---
title: "Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Guide: Size, Lifespan, Health Problems and Costs"
url: https://pawmultiverse.com/staffordshire-bull-terrier-breed/
description: "Staffordshire Bull Terrier: PDSA figures for size, lifespan (over 12 years), health problems to watch, exercise, grooming and cost, with the questions owners ask."
source: Paw Multiverse (https://pawmultiverse.com), free to cite with a link
---

# Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care

Published by Paw Multiverse (A.I.T. Multiverse Consulting Ltd) · Last updated 7 November 2026

Quick answer

PDSA, the UK veterinary charity, puts the Staffordshire Bull Terrier at about 36-41 cm tall and 11-17 kg, living over 12 years. It suggests at least 1 hour a day, and lists 5 health problems to watch, including hip dysplasia and skin conditions including allergies and demodex mites. Minimum running cost: at least £80 a month, and over £13,000 over a lifetime.

From PDSA, the UK veterinary charity. Not veterinary advice. Worried about your own pet? [See who to call](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Key facts

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Size | Medium |
| Average height | 36-41 cm |
| Average weight | 11-17 kg |
| Average lifespan | Over 12 years |
| Exercise | At least 1 hour a day, plus secure off-lead running and play |
| Grooming | Low maintenance: a weekly brush; sensitive skin, so ask your vet before choosing a shampoo |
| Cost | At least £80 a month, and over £13,000 over a lifetime |

Source: [PDSA, Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/staffordshire-bull-terrier).

## Health problems to watch

PDSA lists these for the breed. A higher risk does not mean every animal will be affected; where a screening scheme or test exists, ask the breeder for the parents' results.

- hip dysplasia (BVA/KC hip scheme)
- skin conditions including allergies and demodex mites
- certain cancers
- some eye conditions (testing available for some)
- L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria

Source: [PDSA, Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/staffordshire-bull-terrier).

## Exercise and grooming

PDSA suggests at least 1 hour a day, plus secure off-lead running and play. Grooming: low maintenance: a weekly brush; sensitive skin, so ask your vet before choosing a shampoo. Source: [PDSA, Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/staffordshire-bull-terrier).

## Temperament

PDSA describes the breed as affectionate, people-oriented and energetic, with a strong prey drive. PDSA says they are prone to separation anxiety, can dig and jump, and need a tall, secure fence. Source: [PDSA, Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/staffordshire-bull-terrier).

## Cost

PDSA's figure: at least £80 a month, and over £13,000 over a lifetime. These are minimums that leave out buying the animal and vet bills for illness or injury. More: [annual cost of owning a dog](https://pawmultiverse.com/annual-cost-of-owning-a-dog/) and [puppy first-year costs](https://pawmultiverse.com/cost-of-a-puppy-first-year/). Source: [PDSA, Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/staffordshire-bull-terrier).

## Questions people ask

How long do Staffordshire Bull Terriers live?

PDSA gives an average lifespan of over 12 years.

How much exercise does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier need?

PDSA suggests at least 1 hour a day, plus secure off-lead running and play.

What health problems do Staffordshire Bull Terriers have?

PDSA lists hip dysplasia (BVA/KC hip scheme); skin conditions including allergies and demodex mites; certain cancers; some eye conditions (testing available for some); L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria.

How much does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier cost?

PDSA's estimate: at least £80 a month, and over £13,000 over a lifetime.

## Sources

- [PDSA, Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/staffordshire-bull-terrier), read 7 November 2026.

## Related pages

[All breed guides](https://pawmultiverse.com/dog-and-cat-breeds/), [everything for dog owners](https://pawmultiverse.com/dogs/), [human foods dogs can eat](https://pawmultiverse.com/human-foods-dogs-can-eat/) and [pet emergency: what to do now](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Keep reading

- [Bulldog: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/bulldog-breed/)
- [Siberian Husky](https://pawmultiverse.com/siberian-husky-breed/)
- [British Shorthair](https://pawmultiverse.com/british-shorthair-cat-breed/)