How Much Do Pitbulls Cost Without Papers? [How to Register A Pitbull]
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How Much a Pitbull cost is a surprisingly tricky question to answer. The cost of any pitbull will depend on so many factors that no two Pitbulls will cost the same.
Things like the dog’s lineage, genetics, history, and health are all contributing factors, but so are things like the breeder’s own history and reputation. This gets more complicated when we’re talking about Purebred Piotties as well.
Purebred Pit Bull breeds need to be registered with any reputable registries, and the registration papers will provide proof of the quality of the dog’s bloodline, which can affect its cost.
So, how much do Pitbulls cost without papers? Pitbulls without papers cost from $500 to $1,500. These dogs might not be purebred as they have no papers to prove the quality of their bloodline. If the dogs are purebred, you’ll be able to register them and get their papers after paying a fee and submitting the necessary documents.
Keep reading to learn more about why you need to register your Pit Bull, which Pit Bull breeds are eligible for registration, how registration papers affect the cost of Pit Bulls, and how to register a Pit Bull without papers.
Do You Need to Register Your Pit Bull?

Many dogs are referred to as Pit Bull based on their physical features. However, not all of these dogs are purebred.
Only purebred dogs are eligible for registration. So, if you have a purebred Pit Bull, you need to register it with reputable registries such as the United Kennel Club (UKC) or the American Kennel Club (AKC), so you can have papers that prove the quality of the dog’s bloodline.
Registering your dog will also give it the opportunity to participate in dog shows and competitions held by reputable organizations.
Which Pit Bull Breeds Are Eligible for Registration?
The term “Pit Bull” is used to refer to multiple dog breeds, and, as mentioned before, not all of these breeds are purebred and therefore not eligible for registration.
The Pit Bull breeds that are eligible for registration are American Pitbull Terries, American Bullies, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
Here are the registries that each of these breeds can be registered with:
Pit Bull Breed | Registry |
---|---|
The American Pitbull Terrier | Eligible for registration with the United Kennel Club (UKC), but not the American Kennel Club (AKC) |
The American Bully | Eligible for registration with United Kennel Club (UKC), but not the American Kennel Club (AKC) |
The American Staffordshire Terrier | Eligible for registration with the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) |
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Eligible for registration with the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) |
Do Registration Papers Affect the Cost of Pit Bulls?
Registration papers do affect the cost of Pit Bulls as they prove the quality of the dog’s bloodline. So, purebred Pit Bulls will have higher quality bloodlines and will typically cost more compared to crossbred Pit Bulls.
A dog’s bloodline is basically its genetic makeup which determines how the dog will look and how healthy it will be. It’s also relevant to the purpose that the dog is bred for, as some dogs are bred to be pets, while other dogs are bred to participate in competitions or to be breeding stock.
How Much Do Pit Bulls Cost without Registration Papers?
On average, Pitbulls without registration papers cost $500 to $1,500. The exact cost will mainly depend on where you purchase them.
These dogs might not be purebred, so they will not be eligible for registration.
If you’re certain that your dog is purebred, you will have to pay a fee to register and get its papers.
How Much Do Pit Bulls Cost with Registration Papers?
Pit Bulls with registration papers cost from $2000 to $5000, on average. Their exact cost will depend on the quality of their bloodline and the breeder’s reputation.
Since these dogs are already registered, they will be allowed to participate in dog shows and competitions. They will also benefit from various perks offered by the organizations they’re registered including a healthcare plan.
By the way, I have a complete guide on how much does it cost to get and care for a Pitbull here that is definitely worth checking out as I break down the costs of Pitbull puppies, give you recommendations on where to get Pitbull puppies, and explain how much it will actually cost to care for your Pitbull puppy every month and every year from puppyhood and all the way into their golden years, so do check it out when you have a chance.
How to Register a Pit Bull?

If you have a purebred Pit Bull that hasn’t been registered, you can easily get registered by submitting an application along with the necessary documents and paying a registration fee.
Both the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Kennel Club offer (AKC) several registration options for purebred Pit Bulls.
If the parents are already registered, their litter will be eligible for full registration after submitting an application and paying a fee of $50.
However, if the parents are not already registered, you will need to provide the dog’s complete pedigree for three generations and registration papers from other reputable registries along with the application.
Here’s a list of what you need to submit along with the registration application:
- At least five unedited pictures of the dog that clearly show its physical features. These pictures must be taken while the dog is standing on a flat surface, and they need to show the entire view of the dog from the front, back, and sides.
- A statement of the dog’s purchase information. If you haven’t purchased the dog directly from a breeder, you need to provide a supplemental transfer statement that’s available on the registry’s website.
- Signatures from 2 witnesses that are at least 18 years of age to confirm the dog’s purebred status. You need to provide the names and contact information of the witness along with their signatures.
The registration process takes about three weeks, and you will receive the registration papers once the application has been processed.
Alternative Registration Options for Pit Bulls
Other circumstances might make Pit Bulls ineligible for full registration aside from being crossbred. These circumstances include being a purebred dog with breed faults or coming from unknown pedigrees.
Luckily, both the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Kennel Club offer alternative registration options.
So, if you have a faulty dog or a dog with an unknown pedigree, you can submit an application for a limited privilege registration and pay a fee of $35. However, keep in mind that it’s mandatory for dogs with unknown pedigrees to be spayed or neutered before they’re registered.
Related Questions
What Do Purebred Pit Bulls Look Like?
Purebred Pit Bulls share similar physical features, including stocky, muscular builds, broad square-shaped heads, fleshy noses, short muzzles, and big almond-shaped eyes. These features are considered to be the official breed standard that qualifies the dog to participate in dog shows and competitions.
Do You Need to Ensure Your Pit Bull?
You need to ensure your Pit Bull if it’s purebred or comes from a high-quality bloodline, as this will help you take care of the dog and minimize costs in case of any severe injury. Insuring your Pit Bull costs about $40 per month, depending on the insurance company and the dog’s age.
What Are the Factors That Determine the Cost of Pit Bulls?
The factors that determine the cost of Pit Bulls include the dog’s breed, the quality of its bloodline, and the color of its coat. The cost is also determined by the place of purchase and the reputation of the breeder. Based on these factors, Pit Bulls can cost from $500 to $2000.
Where Can You Get a Pit Bull?
You can get a Pit Bull from a rescue shelter after paying an adoption fee to cover the rescue and care costs. You can also get it from a pet store or directly from the breeder. However, keep in mind that the cost will increase depending on the place of purchase and the reputation of the breeder.
Helpful Resources
Registration Requirements for the Pitbull Terrier – the UKC
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