How Long Do Staffies Normally Live? [Life Expectancy Revealed]

Whether you choose to bring a Staffy puppy into your home or adopt an older Staffy, they become an essential part of your family. It’s vital knowledge to get a good idea of how long Staffies typically live.

Thanks to modern veterinary care and a better understanding of a Staffy’s needs, your dog can live a longer and healthier life.

Staffies, no matter how well you’ve taken care of them, live shorter lives than humans, and while no Staffy owner wants to contemplate losing their dog, it will happen. Feeding your Staffy the best quality food you can afford, regular exercise, health check-ups, and regular vaccinations will ensure your Staffy enjoys the most extended lifespan possible.

NOTE: This page may contain affiliate links, which means Staffy Dog may receive a small commission for anything purchase via these links, at no cost to you. This keeps our tails wagging.

Skip Ahead:

How Long Do Staffies Normally Live For?

American Staffordshire Terrier Average Life Expectancy

A well taken care of American Staffordshire Terrier has a life expectancy between 12 to 16 years. There are particular health vulnerabilities with Amstaffs, such as skin allergies, urinary tract infections, and autoimmune disease.

Before purchasing an Amstaff puppy, you must ensure the breeder has tested the parent dogs for inherited conditions and can provide you with health clearance certificates proving the fact. 

Older Amstaffs tend to have issues with osteoarthritis and spondylosis.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Average Life Expectancy

A Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a lifespan between 12 to 14 years. If you’re thinking about a Staffy puppy, ensure the breeder can provide you with confirmation the parent dogs were screened for hip dysplasia.

Other health conditions that Staffies can suffer from are skin conditions, particularly a skin condition brought on by Demodex mites.L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (a metabolic disorder), and several cancers.

Staffies are known to develop cataracts as they age. If either of the Staffy parents carries the recessive gene that causes cataracts, even puppies can develop them. It’s unfortunate, but typically the Staffy will lose their sight when still a young dog.

Any of these conditions can adversely affect the health and quality of life of your Staffy. Some are life-threatening if not treated promptly, which of course, will have an impact on the Staffy’s life expectancy.

How Old is the Oldest Staffy in the World?

There is no official record for the oldest American Staffordshire Terrier or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier; the Guinness Book of World Records only records the oldest dog, an Australian Cattle dog called Bluey, lived to an incredible 29 years and five months.

What’s the Record for the Oldest American Staffordshire Terrier?

The oldest American Staffy lived in Australia. Her name was Maggie, and she lived until she was nineteen years old. 

What’s the Record for the Oldest Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

A Staffordshire Bull Terrier from Derbyshire in the UK, Sophie lived to nineteen years and four months.

What Do Staffies Usually Die From?

The leading cause of death for senior Staffies is heart disease. Typically as they age, they suffer from heart valve disease (mitral valve disease). Your vet will suspect the illness if he finds a heart murmur during one of their regular check-ups. Cancer can also be a significant cause of death, but Staffies tend to get cancer at a younger age if they get the disease at all.

Read More

Brad Davenport

Brad has spent his entire life surrounded by dogs and has owned all sorts of breeds, including Dachshunds, Great Danes, French Bulldogs and he currently has a little Hasanese called Biscuit. Brad is an experienced dog writer who is obsessed by canine health, care and psychology and has completed several courses on dog care and training.

Top 3 Products for Staffies

Indestructible dog toy
KONG - Jumbler Ball - Interactive Fetch Dog Toy with Tennis Ball (Assorted Colours) - For Medium/Large Dogs
See your dog at night
Light Up Dog Collar Waterproof 3 Glowing LED Dog Collar Light Rechargeable Flashing Dog Collar for Small Medium Large Dogs Super Bright for the Dark Night Time Dog Collar, Green-M
Healthy toy for big chewers
Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy Monster Beef Thigh, Cleans Teeth, Beef Flavour, XXL, for Dogs Over 23 kg,package may vary
KONG Jumbler Ball
Light Up Dog Collar
Nylabone Extreme Chew (Chicken Flavour)
Indestructible dog toy
KONG - Jumbler Ball - Interactive Fetch Dog Toy with Tennis Ball (Assorted Colours) - For Medium/Large Dogs
KONG Jumbler Ball
See your dog at night
Light Up Dog Collar Waterproof 3 Glowing LED Dog Collar Light Rechargeable Flashing Dog Collar for Small Medium Large Dogs Super Bright for the Dark Night Time Dog Collar, Green-M
Light Up Dog Collar
Healthy toy for big chewers
Nylabone Extreme Tough Dog Chew Toy Monster Beef Thigh, Cleans Teeth, Beef Flavour, XXL, for Dogs Over 23 kg,package may vary
Nylabone Extreme Chew (Chicken Flavour)




Recent Posts