American Staffordshire Terrier Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and More!

If you’re considering adding a new puppy to your family, you’ve probably done plenty of research on breeds, including learning about their temperaments, space requirements, and exercise needs. An American Staffordshire Terrier makes an excellent pet that is a loyal and affectionate companion. In addition to personality traits, one thing you may want to consider is the cost of your new pup. Keep in mind that there are ongoing costs to keep your new dog healthy and happy. Some costs are universal but others can vary based on the size of your dog and even their breed.

So how much does it cost to get an American Staffordshire terrier? Also known as AmStaff, these dogs have loyal dispositions and are wonderful family pets. They were originally bred to hunt small animals, such as rodents and pests, around the farm and do work. They like to be active but don’t require a ton of space, making them a very versatile type of dog. We’ve broken down the expected costs, both one-time and ongoing, so that you can budget for this new sweet addition to your family.

How Much Does a Puppy Cost?

Expect to pay between $900 and $2,000 for a purebred American Staffordshire terrier puppy. Some specific bloodlines that are particularly well-regarded when it comes to dog shows can be as much as $2,500. In general, purebred dogs are more expensive than dogs that are a mix of breeds, although some “boutique” mixed breed dogs such as goldendoodles can be more expensive.

One of the biggest things that impacts the cost is availability. As demand for certain breeds increases, the price of those puppies also tends to increase. This can also vary based on location since some places have more puppies available than others. However, costs tend not to change dramatically from one location to another since it is easy in today’s world to travel to pick up a puppy.

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of an American Staffordshire Terrier

Age and color are two factors that can change the cost of an AmStaff puppy. According to the American Kennel Club, they come in red, black, fawn, blue (gray), and a subtle striped brindle coat. Depending on the rarity of the color, the purchase price can go up or down. Seal brown and fawn sable are two of the rarest coat colors for American Staffordshire terriers. If a pup has one of these rare colors, a breeder will typically charge more because they are more in demand. Fortunately, some of the most popular and striking colors are also some of the most common. Black, black and white, brown, and brown brindle are all common colors for AmStaff dogs. It is usually easier to find available puppies with these coats and less costly.

Young puppies can also be a bit more expensive than older dogs. Many people want to bond with and train a puppy from an early age rather than take in an older dog. This means that puppies cost more. However, older dogs can also make excellent family pets. It can also be easier to predict ongoing costs since you have a longer medical history to look at for overall health. Older dogs might also have some training under their belt, cutting down on those costs as well.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for American Staffordshire Terriers

Many puppies come with their first round of vaccinations already complete. If not, expect to pay between $100 and $300 in the first year for routine check-ups and vaccinations. It’s important that you take your dog to the vet regularly to ensure that they are in good health.

If you aren’t planning to breed your dog, consider getting them spayed or neutered. Not only does it make life easier for you down the road, but it is also best for your dog’s overall health and well-being. Most experts recommend that you spay or neuter an AmStaff between 9 and 12 months old. Smaller toy breeds can go through the procedure earlier while larger dogs benefit from waiting a few more months. As a medium-sized dog, AmStaffs can be spayed or neutered around 9 months old. Always talk to your vet about the best plan for your dog’s health.

Cost of Food and Supplies for American Staffordshire Terriers

You should plan to feed your American Staffordshire terrier puppy twice per day. A specialized puppy kibble has the best nutrition for their needs at their age, including ingredients to help with brain, bone, and muscle development. Puppies generally need a higher fat and higher calorie diet than adult dogs. As they get older, you can switch them to adult dog kibble around 12 months old. This tends to be less expensive than puppy food.

Expect to spend as much as $60 to $80 per month on high-quality dog food. Of course, this does depend on the size and activity level of your dog, as well as the food that you choose. If your dog has special dietary needs and you opt for prescription or specialty dog food, the costs may be even higher.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure an American Staffordshire Terrier

Some pet owners choose to purchase pet insurance to help offset the cost of medical care. These plans come with a monthly premium, which varies based on the type of coverage that you get. Most plans have a monthly cost of between $30 and $60 for healthy adult American Staffordshire terriers. This is on the higher end compared to some dogs, mostly due to the breed’s predisposition and higher risk for certain genetic conditions. These include elbow and hip dysplasia, heart disease, and certain eye conditions. Generally, purebred dogs have higher risks for inherited conditions.

Keep in mind that you might still have a copay for routine or emergency treatments even if you do have pet insurance. The details of your plan can help you know how much you might have to pay in various situations.

How Much Does It Cost to Train an American Staffordshire Terrier

Training your new puppy is a great way to bond and help them learn habits that will keep them safe and healthy for their entire lives. While the costs of training do vary based on location, it’s an important step that many pet owners choose to take when their dogs are young. Group classes tend to be the most cost-effective and range from $50 to $150 depending on how many sessions are included. Private one-on-one training is the most expensive and can be as much as $150 to $200 per individual class.

If you want to try training your AmStaff on your own, consider purchasing a book or guide to help you. These are available in many pet stores or even from trainers for as little as $24 to $30.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Marina Vedernikova