Nothing quite compares to the cuddly companionship of a fluffy puppy. Having a furry friend to love is one of life’s simple pleasures, which is why Yorkshire Terriers have become so popular over the years.
Yorkie puppies provide plenty of joy and eager snuggles… but are you prepared for their cost in 2023? How much is a Yorkie Puppy?
No matter your budget or lifestyle, understanding the price of Yorkshire Terrier puppies is key to being a responsible pup parent. From adoption fees to long-term care costs, it’s important to know how much a Yorkie puppy will cost you in 2023.
This article will help you understand the cost and provide resources for finding, owning, and loving your new pup!
How Much is a Yorkie Puppy?
It’s no secret that having a Yorkshire terrier puppy as a pet can be expensive. But exactly how much will you need to shell out to bring home one of these adorable pooches?
The average cost of a purebred Yorkie puppy in 2023 ranges from $800 to $1600. Of course, this price point isn’t set in stone and depends on color, age, and geographical location, with certain purebred Yorkies from a reputable breeder hitting upwards of $5000. Other costs—like shots and medical care—can also add to the final bill.
Then there’s the matter of adoption. Adopting an older Yorkshire terrier from a rescue is often significantly cheaper than buying from a breeder, with prices ranging from $250 to $300. While the saving can be attractive, weighing all your options when choosing to bring home your new furry companion is important.
Additional Costs of Owning a Yorkie Puppy
Now that you know about the purchase price of a Yorkshire terrier puppy, there are a few more costs to consider. It pays to prepare for unexpected medical bills, food, supplies, and additional training or grooming services.
Every year you’ll need to factor in:
- Vaccination and preventative health care: This should cost between $150-$300 if they’re up to date on their shots.
- Flea and heartworm medication: A yearly supply of flea and heartworm medication should be around $100.
- Grooming services: You can opt for monthly or quarterly grooming services with a professional groomer depending on your Yorkie’s fur condition. This could range from $30-$90 per session.
- Treats, chews, and toys: Keeping your pooch entertained shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg, but make sure you stock up on some quality treats! Expect to spend about $30 per month to keep them happy.
Any potential medical emergencies should also be considered when budgeting for your Yorkie pup’s care. All in all, it’s important to remember that these extra costs can quickly add up—so make sure you plan ahead!
Breed Information About Yorkshire Terriers
Knowing the breed information of a Yorkshire Terrier will help you determine if they’re the right pet for you. Here’s what you need to know:
American Kennel Club Breed Specifics
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small, toy-sized breed that the American Kennel Club (AKC) has officially recognized since 1886. This breed is known for its hypoallergenic coat, making it a great choice for those with allergies.
A show dog quality Yorkshire Terrier is defined by the AKC as being between 5 1/2 and 7 pounds, with a height of 11 1/2 to 15 inches. Yorkshire Terriers are considered one of the most intelligent breeds, with an average IQ of up to 20 points higher than other dogs in their size range.
Generally speaking, AKC registered purebred yorkie puppies are typically more expensive than those without papers due to their lineage being tracked back several generations through the AKC’s registration system. When buying a new pup from an ethical breeder make sure you ask about vaccinations and any health screening they have done prior to taking your new pet home!
Size
Yorkshire Terriers are small-sized dogs, with a height of 7-8 inches (18-20 cm) and an average weight of about 4-7 pounds (2-3 kg).
Weight
Their adorable size doesn’t mean they aren’t heavyweights. They may be tiny, but these pups are sturdy. Your Yorkie is more like a terrier, preferring active days over lounging around the sofa all day.
Coat
Yorkies don’t only come in one color. The most common mixes are black and tan, steel blue and tan, and solid black. They also have long, glossy coats requiring regular grooming to keep them looking their best.
Average Lifespan
Yorkshire Terriers are generally healthy little dogs that live between 12 and 15 years, which is a relatively long time in dog years. With proper nutrition, regular vet checkups, and plenty of exercise, your pup can live happily into its senior years.
Teacup Yorkies
Teacup Yorkies are among the most sought-after toy breeds, often preferred by those looking for a small companion dog. They are miniature versions of the Yorkshire Terrier and can weigh as little as 2 pounds when fully grown. As this breed is in high demand, their price range varies depending on various factors such as age and bloodline.
The average price for a teacup Yorkie puppy is around $1200 to $1800 in 2023; these puppies come with an expensive list of requirements due to their poor health and delicate size. Owners must be prepared for regular vet visits, spaying/neutering costs, grooming sessions, and other essential supplies, such as crates or beds that could cost up to $200 each. Furthermore, teacup Yorkies, require constant supervision and care as they can easily become injured due to their fragile nature.
How to Choose the Right Breeders for a Yorkie Puppy?
When getting a puppy, the Yorkshire Terrier breeders you choose are just as important as how much you spend. To avoid falling victim to puppy mills and unethical breeders, you must do your due diligence.
Research
Before you commit to any particular breeder, thoroughly research the name online. Check out online reviews, reach out to previous customers, and look out for any red flags like negative reviews on their customer service or the puppies’ overall health.
Documentation
Reputable breeders should provide proof of vaccinations and medical records of all their puppies. Also, look for an AKC licensed breeder who can provide official AKC papers.
Documents like these show that they care for their animals and only have healthy puppies for sale.
Choices
You choose to go to a backyard breeder or get your puppy from a licensed one. Backyard breeders are usually unlicensed hobbyists who aren’t as knowledgeable about breeding standards or health risks associated with certain dog breeds.
