle, and reverse brindle.

Brindle is probably the most sought-after Pitbull color, and you can learn why (and everything else about Brindle Pitbulls) here.

What Are the Factors that Affect the Cost of Pitbull Puppies?

The cost of Pitbull puppies varies depending on various factors and if you’re going to purchase a Pitbull puppy, you need to understand what these factors are so you can plan your budget accordingly.

So, let’s break down the factors that affect the cost of Pitbull puppies in more detail:

The Dog’s Breed

There are 4 main Pitbull breeds which are American Pitbull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Bullies, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. These breeds will vary in cost because they have different weights and heights.

The American Pitbull Terriers are the least expensive followed by the American Staffordshire Terriers and the Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Finally, the American Bullies are the most expensive, and you can learn why that is in this article on why are American Bullies are so expensive.

The Dog’s Color

Certain physical characteristics can make Pitbulls more desirable which in turn increases their cost.

For example, brindle Pitbulls, Blue-nose Pitbulls, and Red-nose Pitbull are some of the most desired Pitbulls among dog owners which is why they’re usually more expensive than Pitbulls with standard or common colors.

• Brindle Pitbulls come in various base colors and they have light-colored streaks lining the body that are very similar to the stripes of a tiger.
• Blue-nose Pitbulls have blue or gray base colors with white patches on their face, chest, and feet. They also have blue-gray eyes and noses.
• Red-nose Pitbulls have red or brown base colors with white patches on their face, chest, and feet. They also have red eyes and reddish-copper noses.

The Quality of Dog’s Bloodline

The dog’s bloodline is basically its genetic makeup which will determine various aspects of the dog’s physical appearance as well as its health. So, Pitbulls that are bred from high-quality or famous bloodlines will typically cost more than those bred from lower-quality or common bloodlines

The quality of the dog’s bloodline is also relevant to the purpose the dog is bred for as some dogs are bred to become pets, while other dogs are bred to be show dogs or breeding stock.

The Place of Purchase and the Breeder’s Reputation

You can purchase Pitbull puppies from shelters, pet stores, or directly from the breeder. The cost will vary depending on the place of purchase as well as the reputation of the breeder.

Dogs from reputable shelters, stores, and breeders will typically cost more than those who come from less reputable places.

However, the higher cost doesn’t always mean that the dog will have a high-quality bloodline or that the breeder is compliant with safe breeding practices. So, you always need to make sure that the place you purchase the dog from is legitimate by asking questions and references from previous buyers.

Also, keep in mind that you’ll be getting what you pay for, so it’s better to invest in a more reputable place to get your dog. If you’re a new owner, you might want to pay the lowest cost possible, however, you’re likely to end up spending more money over the course of your dog’s lifetime.

The Dog’s Guarantees and Vaccination Status

Some shelters or breeders offer health guarantees as well as temperamental guarantees for their dogs which can increase the cost of purchase.

They also give the dogs the required vaccinations at birth, so fully vaccinated dogs will typically cost more.

The Average Cost of Pitbull Puppies (Based on Different Factors)

Now that you know the main factors that affect the cost of Pitbull puppies, let’s break down the estimated average of their cost based on some of these factors:

Based on Breed

Breed	Estimated Average Cost
American Pitbull Terrier	$500 to $1,000
American Staffordshire Terrier	$1,500 to $2,000
Staffordshire Bull Terrier	$1,500 to $2,000
American Bully	$2,500 to $5,000

Based on Color

Color	Estimated Average Cost
Common Colored Pitbulls	$500 to $1,000
Brindle Pitbulls	$1,000 to $1,500
Blue Nose Pitbulls	$1,500 to $2,000
Red Nose Pitbulls	$2,000 to $2,500

Based On the Quality of the Bloodline and the Purpose of Breeding

Quality and Purpose	Estimated Average Cost
Bred to be Pets (without the bloodline registration papers)	$500 to $1,500
Bred to be Pets (with the bloodline registration papers)	$2000 to $2500
Bred to be show dogs (with the bloodline registration papers)	$5000 to $10,000
Bred to be breeding stock (with the bloodline registration papers)	$5000 to $10,000

Based on Place of Purchase and Breeder’s Reputation

Place of Purchase and Breeder’s Reputation	Estimated Average Cost
Purchased from an adoption or rescue shelter	$500 or less
Purchased from a pet store	$500 to $1500
Purchased from a backyard breeder	$500 to $1000
Purchased from a reputable breeder	$1000 to $10,000

Where Can You Get a Pitbull Puppy?

