A lot of people are lining up to buy a Yorkshire Terrier because of its full-length crowning glory and courageous personality. But, just how much are Yorkies when purchased from reputable breeders?
To help you analyze the cost of owning a Yorkshire Terrier, this article presents the breakdown of all the expenses you should expect upon getting a Yorkie.
To give you an overview, the cost of owning a Yorkie doesn’t stop after purchasing the puppy. Just like tending to a baby, owning a Yorkie is a lifetime commitment that requires lifetime maintenance.
This article details everything you need to know about Yorkie pricing as well as the ongoing costs of owning them. Let’s start!
The Average Cost of a Yorkie Puppy
Typical Yorkie prices range from $800 to $1,500. Most pups in this price range are already kennel club registered. However, prices vary from $1,500 to $10,000 if the purebred Yorkshire Terrier pup came from superior bloodlines or American Kennel Club champions.
Most of the Yorkshire Terriers that are sold cheaper than the average price above do not have papers and, at the very least, do not have proof that they are purebred.
While the pureness of the puppy’s lineage wouldn’t be an issue if you aren’t going to breed them for shows, you are risking their health and your money as mixed breed Yorkies tend to have more health problems than purebred ones.
Watch these cute little Yorkshire Terriers as they walk with their beautiful hair. These Yorkies are purposefully bred by professional breeders.
Yorkshire Terriers | Breed Judging 2020<a href="https://youtu.be/ETnnivK2lrQ" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FETnnivK2lrQ%2F0.jpg" alt="Yorkshire Terriers | Breed Judging 2020" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Yorkshire Terrier Puppy
You might be wondering now, how can a puppy’s cost equate to monthly rent. To give you a clear picture of how most breeders decide on the price, here is a list of factors affecting the puppy cost of a Yorkshire Terrier:
Age: The price of Yorkie puppies is relatively more expensive than adults because of demand. Many Yorkie fanciers want to raise their pet from puppyhood, so the reservation fee and actual cost of Yorkie litters can be steep.
Breeder’s Reputation: An AKC licensed breeder can put higher prices on his puppies than others because they choose the healthiest purebred parents. Although Yorkie pups from breeders associated with a recognized breed registry may be pricey, it is still reasonable as years of dedication and commitment are invested in establishing their credibility.
Dog’s Bloodline: The average purebred Yorkshire Terriers are cheaper than those with champion bloodlines. Champion parent dogs are expected to produce litters that will soon become champions, making them more valuable.
Warranties and Certificates: These AKC papers prove the dog’s condition and lineage. Many breeders register their purebred Yorkie puppies to document the dog’s pedigree in the American Kennel Club, ensure that they passed the standards, and clear any health issues.
Social Trends: Yorkies are a lot pricier than other dog breeds because they are more popular. The higher demand for Yorkshire Terriers makes their prices higher as well. The same is true with other popular breeds. As the demand goes up, so will the price.
Veterinary Expenses: Purebred Yorkie puppies undergo an early health examination to assess their condition. Initial canine vaccinations are also administered to protect them from common canine diseases. The costs of these veterinary necessities are added to the total price of the puppy, which you will pay upon purchase.
Apart from all these, shipping fees and the size of the Yorkie puppy impacts their price. For instance, it is normal to see teacup Yorkies being sold at a much higher cost than standard ones because they are harder to breed.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Yorkie From a Rescue?
The average cost of adopting a Yorkshire Terrier from a rescue is around $150 to $600.
This varies depending on a lot of factors, including the physical and behavioral exams they were given, medication, spay or neuter surgery, vaccines, and more.
Some aspiring adopters still complain about this adoption cost when in fact, its cheap price does not really cover everything provided to the Yorkie while it is in the rescue facility.
What’s more, most rescues even give free ID tags and pet food once you bring home your dog.
Nevertheless, if you really don’t have any budget set to buy a Yorkie, check out our guide on how to find free puppies near you. Just be cautious, as you might end up dealing with puppy mills if you aren’t vigilant.
Initial Cost of Yorkshire Terrier Ownership
After purchasing your Yorkie puppy, you will still need to prepare your pocket for the initial expenses you will need to cash out for its maintenance and initial needs.
Here is a list of all the essential items of a Yorkshire Terrier puppy:
Food and Treats: During the puppy stage, Yorkies should be fed with “balanced food” and treats to help them grow holistically. Initially, you can buy quality dog food and treats for $50 to $80. Remember that even though they are small dogs, they are hearty eaters.
Food and Water Bowls: Decent food containers are available on Amazon and other pet stores. These should be on your to-buy list if you don’t want to deal with food mess every time your Yorkie eats. You can purchase these stainless steel bowls for a price range of $10 to $25.
Bed: Most puppies need a personal space so they can relax and sleep well. You can get a comfy dog bed for only $30 to $150. Since the Yorkie is only a small dog breed, you need not worry about buying this frequently.
