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Pet Insurance for American Staffordshire Terriers

Find out all about American Staffordshire Terriers and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 15th, 2023       

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Price range

$500–$2,200

Height

43-48cm

Weight

22 -30kg

Personality

Loyal, determined, tenacious

Coat length

Short

Exercise needs

High

Kid-friendly?

No

Life expectancy

12 - 16 years

American Staffordshire Terrier

Overview

The American Staffordshire Terrier, often called the ‘AmStaff,’ is a relative of the British Staffordshire Bull Terrier, from which it was bred. Two strains of the breed were developed – one for showing, which became the American Staffordshire Terrier, and was recognised as a breed in its own right in 1936. The second strain were bred for dog fighting, and became the American Pit Bull Terrier, a breed that is now banned in Australia due to its aggressive nature. It is a very strong, brave, loyal breed that is often used as a guard dog.  

AmStaffs have a short, sleek coat that requires minimal grooming. They are highly intelligent and thrive on human interaction. Early socialisation and consistent training are essential to ensure they are well-behaved and friendly. AmStaffs make loyal family pets and are suitable for owners who can provide lots of regular exercise and mental stimulation. 

Common American Staffordshire Terrier diseases and conditions

  • Skin allergies: These common concerns can be triggered by environmental allergens, food allergies, or flea bites. Symptoms may include itching, redness, rashes, and hair loss. Maintaining regular grooming and providing a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of skin allergies and promote healthy skin and coat.
  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs often affect American Staffordshire Terriers, leading to symptoms like frequent urination, discomfort, blood in the urine, and accidents indoors.
  • Cataracts: This breed can develop cataracts, which can affect their vision. Regular eye check-ups are essential for early detection and management.
  • Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common orthopedic condition affecting the hip joint's development, potentially leading to discomfort and mobility issues.
  • Autoimmune diseases: This breed may be prone to autoimmune disorders, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues in the body.

Breed-specific issues:

This breed is often strong-willed and requires an experienced owner who can establish themselves as the ‘pack leader’ through positive reinforcement training. They should not be trusted around babies, young children or smaller pets such as cats.  

How much does pet insurance cost for an American Staffordshire Terrier?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your AmStaff, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for top-of-the-range cover.  
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about American Staffordshire Terriers

Are American Staffordshire Terriers aggressive?

American Staffordshire Terriers, like all dogs, can display aggression if not properly trained and socialised. However, they are not inherently aggressive, and any aggression that was in the breed has now largely been bred out. Their behaviour often depends on their upbringing, socialisation, and training.  

How much exercise do American Staffordshire Terriers need?

American Staffordshire Terriers are an active breed that thrives on physical activity. They require regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Daily walks, playtime, and activities that challenge their intelligence are essential to prevent boredom and maintain their well-being.  

How do I maintain the dental health of my American Staffordshire Terrier?

Dental health is crucial for your dog's overall well-being. To maintain your American Staffordshire Terrier's dental health, provide dental chews, toys, or treats designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Regular tooth brushing with a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste is also beneficial. 

Do they have high skin care and grooming needs?

American Staffordshire Terriers have a short, dense coat that is relatively low-maintenance. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and promotes a healthy coat. Occasional baths are necessary to keep them clean. Additionally, routine checks of their ears, teeth, and nails are essential for overall hygiene and health. 

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Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
American Staffordshire Terrier

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