One of the most common breeds in the world, the American Staffordshire Terrier (also known as the Pit Bull or American Pit Bull Terrier) is a medium-sized dog with a square build and short, smooth hair.
They are commonly referred to by their nickname, Pitt Bull.
As with any purebred dog, puppies from an American Staffy puppy should cost more than a regular mutt of equal size and quality but not unreasonably so.
If you’re thinking about getting an American Staffy puppy then you may be wondering how much it costs to raise one or take your luck at finding a puppy for sale in your area.
Here is our guide on how much it costs to own an American Staffy puppy and some tips on how to reduce those costs if you’re looking to adopt instead.
How much do American Staffordshire dogs cost?
The average cost of raising a pet is $1,600 annually according to the ASPCA.
That includes the price of food and medical care, as well as the cost of potty training, toys, leashes, collars, maintaining your yard for exercise, and more.
The average cost of dog food is $87 annually according to PetCareCompanion.com.
This is just for their regular food so if you’re looking to feed them human-grade foods or even raw diets it will be on top of that number.
The average life span for a Staffordshire Terrier is 15-18 years old so you can expect to invest around $3,000-$5,000 in your dog’s lifetime.
Costs associated with American Staffordshire dogs:
Regular food – $87/year
Medical care – $840/year
Potty training – Around $200
Toys – Around $150
Collars & Leash – Around $30
How much money is a Staffordshire bull terrier?
Puppies for sale in the US will typically cost between $1,500 and $2,500.
You may not have to pay that much if you’re willing to find a pup from a reputable breeder or rescue group but you should be prepared to spend several hundred dollars at least just on the initial purchase.
The first year of your new Staffy’s life is usually going to be more expensive than later years as they grow into their adult size and need regular vet checkups, shots, and other routine expenses.
But by the end of the third year of their life, most people will have spent less than $200 per month on upkeep for them so you’ll go through the first few years with minimal costs involved.
Is an American Staffordshire Terrier a pit bull?
The American Staffordshire Terrier is not a pitbull and doesn’t necessarily have to be kept in an apartment.
They are more prone to living outdoors but that doesn’t mean they need to live on a farm, which is expensive.
There are certain things you’ll need for your new dog that should be taken care of upfront.
These include food, treats, toys, and a kennel or cage if you will be getting one.
All these items can add up quickly so it might make sense to wait until you know what type of food your new dog will like before buying it.
This breed is often confused with Pitbulls which is why they are sometimes called the American Pit Bull Terrier as well so it’s important to distinguish the two breeds.
American Staffies typically have square heads and short hair whereas pit bull breeds typically have round heads with longer hair.
The American Staffordshire Terriers also tend to be calmer than some other breeds of dogs so having them would be perfect for someone who has children or older pets living in their home.
Is an American Staffy a good family dog?
Yes, the American Staffy is a very good family pet. They are intelligent and trainable and they get along well with children and other dogs.
However, they need to be socialized at a young age with children, so make sure your puppy has been exposed to as much human interaction as possible before you bring them home.
Additionally, the American Staffy needs a lot of exercises which can sometimes be difficult if you already have other dogs in the household that may not always have time for your new addition.
They need to be taken on walks or allowed to play outside frequently in order to be happy and healthy.
The American Staffy is also known for its protective nature which can prove very problematic if not properly trained as a family dog.
Many people find this breed too aggressive for small children or even for their own personal safety.