Crate: The growth and development of a Yorkie puppy are affected by its environment. Hence, you should provide them with a crate that can serve as their safe space inside your home. This doesn’t need to be big, especially if you own a teacup Yorkie. Typically, this will cost you $30 to $200.
Leashes and Collars: New owners should also purchase leashes and collars for their Yorkie puppy. The leash is essential in puppy obedience training. In addition, the collar would serve as an identifier for your puppy. You can purchase both for $15 to $150.
Toys: Toys are essential in your puppy’s growth as they stimulate their minds and give them an avenue to spend their energy. You can buy them chew toys for the development of their gums and teeth, but you can also provide them with mentally stimulating toys. Durable toys usually cost $20 to $30.
Grooming Essentials: Yorkies have floor-length silky hair, which requires frequent grooming. A skin-sensitive and hypoallergenic shampoo, along with some other cleaning essentials for your Yorkie, will cost $30 to $150.
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: To prevent your dog from being infested with parasites, they need to receive preventive medications. Ask your vet for a prescription before buying any medication for your pooch. These would cost you around $50 to $200.
Initial Vet Visits: Some conditions can only be observed and diagnosed by professional veterinarians. You would need to visit a vet during the first few months of your pup to ensure that everything is going well with their development. On average, you will have to spend $100 to $300 for initial vet bills.
Initial Vaccine Shots: Your Yorkie would need initial vaccines for distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and rabies to ensure that they are in their best state. Often, these are already provided by the breeder, but if they’re not, expect that these shots will incur $75 to $200.
Neutering and Spaying: Neutering and spaying are necessary procedures if you do not plan to breed your dog. This would also help prevent aggression whether you have a male or female Yorkie. These cost $50 to $500.
Dog License: A dog license is an essential identifier for your puppy. If your Yorkshire puppy has an ID, you can easily track it if it gets lost. On the same note, if your dog accidentally bit a stranger or another pet, you’ll be easily contacted. Most municipalities provide a license to tiny dogs like the Yorkshire Terrier for a price range of $10 to $20.
Microchip: Microchip almost works similar to a dog license, but it is embedded in your puppy’s skin. Aside from identifying them, this is also helpful in finding your dog’s medical records. Microchipping costs $40 to $60.
Miscellaneous Supplies: You should also set aside a budget of $15 to $30 for your pup’s miscellaneous needs such as poop scoopers, potty bags, etc.
You can take a look at the table below to have a better look at the initial items you have to purchase on top of the Yorkie Terrier cost:
If you want to save some bucks when purchasing these initial items, make sure you look for the best deals and compare prices before settling for a particular brand.
Also, always choose the more expensive but quality items so you won’t have to repurchase them again and again.
Annual Costs of Owning a Yorkshire Terrier
If you really want to assess the expenses of a Yorkie in the long run, you would have to view it from an annual perspective.
Luckily, I have already listed the projected expenses of a Yorkshire Terrier in a year, assuming that all goes well and they do not need emergency treatments.
Aside from the basic recurring expenses such as food, toys, and grooming essentials, your dog will also benefit from pet insurance. In fact, even the healthiest puppies need to be insured.
There are two basic pet insurance accounts you can provide for your pet — Accident and Illnesses (AI) and Accident Only (AO) insurance.
The average premium health insurance in the United States may cost you around $500 to $600 annually. This already covers medical costs and emergency fees.
As for the routine veterinary care of your dog, you must prepare around $200 to $400. This is worth the investment since they will get an early diagnosis and get the chance to live beyond their lifespan.
Most dogs need a lot of medical care as they grow old. If you aren’t able to bring them to the vet religiously, their health issues will progress, as they won’t receive treatments right away.
Other Potential Expenses
The previous sections only list how much Yorkies cost and the items that are tagged as essentials for their initial year. In this part, you’ll read about some optional items or services that might contribute to your expenses.
Pet Walking Services: If you’re a dog owner who can’t walk your Yorkshire Terrier during the daytime because of a busy schedule, you might want to ask for the service of a dog walker. The average charge of a dog walker for an hour of service is around $30 to $50.
Daycare Services: Daycares for dogs act as boarding houses where you can leave them if you are going to a place where dogs are not allowed. Daycare centers have sleeping quarters and a playground where your dog can enjoy while you are away. Most daycares charge $20 to $30 per day on average.
Kennel Registrations: Yorkies are a natural crowd favorite. If you plan to let your Yorkie participate in dog shows, it must be registered with the American Kennel Club first. Registration in the American Kennel Club costs $80 to $90. Along with the dog show eligibility, your dog’s pedigree will also be documented.
Professional Grooming Services: Unless you are good at trimming hair and nails, you would surely need the help of a professional pet groomer. Yorkies grow lengthy hair which sometimes needs to be trimmed. Yorkshire grooming typically costs $30 to $40.
