The American Staffordshire Terrier is a canine breed that was developed in the United States and is based on the smaller British Staffordshire Bull Terrier. It was first registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1936 and was originally known as the Staffordshire Terrier when it was first registered.
Several breeds, including bulldogs and mastiffs, were used for bearbaiting (the setting of dogs on a bear or a bull fastened to a stake) and dogfighting in the early days of the American Staffordshire Terrier, sometimes known as the “Amstaff.”
In the U.S., the American Staffordshire Terrier was developed for calm temperament and designed for hunting rats and other vermin and game and for farm work, making use of the breed’s strength and courage. Over time, bigger dogs began to be accepted as the norm. The popularity of American Staffordshire Terriers peaked in the early part of the twentieth century, when “Pete the Pup” made an appearance in the Our Gang comedy series, and the breed came to symbolize the all-American family pet.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is friendly, loyal, and gentle with youngsters, making him an excellent choice for a family companion. On the other hand, many vet experts believe that the breed contains a certain amount of aggression, particularly toward other animals. They also believe that well-bred and socialized canines do not demonstrate intrinsic aggression toward people.
American Staffordshire Terriers do not perform well when left alone for extended periods of time and are unsatisfactory as backyard pets. They are incredibly pricey because of their limited supply. If you’ve been inquisitive about the Cost of an American Staffordshire Terrier, you’ve come to the perfect spot. The cost of an American Staffordshire Terrier puppy, as well as the cost of raising one, will be explored throughout this article.
To save you important time, the following is a short description of everything you need to know:
How Much Does an American Staffordshire Terrier Puppy Cost?
You should budget between $1500 and $3,000 to buy an American Staffordshire Terrier, depending on the breeder you pick and the American Staffordshire Terrier’s heritage. Certain breeders conduct thorough research on their dogs in order to produce healthier puppies, but these puppies are also more expensive. Additionally, high demand might result in lengthy waiting lists, increasing costs. Numerous breeders also provide pet class puppies as well as more expensive competition class puppies for dog shows. Finally, breeding rights must be acquired if you wish to breed your American Staffordshire Terrier. Otherwise, you will often be required to spay or neuter the dog in order to satisfy your contract.
This dog may grow between 17 and 19 inches tall and weigh between 50 and 80 pounds, depending on the age. The Cost of an American Staffordshire Terrier will vary according to the breeder, the pedigree, and other factors.
Please have a look at the accompanying table, which details the American Staffordshire Terrier’s price ranges:
| The minimum price of an American Staffordshire Terrier puppy | $1500 |
| Maximum price of an American Staffordshire Terrier puppy | $5000 |
| Price range | $1500-$3000 |
| The average price of an American Staffordshire Terrier puppy | $2250 |
Factors Affecting American Staffordshire Terrier Cost
Numerous things affect the pricing of your American Staffordshire Terrier:
Registration papers/pedigree
Some potential breeders are members of kennel clubs, the most well-known of which is the American Kennel Club (AKC). They can also register their breeding dogs and puppies, which will increase the cost of their registration payments.
Purebred or mixed
Mixed-breed dogs are typically offered at a lesser price than purebred dogs since they are more difficult to breed.
Color and markings on the coat
Color trends in coats may shift in an instant. Some colors are more popular than others for any breed, which is true even if it is only for a short time. When there is more demand for given coat color, pups become more costly because the increased demand increases the market price. In addition, for purebred dogs, kennel clubs will only allow specified colors and color combinations that the club approves. And last but not least, pups with unusual hues may be quite pricey.
Health testing’s and medical expenses
Breeders that are serious about their business will have their breeding dogs and puppies evaluated/tested for various medical issues. Furthermore, some breeders may take their puppies to the veterinarian for an examination, deworming, vaccinations, and microchip implantation before putting them up for sale. This increases the cost of the dog while also decreasing the likelihood of purchasing an ill dog.
Bloodline and breeder’s reputation
For example, if the parents are purebred show-grade dogs from an established breeder, the cost of the puppy will be significantly more. These breeders also tend to spend a disproportionate amount of money on the care of their breeding dogs and puppies compared to other breeders.
Age
Because most individuals want to obtain their puppy as soon as possible, pricing for older dogs tends to be lower than for younger dogs. An 8-week-old puppy, on the other hand, is likely to be less expensive than a 6-month-old dog on average.
Training and socialization
Some breeders sell their dogs after they have been trained and socialized with other people and animals. It will increase the puppy’s price, but it will save you money in the long run since you will most likely not have to invest in additional training.
