Let’s not beat around the bush. The cost of buying an American Staffordshire Terrier, can come out to around $1500-$2000 on an average.1 This price depends upon the location, age, color, bloodline, breeder, and other factors.
Characteristics of an American Staffordshire Terrier
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.
What is the Price of 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.
Adoption or Buying: $1500 – $3000
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.
If you’d prefer to buy this breed from a breeder, it could cost around $1,500 to $3,000 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.
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.
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!
Conclusion
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!
“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.
