Trusted by owners that love their dogs as much as you do

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Insurance – Costs, Cover & Common Health Issues

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier (often affectionately called the “Staffy”) is one of the UK’s most popular and misunderstood breeds. Originally bred in the 19th century, today’s Staffy is known not for aggression, but for loyalty, affection, and a deep love of people.

Recognised by the The Kennel Club in the Terrier Group, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with a famously big smile. They are confident, courageous, and extremely people-oriented — often referred to as “nanny dogs” due to their strong bond with children.

Despite their tough appearance, Staffies are affectionate family companions who thrive on human interaction.

🐾 Average lifespan: 12–14 years

🐾 Average adult weight: 11–17 kg

🐾 One of the most popular breeds registered with The Kennel Club

🐾 Officially recognised by The Kennel Club in 1935

🐾 The average claim for Staffordshire Bull Terriers is £845

Smiling staffy in a garden

Common Staffordshire Bull Terrier Health Issues

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are generally robust but can be prone to certain hereditary conditions.

Common Health Issues:

  • Skin Allergies – Ongoing treatment £500–£1,500 per year

  • Hip Dysplasia – Surgery £3,000–£7,000

  • Hereditary Cataracts – Surgery £2,000–£4,000

  • L-2-HGA (Neurological condition) – Genetic test £100–£200

  • Cruciate Ligament Injuries – Surgery £2,500–£5,000

Chronic skin conditions and orthopaedic surgery can become costly, which is why many Staffy owners choose lifetime cover

🐶 Strong, Devoted, Cheeky — Protect Your Staffy Properly

Your Guide To Owning a Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Wondering if a Staffy is the right dog for you? Here’s a few things you should know before you bring a ‘sofa hog’ home…

Staffy in a dandelion field

Diet & Nutrition

Staffordshire Bull Terriers require a balanced diet that supports muscle mass while maintaining a healthy weight.

Key dietary considerations:

  • High-quality protein to support their muscular build
  • Omega-3 supplements to support skin health
  • Careful portion control to prevent obesity
  • Monitor for food sensitivities

Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on joints and lowers the risk of long-term health complications.

Staffy playing with a ball

Exercise Requirements

Staffies are energetic, playful dogs who enjoy interactive activity.

Daily exercise needs:

  • 1–1.5 hours per day
  • Structured walks
  • Tug and fetch games
  • Training sessions for mental stimulation

They are strong dogs for their size and benefit from consistent, positive training.

Puppy staffy lying down

Who Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Perfect For?

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are ideal for:

  • Active families
  • Experienced or confident first-time owners
  • Homes where someone is around most of the day
  • Owners wanting a loyal, affectionate companion
  • Households with secure gardens

They are less suited to homes where they’ll be left alone for extended periods, as they form very strong attachments to their owners.

Why Insurance Matters for Staffordshire Bull Terriers

From chronic skin allergies to orthopaedic surgery, veterinary costs for Staffordshire Bull Terriers can quickly add up. Ongoing treatment for allergies alone can amount to thousands of pounds over a lifetime.

Comprehensive insurance helps ensure that if your Staffy develops a hereditary condition or suffers an injury, you can prioritise their care — without financial worry.

Choose The Best Policy For Your Staffy

Superior – the most comprehensive insurance cover we offer, with the lowest excess, giving you confidence that your dog will be looked after if illness or injury strikes.

Benefits

  • Claimable period

    Lifetime cover
    for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

  • Veterinary fees

    £12,000

  • Percentage of veterinary fees covered

    100%

  • Third party liability

    £1,000,000 per claim

  • Day to day care

  • Age restrictions

    8 weeks – under 8 years.

Benefits

  • Claimable period

    Lifetime cover
    for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

  • Veterinary fees

    £9,000

  • Percentage of veterinary fees covered

    100%

  • Third party liability

    £1,000,000 per claim

  • Day to day care

  • Age restrictions

    8 weeks – under 8 years.

Benefits

  • Claimable period

    Lifetime cover
    for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

  • Veterinary fees

    £6,000

  • Percentage of veterinary fees covered

    100%

  • Third party liability

    £1,000,000 per claim

  • Day to day care

  • Age restrictions

    8 weeks – under 8 years.