Training Classes: Yorkies can be stubborn sometimes, so you will need a professional trainer to handle it. The price range of the service of experienced trainers is around $40 to $120.
At some point, you’ll realize the sense of availing yourself of some of these services. I suggest that you save some of your budget for these potential expenses, so you’ll be ready when you need them.
Places to Find Yorkie Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Once you’ve already decided that the Yorkie is the dog breed for you, the next logical step is to find a breeder that can provide you with one.
But before doing that, check out our puppy buying guide for some tips on avoiding puppy scams. It will teach you how to identify unlicensed breeders, puppy mills, and backyard breeders from reputable ones.
Here are some of the top Yorkshire Terrier breeders you should contact:
Artistry Yorkies – This Michigan-based breeder has been in the business of breeding dogs, particularly Champion Yorkies, for quite some time now. They prioritize their puppy’s health and temperament, so they really screen the puppy’s parents for complications.
Empyrean Yorkies – This is one of the few licensed breeders that has been in the business since 1996. They are a recipient of the Ethical Yorkshire Terrier Breeder award in 2017 from TrainPetDog.com. They offer a year of health guarantee for ailments and other diseases.
TopKnot Yorkie – This breeder based in Washington has been producing Yorkies for 15 years now. Their Yorkies cost cheap because they aren’t really after profit. They breed both companion and show dogs, and they are very particular with their puppy’s bloodline.
Aside from the three listed above, you can also check out other licensed breeders from our directory.
Meanwhile, if you prefer adopting, there are a number of rescues and shelters that can provide you with an adult Yorkie. This is a noble and practical choice since you’re not only saving money but also a dog’s life.
Here are some Yorkie rescues you should contact for an available dog:
Yorkie Rescue of America – This non-profit founded in 2011 has already rescued and rehomed over 400 Yorkies in Los Angeles, California. They work on a foster scheme, which means their dogs get enough socialization and care prior to rehoming.
Save a Yorkie Rescue (SAY Rescue) – Since its inception in 2002, SAY Rescue has already saved over 2,500 Yorkies. They are primarily run by volunteers, and they have foster homes which look after their Yorkies for a certain period.
Yorkie911 Rescue – Aside from rescuing, this organization also rehabilitates the Yorkies under their care. They’ve been doing this since 2010, and so far, they have gotten positive results since most of their adopted Yorkies are rehomed right away.
There are some other sources that you can contact through our Yorkie rescue directory. To ace your applications, review our ultimate dog adoption guide for detailed tips.
Never purchase a pup from a puppy mill or a backyard breeder because they are notorious for breeding dogs for profit. Find a reputable breeder that markets purebred Yorkies at a reasonable price instead.
Money-Saving Tips for Yorkshire Terrier Owners
The cost for the first year of owning a Yorkie might rip off your savings. If you are really interested in owning one, you can try these simple money-saving tips to lessen the expenses you would need to pay.
Adopt, don’t shop. You can choose to adopt a Yorkie instead of buying a puppy from a breeder. Adoption has a much lower average price than purchasing. To illustrate, rescues only charge from $100 to $400. On the same note, adopting means saving the lives of two dogs; the one you’ll bring home and the one that will be put under the organization’s care because you have freed up one space
Train them yourself. Educate yourself about simple obedience training so you can train your Yorkie puppy yourself. There are a lot of helpful videos on the internet which could help you in training your dog. Seeking the help of professional trainers can be quite expensive, not to mention that it is quite hard to find someone that is really good at handling Yorkshire Terriers.
Keep them healthy. Make sure to maintain a healthy puppy by not missing any of the preventive medications mentioned above. If neglected, flea, heartworm, and tick infestation can lead to more severe complications. This means more expenses, obviously.
Find the best deals. Procure the puppy items that are cheaper but high-quality. Wait for a payday sale or check various online selling platforms to find the best deals. Buy in bulk as well because most shops offer promos when you buy by batch.
Groom them yourself. Trimming the nails of your furry companion could be learned, as well as simple hair trimming. There are tons of videos on YouTube that can teach you the basics of dog grooming. If you aren’t confident with your pet grooming skill, have someone train you at first. Once you feel like you have already gotten the hang of it, proceed to do it on your own.
I hope you find these tips helpful and effective. While there’s no guarantee that all of them will work for you, at least one or two will.
Final Thoughts
The Yorkshire Terrier cost might seem appalling, especially in the initial years.
However, you gradually see that these expensive puppies are worthy of their price as the favor is returned to you in the form of loyalty and companionship.
You’ve done the first step in owning a Yorkie by reading this article about the price and different types of breeders.
You can use all the information discussed above as a guide in choosing which breeder to buy from and how much you should expect to spend during your pup’s lifespan.
If you have any money-saving tips for cutting costs on the very high price of the pup, or you want to recommend reputable breeders that offer Yorkshire Terriers for a reasonable price, feel free to hit the comment box!
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