Breed popularity in the buyer’s location
Puppy pricing will be affected by the supply and demand in the local market. Small dogs, for example, are more popular in urban regions where people live in cramped quarters than they are in rural places. Some potential breeds are more in demand in colder locations, while others are more in demand in areas where hunting is popular, and so on. It is worthwhile to shop around for the best deal, but it is unwise to purchase a dog without first seeing it, or at the very least seeing the breeder and visiting the kennel, before making the purchase.
Where to Buy your American Staffordshire Terrier From
American Staffordshire Terriers are bred in the United States by a limited number of dedicated dog breeders. If you wish, you may contact the breeders who retain them. American Staffordshire Terrier Club of America has numerous breeds to provide you with an excellent pure-line American Staffordshire Terrier puppy.
The website American Staffordshire Terrier rescue also helps owners find the recuse of American Staffordshire Terrier puppies/dogs.
You may also search for American Staffordshire Terrier puppies on Facebook if you so choose. Existing and prospective breed owners will find a wealth of breed information on the American Staffordshire Terrier Facebook page. Members have shared photographs of their American Staffordshire Terriers with the community. Owners, not breeders, may learn about their American Staffordshire Terrier’s genetic lineage through their breeders, also called forebears.
As a further step, let us discuss the necessary equipment and basic essentials for your American Staffordshire Terrier once you have agreed to get a puppy.
Basic Supplies your American Staffordshire Terrier will Need and Estimated Costs
Grooming equipment
For this hairy dog, you’ll need certain grooming brushes and equipment, which your vet or breeder may advise you on.
Apply nourishing lotions, balms, or oils to the skin folds on your pet’s body to prevent them from drying out, itching, or turning red in color.
Once a month, wash your dog with a light cleaning shampoo and dry him with a microfiber towel to keep him healthy. It’s a good idea to purchase a toothbrush and paste for your dog, as well as nail clippers and grinders. Depending on the model, grooming equipment might cost anywhere from $100 to $150 for each item.
Food and water dishes
Stainless steel water and food bowls for your American Staffordshire Terrier should be your first choice. Stable and suitable in size are essential for the success of your American Staffordshire Terrier. The cost is around $25.
Crate and bed
The process of teaching your pup where to go potty will go much more smoothly if you use a sturdy crate. Include a chew-proof bed inside the cage for your American Staffordshire Terrier’s comfort.
Collars, leashes, and harnesses
It’s critical to utilize a nylon harness that’s both wet and chew-resistant while walking this lively dog. Choose the one that best fits your pet’s age. To get started, you’ll need at least $20. Collars and leashes are a must-have in addition to that. The collar and lead/leash will cost at least $25 and $35, respectively.
The following table provides an overview of the canine supplies you’ll need for your American Staffordshire Terrier, as well as an idea of the expenses:
| Item | Cost |
| Collar-leash set, harness | $20-$50 |
| Food-water bowls | $8-$10 |
| Baby gates to limit your pet’s entry in parts of your house | $40 |
| Treat dispenser toys | $10 |
| Plush bed | From $25 |
| Collapsible crate | $55 |
| Mats for containing food messes | $10 |
| Kong toy | $10 |
| Grooming tools – wrinkle creams, antiseptic wipes, brush, comb, dental supplies, shampoo, nail clippers, etc. | $150 |
| Poop bags | $10 |
| Potty pads for indoor training | $10 |
American Staffordshire Terrier Training Costs
Training is crucial if you want to prevent your American Staffordshire Terrier from developing behavioral issues like aggression, fear, or anxiety about being separated.
Professional dog trainers provide various services for teaching dogs, including anything from puppy daycare to advanced obedience classes to constant chewing therapy.
Search online for the best dog trainers in your area to locate them quickly and easily. As an additional option, you may want to seek advice from friends and neighbors.
Training sessions may be tailored to fit your individual requirements and goals using additional alternatives such as board and train sessions and group training. Each of these has a separate price tag associated with it.
For private training sessions, you may either bring your American Staffordshire Terrier to the trainer’s office or arrange for the trainer to come to your house or a dog park. They provide step-by-by-step guidance on how to train your particular dog correctly. Your location, the trainer’s skill, and various other factors all play a role in how much private dog training sessions cost.
Group classes are slightly less costly than private sessions. Because of their presence, your American Staffordshire Terrier will develop social skills with other dogs.
