How Much Does a Yorkie Cost?
Getting a dog does not mean you only have to pay for it one time upon acquisition. A pet parent needs to consider the living cost, medical fees, and other expenses ownership entails. One of the most sought-after breeds for a family dog is the Yorkshire Terrier. But how much does a Yorkie cost? Can you afford to take care of this little canine while also having enough for your personal expenses and family bills?
How Much Does a Yorkie Cost Upon Acquisition?
The cost of getting a Yorkie depends on where you get it from as well as the size of the dog. It typically ranges from $300 to as much as $10,000. When buying a Yorkie, or any dog breed, beware of unlicensed breeders. Though you can get a Yorkie puppy for a cheaper price, you are not sure of its lineage and health history. That is why the most recommended place to get a pet is from licensed responsible breeders.
The costs of a standard-sized Yorkie are the following:
- Shelter Price: $300 to $500 (some even less)
- Local Breeder without papers: $300 to $800
- Local Breeder with papers: $800 to $2,000
- AKC-Licensed Breeder: $1,200 to $2,000
- AKC Championship Bloodline: Up to $10,000
The costs for a Teacup Yorkie are as follows:
- Shelter Price: $300 to $500 (some even less)
- Local Breeder without papers: $1,200 to $2,000
- Local Breeder with papers: Not an official breed
- AKC-licensed Breeder: Not recognized by AKC
- AKC Championship Bloodline: Not recognized by AKC
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is the most revered breed registry in the world. So, if you want to get a pedigreed Yorkie that is considered the top of its class, then you need to shell out more than the average. The $10,000 price tag is too much for an average companion dog, but for those who want to care for a Yorkie that is meant for exclusive dog shows and competitions, you can invest in this expensive breed with a championship bloodline.
Is it Safe to Buy a Yorkie without Papers?
A Yorkshire Terrier cost from reputable breeders can offset anyone on a tight budget. The expensiveness of this breed is enough to deter those who can’t spend a lot on a canine companion. Thus, the next step is to check out a local Yorkshire Terrier breeder selling dogs without papers.
Local breeders sell Yorkies at a low cost and most often, the prices are still negotiable. While it is fine to purchase a Yorkie from a local breeder without papers, you need to practice your own due diligence. Search for a reputable breeder in your locality. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends and families, if possible.
Some breeders sell Yorkies for a lesser price due to various health concerns. If you are unsure of the health issues the Yorkie may have inherited from its ancestors, it is better not to get it. Otherwise, you will find yourself spending more on medical bills than you would have spent on getting a Yorkie with papers.
I Want a Yorkie, But Can’t Afford to Buy One
If you want to have a Yorkie badly, yet cannot afford to get one, consider adoption from a rescue shelter. There are many canine breeds to choose from. Rescue dogs need love and care from new families who won’t take them for granted.
If you also want to stay away from all the troubles of raising a pup, you can adopt an adult Yorkie from a local shelter instead. Just remember though, some Yorkies from shelters already have existing medical conditions that you need to be responsible for after adoption.
Factors that Affect the Price of Yorkies
As mentioned earlier, several things determine the price of Yorkies. Aside from the breeder and size, here are some other factors that affect Yorkie cost.
Bloodline
Lineage plays an integral role in how expensive a Yorkie can be. Just like there are different social statuses in the human world, it is also the same in the Yorkie breed. The most expensive Yorkie are those with elite champion bloodlines. So, if a Yorkie’s ancestors are well-bred champions, expect that it’ll cost you more.
Championship lines are often bred in the hopes to produce Yorkies with impressive characteristics. Some champion studs are flown abroad to mate with champion dams to procreate another generation of champions.
On the other hand, Yorkies that are a mixed breed with other canines do not cost as much since they are not considered purebred Yorkshire Terriers.
Health
A dog’s health is one key factor to determine the price. Yorkies with known conditions are more affordable to buy because breeders reduce their prices when selling. Always ask the breeder about the pup’s health history and thoroughly check health records, if possible.
Honest breeders will let you know of any concerns with the pup. Even if a Yorkie pup is born from healthy parents, there are rare occasions that anomalies and illnesses still develop. Be careful when purchasing your Yorkie since some less reputable breeders might attempt to hide the condition of the dogs, they are selling to make a higher profit.
Gender
Female Yorkies are more expensive than males. They cost around $300 to $500 more because they are in higher demand. Those who choose to buy female Yorkies might have the intent to breed them, but most breeders have a spay/neuter contract because they do not want their puppies to breed. Before purchasing a Yorkie, read the contract and confirm whether the dog has been spayed or neutered.
Coat Color
Yorkshire Terriers have four official color combinations recognized by the AKC: black and tan, black and gold, blue and gold, and blue and tan. Upon birth, however, a purebred Yorkie will only have black and tan fur. It will gradually change to one of the official colors as they grow older.
