This article would’ve been much shorter if there was only one kind of Bulldog out there, but there isn’t. There are three different types of Bulldogs out there, each with an interesting story and characteristics.
Now, we don’t know which specific Bulldog you came looking for since, so, we are going to give you a brief intro about all the three– (1)
English Bulldogs – It all started somewhere on the streets of England where a breed was developed as a part-time – a rather dangerous one: Bullbaiting. This is where the term ‘bull’ comes from. These dogs developed stocky bodies, massive heads and jaws, and a ferocious and savage temperament. After these sports were banned, these fierce fighters turned into lovable and calm companions.
French Bulldogs – These dogs came from their English counterparts who made their way to France in the 1800s. The breeders there made a compact and charming version of the English Bulldog. Later, they added the signature bat-like ears.
American Bulldogs – Some English Bulldogs even made their way all the way to the other side of the Atlantic. They were bred to suit the rugged lifestyle of pioneers. They were made to serve as farmhands, hunters, and guardians and as a result, they became larger, more athletic, and more versatile. This is what distinguishes them from their couch-loving English and French cousins.
So, you’ve got a Bulldog for your every need - a laid-back cuddle buddy, a playful entertainer, or a hardworking protector.
Now that you’re learning more about this breed, it’s important to know about their health too. The cost of insurance premiums is calculated using factors like the breed, age, past medical history, medical conditions the breed is prone to, location, lifestyle, etc. The medical conditions that a breed is prone to during their life can impact the cost majorly, as the cost of treatment for some of them can easily go up to 4-digit thousand dollars.
While all three kinds of Bulldogs vary in terms of their overall health, there are some medical conditions that all of them are prone to. These include – (1)
Brachycephaly – This is the deformation of the upper airway tract because of the shortened snout. It results in obstruction of breathing.
Hip dysplasia – This happens due to an abnormal formation of the hip socket that can lead to lameness and arthritis.
Patellar Luxation – This is when the kneecap or patella dislocates or moves from the original place.
Skin Fold Dermatitis – This is a skin condition (of course) that comes in the form of an inflammatory rash when the skin folds. When you look at a Bulldog, you’ll know why this is common in them.
Apart from these, Bulldogs are also prone to conditions like atopic dermatitis, demodicosis, and hiatal hernia.
Insurance Premium Costs for Bulldogs
English bulldogs have an average premium cost of $74.34†, French Bulldogs have an average premium cost of $69.39†, and American Bulldogs have an average premium cost of $56.69†. These can vary depending on the age, location and lifestyle, but you’ll find the quotes around these figures.
How Many Claims Did Bulldog Owners Make?
The three bulldog kinds combined for 56,418* claims. This number may seem a bit high but don’t forget that Bulldogs are one of the most popular breeds in the US.
Is Pet Insurance Worth it for English Bulldogs?
Let’s say you pay $80 monthly for 10 years (the average lifespan of a Bulldog) to get your Bulldog covered. You’ll pay a total of $9600 over 10 years. Now, let’s see the average cost of treatment for the common medical illnesses that these dogs are prone to –
Brachycephaly - $3000 - $5000 (3)
Hip Dysplasia - $1,200 - $2,500 depending on the size and age of the dog. IN extreme cases that need total hip replacement surgery, the cost may also go up to $7000. (4)
Patellar Luxation - $1000-$5000 (5)
And these are only the common ones. There can be other issues like cherry eye, cataracts, heart defects, gastrointestinal problems, etc. (2) Your dog can end up in an accident, be infected by a virus or get affected by an allergy. These vet expenses, if eligible, can be covered up to 90% by insurance.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:
Covers Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Spot pet insurance plans cover the eligible costs of unexpected veterinary treatments, such as emergency surgeries, X-rays, and prescription medications for covered conditions.
Customizable Plans: Choose your annual limit, reimbursement rate, and deductible from a range of options, and create the plan that will fit the needs of your pet and your budget.
Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
And more than a protection net, you’re getting the peace of mind for a small price. We pray nothing ever happens to your dog (it’ll be the best-case scenario for us as well). But unfortunately, if something does happen, we got your back.
† Average premiums are based on current policyholders as of 2024 with accident-only or accident-and-illness plans and may vary due to plan options such as annual limit, co-insurance, and annual deductible, as well as your pet’s breed, age, and location. Quotes at purchase will reflect these factors and your specific selections. Premiums are based on and may increase or decrease due to the age of your pet, the species or breed of your pet, and your home address.
* Using administrative claims data from Jan 2024 to Dec 2024. Coverage and reimbursement may vary based on plan type and selected options. Variations in coinsurance rate, annual limit, and annual deductible, can affect the amount reimbursed for eligible claims. Please review plan details carefully, as coverage and reimbursement will differ by plan and are subject to specific terms, conditions, and exclusions.
With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
With 15 years as a dog and cat parent, my pet articles are a mix of humor and firsthand experience - proof that the best stories often come with paws and purrs.
Wikipedia contributors. (2024, December 1). Bulldog. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulldog
French, English, or American: How to Know if the Bulldog is the Breed for You | Brodie Animal Hospital. (n.d.). Brodie Animal Hospital. https://www.brodieanimalhospital.com/blog/french-english-or-american-how-to-know-if-the-bulldog-is-the-breed-for-you
Higgs, V., DVM. (2024, October 21). Brachycephalic airway syndrome in dogs. PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/respiratory/brachycephalic-airway-syndrome-dogs
