American Staffordshire Terrier Characteristics
Adult weight: Male - 55 to 70 lbs, Female – 40 to 55 lbs.
Adult height: 17 – 19 in.
Origin – United States
Life expectancy: 12 – 16 years
The American Staffordshire, also known as the AmStaff, is a well built and agile dog breed. This breed is loyal to their owners and can be counted on. The AmStaff is said to have originated in the United States in the 1900’s when immigrants from the British Isles brought their various terrier breeds to America. They were originally called Staffordshire Terriers, named after the English county of Staffordshire.2
These dogs were originally bred for hunting, farming, and being great human companions.1 They have a short smooth coat that comes in various colors like red, brindle, fawn, blue and black. This breed is affectionate and can do well with apartment living if they have enough space to exercise.
How Much is an American Staffordshire?
The AmStaff is a great pet to have as they not only serve to be great companions, but they are affectionate and loyal by nature. This breed needs love and care to help them to flourish. The cost to own an AmStaff depends on various factors, including whether you decide to adopt one from a local shelter or buy one from a breeder.
Purchasing: $700 – $2,500
Buying an American Staffy from a breeder, can cost between $700 to $2,5004 depending on various factors including the breeder’s reputation and location, as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age.1 One thing to remember is that getting your dog is just the start. There are other expenses that need to be budgeted for later.
Here is a breakdown of how much it costs to buy an American Staffordshire Terrier in different parts of the U.S.
Northeast: $1,200 to $2,500
South: $800 to $2,000.
Midwest: $700 to $1,800
West: $1,000 to $2,300.
Northwest: $900 to $2,200
Rocky Mountains: $700 to $1,900.
Adopting: $50 - $300
If you are looking for an active and energetic dog breed to accompany you on those jogs, the American Staffordshire is a great choice. The cost of adopting an American Staffordshire from a shelter or rescue is around $50-$300. These fees generally include initial vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and a basic health check.
Monthly Costs for an American Staffordshire Puppy
Diets: $50-$60
The cost of feeding an American Staffordshire depends on their dietary needs, location, size, weight, age, and activity level. High-quality dog food is recommended whether it be store-bought or home-cooked. The American Staffordshire is an active breed and may eat more than other dogs. It’s important to be aware of your AmStaff’s calorie intake and daily exercise as some dogs are prone to obesity.2
Grooming: $30-$60
The American Staffordshire has a smooth short coat which helps make it easy to maintain. Regular brushing and baths occasionally are recommended to help keep their coat in good health. A professional grooming session can cost around $30-$60 depending on the location and groomer. Professional grooming services generally include bathing, nail trimming, and brushing the coat.
Medical Costs: $50-$100
Regular veterinary check-ups and routine preventive services are important to help maintain your pet’s health. Regular wellness visits can cost around $50-$100 per visit. Like any other dog, the Staffies are also prone to a few health conditions.1 It is necessary to be prepared for the risk of medical conditions over your pet’s lifetime. The cost to treat these conditions can vary, but the average costs are as follows:
Hip Dysplasia - Medication could cost $20-$100. If surgery is needed, the expense could be around $3,500 per hip.
Hereditary Cataracts - $2700-$4000
Heart Conditions - Tests for these itself cost about $500-$600. Medications may cost $20 - $100
Insurance: $30-$110
Pet insurance costs for Staffies depend on different factors including the dog's age, location, coverage type, and provider. On average, the monthly pet insurance premium for an American Staffordshire Terrier is around $30-$110.3 Most pet insurance plans cover accidents and illnesses, and some providers may offer additional benefits or add-ons. It's best to do your research and review the policy details before purchasing a plan.
One-Time Costs for an American Staffordshire
Initial Costs: $200-$350
When you take your AmStaff home, you’ll have to get some initial supplies to help make your pet feel comfortable. For starters, you’ll need a comfy bed, food and water bowls, a leash, collar, and crate. This may cost around $200-$300. Toys and poop bags are another important expense and could cost another $50.
