If your partner wants a bulldog and you a Shar-pei, then you can meet in the middle and get a Bull-pei instead!
A Bull-pei (an English Bulldog and Chinese Shar-Pei mix) is a designer dog breed having a solid build, thick neck, and wrinkled skin. Depending upon the parent dogs used for the breeding program, the resultant Bull-pei is less likely to have health issues that you commonly see in the brachycephalic breeds like English bulldog and heavily wrinkled Shar Peis.
Today, designer dogs like the Bull-pei are very popular. Thanks to social media and celebrities toting these cute hybrids, you get to see the pictures of cute Bull-Peis from time to time. Add to this the fact that mixed-breed dogs are often hypoallergenic, small in size, and meet the needs of most people looking for intelligent dogs to join their households – the popularity of designer or hybrid dog breed is skyrocketing.
This popularity has a downside to it though: the cost of Bull-pei dogs is very high. Bull Peis are even more expensive than other designer dogs because there are very few breeders creating them. Also, their litters are very small. The result is that Bull-peis are rather rare and finding a breeder dealing in them can be very tricky. High demand and low supply have increased the Bull-pei’s price drastically.
If you are wondering how much does a Bull-pei cost, then you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will not only cover the cost of a Bull-pei puppy; we will also cover how much it will cost you to raise one.
If you’re in a hurry, here is a quick summary:
The cost of a Bull-pei puppy is between $600 and $2000. This varies from breeder to breeder and also the puppy’s lineage. The first-year cost of owning a Bull-pei is about $2000 and every year, you can expect to spend up to $1000 on your pet. The average life expectancy of Bull-pei is about 9-12 years. So, over its lifetime, you can expect to spend $12000 on dog ownership.
How Much Does a Bullpei Puppy Cost?
The Shar-Pei bulldog mix is an expensive dog. Crossing the fighter Shar-Pei with the gentle bulldog results in a sweet-natured dog breed that is easy to train and handle.
A Bull-pei is a medium to large dog and can weigh between 40 and 65 lb. It is playful and smart and fairly easy to train.
As explained earlier, the cost of the Bull-Pei is higher because of the higher demand, smaller litter sizes, and also difficulty in breeding and whelping processes. Often, these pups have to be delivered by C-section. This is a complicated process that could increase the price of the puppies drastically.
This is the main reason why breeders charge heavily for this breed.
Check out the following table that shows the price range of the dog breed:
| The minimum price of a Bull-pei puppy | $600 |
| Maximum price of a bull-pei puppy | $2000 |
| Price range | $600-$2000 |
| The average price of a bull-pei puppy | $1300 |
Factors Affecting Bull-pei Cost
Several factors go into the pricing of your Bull pei:
Size of the litter
A breeder dealing in Bull-peis will want to maximize his/her return on the investment. If the litter size is small, they price each pup higher in order to make up for the costs spent on artificial insemination, C-section deliveries, health check guarantees, etc.
Lineage
The puppy’s parents will also factor into the cost. If your Bull-Pei comes from champion studs and females and/or is a first-generation (F1) crossbreed, then it will cost more than the pups that come from non-champion dogs or dogs that aren’t first-generation crosses.
Breeders
Ethical breeders who have the well-being of the puppy at the heart will offer tender loving care to the puppy till it is at least 12 weeks old. These breeders properly screen potential buyers and make sure they can provide a good home and life to the Bull-Pei. They offer health guarantees, thoroughly screen their dogs before mating, and even make themselves available for the owners if the puppy experiences any problems. All this can also factor into its cost.
Where to Buy your Bull-Pei From
There are very few breeders of the Bull-Pei in the US. You can contact some breeders that keep both breeds – bulldogs, and shar-pei. One such breeder is BG Sharpei. She has been training, showing, and breeding Shar-Peis for over a decade.
In the UK, Bartlett’s Kennels carry this exotic mixed breed. If you plan to ship your Bull-pei from the UK, then expect to pay extra for shipping.
