Pitbulls are one of the most sought-after dogs despite having the most negative reputation. Given their popularity, Pitbulls have a wide range of prices for different reasons.
In this article, I will tell you how much Pitbull costs and what factors affect this price.
How Much Does a Pitbull Puppy Cost?
Buying a Pitbull puppy from a breeder can cost anywhere from $500 to as much as $20,000 or more. An American Pitbull puppy can vary vastly in cost. Assume you find a Pitbull puppy at an animal rescue shelter.
In that case, it can cost $200 or less, including administrative or licensing fees, if applicable, and the cost of a veterinary checkup and vaccinations.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Pitbull
Knowing the factors contributing to the cost of a Pitbull puppy can help you decide to buy a Pitbull puppy and the features you may have to pay additionally to include in your new best friend.
1. Gender: Male or Female
Whether your new Pitbull puppy is male or female can affect what breeders charge you for the puppy. Some breeders will charge extra for female Pitbull puppies since they can keep them to raise more puppies later.
Similarly, you can breed Pitbulls by purchasing several female puppies, so this can push the price higher.
Some breeders may charge more for male puppies, especially if their bloodline is unique and they have parents with sought-after features such as muscular builds, thick necks, and sturdy legs.
These males might be valuable in fathering Pitbull puppies to pass along those traits.
2. Physical Features
Pitbull puppies with red and blue noses are rare, making the price of these puppies go into the thousands. Pitbull experts say the nose colors do not demonstrate temperament or anything other than the color of the puppy’s nose.
Large Pitbull puppies can be more expensive since they may become more powerful in adulthood.
3. Documents
If you purchase a registered Pitbull puppy, you will want to have the paperwork that accompanies registration. Documents will be important later if you plan to breed Pitbulls.
Some breeders or rescue adoption agencies will have already ensured your Pitbull puppy has had vaccinations for diseases including rabies, Bordetella, distemper, and canine hepatitis, among others. If so, the breeder will incorporate the vet care cost into the dog’s price.
You’ll need the paperwork as proof of your dog’s vaccination if you plan to take your pet to dog-friendly events and lodgings or to board your dog when traveling.
4. Sub-Breed of the Pitbull
The type of Pitbull you get is the most significant factor affecting its price. Commonly, American Bullies and Prague Pitbulls are the most costly ones.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier follow them. Ultimately, the American Pit Bull Terrier is typically the least pricey.
5. Ancestry or Lineage
A Pitbull puppy born from a champion bloodline is known to cost ten folds more than a regular Pitbull.
Famous Pitbull bloodlines include Hulk Pitbulls, Colby Pitbulls, Razor Edge, GatorCarver Bloodline, and Monster G. On the same note, if the puppy comes from a line of police dogs, it would be even more expensive.
6. Breeder’s Reputation
A Pitbull’s price also heavily depends on a breeder’s reputation. A reputable breeder will generally price their puppies higher than backyard breeders. However, remember that a high-priced Pitbull is not a better dog by default.
7. Pitbull’s Appearance
The appearance of the Pitbull puppy also closely affects its price. Specific physical features, such as the Pitbull’s nose color, coat color, build, or height, make a Pitbull more desirable, thus, pricier.
8. Pet Guarantees
Unlike those from a puppy mill, every Pitbull from a good breeder or shelter has a guarantee.
Some offer a two-year health guarantee for their puppies, while others have temperamental contracts. These guarantees are also accountable for driving up how much Pitbulls cost.
9. Color and Coat
The Pitbull comes in many coat colors, such as brindle, merle, sable, tricolor, black and white, etc. Some of these colors are rare and can be challenging, leading to a higher price.
The AKC or UKC does not recognize many rare colors, but this only changes the price slightly, especially since you can still register your dog most of the time.
If the Pitties were already a few weeks old and were engaged in proper socialization and obedience training to become family pets, they would also be more expensive.
