Staffies are incredibly popular in the UK; they are regularly in the top 3 or 4 most popular dogs. But what does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cost?
Naturally, if you’re thinking about a Staffy puppy for your family, then you’ll want the ins and outs of the cost of owning this family-friendly companion.
Numerous factors affect how much you’ll pay for a puppy. The breeder’s quality and reputation, age, pedigree and even the breeder’s location are some of the factors that may come into play.
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Staffy prices are often dependent on the reputation of the breeder. Many families baulk at the premium they have to pay to buy from a top breeder. However, it’s generally the only way of guaranteeing a healthy puppy with all the relevant health checks. And the health checks are not only about puppies; the breeding lines must also be health checked.
Many dog diseases are hereditary. Suppose you’re unlucky and buy a puppy that develops any of these diseases. In that case, it will set you back financially, far worse than paying a premium price from reputable breeders.
It’s highly advisable if you want a puppy to do your research carefully. Find a top-quality breeder so you don’t end up dealing with a puppy farm and end up with a sick puppy that could die young.
How Much Do Staffordshire Bull Terriers Cost?
A Staffy puppy can cost you from £400 to over £2,000 (from a Kennel Club-assured breeder). As mentioned, the price variable is always down to the quality and reputation of the breeder. You can go online and find many Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppies for sale in the £400 region.
Suppose you want to make sure you’re getting a healthy puppy. It’s vital to conduct your research ahead of time on things like the puppy’s pedigree and, in the case of a purebred Staffy, the health of the parents.
You want to visit the breeder several times to watch the puppy through various stages. Do they appear to have respiratory problems? The breeder should be happy to answer questions without reservation. You want to meet both parents and see health check certificates for puppies and parents.
Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers More Expensive Than Other Dogs?
Staffies are a little cheaper than the other popular breeds in the UK. But again, this depends on the breeder and what they want to charge. There are no controls over the prices, which boils down to what the breeders know they can get for their dogs.
| Dog Breed | Average Price in UK |
|---|---|
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | £1000 |
| English Bulldog | £2200 |
| Golden Retriever | £1800 |
| French Bulldog | £1700 |
| Miniature Dachshund | £1700 |
| Cavapoo | £1600 |
| Cockapoo | £1400 |
| Labradoodle | £1400 |
| Cocker Spaniel | £1,350 |
| Dachshund | £1300 |
| Labrador | £1300 |
| Yorkshire Terrier | £1200 |
| German Shepherd | £1100 |
| Pug | £1100 |
| Border Collie | £700 |
Cost of Owning a Staffy
A healthy Staffordshire Bull Terrier can live up to fourteen years of age. However, that’s not to say they can’t live longer than that; the oldest Staffy in the UK lived until eighteen.
How long the dog lives has an enormous impact on the overall cost of a dog. And not forgetting that as dogs get into their senior years, the vet’s bills begin to mount up, just like humans.
But what does owning a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cost? A Staffy will cost you at least £15,000 throughout their lifespan, assuming they live to fourteen years. That figure breaks down to an average of £90 per month after the initial cost of buying your puppy.
Initial Costs
Once you get your puppy, a second dose of vaccinations will be needed. Keep in mind they’ll require regular booster shots to maintain their immunity.
Most vets recommend spaying or neutering your puppy between 6 to 12 months of age. However, it’s best to discuss this with your vet. Prices vary by vet and location, so it’s best to call around to find out what your neighbourhood clinics charge.
You might save money by adopting a dog from a shelter that has already neutered the dog.
Dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes, and chewy toys are all part of the gear you’ll need to care for your Staffy. Remember, Staffies are notorious chewers and will go through many so-called indestructible toys in their lifetime.
Consider that you’ll need to replace everything when they wear out, become damaged or when your Staffy outgrows them.
Ongoing costs
Food is one of the high ongoing costs you will face. High-quality food is necessary to avoid diet-related illnesses. Schedule regular vet checkups into your budget to reduce the likelihood of your dog becoming unwell and detect health problems early.
Each year, they should visit the vet for a checkup. You’ll need flea and tick medication every month. You could discuss a health care plan with your local vet; you’ll pay a monthly fee throughout the year, covering all usual expenses.
In addition, you will need to pay an annual premium for pet insurance.
You will also need to buy numerous accessories, such as grooming tools and poo bags and replace worn and no longer viable equipment.
Optional Extras
I’ve put these as optional costs because not every Staffy owner needs or uses these services. But if you choose to use them, the costs can be pretty steep in some cases.
- Dog training classes
- Socialisation classes
- Boarding kennels
- Dog walkers
- Doggy Day Care
Where to Buy a Staffy Puppy
One of the top breeders is the best place to get your Staffy puppy. That might mean travelling a distance from your home, and you must make the trip several times. But as we have already discussed earlier, buying a puppy from a highly reputable breeder is the only way you can guarantee the health of the puppy and its parents.
In addition, top breeders provide many other advantages, including a money-back guarantee or at least a replacement puppy.
Where NOT to Buy a Staffy Puppy
The most obvious places to avoid are puppy mills, pet shops and market stalls. None of these places will offer you a genuinely healthy puppy. Yes, they might be cheaper, but you’ll end up paying a fortune in vet bills. Your puppy has a real chance of dying early, and the grief it causes is not worth saving a few hundred pounds on the Staffordshire Bull Terrier cost.
Staffy Adoption
Adopting a Staffy is a brilliant alternative way to buying a puppy. You know what you’re getting; the Staffy comes neutered or spayed, fully vaccinated and wormed.
Even though the number of Staffies is high in dog shelters, you can’t just walk in and out with a dog. There are plenty of procedures before the shelter accepts you as a dog owner.
Their first priority is to the dog, and most of these dogs have been through enough trauma that the shelter doesn’t want to put them through anymore by sending them away with the wrong owners.
