Yorkshire Terrier Purchase Prices by Source
| Source | Price Range | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reputable Breeder (Pet) | $800-$1,500 | Health tested, socialized, support | Higher upfront cost |
| Reputable Breeder (Breeding) | $2,000-$4,000 | Top genetics, breeding rights | Very expensive |
| Reputable Breeder (Show) | $3,000-$10,000+ | Championship bloodlines | Extremely expensive |
| Backyard Breeder | $300-$800 | Cheap | No health testing, high risk |
| Pet Store | $1,500-$3,500 | Immediate availability | Puppy mill source, expensive |
| Rescue/Shelter | $200-$500 | Affordable, save a life | Adult dogs, unknown history |
Why Prices Vary So Much
- Health testing costs: OFA, cardiac, eye exams, genetic panels ($800-1,500 per breeding dog)
- Breeding costs: Stud fees ($500-2,000), prenatal care, C-sections ($1,500-5,000)
- Puppy care: Vaccines, vet checks, microchipping, deworming ($300-500 per litter)
- Quality of parents: Champion bloodlines command premium prices
- Breeder reputation: Established breeders charge more
- Location: Urban areas (CA, NY) cost 20-30% more than rural
First-Year Costs: What to Budget
Total First-Year Cost Breakdown
One-Time Setup Costs (First Year Only)
- Crate (24" or 30"): $30-80
- Food/water bowls: $15-40 (stainless steel recommended)
- Collar and leash: $20-50
- Harness: $20-40 (safer than collar for Yorkies)
- Dog bed: $30-80
- Toys (initial set): $30-60
- Grooming supplies: Slicker brush ($15), comb ($10), nail clippers ($15)
- Pee pads (if house training): $25-50 for first batch
Initial Veterinary Costs
- First wellness exam: $50-100
- Puppy vaccine series (3 visits): $75-150 total
- Rabies vaccine: $15-25
- Fecal test & deworming: $30-50
- Spay/neuter (6 months): $200-500 depending on sex and location
- Microchip: $45-75
Annual Ongoing Costs
Average Annual Budget (Years 2-15)
Monthly Budget Breakdown
- Food: $15-35/month (high-quality small breed formula)
- Grooming: $40-70/month (professional grooming every 4-6 weeks)
- Preventatives: $15-25/month (flea, tick, heartworm combo)
- Treats & toys: $10-25/month
- Pet insurance: $25-50/month (if you choose it)
- Vet savings fund: $25-50/month (for emergencies)
Average Monthly: $130-255 (without insurance) or $155-305 (with insurance)
Unexpected Costs to Budget For
Medical Emergencies & Health Issues
- Emergency vet visit: $200-500 just for exam
- Dental cleaning: $300-800 (needed every 1-3 years)
- Luxating patella surgery: $1,500-3,000 per knee (common in Yorkies)
- Liver shunt surgery: $3,000-7,000 (genetic condition)
- Tracheal collapse treatment: $500-3,000 depending on severity
- Broken leg: $1,500-4,000 (Yorkies are fragile)
💡 Emergency Fund Recommendation
Keep $1,000-2,000 emergency fund or get pet insurance ($25-50/month). Yorkies are prone to: luxating patellas, tracheal collapse, hypoglycemia, dental disease, and injuries from falls. One emergency can cost more than the puppy purchase price.
Other Potential Expenses
- Boarding/pet sitting: $25-75 per day when traveling
- Dog walking service: $15-30 per walk if needed
- Training classes: $100-300 for obedience or behavior issues
- Replacement supplies: Harness breaks, toys destroyed, bed replacement
- Home damage: Chewed furniture, potty accidents on carpet
Lifetime Cost of Owning a Yorkie
15-Year Lifetime Cost Estimate
This assumes average lifespan of 15 years and moderate spending. Can range $18,000-$40,000+ depending on health issues and lifestyle choices.
Cost Comparison: Yorkie vs Other Breeds (15 years)
- Yorkshire Terrier: $18,000-$30,000
- Labrador Retriever: $20,000-$35,000 (eats more, bigger vet bills)
- Chihuahua: $15,000-$25,000 (similar to Yorkie)
- Golden Retriever: $22,000-$38,000 (more food, health issues)
- French Bulldog: $25,000-$45,000 (expensive health problems)
Yorkies are mid-range cost. Small size keeps food/medicine cheaper, but grooming and dental care are expensive.
How to Save Money on Yorkie Ownership
Smart Cost-Cutting Strategies
- Learn to groom at home: Saves $500-800/year (still need professional occasionally)
- Buy quality food in bulk: 20-30% savings vs small bags
- Preventative care: Annual checkups prevent expensive emergencies
- Dental care at home: Daily brushing reduces need for $500 cleanings
- Pet insurance: Can save thousands on emergencies (pay $300-600/year, covered for 80% of big bills)
- DIY toys: Make toys from safe household items
- CareCredit: 0% financing for vet bills if needed
Where NOT to Cut Costs
- Don't buy cheap puppy: $500 saved upfront = $5,000+ in vet bills from genetic issues
- Don't skip vet visits: Prevention cheaper than treatment
- Don't buy cheapest food: Poor nutrition causes expensive health problems
- Don't skip heartworm prevention: Treatment costs $1,000-1,800 vs $15/month prevention
Common Questions
Why are Yorkies so expensive?
Responsible breeders invest $2,000-3,000 per litter in: health testing breeding dogs ($800-1,500), stud fees ($500-2,000), prenatal care, C-sections (50%+ of Yorkie births need C-section at $1,500-5,000), and puppy care. Litters are small (3-5 puppies average). These costs must be recovered. Cheap Yorkies mean corners were cut on health testing or puppy care.
Can I find a Yorkie for under $500?
Only from rescues ($200-500 adoption fee) or backyard breeders/puppy mills. If someone is selling "purebred Yorkie puppies" for $300-500, they did NOT health test parents, likely bred unhealthy dogs, and puppies may have serious genetic problems. You'll pay more in vet bills than you saved. Rescues are the only legitimate under-$500 option.
Is pet insurance worth it for Yorkies?
Often yes. Yorkies are prone to: luxating patellas ($1,500-3,000 per knee), tracheal collapse ($500-3,000), liver shunts ($3,000-7,000), dental disease, and injuries from falls. One major issue can cost $3,000-7,000. Insurance costs $300-600/year and covers 70-90% of eligible expenses. Worth it if you can't afford $3,000+ surprise bill.
What's the difference between $800 and $3,000 Yorkies?
$800-1,500 = Pet quality from responsible breeder. Healthy parents, health tested, socialized, but may have minor cosmetic flaws. Perfect for pet homes. $2,000-4,000 = Breeding quality. Comes with breeding rights, excellent conformation. $3,000-10,000 = Show quality from champion bloodlines. Competition-level conformation and temperament. All three are healthy - difference is show potential, not health.
Find Transparent Breeders
Our directory features Green Flag breeders who:
- Clearly list prices and what's included (vaccines, microchip, health guarantee)
- Explain additional costs before purchase
- Provide health testing documentation
- Offer lifetime breeder support
- No hidden fees or surprise charges