Types of Pitbull & Their Cost
As I have mentioned, coat color and bloodline can affect the price of your Pitbull, which is why you might be surprised to find that the puppy you want differs from the average price.
Here are some rarer and more expensive types of Pitbull:
Blue Nose Pitbull
The Blue Nose Pitbulls are purebred American Pitbulls that may not look different from a standard Pitbull. However, as its name implies, it comes with a blue nose.
Other than the nose color, there is no difference between this type of Pitbull and any other regular dog of this breed. Because they aren’t common, Blue Nose Pitbulls can cost around $3,000.
Red Nose Pitbull
The Red Nose Pitbull is the same as any other Pitbull dog, except that his nose isn’t black but instead red. Due to the red pigment, their coats are often red or golden, their predominant color.
These Pitbulls are less rare than Blue Nose Pitbulls, so their price is usually equal to that of a regular Pitbull, costing around $2,000.
Merle Pitbull
Merle is quite an unusual color in Pitbulls and all dogs alike. It is a dilution gene that affects not just coat pigmentation but the pigmentation of the puppy’s skin, eyes, and ears.
Merle Pitbull’s price is usually twice as much or threefold the normal price, and some of the more expensive puppies go on sale for up to $15,000!
Pitbull Blue
People often call any Pitbull with a blue nose a ‘blue Pitbull because of a dilution gene that gives a black pigment that gorgeous bluish or grayish tint.
However, a real blue Pitbull has a blue nose and a blue coat color. Still, their price is the same as a regular Blue Nose Pitbull, so they usually cost around $3,000.
Black Pitbull
While black is a standard coat color in Pitbulls, full Black Pit Bulls are rare; most have at least one speck of white fur. Still, most people consider these dogs black since Pitbulls in a single color are almost impossible to find.
Black Pitbulls can differ in price; depending on the bloodlines, they cost between $2,000 and $20,000.
Tri-Color Pitbull
Tricolor Pitbulls are rare but not as rare as merle or pure black dogs. They usually cost between $2,000 and $5,000.
Brindle Pitbull
Despite being caused by a recessive gene, brindle isn’t a rare color in Pitbulls. It’s normal and comes in bicolor or tri-color coat patterns.
These Pitbulls won’t cost more than a regular Pitbull, and their price is affected only by the breeder’s reputation and bloodline, not the color itself. The average cost for a Brindle Pitbull is $2000.
Blue Fawn Pitbull Price
Blue fawn Pitbulls are rare and can cost you a lot of money. These pups usually cost up to $5,000. This coat color is rare and difficult to breed, so it is expensive.
Black Panther Pitbull
The Black Panther American Pitbull is a pure black Pitbull (a little bit of white on the coat is allowed) that usually has light-colored eyes than most Pitbulls.
A unique gene combination makes these pups very rare. Because of this, most of these Pits are on the high end of the cost spectrum.
You’ll not be able to find a Black Panther Pitbull puppy at a price lower than $5,000, and some can cost as much as $20,000!
Pitbull: The American Bully
American Bully Pitbulls are a new and different breed of dog, and they are not the same as the American Pit Bull Terrier.
These dogs may look similar to regular Pitbulls but are larger and more muscular. These dogs are more expensive than a regular Pitbull. Most puppies cost between $2,500 and $12,000.
Razor Edge Pitbull
Razor Edge is a particular bloodline of regular Pitbulls that usually cost between $1,500 and $3,000.
XXL American Bully Pitbull
XXL American Bullies are, as their name suggests, giant dogs usually used not just as watchdogs but also as dogs for various competitions and dog sports.
These dogs’ prices vary depending on the bloodline and the breeder’s reputation. XXL Bullies have a starting price of $4,000 and up.
Pitbull Hulk Price
Most of Hulk’s puppies sell at an astonishing $30,000. However, that’s not the highest price. When trained as elite guard dogs, Hulk’s puppies go for $55,000.
