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Pet Insurance for Staffordshire Bull Terriers

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

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, updated on September 29th, 2023       

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Price range

$500 – $4,000

Height

35–40cm

Weight

13–17kg

Personality

Affectionate, courageous, loyal

Coat length

Short

Exercise needs

High

Kid-friendly?

Yes – though may be better with older children

Life expectancy

12–14 years

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Overview

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, often referred to as the “Staffy”, traces its roots back to 19th-century England. Originally bred for bull-baiting and later as a versatile farm dog, they developed a reputation for their strength, agility and loyalty. Over time, the breed evolved into a loving and dependable companion known for their affectionate nature.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers – not to be confused with American Staffordshire Terriers – have a distinctive muscular build, a broad head and a short coat that requires minimal grooming. Their appearance exudes a sense of power and vitality. However, despite their robust physique, Staffies are known for their warm and affectionate temperament, particularly with their human family members. They are renowned for their patience and good-natured disposition, making them wonderful family pets.

Common diseases and conditions of Staffordshire Bull Terriers

  • Hip dysplasia: this hereditary condition affects the hip joints, causing pain and reduced mobility.
  • Patellar luxation: this is a condition where the kneecap dislocates, causing discomfort and difficulty walking.
  • Cataracts: this eye condition can lead to impaired vision or blindness if not treated.
  • Skin allergies: Staffordshire Bull Terriers can be prone to various skin allergies, which may require dietary or environmental adjustments.
  • Cancer: like many breeds, Staffies can be susceptible to various forms of cancer, including mast cell tumours.
  • Demodectic mange: a skin condition caused by mites that can lead to hair loss and skin irritation.

Breed-specific issues:  

Staffies can be strong-willed, which means they may challenge authority at times. This requires owners to be firm yet positive in their training methods, establishing themselves as confident leaders. Additionally, their high intelligence can be a double-edged sword. Without sufficient mental stimulation, they may resort to undesirable behaviours such as excessive barking or destructive chewing. Another point of consideration is their protective instincts, which can lead to over-protectiveness or wariness around strangers. Early socialisation is essential to ensure they are comfortable and well-adjusted in various social situations.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?

There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Staffordshire Bull Terrier, including the following: 

  • Age: the older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because older 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 for dogs 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 may 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, while 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 Staffordshire Bull Terriers

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers good with children?

Staffordshire Bull Terriers have a reputation for being affectionate and gentle with children, and they can form strong bonds with them. However, it’s crucial to note that their robust and energetic nature can sometimes lead to unintentional rough play, particularly with younger children. Each dog’s behaviour is highly individual, and some Staffies may thrive in families with older, more considerate children. Nevertheless, careful supervision and teaching both the dog and children appropriate behaviour are essential for creating a safe and harmonious environment. As with any breed, it's important to assess the temperament of the individual dog and the dynamics of the household before bringing a Staffordshire Bull Terrier into the family.

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers aggressive?

No – when properly bred and raised in a loving environment, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are not inherently aggressive towards people. They are known for their affectionate and loyal nature towards their families. However, like any breed, individual behaviour may vary, and early socialisation and positive training play a crucial role in shaping their temperament.

How much exercise does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier need?

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are energetic and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They benefit from daily walks, play sessions and mental stimulation. Engaging activities help prevent boredom, which can lead to unwanted behaviours. A Staffordshire Bull Terrier is well-suited for an active family or owner who can provide ample exercise.

Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers easy to train?

Yes – Staffordshire Bull Terriers are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them generally responsive to training. However, they can also display a streak of independence, so consistent and patient training methods work best. Early socialisation and positive reinforcement techniques contribute to a well-behaved and obedient Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

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Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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