On the other hand, licensed breeders are regulated by an official body such as The Kennel Club and have a great deal of experience. Most have been in business for many years and produce high-quality puppies with excellent temperaments and physical features that meet the standards set by the Kennel Club and other organizations.
Tips for Caring for Your Yorkie Puppy
You’re now aware of the cost of bringing a Yorkshire Terrier into your home and the costs associated with keeping them healthy, so here are some tips to keep your Yorkshire Terrier puppy happy and healthy.
Diet
Yorkie puppies need a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals. Consider buying a specialized diet tailored specifically for Yorkies, as they have special nutritional needs that differ from other breeds. You should also feed them small portions several times a day since these puppies have delicate digestive systems.
Exercise
Yorkies are active, so they need plenty of exercise to stay healthy. A daily walk plus playtime should be enough for them to stay active, but you should also monitor their activity levels and adjust their routine accordingly.
Grooming
Grooming is very important for Yorkies as their hair can easily become matted, so regular brushing and combing are vital. You should also trim their nails regularly and bathe them, using mild shampoo once a week or as needed.
Every puppy needs training to be happy and healthy, so don’t forget to set aside time for this. Positive reinforcement works best on Yorkies—use treats or toys instead of physical punishments or verbal corrections when they make mistakes while learning new things.
Places to Find Yorkie Puppies for Sale and Adoption
When finding a Yorkie pup, there are several places you can look—breeders, shelters, and rescue organizations. Each will come with different costs, so let’s break down the different options:
Pet Breeder Prices
A pet breeder is at the top of the food chain for buying a Yorkie puppy. Of course, this won’t be cheap—on average; you’re looking at spending anywhere between $800 to $1,600 for one puppy. The price varies based on the breeding quality, health history, and age of the pup.
Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Another place you might want to look is at your local animal shelter or humane society. The cost of adopting a Yorkie from these establishments will be significantly less than from a breeder, generally around $$100-$$250 which usually covers spaying/neutering. Plus, you’ll be helping save an animal!
Rescue Organizations
Finally, rescue organizations specialize in rescuing Yorkies who have ended up in shelters and reclaiming them before they are put down. You won’t pay an adoption fee with these organizations—instead, they work off donations to keep their mission going.
Avoid Puppy Mills
We do not ever recommend buying from a puppy mill or backyard breeders. Puppy mills and unlicensed breeders often don’t have the puppy’s best interest in mind. keeping a healthy puppy is not a concern of theirs.
Tips to Save Money on Yorkie Puppies
Now that you know more about how much does a Yorkshire Terrier cost, here are some tips to save money on your new furry friend:
- Look for Yorkie rescues or shelters in your local area first. These organizations often have puppies that need a loving home, and the adoption fee is usually much lower than buying from a breeder. Additionally, you may be able to find an adult Yorkie who needs to be rehomed—an even less expensive option.
- Work with breeders that offer payment plans or financing options. Many breeders understand that this type of purchase can sometimes be out of reach for some people, and they want their puppies to go to good homes, so they sometimes set up arrangements to make it more affordable.
- Ask about discounts when purchasing multiple puppies at once from the same breeder. Sometimes breeders will offer discounts if you buy two or more at once, especially if they come from the same litter or parents and will stay together as siblings!
- Look for free or reduced-cost vaccines at a shelter or veterinarian’s office. Many shelters and some veterinarians offer vaccines at no charge, while others may offer them at a reduced cost.
- Ask about discounts when purchasing multiple puppies at once from the same breeder. Sometimes breeders will offer discounts if you buy two or more at once, especially if they come from the same litter or parents and will stay together as siblings!
- Buy your puppy from a reputable breeder. Before buying a puppy, research the breed and speak with the breeder about where they source their puppies. Reputable breeders can provide you with a complete history of the parents and guarantee that their puppies are free from any genetic disorders. Unlicensed breeders on the other hand
- Do not buy from a puppy mill! These yorkie pups often will have or develop serious health issues, which will drive up the costs considerably over their lifetime. If you do get one of these, we recommend purchasing pet insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Much Are Yorkie Puppies
When owning a Yorkshire Terrier, there are always plenty of questions. Here are the answers to some of the most common queries:
Is buying a Yorkie puppy costly?
Yes, they cost a fair amount—the average price for a Yorkie puppy in 2023 is between $800 and $1,600. In addition to this initial cost is the one-time expense for things like vaccinations, spaying or neutering, licenses, etc. Remember that these costs will vary depending on your city/state and the breeder from which you purchase your pup.
How do I care for my Yorkie puppy?
Caring for your new pup requires patience and skillful training—so be ready! For Yorkshire Terrier puppies, house training must be done consistently and with lots of love and attention.
Regular grooming sessions are vital for keeping the coat tangle-free and healthy. Lastly, ensure you take them out for regular walks and exercise sessions; Yorkshire terriers can quickly build up much energy if not given enough exercise time.
Conclusion
Owning a Yorkshire terrier is a big responsibility and commitment. Not only do you need to make sure you’re prepared financially, but you’re also ready to provide the love and care that comes with owning a pet.
If you’re looking to buy a Yorkie puppy, you’re looking at an initial expense of around $800 to $1,600, depending on factors such as the breeder, the gender, the age, and the dog’s health. On top of the puppy price, there are multiple other costs associated with owning a Yorkie, including food, grooming, and vet bills, but these will vary based on your lifestyle and budget.
All in all, a Yorkie puppy can make for a wonderful companion if you’re fully prepared and ready to commit to the ownership.
Still on the fence about the dog breed you want? Well, check out our dog breed guides here!