You can also use Facebook to search for Bull-pei pups. There is a group called Bull-Pei which has tons of information for existing and potential owners. It has several members in it who have shared their Bull-pei’s photos. These are owners and not breeders but you can get information about their Bull-pei’s breeders from them.
Let us now move on to the basic equipment and supplies to buy for your Bull-pei once you have finalized your puppy and breeder.
Basic Supplies your Bull-Pei will Need and Approximate Costs
Food and water bowls
Select sturdy stainless-steel water and food bowls for your Bull-pei. These should not tip over and must be appropriately sized for your Bull-pei. Cost – about $20.
Harnesses, collars, and leash
An all-weather, chew-proof nylon harness is a must for walking this energetic dog. Select one according to your pup’s age. Starting price – $20. You’d also need collars and leashes. If you choose leather, then expect to pay at least $30 for the collar and $35 for the lead or leash.
Grooming tools
Your vet or breeder can give you information about the kind of grooming brushes and tools your wrinkly dog needs. It is vital to keep the wrinkles clean and free from moisture and germs. Use antiseptic wipes to clear away fungi and bacteria from the wrinkles.
Also, apply some nourishing creams, wrinkle balms, or oils in your pet’s skin folds to prevent dryness, irritation, and redness. You can also use special nose creams to prevent its squished nose from drying out.
Use a mild-cleaning shampoo to bathe your dog once a month and dry it off using a microfiber towel. Also, invest in a good doggy toothbrush and paste, nail grinders/clippers, and ear-eye wipes. The cost of these grooming supplies is about $100-$150.
Bed and crate
Look for a heavy-duty crate to aid your pup’s potty training. Also, add in a chew-proof bed inside for your Bull-pei to be more comfortable.
Here is a table showing the summary of dog supplies for your Bull-pei along with approximate costs:
| Item | Cost |
| Collar-leash set, harness | $20-$50 |
| Food-water bowls | $8-$10 |
| Baby gates to limit your pet’s entry in parts of your house | $40 |
| Treat dispenser toys | $10 |
| Plush bed | From $25 |
| Collapsible crate | $55 |
| Mats for containing food messes | $10 |
| Kong toy | $10 |
| Grooming tools – wrinkle creams, antiseptic wipes, brush, comb, dental supplies, shampoo, nail clippers etc. | $150 |
| Poop bags | $10 |
| Potty pads for indoor training | $10 |
Bull-Pei Training Costs
Training is imperative for your Bull-pei to prevent issues like aggression, fear, separation anxiety, etc.
You can choose from different kinds of dog training such as basic puppy training, obedience training, destructive chewing training, training to curb anxiety, and much more. from top-rated professional dog trainers.
An Internet search for the best dog trainer in your area can lead you to these professionals. You can also get recommendations from friends and neighbors.
You will further need to select from private training sessions, group sessions, and board-and-train sessions. Each of these are priced differently.
- Private sessions – You can either take your Bull-pei to the trainer or have the trainer come to your home or a dog park. These teach you how to train your dog. Private dog training can cost anywhere between $45 to $120 per hour based on your area, the trainer’s expertise, etc.
- Group classes – these are slightly cheaper. They are advantageous too as your Bull-pei will learn to socialize with other puppies.
- Board-and-train – This option requires you to board your dog with the trainer for about 2 weeks. In this period, your puppy will learn many things from potty training to basic obedience, to special tricks.
Here are the break-ups of costs of different dog training options:
| Group training (cost per class) | $15.00 to $50 per class |
| Private training (cost per session) | $45.00 to $120 |
| Dog boot camp (cost per day) | $45.00 (weekly about $500 to $1250) |
| YouTube videos | $0.00 |
| Board-and-train | $2000.00 |
Bull-Pei Food Costs
Bull-peis need high-quality dog food rich in Omega essential fatty acids to prevent skin issues, proteins to maintain muscle mass, and anti-oxidants for immunity.
