Dog Prices

Yorkie Prices: How Much Do Yorkies Cost?

Have you considered a sweet Yorkie as your newest fur baby? If you are wondering about Yorkie prices, you are in the right place. We discuss what this breed costs to adopt and care for throughout their lives.

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Last Updated: December 6, 2023 | 10 min read

Puppy yorkshire terrier with pile of money and dog supplies

The Yorkshire Terrier, more commonly referred to as the Yorkie, is a favorite pup all over the world and is consistently one of the top breeds here in the United States. These tiny yet mighty pups are quite miniature, weighing just 5 to 7 pounds. Do not let the small size fool you, though. This little pup is a full-fledged diva. The Yorkie has a huge personality and, in most cases, a hefty price tag. Before adopting one of these gorgeous and sweet pups, it is a good idea to understand the factors influencing Yorkie prices and their expected care expenses.

A Yorkie will leave a massive impression on your heart, but they come with a substantial financial commitment. Along with the initial investment, these dogs will need regular care, veterinary services, and supplies throughout their lifespan. All dogs, regardless of breed, deserve the best care, nutrition, and home life their owners can provide.

No two Yorkies are alike, so their care needs and expenses will fluctuate. Some dogs will develop illnesses, get injured, or need special care, while others will always seem healthy. It is hard to know exactly how much any dog, including an adorable Yorkie pup, will cost, but there are some estimates, and expected costs owners can consider.

Yorkshire Terriers have Scottish roots. They descend from terrier-type dogs that Scottish weavers used to control vermin. These dogs were brought with the Scottish weavers when they moved to England in the early 1800s. The Yorkshire terrier was first named as a breed in 1870. They became trendy in the United States in the 1870s with upper-class wealthy women. It was discovered that the Yorkie makes the perfect purse dog, and now this breed is widely popular worldwide.

Yorkie Puppy Price

The average price for a high-quality Yorkie puppy from a reputable and responsible breeder can range between $500 and $4,000. This is a huge range. Companion dogs will generally be on the lower end, between $500 and $1,500. In some cases, Yorkshire Terrier puppy prices can reach as high as $10,000, but it should be noted that those are from high-quality champion lines that are bred specifically for pedigree. Those pups are not ones anyone will purchase for a companion. They are likely competition or breeder dogs.

Teacup Yorkies, which are slightly smaller than the traditional size, generally have a price tag between $1,000 and $3,000. Again, these tiny doggos can cost $5,000 or more, depending on their pedigree, if they are related to champion dogs and their purpose. Companion puppies are always less expensive.

Along with your puppy’s adoption fee, you will need to cover some supplies and costs immediately. These generally cost between $950 and $2,500. Adding that to the expected $1,500 adoption fee, you can expect to pay about $3.500 to $4,000 the first year. Your puppy’s first year of life will likely be the most expensive due to all the setup costs, adoption fees, and extra medical care she will need.

You can expect to spend anywhere from $75 to $250, or even $450+ monthly, to care for your Yorkie. That averages out to about $3,000 a year. These dogs live 13 to 16 years, so based on a 15-year lifespan, the lifetime cost of a Yorkie is around $49,000. To put this in perspective, Forbes reports that the lifetime costs of owning a small dog for 15 years run between $17,560 to over $93,520.

SuppliesAverage Cost
Food $30
Medical Care & Medications$50
Emergency Care$25
Pet Insurance$50
Grooming$100
Grooming Supplies$25
Dental Care$10
Nail Clipping$20
Walking$20
Training$50
Daycare/Boarding$50
Toys$15
Treats$10
Total$445

Factors Affecting The Price Of Puppies

Yorkie Dog Being Checked by Vet
Though some breeders sell puppies at a lower cost, they tend to cut corners by skipping health screenings and preventive treatments.

Breeder Quality

Breeder quality is one of the most significant factors in puppy prices. Responsible breeders provide a high level of care, perform screenings for health issues, and have a good reputation for healthy puppies. Breeding healthy animals cost more, which reflects in a puppy’s price tag. Though this may save money upfront, for owners, it often means more costs later on in life as this breed can develop health and behavior issues. It is always best to look at a breeder’s reputation, ask lots of questions, look at customer reviews, and ask to see health and training records for any dog you plan to adopt.

Bloodline

Along with breeder quality, bloodline is another significant factor in how expensive a puppy will be. Some breeders focus specifically on breeding the highest quality pups, which Will cost more. Puppies from a high-pedigree bloodline or descendants of show and competition champions will also cost more. Puppies of mixed bloodlines or lower pedigree will have a smaller adoption fee. If you are looking for a show-quality Yorkie, you can expect to pay a lot more than if you want a companion puppy.