As mentioned before, the place where you get your Pitbull puppy will affect its cost as well as the quality of its bloodline. So, you need to consider all the available options very carefully to ensure you’ll get a good puppy for an appropriate price.

To help you further, let’s take a closer look at the various places you can get a Pitbull puppy:

Adoption and Rescue Shelters

Getting your puppy from an adoption or rescue shelter would be the most economical option as they cost significantly less than purchasing it from a pet store or a breeder.

They also have a good impact on the community as they help provide homes for puppies who might not have homes otherwise.

These shelters are mostly non-profit, so they will only charge an adoption fee to cover the rescue and care costs of the puppy which can range from $500 to $800 depending on the state of the dog.

The adoption fee might include costs for veterinary visits, health tests, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, microchipping, deworming, and flea treatments.

Keep in mind that, more often than not, Pitbulls coming from shelters will have unknown histories and they’re more likely to have been involved in dogfighting practices prior to their stay in the shelter which might make them more prone to violence and more difficult to train.

So, before you decide to adopt from a shelter, make sure you’re aware of the state of your puppy and try to get as much of its history as possible

To help you further, here are some of the best adoption and rescue shelters that you can get your Pitbull puppy from:

Biggies Bullies 

• This shelter helps abandoned Pitbulls of all colors and patterns to find new homes.
• It was established in 2011 and it’s currently located in Pennsylvania.
• The adoption fee includes a bag of dog food, flea treatment, a harness, and training lessons.

Born Again Pitbull Rescue 

• This shelter helps purebred and mixed Pitbull find permanent homes.
• It was established in 2007 as a private-owned shelter, and in 2011 it became completely non-profit.
• The adoption fee includes basic care costs, health tests, and flea treatments.
• It also has a program for spaying and neutering dogs at a relatively low cost.

Hello Bully 

• This shelter helps rehabilitate Pitbulls that were involved in dog-fighting practice and finds them good homes.
• It was established in 2005 and focused primarily on Pitbull breeds until they expanded to include various other dog breeds in 2020.
• Their adoption fee includes health tests, flea treatment, vaccinations, and training lessons.

Pet Stores

Purchasing your Pitbull puppy from a pet store will cost more than getting from a shelter, but still less than from a breeder.

However, you need to keep in mind that puppies coming from pet stores aren’t always provided with the best living conditions and this could have a negative effect on their physical health and behavior over the course of their life

These puppies come from mass-breeding mills. They get taken from their parents right after they’re born, then they get put in crates and taken to brokers who sell them to various pet stores across the country.

During their stay in the pet store, the puppies aren’t usually provided with enough food, water, or ventilation. They are also kept in confined areas and denied exercise as well as veterinary care.

So, before you decide to purchase from a pet store, make sure you’re aware of the conditions of the store and the state of your puppy.

Backyard Breeder

Purchasing your Pitbull puppy from a backyard breeder will cost more than a shelter or a pet store, but still less than from a reputable breeder.

These backyard breeders mostly sell puppies that come from unplanned pregnancies and they don’t bread dogs as their main source of income.

So, despite having good intentions, they don’t have the best experience and they might not always follow the standard practices and laws for ethically breeding dogs.

You can usually find backyard breeders advertising a litter of puppies on Facebook groups or forums. However, before you decide to purchase through an online advertisement, make sure to confirm the legitimacy of the breeder and the state of your puppy.

Reputable Breeder

Purchasing your Pitbull puppy from a reputable breeder will cost the highest compared to all other options.