Initial Cost of Pitbull Ownership
If you decide to get a Pitbull, you might wonder how much you must prepare. Aside from the Pitbull dog price, buying some essential things for your new furry friend would be best.
Some of the items you need to purchase before you bring home your Pitbull puppy are:
Food and Treats
There are a bunch of options for high-quality dog food to choose from for Pit Bulls. You should pick the right one for their age and activity level.
On the same note, choose a treat made of natural ingredients. Also, check your puppy to determine if they have a food allergy. A large pack of dog food for your Pit Bull and some treats will cost you about $80 to $120.
Food and Water Bowls
A set of bowls for food and water for a Pitbull usually ranges from $10 to $35. Ensure to get one that is safe for food and easy to clean. Preferably, go for stainless steel bowls since they last longer than plastic ones.
Bed
Investing in a durable and comfortable bed for your Pitbull dog is recommended, reducing their risk of bone and muscle issues in the future. A standard quality bed will cost you at least $40 to $200.
Crate
Like other dog breeds, a crate is necessary for your Pitbull if you want it to stay away from the house, especially with visitors. It helps prevent aggressive behavior and provides your Pitbull with security.
Crates are also crucial for obedience training if you want your Pitty to be a perfect family dog. A sturdy crate will cost you about $50 to $500.
Leashes and Collars
Leash and collars typically come in sets and cost around $20 to $25. There are some customizable options where you can put your puppy’s name and contact details, but they will cost more.
Leashes and collars are essential to bringing your dog for walks in the community and proper training.
Chew Toys
Pitbulls love chewing on items, especially when they are still young puppies. They would certainly appreciate some chew toys.
You should also provide them with mentally refreshing toys like puzzles and bricks. Usually, chew toys can cost around $30 to $50.
Grooming Products
Despite being medium-sized dogs with outstanding physical features, Pitbulls need minimal grooming amongst dogs.
You can groom them at home with the necessary supplies like dog shampoo, brush, toothbrush and toothpaste, and nail clippers. Altogether, these items will cost you $40 to $180.
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications
Treat your dog with fleas or ticks immediately to avoid skin diseases. The same goes for internal parasites.
You can get rid of them through deworming. Over-the-counter medications for these parasite problems will cost approximately $50 to $200.
Initial Vet Visits
Even though the breeder claims they have already vetted your Pitbull, you should still bring the puppy to a trusted veterinarian.
Doing so will verify that the dog is free from health issues and that the breeder didn’t scam you. Vet visits can cost $100 to $300.
Initial Vaccination
Quality 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 parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, and rabies shot. These vaccines cost approximately $75 to $200 in total.
Spaying or Neutering
Depending on the age of your Pitbull, he may or may not be neutered by the time you bring him home. You should save around $200-$250 for neutering or spaying.
Dog License
A dog License can help animal shelters identify them if your dog gets lost. They’ll be kept in the shelter safely, and the rescue organization will contact you. The license proves your dog ownership and will cost around $10 to $20.
Tracking Microchip
Like a dog license, a microchip can help identify your dog. The vet will insert a chip the size of a rice grain into your Pitbull’s shoulders via a non-invasive process.
This microchip can be scanned for the identification of your dog. The price range of a microchip is around $40 to $60.
Miscellaneous Supplies
Like other dog breeds, allocating money on miscellaneous supplies like potty pads, poop scoopers, urine cleaners, etc., is also ideal. These extra items may cost around $15 to $30.
Here is a summary of all the items you need to purchase initially for your American Pit Bull Terrier:
| Expense type | Cost |
| Treats and Food | $80 – $120 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $10 – $35 |
| Bed | $40 – $200 |
| Create | $50 – $500 |
| Leashes and Collars | $15 – $50 |
| Toys | $30 – $50 |
| Grooming Essentials | $40 – $180 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $50 – $200 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $300 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $75 – $200 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Microchip | $40 – $60 |
| Miscellaneous Supplies | $15 – $30 |
| Total Initial Cost | $605 – $2,445 |
You might already have some items around the house if you own a pet. In that case, you can save money.