Listed below are the prices associated with various methods of dog training:
| Group training (Cost per class) | $15.00 to $50 per class |
| Private training (cost per session) | $45.00 to $120 |
| Dog boot camp (Cost per day) | $45.00 (weekly about $500 to $1250) |
| YouTube videos | $0.00 |
| Board-and-train | $2000.00 |
American Staffordshire Terrier Food Costs
American Staffordshire Terriers should eat high-quality dog food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants to keep their immune systems strong.
It is advisable to feed your American Staffordshire Terrier puppy the same food that the breeder offered during its first few weeks of life in order to provide the finest nutrition available. The specific dietary needs of your dog can be determined in consultation with your vet. The height of an American Staffordshire Terrier’s withers can vary from 17 and 19 inches, depending on the breed. According to the breed criteria, they can range from 50 to 80 lbs.
Maintain a healthy weight for your American Staffordshire Terrier. This medium-sized dog has several health risks associated with even a few pounds of weight gain.
The following principles should be followed while feeding your American Staffordshire Terrier:
- If your dog likes wet or canned food, you should feed it 3 cups (two cans) of it every day. This can also be divided into two smaller meals.
- Feed your American Staffordshire Terrier high-quality kibble or dry dog food to keep him healthy. The average 50-pound American Staffordshire Terrier needs four cups of food a day to maintain its weight and be healthy. This meal can be divided into two or three smaller meals if you wish.
- When feeding your pet, you should vary the amount of food based on his or her age, weight, overall health, and personal choice.
The following is a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with feeding an American Staffordshire Terrier each month:
| Type of food | Approx. monthly quantity | Approx. monthly price |
| Kibble/dry food | 70 lb. to 80 lb. | $25 |
| Wet/canned food | 100 lb. | $180 |
| Raw, freeze-dried food | Two thousand nuggets per month/40 bags of 14 oz. each | $400+ |
| Raw food | 25 lb. | $40 |
| Dog treats | Rarely | $20 |
Comparison of Dog Food for American Staffordshire Terriers
Many skin problems in American Staffordshire Terriers may be avoided by feeding them a nutrient-rich diet. You may boost your dog’s diet with kibble-containing protein sources, including chicken, turkey, salmon, and lamb. ”
It is preferable for American Staffordshire Terriers to eat foods that are hypoallergenic, low-grain, or limited in ingredients.
Regular checking your pet’s weight and overall health has previously been mentioned. Make changes to your pet’s diet or portion levels as your veterinarian recommends.
The following table compares the most effective American Staffordshire Terrier dog meals and their price per pound of dog food.
| Name | Features | Cost |
| Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food | Triple-checked food, higher calories (so you can feed less), 5-star rated performance food, contains real meat as the first ingredient. | $2/lb. |
| Royal Canin Dog Food For Adult Breed
| Tailor-made kibble with brewer’s rice, oats, and real chicken. It contains essential oils and fats to maintain wrinkles. EPA and DHA to support joints | $2.85/lb. |
| Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, High Protein Dog Food
| Natural ingredients, high-protein, freeze-dried turkey, ideal for dogs with sensitivities. Supports healthy skin and coat. Promotes leaner body and helps in weight loss. It also contains glucosamine for healthy joints. | $4.75/lb. |
| Purina Pro Plan High Protein, Gravy Adult Wet Dog Food
| Made with real lamb. Contains real vitamins, minerals, and omega-6 fatty acids—the optimum fat-to-protein ratio for ideal weight. | $2.28/lb/ |
American Staffordshire Terrier Medical Costs
American Staffordshire Terrier is a resilient breed of dog. When purchasing your pet from a respected breeder, you may expect better health assurances and other perks. When it comes to breeding, breeders often undergo a thorough series of tests following ethical guidelines. This greatly reduces the risk of puppies developing genetic or inherited health issues.
What matters is that each American Staffordshire Terrier owner is responsible for any unpaid medical bills incurred by their canine companion, no matter what happens. At different times during the first year of your dog’s life, he or she will receive vaccines. In addition to this, there are core vaccines or obligatory vaccinations, which can help dogs avoid serious illnesses caused by viruses like parvo, canine influenza, rabies, and other diseases that are carried via the environment.
Your veterinarian may recommend additional non-core immunizations such as the Lyme disease vaccine, rattlesnake vaccine, and similar vaccines.
The costs of essential and optional puppy vaccinations and the recommended puppy vaccination are given in this table.