These breeders specialize in breeding dogs with high-quality bloodlines to qualify for participation in competitions and shows or to become breeding stock in the future.

They tend to follow the standard practices and laws for ethically breeding dogs and they keep detailed records of all the dogs they breed to ensure the quality of the bloodline.

So, before purchasing from a reputable breeder, make sure to confirm their legitimacy by reviewing their records and asking for references from previous buyers.

To help you further, here are some of the best reputable breeders that you can get your Pitbull puppy from:

Finest Pitbulls Made 

• These breeders are based in Milan, Tennessee and they can deliver puppies all over the world.
• They are known for producing Pitbulls with high-quality and globally renowned bloodlines. Their puppies are provided with excellent living conditions and professional training. They also get regular veterinarian check-ups, vaccinations, and flea treatments.
• You can pick up your puppy personally from the breeder or have it delivered to your location through safe transportation methods.
• For more information, check the FAQs and testimonials on their website.

Manmade Kennels 

• These breeders are located in various states in America as well as some parts of the Middle East. They also deliver their puppies anywhere in the word
• They are known for producing Pitbulls with high-quality bloodlines that come in various sizes and colors. They also have an adoption program with a lower fee.
• You can pick up your puppy personally from the breeder or have it delivered to your location through safe transportation methods.
• For more information, check the reviews on their website.

Monster Bully Kennels 

• These breeders are located in Portland, Oregon and they can deliver puppies all over the world.
• They are known for producing large (XL) Pitbulls from high-quality bloodlines. Their puppies are provided with good living conditions and training that causes them to have calm and sociable temperaments.
• You can pick up your puppy personally from the breeder or have it delivered to your location through safe transportation methods.
• For more information, check the reviews on their website.

Bossy Kennels 

• These breeders are located in Murrieta, California and they can deliver puppies all over the world.
• They’re known for producing Pitbulls of all sizes and colors, but they specialize mostly in larger Pitbulls.
• Their costs are higher compared to other reputable breeders as they are one of the few breeders that offer same-day shipping services. They also deal with many celebrities, athletes, and other public figures.

Other Costs and Expenses That Come with Owning a Pitbull Puppy

Owning a Pitbull puppy is a great responsibility. In order to provide your puppy with the best living conditions, there’s a wide range of expenses and costs other than the initial cost of purchase that you need to take into consideration.

So, let’s break down the potential costs and expenses that come with owning a Pitbull puppy in more detail. However, keep in mind that the numbers listed here are only rough estimates and your actual spending might vary.

License Costs

It’s mandatory for dog owners in some states to obtain a license for their dogs.

The cost of the Pitbull license ranges from $30 to $60 and it must be renewed once every year or once every few years.

The license will come with an identification number and a tag with the dog’s info and the contact number of the registering organization.

Insurance Costs

It’s recommended to set up an insurance policy for your dog, especially if it comes from a high-quality bloodline as this will help you take care of the dog and cut down on losses in cases of serious injuries.

The cost of insurance policies for Pitbulls starts at $40 per month. Keep in mind that the cost will vary from one insurance company to another, so make sure to find a company in your area that works best for your budget.

Food Costs

Pitbulls need a daily consumption of about 1,200 calories to ensure to grow at a normal rate and maintain good health. Their food should also be of good quality and contain all kinds of nutrients needed.

The exact amount of calories they eat will depend mainly on the dog’s age, size, and activity levels. The average cost of good quality dog food ranges from $30 to $50 per week.

Dog Supplies Costs

There are various supplies that will help keep your dog occupied as well as improve the quality of its life.

So, here are some dog-related supplies that you might need for your Pitbull and their estimated costs:

Item(s)	Average Cost
Crate	$50 to $500
Bed	$30 to $100
Blanket	$15 to $20
Collar and Leash	$20 to $50
Toys	$10 to $50
Food and Water Bowls	$15 to $70
Carpet	$15 to $20
Coats and Boots	$20 to $45
Microchip	$45 to $50
Cleaning Supplies	$40 to $50
Grooming Supplies	$30 to $65

For specific recommendations, check this out:

Medical Treatment and Vaccination Cost

As your Pitbull puppy grows older, it’ll be more prone to develop various health problems including:

• Allergies
• Various skin conditions
• Infections
• Eyesight and hearing problems
• Hind leg problems
• Heart problems
• Obesity
• Parvovirus
• Cerebellar abiotrophy

So, you need to take your dog to a veterinarian for regular checkups to ensure that it’s in good health.

