Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Staffordshire Terrier: cost, health and care compared
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | American Staffordshire Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| AKC group | Terrier Group [2] | Terrier Group [3] |
| Weight | 28-38 pounds (male), 24-34 pounds (female) [2] | 55-70 pounds (male), 40-55 pounds (female) [3] |
| Height | 14-16 inches [2] | 18-19 inches (male), 17-18 inches (female) [3] |
| Life expectancy | 12–15+ years [2] | 12–16+ years [3] |
| Energy (AKC rating) | 5 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Shedding (AKC rating) | 3 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. 61 [4] | No. 97 [4] |
| Health issues to know | Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Luxating patella, Cataracts 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 | $10,500–$20,400 | $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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier?
Our yearly cost estimate is the same for both: $880–$1,400.
Which lives longer, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier?
The AKC gives the Staffordshire Bull Terrier a life expectancy of 12–15+ years and the American Staffordshire Terrier 12–16+ years. Individual pets vary a lot.
What health problems do the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier have?
Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Luxating patella and Cataracts. American Staffordshire Terrier: Hip dysplasia, Heart disease, Hypothyroidism and Allergies and itchy skin.
Which is better with kids, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier?
The AKC rates the Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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.