How much is that doggy in the window?

Written by Jodie Berry, Willaby Staffords 2017. *Updated 2024

So how much IS that doggy? On average you should expect to pay somewhere between $2500 & $4000 for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Puppy. Different breeders charge different amounts for different reasons, so what should you get for that money?

Puppies should not be leaving for their new homes before 8 weeks old, often breeders keep puppies for up to 12 weeks to help ensure socialization and determine which puppies are best matched to each home.

Health Tested Parents:
Please refer to our other files on specific diseases and conditions that Staffords should be tested for. At minimum you should want to see the following for both parents:
• L2-HGA: Parents* should be DNA tested or ‘Clear by Parentage’. If CBP, you should be able to view the parents/grandparents DNA records to prove that they were clear of this disease, so were unable to pass it on to their offspring
• Hereditary Cataracts: Parents* should be DNA tested or ‘Clear by Parentage’. If CBP, you should be able to view the parents/grandparents DNA records to prove that they were clear of this disease, so were unable to pass it on to their offspring
• PHPV: At least 1 CERF (eye exam) for each parent showing they have been checked and cleared for PHPV
• Other common health testing you may see on parents are: OFA/Penn Hip Xrays, Elbow x-rays, Cardiac screening, patella (knees) & Baer (Hearing)
*If parents are not tested or CBP the puppies should be DNA tested clear before leaving for their new homes

Puppy Health Tests:
Puppies should have the following basic testing, clearances before leaving for their new homes:
• General veterinary check up: To ensure puppy is free of communicable diseases, obvious congenital defects and in general good health
• Microchip: To ensure that the puppy can be found if ever lost or stolen from their home. A lot of breeders will ask to be kept as a secondary contact so in the event you are on holiday or injured etc, that they can pull the dog from a shelter as a registered owner and arrange care for it until you are able to be reunited
• Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist: To ensure that the puppy does not have PHPV present, the exam will also check for other eye issues.
• Baer test for White or Pied staffords or puppies with parents that are white or pied should also have this test
• Vaccinations: Every breeder will have a different schedule and personal opinion on if, when and how many vaccinations a puppy should get. There is lots of varying research on vaccinations and natural rearing so please do your research and discuss with your breeder how they handle vaccinations until you feel confident with what the puppy will receive from the breeder and what you will be expected to do as a new owner.
• Worming: Most breeders will administer worming products at home. Please check what products have been used and what routine & products you should plan to use once the puppy is home with you.
• A health guarantee: Breeders should guarantee that your puppy is free of any genetic disorders, parasites or major health issues that would need more than minor vet care. If the puppy is to become ill because of one of these items, within 12 months of purchase at minimum, they would take back the puppy and refund your money or provide you with a replacement puppy.

Puppies are very cute and you may have been waiting a long time to get one. If you do not feel comfortable at any time with the contract requirements or what you will get when you purchase the puppy, it is ok to walk away.