French Bulldogs vs English Bulldogs: Which Breed Costs More to Maintain?
French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs are both extremely popular bulldog breeds. However, they have different costs when it comes to taking care of them on an ongoing basis.
But it’s not just about personality or appearance when deciding which breed is right for you. Cost is a factor too. And when you start adding up vet bills, food expenses, and insurance premiums…
Well, the differences start to add up pretty quick.
Here’s the reality of the situation:
Most new bulldog owners grossly underestimate lifetime costs. And knowing how pet insurance waiting periods work before your dog has a health condition is one way you can save yourself thousands over time.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Comparing French Bulldog vs English Bulldog Costs
- French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs: Pet Insurance Waiting Periods Explained
- Common Health Conditions for French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs That Are Costly
- Budgeting for Either Breed
Comparing French Bulldog vs English Bulldog Costs
The initial purchase price of your bulldog is only part of the equation.
Depending on the breeder, French Bulldogs cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,500. English Bulldogs have a slightly lower price range at $1,200 to $4,500. However, prices for French Bulldogs can exceed $8,000 if you’re looking at rare colors or champion bloodlines.
Once your bulldog is home, you still have food, vet visits, and unforeseen health conditions to consider.
On average, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $4,000 each year to care for your French Bulldog. English Bulldogs will cost roughly the same amount, but likely a little more on food since they have bigger appetites.
Now, let’s dive into where these breeds differ…
Both French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs are brachycephalic breeds. Meaning that flat squishy face they’ve all come to love? Comes with a host of problems. French Bulldogs suffer more spinal disorders than English Bulldogs. English Bulldogs get hip dysplasia that is typically more severe.
When researching pet insurance for a french bulldog or English Bulldog, make sure you know about pet insurance waiting periods. Illness coverage usually has a 14 day waiting period for most companies. But orthopedic issues like hip dysplasia can have waiting periods as long as 12 months.
You’ll want to get insurance as soon as possible with either breed. Because if they develop a condition during that window, it’s considered pre-existing.
And you will NOT be covered for pre-existing conditions.
French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs: Pet Insurance Waiting Periods Explained
Pet insurance waiting periods are amounts of time after purchasing a policy where certain conditions will not be covered.
Accidents are generally covered within 0-15 days for most companies. Illnesses usually have a 14 day waiting period. But orthopedic conditions can have a waiting period as high as 6-12 months.
This is important for bulldog owners to know…
Why? Because French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs are predisposed to many of the conditions with the longest waiting periods. If your puppy develops hip dysplasia during that 6 month window, you’re going to be paying for treatment on your own.
Did you know that 7.03 million pets were covered by insurance in North America by the end of 2024? That’s according to NAPHIA’s recent 2025 report and is a 12.2% increase from the year prior. People are starting to realize the importance of getting insurance early.
Don’t wait. Get insurance when you first bring your bulldog home. Waiting several months could leave you in a world of hurt if they’re injured or suddenly develop a condition.
Common Health Conditions for French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs That Are Costly
We’ve established that both French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs have the same facial structure. But there are differences in cost based on the health conditions that affect them.
Let’s break it down by breed.
French Bulldog Health Costs
French Bulldogs may be small, but they come with just as many health risks as their larger English Bulldog counterparts.
One study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College discovered that 72.4% of French Bulldogs experienced at least one health disorder.
The most common ailments included:
- Skin conditions (nearly 18% of French Bulldogs)
- Ear infections (about 14% of the breed)
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome
Treatment for airway syndrome can cost you anywhere from $1,800 to $3,500. Ear infections can be about $550. Allergies are easy to hit $1,000 a year.
You can expect French Bulldog insurance monthly premiums to range from $40-$80.
English Bulldog Health Costs
English Bulldogs may not need as many ear infection treatments. But they make up for it with other expensive illnesses.
Hip dysplasia in English Bulldogs can cost you anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 to treat. They also suffer from cherry eye and are prone to obesity which can cause other underlying conditions.
Because English Bulldogs are larger than Frenchies, they should see the vet 3-4 times per year. Just for annual checkups. That will cost you an average of $400-$700 per year. Add in the possibility of hip dysplasia or orthopedic injuries and you could be looking at some serious emergency bills.
Pet insurance for English Bulldogs will run you about $30-$70 per month. But just because the premiums are lower doesn’t mean they don’t face costly health risks.
Budgeting for Either Breed
French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs can cost their owners anywhere from $22,000-$42,000 over their lifetime. That includes the initial cost to buy your puppy, food, vet care, insurance, and any surprise emergency medical treatments.
Here are a few tips to budget for your Bulldog:
- Invest in pet insurance as soon as your bulldog is born. The younger and healthier they are when you enroll, the less likely you’ll be to have treatment exclusions. You also won’t have to worry about pet insurance waiting periods.
- Create an emergency fund. It’s always a good idea to have at least $1,000 stashed away for vet visits that may not be covered by insurance or fall within waiting periods.
- Take the breeds into consideration. French Bulldogs will require more frequent wrinkle cleaning and have more airway issues. English Bulldogs require more management with weight and joint care.
- Compare insurance companies thoroughly. Not all policies are created equal. Some offer zero day waiting periods for accidents. Others make you wait up to 14 days. And orthopedic waiting periods can range from 30 days to 1 year.
The number one mistake bulldog owners make? Waiting too long to get insurance. Both breeds are prone to developing health conditions at young ages and quite frequently. Get that insurance lined up before your puppy even comes home.
Wrapping Things Up
There you have it!
French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs cost about the same to own, but French Bulldogs come with a slightly higher price tag. Both suffer from jaw and bone disorders due to their compact heads.
French Bulldogs have higher price tags up front and higher insurance premiums. English Bulldogs eat more, which means higher food costs. They also have more severe joint problems.
Both breeds should be insured as soon as possible. And understanding pet insurance waiting periods can leave you financially prepared for whatever comes your way.
Saving money doesn’t have to be difficult.