The cost of regular veterinarian check-ups ranges from $45 to $55, meanwhile the cost of any treatments including prescribed medicine or surgical procedures will range from $250 to $5000 or more, depending on the problem and its severity.

Here are the average costs of some of the most common health problems in Pitbulls:

Health Problem	Average Treatment/operation Cost
Ichthyosis	$300 to $500
Outer Ear Infection	$250 to $500
Cataracts	$3,000 to $5,000
Parvovirus	$500 to $2,000
Allergic Reaction	$250 to $500
Torn Cruciate Ligament	$2000 to $2500
Hip Dysplasia	$3500 to $7,000
Aortic Stenosis	$500 to $600

You also need to vaccinate your dog at birth and several other times over the course of its life to reduce the risk of developing infections and other health problems.

The cost of vaccinations for Pitbulls during their first year ranges from $50 to $250, and it will decrease as the dog gets older.

Grooming Service Costs

Grooming typically involves bathing and brushing the dog as well as trimming its coat.

Pitbulls do not need to be groomed or bathed too often as they have short one-layered coats that do not shed much, however, it’s still an important part of their life to keep them clean and healthy.

The cost of getting your dog groomed by a professional will range from $100 to $500, depending on the dog’s size.

Ear Cropping Costs

Ear cropping, also known as otoplasty, is a surgical procedure where a part of the dog’s outer ear is removed. It’s a complicated procedure and should only be done at the recommendation of a trusted veterinarian.

It’s mostly done to give the Pitbull’s ears a raised appearance to make them fit the official breed standard and qualify the dog for shows and competitions. It can also be done for medical purposes to prevent some health problems that the dog might develop because of its ears

The cost of the ear cropping procedure ranges from $150 and $600, depending on the dog’s age and where you’re performing the procedure. There are also additional costs for any necessary medicine or veterinarian check-ups throughout the recovery period.

Tail Docking Cost

Tail docking is a surgical procedure where the dog’s tail is either cut short or completely removed. It’s also a complicated procedure and should only be done at the recommendation of a trusted veterinarian.

It’s mostly done for medical purposes to prevent some health problems that the dog might develop because of its tail. It can also be done for cosmetic purposes to make the dog fit the official breed standard.

The cost of the tail docking procedure ranges from $10 to $50 if it’s done when the dog is still young and can go up to $100 if it’s done when the dog is older. There are also additional costs for any necessary medicine or veterinarian check-ups throughout the recovery period.

Spaying or Neutering Costs

Spaying or Neutering is the surgical sterilization of an animal to permanently prevent it from reproducing or going into heat.

The procedure involves removing the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus in female dogs, and removing the testicles in male dogs.

The cost of spaying a female dog will range from $130 to $500, while the cost of neutering a male dog will range from $150 to $415. It will also depend on the dog’s age and where you’re performing the procedure.

Keep in mind that spaying or neutering might not always be the best option for your Pitbull and make sure to consult a veterinarian about all the benefits and risks before performing the procedure.

Daycare or Dog Sitting Services Costs

Pitbulls tend to become very attached to their owners and they hate being left alone. If they were left alone for too long, they will begin to develop separation anxiety which causes them to display some destructive or aggressive behaviors.

If you need to leave your dog alone, it’s recommended to take it to a doggie daycare or have a sitter watch over it while you’re gone.

The cost for dog daycares or dog sitting services ranges from $15 to $20 per hour.

Dog Walking Services Costs

Pitbulls are highly energetic dogs and they needed to be walked daily to help them release their excessive energy otherwise they might display destructive or aggressive behaviors

If you’re unable to talk your dog on walks regularly, it’s recommended to hire a dog walker to do it for you.