In the first few weeks, it is best to feed your Bull-pei puppy the same food as the breeder was feeding it. Later on, evaluate your dog’s exact nutritional needs with the help of your vet. Bull-peis weigh between 40 and 65 lb. and reach between 17 and 19 inches at withers.
Like both its parent breeds, the Bull-pei is prone to gain weight. Even a few pounds of weight gain can cause a host of health issues so it is very important not to over-feed this medium-sized dog.
Use the following guidelines to feed your Bull-pei:
- Feed your Bull-pei high-quality kibble or dry dog food. An adult Bull-pei of 50 lb. will need 2 to 2 2/3rd cups of food per day. You can divide this into 2-3 small meals.
- If your pet prefers wet or canned food, feed it 1 3/4 to 2 2/3 cups or 3 cans per day. You can divide this into 2-3 small meals.
- Vary the quantity of food based on age, weight, overall health, and your pet’s preference.
Here is a table showing approximate monthly costs of food for Bull-peis:
| Type of food | Approx. monthly quantity | Approx. monthly price |
| Kibble/dry food | 90 lb. to 100 lb. | $30 |
| Wet/canned food | 115 lb. | $210 |
| Raw freeze-dried food | 2500 nuggets per month/50 bags of 14 oz. each | $500+ |
| Raw food | 32 lb. | $60 |
| Dog treats | $20 |
Comparison of Dog Food for Bull-Peis
Bull-peis do best with hypoallergenic, low-grain food or limited ingredient foods. This is due to the fact that they are prone to skin issues just like both parent breeds.
Feeding high-quality, balanced, yet gentle food can prevent many skin issues in Bull-peis. You can look for kibble with protein sources like chicken, turkey, fish, and/or lamb.
If your pet develops a skin allergy due to one or more of these proteins, you may want to consider switching to foods containing novel proteins like emu, duck, venison, bison, rabbit, etc. Any new diet will take some time to show results so be patient.
As stated earlier, evaluate your pet’s weight and overall health from time to time. If needed, switch the food or change portion sizes as advised by your vet.
Here is a table showing you a comparison of best dog foods for Bull-peis with their costs per lb.
| Name | Features | Cost |
| Bully Max | Triple-checked food, higher calories (so you can feed less), 5-star rated performance food, contains real meat as the first ingredient. | $5/lb. |
| Royal Canin Bulldog Adult Breed
| Tailor-made kibble with brewer’s rice, oats, and real chicken. Contains essential oils and fats to maintain wrinkles. EPA and DHA to support joints | $2.85/lb. |
| Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, High Protein Dog Food
| Natural ingredients, high-protein, freeze-dried turkey, ideal for dogs with sensitivities. Supports healthy skin and coat. Promotes leaner body and helps in weight loss. Also contains glucosamine for healthy joints. | $4.75/lb. |
| Purina Pro Plan High Protein, Gravy Adult Wet Dog Food
| Made with real lamb. Contains real vitamins, minerals, and omega-6 fatty acids. The optimum fat-to-protein ratio for ideal weight. | $2.28/lb/ |
Bull-Pei Medical Costs
Bull-peis are generally hardy dogs and when you purchase your pet from a reputed breeder, you are also likelier to get health guarantees. Breeders with ethical breeding programs always screen their Shar-peis and bulldogs before mating. This reduces the risk of puppies developing genetic or inherited health issues.
Despite this, every dog owner will have to spend some money on certain medical costs. In the first year, your little pup will need several vaccinations. These include core vaccines or mandatory vaccines which can prevent deadly canine diseases like parvovirus, canine influenza, distemper, etc.
Your vet will also recommend some non-core vaccines like Lyme disease vaccine, rattle-snake vaccine, etc. depending on the area that you live in.
You will also have to follow a deworming schedule every 2-3 months or as advised by your vet. Don’t forget to protect your dog from fleas and ticks which carry deadly parasites.