There are cases when a Yorkie develops a different color from the officially recognized ones. These non-standard color variations can be chocolate, white, or the very rare three-colored Yorkie with a brown, white, and red mixture. These unofficial colors are priced cheaper since they are not the standards. Some breeders, however, make this rarity an excuse to sell them at a higher cost.
Size
A Standard Yorkie Terrier is sized between 4 to 7lbs. Some breeders specializing in teacup Yorkies may sell them for a higher price considering their uniqueness. Be cautious when buying a teacup Yorkie since this tiny dog usually has more health issues than standard-sized Yorkies.
Location
Another thing that affects how much a Yorkie costs is from where you purchase it. Each country has different prices. In the United States, various states also have their corresponding price range. For instance, Yorkies sold in California may be cheaper than those sold in New York, or vice versa.
Other Expenses when Getting a Yorkie for the First-Time
Apart from the money you pay to get your hands on a Yorkie, you also have to consider the other expenses. These include food, grooming supplies, toys, and vaccinations. Some supplies only need to be paid for once, while others need to be replaced every a few years.
Some breeders sell Yorkies that have been spayed and neutered already. If not, you’ll have to pay this fee out of pocket and spend between $150 and $700 for the procedure. You may also get this for free if clinics or shelters are offering a free spaying/neutering service in your area.
Additionally, you’ll have to purchase supplies and other essentials that the dog needs to survive. A dog bed, toys, food and water bowls, a crate, as well as grooming kits should be purchased. It is better to invest in high-quality essentials that last long rather than getting cheaper products that will require replacement after a few months of use.
How Much Does a Yorkie Cost per Month?
Owning a dog, no matter the breed, does not come cheap. A responsible pet parent needs to be financially stable to support the dog’s needs every month. The average spending amount for a Yorkie’s monthly expenses ranges from $100 to $1200 or more depending on your Yorkie’s condition and your lifestyle.
Dog food won’t cost too much considering that Yorkie is a small breed. Thus, it will not eat as much as large breed dogs like Great Danes or Mastiffs. You may prepare your dog’s food, or you may also purchase commercially sold dog foods. Just ensure that what you feed your dog is nutritious and of the highest quality. The money you spend on food depends on what you serve your dog and the brand you prefer.
How much does a Yorkie cost when it comes to grooming? Hiring a professional groomer will elevate the monthly cost because they typically charge between $30 to $50 per grooming session. If you’re up for the challenge you can do the grooming yourself. Practice trimming their nails, bathing your dog, checking their ears, and cutting their hair.
Dogs need experience socialization during their puppy years. This will help them learn to deal with strangers properly. Though Yorkies are typically friendly and lovely, pups can get a little feisty at times. Training them does wonders to keep their behavior in check from biting to barking. You can train your dog yourself, but if you want to hire a professional trainer, you are looking to add an extra $50 to $200 to your dog’s monthly expenses.
Health Issues and How Expensive They Can Be
Yorkies are generally healthy. They have an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years. In some cases when a Yorkie suffers from an illness, however, it’ll cost you more. You do not need a monthly budget for a healthy puppy or a Yorkie that thriving at the peak of its lifespan. Unfortunately, that is not the case for a sick Yorkie that requires a vet visit every month or so.
For vet visits and medical check-ups, you might spend around $50 to $250 depending on what your dog suffers from and the frequency of the vet check-ups. You can scout affordable vets in your area too. Always check reviews from clients to know how great a vet clinic is.
You also need to factor in the medications and other treatments or procedures that the vet will prescribe for your pet. Sometimes, the vet will request laboratory procedures like x-rays and ultrasounds to help diagnose a health condition. These procedures can be extremely expensive if you do not have enough savings. X-rays range from $100 to $350, while ultrasounds are more costly at $250 to $500.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It?
There are many types of pet insurance coverage that help you offset your bills. Some, however, are not really recommended because they are not worth the high premium.
There is an accident-only insurance plan that covers emergency care for accidents, as well as treatment and tests for injuries. This plan works in scenarios when your dog is involved in an accident or injury like falling down the stairs.
The accident-illness coverage protects your pet from accidents and unexpected illnesses. They can also cover breed-specific conditions. However, the insurance does not pay for routine care, wellness exams, vaccines, and pre-existing conditions.
The accident-illness with wellness add-on covers everything mentioned above plus the addition of routine care expenses, vaccinations, and wellness exams. Again, it does not cover any pre-existing conditions.
Some experts do not recommend getting wellness coverage insurance since the cost of routine care is usually the same as your premium. The accident and illness coverage, however, lends you some peace of mind that your dog is covered should accidents, injuries, and other medical-related events happen to your pet.
If you are considering getting pet insurance for your Yorkie, pay attention to the cost of premiums, deductibles, and the exclusions of the insurance policy. Get yourself acquainted with the policy so that you’ll know whether you are maximizing the benefits it provides or not.