Benefits

Superior

Mid-point

Entry

Claimable period

Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

Veterinary fees

£12,000

£9,000

£6,000

Percentage of veterinary fees covered

100%

100%

100%

Third party liability

£1,000,000 per claim

£1,000,000 per claim

£1,000,000 per claim

Day to day care

Age restrictions

8 weeks – under 8 years.

8 weeks – under 8 years.

8 weeks – under 8 years.

Mid-range – our most flexible plan, offering a choice of co-payment and excess levels and packed with a range of optional extras to suit your dog’s needs.

Benefits

  • Claimable period

    Lifetime cover
    for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

  • Veterinary fees

    £12,000

  • Percentage of veterinary fees covered

    90%, 80% or 70%

  • Third party liability

    £1,000,000 per claim

  • Day to day care

    Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.

  • Age restrictions

    8 weeks – under 8 years.

Benefits

  • Claimable period

    Lifetime cover
    for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

  • Veterinary fees

    £9,000

  • Percentage of veterinary fees covered

    90%, 80% or 70%

  • Third party liability

    £1,000,000 per claim

  • Day to day care

    Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.

  • Age restrictions

    8 weeks – under 8 years.

Benefits

  • Claimable period

    Lifetime cover
    for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

  • Veterinary fees

    £6,000

  • Percentage of veterinary fees covered

    90%, 80% or 70%

  • Third party liability

    £1,000,000 per claim

  • Day to day care

    Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.

  • Age restrictions

    8 weeks – under 8 years.

Benefits

Key

Vital

Core

Claimable period

Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

Veterinary fees

£12,000

£9,000

£6,000

Percentage of veterinary fees covered

90%, 80% or 70%

90%, 80% or 70%

90%, 80% or 70%

Third party liability

£1,000,000 per claim

£1,000,000 per claim

£1,000,000 per claim

Day to day care

Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.

Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.

Optional Extra: Get up to £50 annually for key pet care needs like de-sexing, microchipping, worming, teeth cleaning, and more. Additional cover includes vaccinations, health checks, flea/tick control, and diagnostic tests, with no excess.

Age restrictions

8 weeks – under 8 years.

8 weeks – under 8 years.

8 weeks – under 8 years.

Safety-net – accidents or illness can happen at any time, and our Catastrophe and Economy policies provide cover for your dog when emergency treatment is needed.

Benefits

  • Claimable period

    Cover for each injury or illness for 12 months from the date of the incident or when symptoms first appeared.

  • Veterinary fees

    £4,000
    for each injury and illness for 12 months

  • Percentage of veterinary fees covered

    100%

  • Third party liability

    £1,000,000 per claim

  • Day to day care

  • Age restrictions

    8 weeks – under 8 years.

Benefits

  • Claimable period

    Lifetime cover
    for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

  • Veterinary fees

    £6,000

  • Percentage of veterinary fees covered

    100%

  • Third party liability

    Optional extra: £1,000,000 per claim

  • Day to day care

  • Age restrictions

    8 weeks – under 8 years.

Benefits

  • Claimable period

    Lifetime cover
    for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

  • Veterinary fees

    £3,000

  • Percentage of veterinary fees covered

    100%

  • Third party liability

    Optional extra: £1,000,000 per claim

  • Day to day care

  • Age restrictions

    8 weeks – under 8 years.

Benefits

Economy

Catastrophe 2

Catastrophe 1

Claimable period

Cover for each injury or illness for 12 months from the date of the incident or when symptoms first appeared.

Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

Lifetime cover
for illnesses and injuries, year after year.

Veterinary fees

£4,000
for each injury and illness for 12 months

£6,000

£3,000

Percentage of veterinary fees covered

100%

100%

100%

Third party liability

£1,000,000 per claim

Optional extra: £1,000,000 per claim

Optional extra: £1,000,000 per claim

Day to day care

Age restrictions

8 weeks – under 8 years.

8 weeks – under 8 years.

8 weeks – under 8 years.

Terms, conditions, and excesses apply. Cover depends on acceptance criteria, and there may be policy limits and exclusions. Make sure to check the policy details on the dog insurance page before taking out a policy.