Health

A puppy’s health also impacts the price tag. Although most purebred dogs are healthy, things can happen. Litter can get sick, and puppies can be born with hereditary health issues. If you come across a Yorkie puppy price that seems too good to be true, research before committing to anything. A very low price is a sign of an unhealthy puppy.

Coat Color & Texture

While this is not true for every breed, for the Yorkshire Terrier, coat, color, and texture are also factors in the price. Purebred Yorkshire Terriers are born black and tan and will eventually develop one of the four recognized color combinations. These are black and tan, black and gold, blue and tan, and blue and gold. Other color variations of the Yorkie include chocolate, white, and even multicolored. These are non-standard colors, which will impact the price. This is an area that can go either way. Some breeders may charge higher fees for standard-colored Yorkies, while others will charge more for variations because they are rarer dogs.

Purebred Yorkies have glossy, fine, silky coats. Those with a coat that is a little rougher or fluffier do not have the traditional coat, which can mean a lower price tag.

Location & Time Of Year

Where a breeder is geographically located can influence the price of a puppy. The cost of living in a breeder’s area, what expenses they incur when supporting mother dogs and puppies, and if there are other breeders in the area are all parts of the equation. In areas where there are more breeders, prices may be lower or be more competitive. If you’re adopting a dog from a breeder that lives far away, travel costs are added to the adoption fee.

The time of year also impacts the price of a puppy. People prefer to adopt new pets in the springtime. This means prices may be higher then. You may find a lower price tag if you want to adopt a puppy in the colder months. Because more people want to adopt puppies in the spring, breeders often work to have more puppies available then.

Age & Gender

Age can significantly impact the price tag of a Yorkie puppy. Younger puppies are often more expensive and are in higher demand. Most pet owners prefer to adopt dogs under six months old. Dogs that are older than a year are often less pricey. Most puppies are ready to go home around 8 weeks old and usually go quickly. However, if breeders cannot sell puppies, they may reduce the price.

Generally speaking, female Yorkie puppies are more expensive than males. This is because many owners hope to try breeding. Because females are in high demand, you may be able to get a deal on a male puppy. Most breeders will have restrictions on their puppies being used for breeding. You want to look into this before adopting a boy or girl puppy.

Costs For A Yorkie

Yorkie With Rope Toy
A Yorkie will require a significant initial investment for setup and supplies.

After the initial cost of adopting a puppy, the next most considerable expense is the supplies. Some supplies must be purchased before you bring your pup home, and others need to be replenished throughout her life. These include crates, puppy pads, food, leashes, collars, potty training supplies, toys, treats, grooming supplies, and more.

Supplies

We have created an estimate of your Yorkie puppy’s supplies. This is an estimate of supplies and costs and can also be a reference list for you to refer to make sure you have all the essentials. If you already own dogs, you may have some of these supplies on hand and can reuse them.

The great news with Yorkies is that they stay small throughout their entire lives, so you will not need to pay the extra cost of large or extra-large items. However, despite their small size, these little pups can be destructive, especially when they’re small puppies undergoing house training. You will need to periodically replace things like beds, toys, and crates and keep a good supply of food and treats on hand. As your dog ages, her nutritional needs will change, which can impact the amount you spend every month on dog food.

Another point to remember is that the quality of products and food owners purchase also impacts the price. Of course, we all want to provide the absolute best we can afford for our pets, but everyone is on a different budget. We are presenting an estimate of what those costs might be.

Professional Training

Not every dog will need professional training, but some do. Yorkies are incredibly friendly and very smart. They are generally easy to house, train, and teach basic skills. One thing to remember is that they are a terrier breed and can have an independent and stubborn streak. For this reason, leash training is critical, especially for a tiny little pup like this one. Training can cost anywhere from $20 a class to over $100 an hour for a private trainer.

Going to some puppy training classes and investing in socialization training is a valuable asset for dog owners. This is especially true for smaller breeds that are very independent. These dogs often get away with a lot of bad behavior because they are so small and cute. Allowing this to happen can create a disastrous situation. If you do not want a 7-pound dog to rule your life, consider some form of professional training to get things started right.

It is very important to crate train your Yorkie. This is for her own safety. These little pups can get into too much trouble, get injured, or get stuck in unsafe places when left home alone. They also suffer from separation anxiety, so crate training will be especially important.

Food

Yorkshire Terriers need a high-quality, well-balanced diet that is made up of both dry and wet food. The good news is that these dogs are tiny, meaning their food costs will be substantially lower than some other big breeds like the Great Dane or Golden Retriever. You can expect to spend about $20 to $50 on food and treats every month. For the Yorkie, this cost will generally be quality, not quantity. This is an advantage because as these pups eat less, owners are more inclined to buy more expensive food for them.