Microchipping: $60-$80
On average, the cost of microchip implantation along with registration is in the range of $60-$80. We at Spot Pet Insurance recommend every pet parent to get a microchip on all their pets.
Vaccines: $75-$150
For an American Staffordshire, vaccines are an important preventive measure. The most common ones are Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Canine Parvovirus (CPV), Canine Adenovirus (CAV-2), and Rabies. Non-core vaccines give the pets protection against kennel cough, canine influenza, and leptospirosis. Adult pets may also require regular booster shots.
Miscellaneous $100-$150
Miscellaneous expenses are additional costs that may come your way, including a dog walker, dog sitter, trips, and park visits. It’s best to keep aside around $100-$150 or more per year, depending on your needs.
Lifetime American Staffordshire Cost
The lifetime cost of owning an AmStaff depends on a variety of factors. As a ballpark, we estimate the overall cost to be around $20,000 - $30,000. This cost includes the expected vet care, food, grooming, training, and other additional costs mentioned above. This estimation does not factor in the cost of an unexpected accident or illness should it happen to your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical costs involved in owning an American Staffordshire Terrier long-term? Long-term costs include food, grooming, routine vet care, pet insurance, and more. Over a 12–15 year lifespan, ownership can total $20,000–$30,000 or more.
How does adoption from shelters influence the overall expenses of adding an American Staffordshire Terrier to my family? Adopting from a shelter can significantly reduce initial costs, with fees typically ranging from $50 to $300 and often covering vaccinations, microchipping, and spay/neuter surgery. This makes adoption a more budget-friendly alternative to buying from a breeder.
How much does an American Staffordshire Terrier puppy cost? An American Staffordshire Terrier puppy from a reputable breeder usually costs between $700 and $2,500, depending on lineage, location, and breeder reputation.
Are American Staffies good pets? Yes, American Staffies are known for being loyal, affectionate, and intelligent, making them great family pets when properly trained and socialized.
Is an American Staffy a Pitbull? The American Staffordshire Terrier is one of several breeds commonly referred to as "Pitbulls," but it is a distinct breed recognized by the AKC, separate from the American Pit Bull Terrier.
How Can Spot Pet Insurance Help?
Spot pet insurance plans offer various coverages, from microchip implantation to surgeries and prescription food and supplements prescribed to treat your pet’s unexpected accidents and illnesses. (Prescription food and supplements used for general health or weight maintenance are not covered). For an extra cost, Spot dog insurance plans offer preventive care coverage add-ons to help cover the costs of certain routine vaccinations, annual wellness exams, and other preventive care treatments. You can view the add-on preventive care coverage options. Get in touch with Spot Pet Insurance to learn more!
Key Takeaway
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a great pet to have as they are affectionate and will flourish well with the right pet parents. The AmStaff may have muscles, but they are one of the most affectionate and friendly breeds to own. AmStaffs are good with kids and have a lot of patience, making them great companions.1 This breed is comparatively easy to find at shelters so you shouldn’t have trouble choosing one to adopt.
Happy Parenting to you and lots of love to your pup or your pup-to-be!
The resident animal enthusiast at Spot. I have a lifetime of pet parent experience. If it has fur, feathers, or scales, I’ve probably shared my home with it. I aim to be a reliable source, blending experience with a dedication to the well-being of pets.
“American Staffordshire Terrier,” Dog Breeds List, https://www.dogbreedslist.info/all-dog-breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier.html, 2022.
“American Staffordshire Terrier,” American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/american-staffordshire-terrier/, accessed Dec. 19, 2024.
“American Staffordshire Terrier Pet Insurance,” Pawlicy Advisor, https://www.pawlicy.com/dog-insurance/american-staffordshire-terrier-pet-insurance/, accessed Dec. 19, 2024.
Divina, Arlene. “Cost of a American Staffordshire Terrier Puppy by US Region [2024].” IHeartDogs.com, 4 Jan. 2024, iheartdogs.com/cost-of-a-american-staffordshire-terrier-puppy-by-us-region/. Accessed 13 Aug. 2025.