The following tables will show you the costs of core vaccines and non-core vaccines along with the puppy-ages to administer them at.
Core vaccine costs
| Core vaccine | Age of puppy | Cost |
| Distemper | At least 3 doses are to be given between 6 and 16 weeks of age. (2 doses to be given 3-4 weeks apart) | $15 to $25 |
| Parvovirus | Same as above | |
| Adenovirus, type 1 (CAV-1, canine hepatitis) | The intranasal vaccine may be boostered at one year. Your Bull-pei will also need a booster at 1 year after completing the initial series, then again, every 3 years. | $15-$50 |
| Adenovirus, type 2 (CAV-2, kennel cough) | Between 6 weeks to 16 weeks, at least 3 doses. | $15-$50 |
| Rabies 1 and 3 years | Can be given as early as 3 months of age. States have laws about this core vaccine | $35 to $50 |
Non-core vaccine costs
| Non-core vaccine | Age of puppy | Cost |
| Parainfluenza | Administered at 6-8 weeks of age, then every 3-4 weeks until 12-14 weeks old. Depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation, a booster may be needed after a year and re-vaccination every 3 years. | $15-$35 |
| Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough) | 2 doses of injection or one dose of intranasal vaccine given based on manufacturer recommendation | $15-$50 |
| Lyme disease | Given at 9 weeks and repeated after 2-4 weeks | $20-$40 |
| Leptospirosis | 2 doses at least 2-4 weeks apart. First dose is around 8 weeks. | $15-$35 |
Total vaccination costs of DAPP and rabies can cost between $75 and $100 for most vet practices. These costs may or may not include flea and tick spot treatment, deworming medicine, and non-core vaccine costs.
Depending on your area, you’d also need flea and tick protection. The following table shows the approximate cost of different types of flea/tick medicines:
| Name | Cost per year |
| Shampoo + flea comb | $20-$40 |
| Weekly flea dip + flea and tick collar | $40-$150 |
| Spot treatment | $150-$200 |
| Additional costs like flea extermination of the house | $500 |
Some more routine medical costs
| Name of test | Cost** |
| Routine checkup | $50 and $250 |
| Spaying or neutering | $160-$200 |
| Physical exam | $45 – $55 |
| Fecal exam | $25-$55 |
| Heartworm test | $45-$50 |
| Dental cleaning | $70-$400 |
| Allergy testing | $195-$300 |
Emergency care costs
| Name of test | Cost** |
| Bloodwork | $80-$100 |
| X-ray | Up to $200 |
| USG | Up to $500 |
| Hospitalization | $600-$3500 |
| Emergency surgery | Up to $2000 |
Common Inherited Diseases in Bull-Peis
Skin issues/allergies
Both Shar Peis and bulldogs are prone to skin problems like eczema, pyoderma, and dermatitis due to their heavily wrinkled skin. Resultantly, Bull-pei pups could also inherit these issues. The cost of testing for skin allergies in Bull-peis (a test called scraping) is around $200 and treatment includes dietary changes, regular grooming, etc.
Cherry eye
Cherry eye causes a swollen pink blob in the corner of the eye. It can cause pain, redness, and irritation. Affected Bull-peis tend to scratch their eyes. This can worsen the problem and even cause injuries. The cost of treating cherry eye surgically is about $800 for both eyes.
Hip dysplasia
Bull-peis with hip dysplasia might have trouble during walking or running. This painful condition also causes a change in their gait. Tests can determine if a dog could develop hip dysplasia. Ethical breeders conduct these tests and prevent the breeding of such dogs. The cost of treating hip dysplasia can run into thousands of dollars.
Pet Insurance for Bull-Peis
Your Bull-pei will bring immense joy and happiness in your life and as a pet parent, you will want to provide it with the best medical care, should the need arise.