The cost for dog walkers ranges from $10 to $15, depending on the length of the walk.

First-Year Expenses VS Monthly Expenses of Keeping a Pitbull

Based on the previously estimated costs, the total first-year expenses of keeping a Pitbull should range from $2000 to $5000, excluding the initial cost of purchasing the puppy.

Meanwhile, the total monthly expenses of keeping a Pitbull from then on should range from $150 to $500. You’ll notice that the monthly expenses are not as intimidating as the first-year expenses because some things will only need to be paid for once.

It’s important for new owners to be aware of all the expenses that come with owning a dog, so they can plan their budget accordingly and ensure that they provide their dog with the best living conditions they could.

Money-Saving Tips for New Pitbull Owners

Owning a dog can be costly, especially during its first year. So, here are some useful tips for new Pitbull owners to help cut down on the expenses and save more money:

• Try to invest in high-quality essential supplies such as the dog’s crate, bed, feeding bowls, grooming tool, etc. This will ensure that these supplies last a longer time and save you the cost of having to replace them frequently.
• Try preparing some meals and treats for your dog from your leftover food every once in a while. You can also recycle old clothes into make-shift toys.
• Save the cost of hiring a dog sitter or walker by asking a friend or neighbor for help. However, make sure that the person you’re asking has some experience in dealing with pets.
• Try to maintain your dog’s health and be on the lookout for any sign that it’s getting sick. This will help reduce the risk of your dog developing serious health problems and cut down on the cost of medical treatment.
• Learn how to groom your dog at home to save the cost of taking it to a professional groomer. This involves bathing, brushing, and trimming your dog’s coat regularly.

Related Questions

Why Are Red Nose Pitbulls More Expensive than Blue Nose Pitbulls?

Red-nose Pitbulls are more expensive than blue-nose Pitbulls because they come from a high-quality bloodline called The Old Family Red Nose. This bloodline is known for producing dogs that perform exceptionally in dog shows and competitions. However, the cost can also depend on the demand and preference of buyers.

What Is the Average Lifespan of Pitbulls?

The average lifespan of Pitbulls ranges from 12 to 15 years. It generally depends on the dog’s genetics and the quality of its living conditions. To prolong your dog’s lifespan, it’s recommended to provide it with good living conditions including proper training, regular grooming and exercise, and a healthy diet.

Are Pitbulls Violent?

Pitbulls are not violent by nature and they will only become violent if they were not properly socialized and trained or if they were provoked. If they receive proper socialization and training at a young age, they will grow up to be good-natured and friendly toward their owners and others around them.

Why Are Pitbulls Banned?

Pitbulls are banned in some places to help reduce the number of their attacks and to discourage irresponsible owners from participating in dogfighting rings. The legal consequences of owning a Pitbull in a place where it’s banned range from charging a fee to sending the dog to rescue organizations outside the area

Are Pitbulls Hard to Train?

Pitbulls are not hard to train as they are highly intelligent. They can quickly learn new commands as well as remember old commands with little practice. They are also very perceptive and can communicate their needs. However, it will be generally easier to train Pitbull if you start when they’re still young.

Can Pitbulls Live Outside?

Pitbulls cannot live outside. They won’t be able to adapt to the harsh outdoor conditions because of their short coats that don’t provide enough insulation against extreme cold. You can leave them outside but only for short periods of time and you will need to take various protective measures.

Are Pitbull Safe to Have Around Family?

Pitbulls are safe to have around family as long as they were properly socialized and trained. However, it’s generally unadvised to leave children unsupervised with a dog as they might play too roughly with the dog and accidentally provoke it to attack them.

Can Pitbulls Be Trained as Guard Dogs?

Pitbulls can be trained as guard dogs because they can easily learn to bark or attack when commanded and they tend to be extremely loyal to their owners and protective of their territory. They also have large, muscular builds which cause them to appear intimidating to any intruders.

You can learn how to train your Pitbull to be a guard dog here.

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