Higher-priced food tends to be made from better ingredients and is healthier for your dog. Remember that puppies, active adults, senior dogs, and those with digestive issues, skin concerns, diabetes, weight concerns, or other medical problems may need a special diet.

Veterinary Care & Insurance

All puppies must visit the vet several times for examinations and essential vaccinations throughout their first year. This usually takes place across three or four visits. In the case of a Yorkie, this may be stretched about longer due to her small size. In addition to vaccinations, your puppy will need heartworm and flea treatments. Additionally, in the first year, your dog must go through the spay and neuter process, which generally costs anywhere from $100 to $500. Saving $25 a month or so to put towards emergencies is also a wise idea. You never know when unexpected injury or illness will happen, and every little bit you can save helps.

These mini doggos are a very healthy breed and can live between 13 and 16 years. Regular veterinary care is critical to a long healthy life. The Yorkshire Terrier can also be prone to some health conditions, including low blood sugar, hypothyroidism, dental disease, cataracts, luxating patella, a collapsing trachea, and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. Unfortunately, this breed is also prone to a liver defect called a portosystemic shunt. In some cases, this condition will require costly surgery. Blood tests and screenings are available, so speak to your veterinarian at one of your pup’s first-year visits.

Because this breed is prone to some health conditions and is small, and can get injured easily, many pet parents consider pet insurance for their Yorkie. Depending on your plan, these can help cover unexpected emergency care costs.

Average Cost Of Yorkshire Terrier
Initial Puppy Price & Supplies$4,000
Yearly Costs$3,000
Minimum Lifetime Cost
$49,000

Additional Costs To Consider

Yorkie in sunglasses with plate of food
Along with food, care, and essential supplies, owners should consider some other costs.

These are not necessary for every dog but are something owners should budget for if they think they might use them.

Dog Walking

Yorkshire Terriers are a tiny breed, but they still need regular exercise. It is crucial to get them two short walks every day. If you cannot walk your dog outside daily, they need at least two outdoor play sessions. For some owners, this is not an issue. However, if you cannot give your pup regular physical exercise, professional dog walking services might be necessary.

The price of dog walking varies depending on your area, the services needed, and whether or not your dog is being walked alone. Most dog walkers will do group walks, which is fine for bigger dogs but might be dangerous for a smaller pup like the Yorkshire Terrier. You can expect to spend about $20 for every 30 minutes of group walking and a little bit more for an individual walk.

Grooming

Yorkies are well known for their silky, smooth coats. Though they are naturally soft and adorable, their coats need regular maintenance. Many paw parents are comfortable bathing and grooming their dogs at home, but there is no substitute for a nice trip to the salon. These dogs require daily grooming and bathing every three or four weeks. Some owners choose to cut their dog’s hair to make it more manageable. However, this will also require a trip to the salon every few weeks. Some owners will also ask for nail trimming, grinding, or even teeth cleaning if offered. You can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to over $100 per grooming session for your Yorkie.

Boarding & Doggie Day Care

Dog boarding will be an additional expense for paw parents who need to leave their pets overnight. This breed is prone to separation anxiety, and some owners will choose to use doggy daycare services. Overnight boarding generally ranges between $25 and $100 a night, and doggy daycare can run anywhere from $10 a day to $50 a day.

Fencing Your Yard

If you are bringing your pup home to a house with a yard, a good fence is something you may need to invest in. These dogs are very small and wickedly smart, so they will find ways to escape. Before bringing your Yorkshire Terrier pup home, make sure to inspect any outdoor area for possible escape routes, and make sure that your fence is solid and safe. Sometimes, breeders or shelters will ask for a fence inspection before allowing you to take your pup home. This is not a good breed to leave outside unattended, so take every safety precaution you can.

Final Thoughts

The Yorkshire Terrier is a wildly popular and beloved pet. Their small size, adorable features, and intelligent interactive personalities make them family favorites all over the world. Yorkies are not the least expensive dog a person can adopt. Initial adoption costs, setup expenses, and lifetime care can be pricey. According to our estimates, owners can expect to spend about $45,000 to $50,000 over the lifetime of one of these tiny little dogs. Though this seems on the higher end, it is fairly reasonable for a small, purebred dog like this one.

When deciding to adopt a dog of any breed, it is essential to do your research and consider the different factors. Any dog means a long-term financial commitment; owners must be prepared for that. Make sure to do diligent research so that you have a realistic understanding of what financial commitment you are making when bringing home a Yorkie.

Yorkie puppies growing in size

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