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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.

Written by , updated on September 15th, 2023

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

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

Accident-only

This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions.

Accident and illness

This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.

Comprehensive

This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.

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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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Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.