Core vaccine costs
| Core vaccine | Age of puppy | Cost |
| Distemper | At least three doses are given between 6 and 16 weeks of age. (2 doses to be given 3-4 weeks apart) | $15 to $25 |
| Parvovirus | Same as above | |
| Adenovirus, type 1 (CAV-1, canine hepatitis) | The intranasal vaccine may be boostered at one year. Your American Staffordshire Terrier will also need a booster one year after completing the initial series, then again, every three years. | $15-$50 |
| Adenovirus, type 2 (CAV-2, kennel cough) | Between 6 weeks to 16 weeks, at least three doses. | $15-$50 |
| Rabies 1 and 3 years | It can be given as early as three months of age. States have laws about this core vaccine | $35 to $50 |
Non-core vaccine costs
| Non-core vaccine | Age of puppy | Cost |
| Parainfluenza | Administered at 6-8 weeks of age, then every 3-4 weeks until 12-14 weeks old. Depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation, a booster may be needed after a year and re-vaccination every three years. | $15-$35 |
| Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough) | Two doses of injection or one dose of intranasal vaccine given based on manufacturer recommendation | $15-$50 |
| Lyme disease | Given at nine weeks and repeated after 2-4 weeks | $20-$40 |
| Leptospirosis | Two doses at least 2-4 weeks apart. The first dose is around eight weeks. | $15-$35 |
Most vets anticipate that the cost of DAPP and rabies vaccinations will be between $75 and $100, based on their estimates of the total cost. Non-core vaccination expenditures, flea and tick spot treatment, and deworming therapy are not guaranteed to be covered by these costs.
Flea and tick prophylaxis may also be necessary, depending on where you live.
Following is a breakdown of several flea/tick treatments and their associated costs, subdivided by the sorts of chemicals used in each one:
| Name | Cost per year |
| Shampoo + flea comb | $20-$40 |
| Weekly flea dip + flea and tick collar | $40-$150 |
| Spot treatment | $150-$200 |
| Additional costs like flea extermination of the house | $500 |
Some more routine medical costs
| Name of test | Cost** |
| Routine checkup | $50 and $250 |
| Spaying or neutering | $160-$200 |
| Physical exam | $45 – $55 |
| Fecal exam | $25-$55 |
| Heartworm test | $45-$50 |
| Dental cleaning | $70-$400 |
| Allergy testing | $195-$300 |
Emergency care costs
| Name of test | Cost** |
| Bloodwork | $80-$100 |
| X-ray | Up to $200 |
| USG | Up to $500 |
| Hospitalization | $600-$3500 |
| Emergency surgery | Up to $2000 |
Common Inherited Diseases in American Staffordshire Terriers
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Dysplasia is a well-known genetic illness that causes the joints to grow incorrectly and result in arthritis, affecting both the hips and the elbows to varying degrees of extent. Stiffness in your American Staffordshire Terrier’s elbows or hips may develop as he ages, causing him to have problems. You may notice that he becomes lame in his legs or that he has trouble getting up from a lying-down position as time goes on. In severe and life-threatening conditions, surgery may be a viable choice in some instances. Please remember that overweight dogs are more likely than normal-weight dogs to acquire arthritis years before they would otherwise, causing them unnecessary pain and suffering! Its surgical treatment usually costs around $5000.
Ruptured Cranial Cruciate Ligament
Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament is most prevalent in middle-aged and older American Staffordshire Terrier, although it can also occur in puppies and younger dogs (1-3 years old). Treatment recommendations are typically for surgical repair, which may cost between $2,000 and $3,500, and diagnostics before surgery, which can cost between $200 and $400 in addition to x-rays and blood testing, can cost between $200 and $400. Also, keep in mind that 50 percent of dogs that rupture a ligament in one knee will later tear the ligament in the other knee, doubling the expense of treatment.
The owner should expect to pay $50 to $300 each month for three or four months if he or she chooses to skip surgery and instead focuses on pain management, physical therapy, and resting. In such circumstances, it will take longer for the dog to return to his previous activity level. It may later develop more serious arthritis in the knee, which will incur additional charges.
Allergies
For allergies, it is important to determine whether your pet has allergies throughout the year or only 1-2 flare-ups each year. Also contingent on the owner’s decision to proceed with allergy tests and injections is the owner’s decision. Treatment of allergies usually costs around $15000. Note that the pet may also require prescription food, which can cost as much as $75-$100 per month, depending on the type of food.
Cardiomyopathy
American Staffordshire Terrier is genetically prone to cardiomyopathy. In the case of cardiomyopathy, the cost estimate covers diagnostic procedures (x-rays, ECG, echocardiography) and cardiac drugs, which usually go up to $4000.