As a dog owner, you will have to make tough decisions, but with pet insurance, you can get peace of mind should your pet get sick or injured.
Some pet insurance plans cover up to 90% of costs and eligible vet bills. You can also customize plans as per your budget and get a flexible accident, routine care, and illness coverage for your Bull Pei.
When researching plans, do your homework thoroughly as plans differ greatly. Ask for customizable plans that can cover accidents, broken bones, lacerations, car accidents, etc. A good insurance plan should also cover illnesses like cancer, diabetes, allergies, arthritis, and skin problems. Some plans even cover medical costs, the cost of hospitalization, and physical rehabilitation.
Here is a table showing different pet insurances, costs, and benefits.
| Name of insurance | Cost | Pros | Cons |
| Farmer’s Pet Insurance | Start at $16/month | Founded in 1928. Received excellent rating by Better Business Bureau. Has 24 x 7 claims reporting. | Some users reported higher premium rates. |
| Figo Pet Insurance | Plans average at $1.50/day | Sometimes they give 100% reimbursement. The company offers 3 flexible plans | Your Bull-pei might need an enrollment exam. |
| Lemonade Pet Insurance | Start at $10/a month | Hassle-free digital claims processing, lightning-fast claims payment powered by AI. | Pricing increases nearly 5 times over your pet’s lifetime. |
| Trupanion | $38/month for $1000 deductible. | 90% coverage, no payout limits | Requires a one-time fee for new members, does not cover pets over 13 years. |
Additional Costs of Raising a Bull-Pei
Grooming costs
Bull-peis need regular grooming to clean out their wrinkles. Failure to do this could lead to skin issues and itching. Use creams, oils, or wrinkle pastes to keep the skin folds clean. You can also take your dog to a professional groomer from time to time. For basic grooming services like bath, tail-pocket cleaning, anal gland expression, nail trimming, ear cleaning, etc., groomers tend to charge between $30-$50 depending on your city.
Travel costs
Boarding your Bull-pei or hiring a pet sitter can easily cost up to $200-$500 per week depending on where you live and the services included. Boarding is slightly cheaper than hiring a pet-sitter. Keep in mind that some boarding facilities require your dog to be vaccinated for kennel cough and other health issues before you can board your pet. If you choose to travel with your pet, expect to pay at least $125 to $250 on air-fare one way.
Dog walker/daycare
If you’re too busy to walk your Bull-pei, you could consider a professional dog walking service. This is important to keep your energetic dog healthy and happy. You can also enroll your pet in daycare if you happen to work out of your home for over 4-6 hours. Costs can be $10-$20 per 30-minute walk and between $12 and $38 per day for day-boarding.
Key Takeaways – How Much Does a Bull-Pei Cost?
Here is a quick recap of the monthly and annual costs of your Bull-pei.
First-year cost
The first-year costs of owning a Bull-pei is nearly twice the costs in the following year because you will pay the breeder or an adoption fee. Breeders charge almost $1300 on average for healthy Bull-pei pups. You will also spend about $120 on food annually, followed by vet costs (routine exams, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering). You will also spend on toys and treats, a dog license, microchipping, and health insurance. Thus, the total first-year cost of owning a Bull-pei could be about $2000.
Annual costs
Annually, most Bull-pei owners spend only on food and treats, routine vet visits, flea and tick medicines, health insurance, dog-walking services, deworming, etc. These costs come to $1000 per year or about half the cost of the first year.
Lifetime cost
The average life expectancy of the Bull-pei is around 9-12 years. Considering an annual cost of $1000, the total lifetime costs of Bull-pei ownership can come to $12000. This is assuming your pet lives a healthy life. In case of canine health issues like cancers, skin or eye ailments, joint problems, or arthritis, expect to spend almost $1500-$2000 per year on medicines, surgery, or diagnostic tests.
As can be seen, owning a Bull-pei is a huge financial commitment. Do figure out a financial strategy so you can give your pet the best care it deserves.
