Boxer vs American Staffordshire Terrier: cost, health and care compared
The Boxer and the American Staffordshire Terrier side by side: size, care needs, health issues and what each costs to keep.
Last updated: October 2026 · 6 sources · see sources
Side by side
| Boxer | American Staffordshire Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| AKC group | Working Group [2] | Terrier Group [3] |
| Weight | 65-80 pounds (male), females are about 15 pounds less than male [2] | 55-70 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female) [3] |
| Height | 23-25 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female) [2] | 18-19 inches (male), 17-18 inches (female) [3] |
| Life expectancy | 10–12+ years [2] | 12–16+ years [3] |
| Energy (AKC rating) | 4 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Shedding (AKC rating) | 2 of 5 [2] | 2 of 5 [3] |
| Grooming needs (AKC rating) | 2 of 5 [2] | 1 of 5 [3] |
| Good with young kids (AKC rating) | 5 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Barking (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| AKC popularity, 2025 | No. 18 [4] | No. 97 [4] |
| Health issues to know | Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Dilated cardiomyopathy, Subvalvular aortic stenosis… See health costs | Hip dysplasia, Heart disease, Hypothyroidism, Allergies and itchy skin See health costs |
| Typical vet bill | $239 – $1,107 (medium dogs, median $482) [5] | $239 – $1,107 (medium dogs, median $482) [5] |
| Yearly cost estimate | $880–$1,400 [1] | $880–$1,400 [1] |
| Rough lifetime cost | $8,800–$16,300 | $10,500–$21,700 |
About the cost numbers
The yearly estimate starts with the ASPCA's yearly cost of care and, at the high end, adds one typical vet bill for the breed's size. [1] The lifetime figure is that yearly range times the life expectancy. It is simple math on sourced numbers, before inflation and before any major illness, not a quote.
For each breed's health risks and what they cost to treat, see Boxer health problems and costs and American Staffordshire Terrier health problems and costs.
Insurance and savings
Breed matters less than timing for insurance. The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in 2025. [6] Conditions found before you enroll are usually excluded, so many owners sign up while their pet is young. Some prefer a savings fund instead; see insurance vs savings.
Common questions
Which costs more, the Boxer or the American Staffordshire Terrier?
Our yearly cost estimate is the same for both: $880–$1,400.
Which lives longer, the Boxer or the American Staffordshire Terrier?
The AKC gives the Boxer a life expectancy of 10–12+ years and the American Staffordshire Terrier 12–16+ years. Individual pets vary a lot.
What health problems do the Boxer and American Staffordshire Terrier have?
Boxer: Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Dilated cardiomyopathy and Subvalvular aortic stenosis. American Staffordshire Terrier: Hip dysplasia, Heart disease, Hypothyroidism and Allergies and itchy skin.
Which is better with kids, the Boxer or the American Staffordshire Terrier?
The AKC rates the Boxer 5 of 5 and the American Staffordshire Terrier 3 of 5 for being good with young children. Training, supervision and the individual dog matter more than the breed average.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.