Cancer
American Staffordshire Terrier is usually genetically predisposed to various types of cancers. The cost of cancer treatment is highly dependent on the kind of cancer and whether or not an owner chooses to pursue aggressive therapy and all of the recommended therapies, as opposed to simply keeping the pet comfortable with drugs. But usually, the cancer treatment costs between $5000-$7000.
Pet Insurance for American Staffordshire Terriers
Your American Staffordshire Terrier will likely provide you with a great deal of joy and happiness. As a responsible pet parent, you will want to ensure that it receives the finest available medical care.
Pet insurance may give you peace of mind if your American Staffordshire Terrier becomes unwell or injured while you are away on vacation.
Depending on the pet parent’s plan, specific dog insurance policies can pay up to 85 percent of expenditures and appropriate veterinary charges for their insured pets. Also available for your American Staffordshire Terrier are flexible accident, regular care, and sickness coverage choices, all of which may be customized to match your individual financial needs.
Take care when comparing plans because they may differ significantly from one another in important ways. Consult with insurance agents about completely customized policies that provide coverage for accidents, shattered bones, lacerations, automobile accidents, and other unforeseen catastrophes of all types. Besides that, a good insurance policy should include coverage for illnesses such as cancer and diabetes. It should also provide coverage for infections, rheumatoid arthritis, and skin disorders, among others.
Here is a table relating the many forms of pet insurance available, as well as their costs and benefits.
| Name of insurance | Cost | Pros | Cons |
| Farmer’s Pet Insurance | Start at $16/month | Founded in 1928. Received excellent rating by Better Business Bureau. Has 24 x 7 claims reporting. | Some users reported higher premium rates. |
| Figo Pet Insurance | Plans average at $1.50/day | Sometimes they give 100% reimbursement. The company offers three flexible plans | Your American Staffordshire Terrier might need an enrollment exam. |
| Lemonade Pet Insurance | Start at $8/a month | Hassle-free digital claims processing, lightning-fast claims payment powered by A.I. | Pricing increases nearly five times over your pet’s lifetime. |
| Trupanion | $38.5/month for $1000 deductible. | 92% coverage, no payout limits | Requires a one-time fee for new members, does not cover pets over 13 years. |
Additional Costs of Raising an American Staffordshire Terrier
A dog walking service/daycare
If you don’t have the time to walk your American Staffordshire Terrier, you may want to consider hiring a dog walker. This is essential for the health and well-being of your lively dog at all times. The childcare facility option is also available if you need to be away from home for more than six hours. In comparison, a 30-minute walk can cost between $12 and $20, while day-boarding can cost $15 to $38.
Grooming costs
In order to maintain their hair clean, American Staffordshire Terriers need to be groomed often. Grooming your dog at a professional groomer may also be an option. Basic grooming services, including washing, cleaning, nail cutting, ear cleaning, and other associated treatments, can cost anywhere from $40 to $50, depending on where you live.
Travel costs
Depending on where you live, the services you need, and your budget, the cost of boarding your American Staffordshire Terrier or hiring a pet sitter can be anywhere from $200 to $500 each week. For the same period of time, boarding a pet is less expensive than hiring a pet sitter. Certain boarding facilities require you to get your dog tested and immunized against diseases such as kennel cough before they allow your pet to stay with them. If you decide to fly commercially with your pet, you may expect to pay anywhere from $125 to $250 for a one-way ticket.
Key Takeaways – How Much Does an American Staffordshire Terrier Cost?
Here’s a short breakdown of your American Staffordshire Terrier’s monthly and yearly expenses.
The first year’s cost
Owning an American Staffordshire Terrier costs nearly twice as much as owning a dog the following year due to breeder or adoption fees. A healthy American Staffordshire Terrier puppy can cost well over $850. Also, you’ll need to spend between $120 and $160 a year on food, which will be followed by veterinary costs (such as vaccinations, neutering, and frequent checkups). Toys treat, dog registration, microchipping, and health insurance for your dog are all extra costs that you will have to pay. This means that the first year of keeping an American Staffordshire Terrier might cost as much as $2,500 in total.
Yearly Costs
American Staffordshire Terrier owners spend a lot of money on dog food and treat. Dog walking services and deworming are two more necessities that pet owners pay monthly. Other expenses include frequent doctor appointments and drugs as well as health insurance. In the first year of operation, these costs amount to $1500, or approximately half of the overall cost.
The Total Cost Of Ownership
The typical lifespan of the American Staffordshire Terrier is 12-16 years. Therefore, the total expense of owning and caring for an American Staffordshire Terrier might be in the $15,000-17,000 range.
