Best Dog Insurance for American Bulldogs

DOG GROUP - Utility

We have carried out detailed analysis to find the best dog insurance for American Bulldogs. We have researched the breeds history, health, personality and temperament, all areas that may be important when searching for the best pet Insurance for your American Bulldog.

Overview of American Bulldogs

The Utility Breed Group The American Bulldog is a large breed of utility dog and descended from the now-extinct Old English Bulldog. They are still used as working dogs on farms, for dog sports, and for showing. They are part of American culture and history and are strong and tough. In November 2019, the American Bulldog was added to the American Kennel Club (AKC) Foundation Stock Service.

History of American Bulldogs

The bulldog in his pure form was in America as early as the 17th century. On Southern plantations and ranches they were used as personal and property protection, and as an aid in catching large animals such as cattle and hogs. The breed was not known by its modern name until the 1980's. They did double duty as a farm protector against wild dogs and criminals/rustlers. American Bulldogs are a well-balanced athletic dog that demonstrate great strength, endurance, agility, and a friendly attitude. Historically, they were bred to be a utility dog used for working the farm.

How big are American Bulldogs?

The American Bulldog are Large sized dogs. Males generally reach a height of 50-71 CM and weigh around 32.54 Kg. Females are normally a bit smaller.

American Bulldog Health Issues

The American Bulldog is a good sturdy dog usually long lived,(10-15 years) but as with similar dogs may encounter breed related health issues.

Some health problems are possible and not all American Bulldogs will suffer from these common complaints, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.

Some genetic issues include the usual for large breed dogs, such as elbow and hip dysplasia. That is why it is important that breeders utilize all available resources when selecting which dogs are bred together. The prominent jawline that give the American Bulldog it's unique appearance can cause dental problems with abnormal placement of teeth. American Bulldogs are also prone to "cherry eye" which is a cherry coloured swelling in the eye (hence the name)caused by prolapsed gland of the nictitans. It can cost between £300 and £800 to cure. For more information visit The American Bulldog Association

You can minimise any health problems by making sure your dog comes from a registered breeder and that you see the puppy with its mother before you buy.

American Bulldogs Personality and Temperament

The American Bulldog is loyal and self-confident. They make good watchdogs but are not considered suitable for an inexperienced owner. They will protect their family and make good watchdogs and protectors. Good with children in their family if socialised early.

While the American bulldog is seen as being kind, calm, friendly and safe around people of all types and all ages, they do have a natural wariness around other dogs that they don’t know.

If you are looking to buy an American Bulldog, expect to pay anything from £500 to £1,000 for a well bred pedigree puppy. You need to buy the best quality food and adjust it accordingly as your dog gets older. The cost of food will be about £40 per month. You will also need to factor in vaccinations, boosters and the additional costs of neutering or spaying if required. Add in annual health and dental checks (mandatory requirement by most pet insurers) and your annual costs including food will be around £1,000 - £1,200.

Caring for your American Bulldog

The American Bulldog has low grooming needs. American Bulldogs do not usually shed as much hair as some other breeds. They are intelligent dogs and need a lot of exercise and training as they love to work with their owner. If asthmatic or you have an allergy, it’s sensible to check that this dog is suitable for your household. More information can be found on the Kennel Club website.

Feeding your American Bulldog

There are many suitable brands of dog feed on the market, most supply feeding guides. The first item on the ingredients list will tell you how much of the main ingredient is in the food e.g. Chicken, beef salmon etc. Your vet will advise if a special diet is needed. There are some foods that you should never give to any dog for example Chocolate, grapes, sultanas, onions

The American Bulldog with other pets.

American Bulldogs need time to get on with other dogs and cats. If they grow up with other pets, American Bulldogs usually get along well with them, but they can be aggressive toward unknown animals. They were bred to be working dogs so need socialising and consistent training.

The American Bulldog with children

Socialisation from the time the dog is brought home is imperative. Aggression towards babies and young children is rare, as this breed ordinarily likes children, so long as it has had time to get to know them well.

Firm and continued training is essential. As this is a large powerful dog, the family needs to understand the breed. Better for families with children over 10 and playtime should be supervised. Most problems arise from poor socialisation and boredom, so it's important to include children in a training regime. Teach your child never to approach any dog while he's sleeping or eating or to try to take the dog's food away. This is common sense that should apply to all dogs.

Any American Bulldog owner will know how almost human they are. We saw this video and couldn't resist sharing it!

The Best Dog Insurance for American Bulldogs

The American Bulldog lifespan is around 10 to 15 years, although some can live much longer. When choosing dog insurance for your American Bulldog, pay special attention to the age at which an Insurer will either no longer quote or require an additional payment when it comes to settling any claim.

How much does the cost of Insurance increase as your American Bulldog gets older?

One of the most common complaints about pet insurance is the increase in renewal premium. There are a number of reasons your premium may increase, but the most common reason is your pets age. From an Insurers point of view the older your pet, the higher the risk of a medical issue.

The graph below shows the increase in average monthly premium for a one year old to a ten year old male American Bulldog, based upon Lifetime cover with a vet fee limit of at least £6,000.

What is the difference in cost between individual policies?

Not every person will decide they need or want a Lifetime Policy. The Graph below illustrates the difference in cost between the average Time limited, Maximum Benefit and Lifetime policies, based on a 5 year male American Bulldog and up to £5,000 of vet fees cover.

Historically American Bulldogs have had a bad reputation, usually because they were poorly socialised as pups and never learned how to control their tremendous strength. As a result there are a number of Pet Insurers that will not cover American Bulldogs.

Cheapest puppy insurance for American Bulldogs

If you are buying an American Bulldog Puppy, then choosing the right insurance is critical, because you could end up staying with your choice of Insurer for the next 10 - 15 years. If you can afford a lifetime policy, then choose one with an excellent reputation and that offers long term value for money.

How can I save money on dog insurance for my American Bulldog?

A Lifetime Benefit policy is the best cover to get, although it is also the most expensive. There are a number of ways to reduce the cost of dog insurance.

1. Reduce the cover. If a lifetime policy costs too, much try a cheaper maximum benefit or time limited policy.

2. Reduce the vets fee cover. Some policies will cover up to £15,000 of vets fees cover. The lower the amount the cheaper the premium. Try getting a quote with £2,000 of cover per condition.

3. Select a voluntary excess. Most policies have a standard excess of between £55 and £110. Some Insurers will allow you to select a higher amount for example £250 or £500 and this will reduce the premium.

4. Select a higher contribution amount. When your Bulldog reaches a certain age, most Insurers will require an additional percentage contribution. Some Insurers allow you to choose this option from inception of the policy and it can drastically reduce the premium.

5. If your Bulldog is under two years of age Brought by Many will allow you to purchase a fixed for life policy, where the premium is fixed for the period that you continue to insure with them.

As is often the case it's a trade off between cost and cover. Its important you find a happy balance, so that should the worst happen, most of the costs are covered by insurance.

American Bulldog Insurance Tips

Like many pedigree dogs, American Bulldogs suffer from hereditary congenital health issues. Make sure you insure with a company that will cover this. Some Insurers exclude congenital defects, so it's important that you check the policy wording carefully.

American Bulldog's teeth can cause issues, so it's important to choose a policy that covers Dentistry in respect of not only accidents but illness as well.

Make sure that you take out Insurance as soon as you become the owner of your dog, when he is fit and healthy. If you wait and the dog becomes ill, you will be left footing the bill and the condition will be excluded by Insurers.

One final point is that choosing the right company is extremely important. Don't be influenced by cheap premiums now only to find massive increases in the future. Do your homework and feel free to use our reviews and comparison tables to assist you.