You may see the price of a bullmastiff from one breeder and think wow I can get a puppy allot cheaper somewhere else. So I will give you a approximate breakdown of what a conscientious breeder may spend to insure that you are getting a healthy sound and well bred Puppy.

The breeding pair ( parents)

Dam; $2,000-5,000 with show breeding rights

Sire: $2,000-5,000 “ “ if they are using a stud for the breeding stud fees start at $1,000 and I have seen as much as $5,000 for a natural mating this doesn’t include the cost of caring for the stud while in your employ.

If your breeder is using Artificial insemination they are paying for semen at 1,000 or more for 1 insemination. This does not include the cost of a vet collecting semen and or the shipment of semen or the cost of vet inseminating the female. This also does not include the many trips to the vet prior to have lab run to see if the female is ovulating and receptive to breeding and or insemination. Quick subtotals just for the breeding. Naturally

$4000- $10,000 Parents

$ 500-2,000 vet services ( blood work ,sonograms, Etc.)

$2,000plus if a c-section is needed

$500-$1000 or more for vet care of puppies after they are born depending on litter size and any unforeseen complications.

Average cost off Natural breeding $5,000-$13,000 add $2,000 if sectioned. If using stud service the amount would likely be the same once you calculate everything then subtract the cost of owning the sire. The average litter size is 6-8 puppies Now all of these numbers are subjective and I am not even including the price of feeding and or caring for the Parents and or the puppies.. And a good Breeder never feeds Fribble and Its ( sounds like)

So you are thinking Hmmm maybe they make a little, lets back track now to what separates a Diligent breeder in all the cost’s listed above you must take in to consideration that the breeding pair have been through a multitude of test to determine if they are fit and free of any genetic flaws. So add several more thousand per adult in the pairing for OFA, Pen Hip certifications, thyroid and cardiac screens ..How the list could go on …

One last thing to add into these calculations is if your breeder is also showing their dogs ( proving the line), putting them out there to prove conformation? What would the average cost be to finish a Bullmastiff to Champion.. On average I spend approx $1000 a month for show entries ,gas ,hotels, food. It would be even more if I hired a handler to show the Babies . Time it takes to finish a bully, well that would depend on how often you show, usually if you show at least 2 weekends a month you can finish ( champion) in a year or less. Of course if you are handling yourself it will be longer as you need to be home for puppies, and of course your Human family. Some may ask why I am being so forth coming with such information…I want every person who looks at that puppy that is being sold for say $500 dollars and think long and hard…What are they doing or Not doing … Go into this with your eyes wide open!!! Remember that $500 puppy may cost you thousands in vet bills.. Or worse yet you may have to make some very hard decisions when faced with a ill puppy. Don’t get caught singing how much is that puppy in the window, they shouldn’t be in the window in the first place. That said please read my suggestions on how to spot a Puppy Mill.

Mary Atchison

Dream Acres Bullmastiffs