Annual Cost of Owning a Pitbull
It is necessary to know what to expect shortly regarding Pitbull-related expenses. Therefore, this section is dedicated to the nitty-gritty details of your annual costs as a Pitbull owner.
Typically, you would need some services on top of the restocking for your Pitbull’s treats, food, and medications.
Here’s a table to summarize the annual expenses of a Pitbull dog:
| Type of Expense | Annual Cost Estimate |
| Treats and Food | $480 – $1,200 |
| New toys | $25 – $150 |
| Crate and Bed | $120 – $500 |
| Collars and Leashes | $25 – $50 |
| Grooming items | $150 – $500 |
| Parasites (fleas, worms & ticks) Medications | $150 – $250 |
| Routine Vet checkup | $200 – $400 |
| Dog Insurance | $500 – $1,500 |
| Essential Vaccination | $80 – $250 |
| Miscellaneous Reserves | $30 – $50 |
| Annual Total | $1,760 – $4,850 |
| Average Monthly Cost | $147 – $404 |
Other Potential Expenses
So far, this article has only focused on the cost of the basic needs of an American Pitbull and the average price. Let’s talk about other potential expenses that may become necessary.
Some of the potential expenses that you may need for your Pitbull puppy:
Daycare Services
If you need someone to watch your American Pitbull Terrier when you’re not around, daycare services are for you. For about $15 to $20, you can drop your pet off at a daycare service to keep them company.
Pet Walking Services
If you are a busy pet owner, you will need the service of professional pet walkers to ensure your dog remains active. Expect to pay $10 to $15 for a dependable pet walker.
Medical Treatment
Like other dogs, some health problems are unavoidable for Pitbulls, brought about by age. That said, depending on your Pitbull’s health issue, you may need to spend $100 to $10,000 for treatment.
Kennel Club Registration
Register your Pitbull in American Kennel Club for $80 to $90. An AKC-registered dog will have its heritage documented. Plus, your Pitbull will also be eligible to join dog competitions.
Grooming Services
If you like to have your pet professionally groomed now and then, you must prepare extra cash. Depending on the size of your Pitbull and the length of its hair, grooming services will cost you anywhere between $20 and $50.
You can avail of all the services above at your preference except for emergency medical care. If you have the extra cash, there’s nothing wrong with splurging for your Pitbull sometimes.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
How Much is a Blue Nose Pitbull Worth?
Because they aren’t common, Blue Nose Pitbulls can cost around $3,000 and are one of the most expensive Pitbull types.
Are Pitbulls Good Family Dogs?
Pitbulls are fantastic family dogs, known for their extreme loyalty and eagerness to please their owner and to protect loved ones.
They are also very low-maintenance and healthy dogs. Everybody aspires to be a Pitbull owner.
What’s the Price for A Baby Pitbull?
A baby Pitbull can be $500 to $20,000 as the breeder will charge whatever he deems fair for his valuable Pitbull. Don’t worry; not all Pitbulls are expensive, and you can find some friendly puppies at a low price if you look for them carefully.
How Much Do Pitbulls Cost with Papers?
On average, a registered Pitbull with all the legal and necessary medical documents will cost an additional $500 to $1500 as the registrations and keeping the records organized costs time and money to the breeders.
It is to be noted that a Pitbull with all the proper paperwork will be more healthy and worth the extra buck.
Conclusion
American Pitbull may cost a lot, but they make up for it with their unique personality and character to serve, please, and protect their owner.
If you already own a dog, your cost of owning a Pitbull will be lower, and you will also know where to find a good quality Pitbull.
Remember, Pitbulls are not for everyone, and those who do buy Pitbulls and dont realize how to handle them, often abandon them. To avoid such scenarios, always do your due diligence and make sure you are ready to be a Pitbull parent.
