Also nicknamed the “Staffy,” the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a proud breed that dog lovers just can’t get enough of. They have charmed countless people across the world with their expressive eyes and kind personalities. It’s plain to see why their popularity only seems to grow each passing year. Let’s discuss how much Staffordshire Bull Terriers cost in 2024 and explore other expenses associated with bringing one into your home.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers: a Brief Overview
As their name suggests, Staffordshire Bull Terriers originate from 17th century Staffordshire, located in England. This breed was sadly developed to participate in dog fighting. Luckily, this practice has since been outlawed, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers now serve as companion animals above anything else. This breed’s unique look was achieved by crossbreeding bulldogs with white terriers, which gives them a muscular, strong appearance. Owners love their Staffies’ silly, affectionate, and sweet personalities. These dogs are deeply loyal and devoted to their families, and many people praise them for their intelligence.
How Much Does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Puppy Cost?
The price of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy will vary greatly depending on where you live. For example, these dogs are somewhat more affordable in England where breeders are more abundant. However, they can become pricy in locations where breeders are scarce. On average, prospective owners should put away $1,000 to $3,000 for a purebred Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy. As always, adoption is a much more economical option, and owners can welcome a Staffordshire Bull Terrier into their home for as little as $100 in some locations.
Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Although location is a major influence on the final price of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, other factors such as the pedigree of the dog, special coloration, the breeder’s reputation, and any special training received will also play a role in the cost. Breeders who have strong reputations typically charge more for their services. In most cases, paying this premium is worth it because it brings owners peace of mind that their puppy is healthy and it helps put unethical backyard breeders out of business. Be sure to do research about the person or company you are purchasing a Staffordshire Bull Terrier from before exchanging any money. Typically, if a price seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for Staffordshire Bull Terriers
Like any other breed, it’s important to get your Staffordshire Bull Terrier vaccinated against disease shortly after bringing them home. Some breeders will cover their puppy’s first set of shots. However, this isn’t always the case, and some owners will have to pay this expense out of pocket. This will typically cost about $100, and owners can expect to pay another $40 for each set of boosters. Some breeders will offer a health guarantee on their animals. This is an agreement that the breeder will compensate the buyer monetarily if they become diagnosed with a disease covered by the contract. In many cases, breeders will request that you bring your puppy to an initial health screening after bringing them home as a part of this guarantee. An initial health panel will likely cost about $65, depending on where you live. Owners may also want to put aside $50 to have their puppy microchipped during this time.
Cost of Food and Supplies for Staffordshire Bull Terriers
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are medium to large-sized dogs. They will weigh between 25 and 40 pounds at maturity. At this weight, owners should be feeding their dog between 1 1/2 and 2 1/4 cups of food per day according to petMD. On average, this will cost somewhere between $30 and $80 per month, depending on which brand of food you choose. This price does not include the cost of wet food or dog treats, which will inevitably bring the cost higher.
Owners who choose to feed their dogs a specialized meal plan such as a raw diet or prescription diet can expect to pay even more. In some cases, food bills each month can cost $200 or more. Talk to your vet about your Staffordshire Bull Terrier’s specific needs. It’s also recommended that owners put aside an additional $250 to $400 for supplies such as a grooming kit, a crate, a dog bed, food and water bowls, a collar and leash, and dog toys.
How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Many health guarantees that breeders offer expire after a three to five-year period. At this time, it’s important to formulate a contingency plan to continue to protect the health and well-being of your dog. Pet insurance is an excellent option, and monthly plans start at as little as $30 per month. However, more comprehensive packages will cost more. This insurance will help ease the financial burden of annual health screenings, immunizations, medications, and even major medical procedures.
How Much Does It Cost to Train a Staffordshire Bull Terrier
One attribute that nearly every owner praises their Staffordshire Bull Terriers for is their intelligence. These dogs are as sharp as tacks, and many pick up on training quickly and easily. Because of this, owners who choose to train their Staffordshire Bull Terriers at home will not incur any out-of-pocket costs. Despite this, some families simply don’t have time or energy to dedicate to training their dogs. In this case, professional training classes are available. These classes cost between $50 and $100 per session and professionals recommend that dogs attend at least one weekly for several months to ensure that their understanding is solidified.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to see why Staffordshire Bull Terriers are such a beloved breed. These dogs are gentle, sweet, smart, well-mannered, and utterly loyal to those that they love. Staffies make excellent family dogs, and there’s no question that their popularity will only continue to grow as they gain more notoriety. The first year after you bring your Staffordshire Bull Terrier home will cost about $5,000. Each following year will be more affordable at about $1,000. Owning a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a long-term commitment, so be sure that you are financially prepared to take care of your new puppy for the entire duration of their life.
The photo featured at the top of this post is © Aneta Jungerova/Shutterstock.com
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