Yorkie "Start Up" Fees

[Smarty Bones]

Hi everyone, I'm pretty new here, and a bit shy so I haven't put up an introduction yet (While I adore Yorkies, I don't have my own pup yet, so I lurked for a long time before joining). I came out of the closet a couple of weeks ago because I really wanted to become part of this amazing, caring community, and I hope I can contribute in some small way, as well.

I'm a graduate student saving up for my first yorkie, which I hope to get next summer. I want to be responsible and learn as much as I can about the breed and caring for my baby before I get him. To that end, I was hoping you could share insight on a ballpark amount I should save before looking for a little boy. I will not get him until I am sure I can care for him in all respects over the next 10-15 years. I've read the "Puppy Care Guide" and a lot of the resource guides here to get a sense of what will be required in the first couple of years.

I know things vary so much based on region, breeder and vet, but I hope to get a sense of "start up" costs for the first year of a yorkie's life. (From purchasing him, to vet care & neutering, to quality food, crate/xpen/toys etc). I will likely get a male puppy* from a breeder (~$1000?) -- While I very much hope to be a Yorkie rescue mom down the road, I understand that many rescues that I have gotten to know prefer that pups go to yorkie-experienced families, which absolutely makes sense.

Thanks so much for your time and insight...It's a long way off till I get him, but I love researching yorkies and spending time here!

Shana

*I want a little boy because I spend a lot of time my brother's female beagle mix, who's my little diva

[2Parises]

Welcome out of the closet and to YT!!!

Sounds like you are on the right track. This is an amazing group of people.

Cheers,
Lorene

[KNoelleV]

You are an incredibly smart woman for doing your research!! You are also smart for wanting to gather as much information as you can!!

I know you will receive a lot of wonderful answers, but I wanted to add my little suggestions...

I would start off looking at breeders, getting to know a few breeders, and plan on an average amount that they sell their babies for. Then, I would suggest calling some Vets in your area, or gathering some references to a few Vets and call or visit (most Vets will let you come by and visit/view the Clinic before hand) and you can ask them their Vet fees, food suggestions, etc.

Once you have gathered information directly from a few sources, you will be able to gather a more definite amount you will be needing to save up for a Yorkie. Getting estimates on here is a great idea! But, by going directly to the Vets and Breeders, I feel you will be a bit more set for your little one!!

Welcome to YT!! And Good Luck on your search!!

[Ladymom]

The "start up" money is very little compared to what a dog will cost over the course of it's lifetime. Here's a great breakdown of those costs:

The Cost of Owning a Dog

The most important thing to focus on is getting a healthy puppy. "Bargain" puppies can rack up thousands of dollars in vet bills, sometimes right away. Yorkies are prone to liver shunts and luxating patellas which cost thousands to surgically correct. It's essential to find a breeder who is knowledgable about genetics and health tests her breeding dogs to make sure they don't pass genetic conditions on to their offspring. Since Yorkies are so popular, too many people who don't know what they are doing are breeding them.

I'm glad you joined YT. If you stick around, you will learn a lot about finding a reputable breeder when the time comes to get your little boy.

[cesar49]

doggy friendly floors.. fencing..security measures..
unexpected vet visits.. grooming supplies...
training ...time involved.. cleaning up after them...
the best toys and dingo bones...
healthy food.. time involved... these are all important
issues when owning dogs..
but its all worth it

[Wylie's Mom]

WELCOME to YT - I'm so glad you will "soon" be a yorkie Mama bc you will obviously be a great one!

[jfalz73]

Welcome to YT! Good for you....doing your homework! This is a great site to learn all you can about the breed. Books are a good resource, but, here you have first hand experience from other Yorkie owners to go by as well! Good luck to you when you begin your search for your furbaby!

[missj2007]

Shana I think it is awesome you have done research and is saving up for your furbaby. I know I also did research before adopting Poppy. I thinks boys are adorable and soooo affectionate. I am glad you want a boy. I wish you the best on your search when you start. The information that has been given to you is sooo valuable. I wish you the best soon to be yorkie mom!

[jadecomputergal]

You sound like you'll be a great mom! When I got my first one, I did a lot of reading and looking around, but then I was gone once I saw her. She was $1200.

Yorkies aren't that expensive other than the cost of the puppy, IF you get a healthy one. Even if you feed a very high-quality food, the cost is neglible because they really don't eat that much. Their vet bills are going to be about the same as any other dog since they have the same shots and altering procedures IF you get a healthy one. (I keep saying IF because I'm about to have a $6,000 dog. Another of mine may turn out the same.)

Please don't go for the teeny tiny ones. Get a nice, healthy puppy that will come to at least five pounds adult weight. They will love you more than you can imagine, and you will love them just as much. They will sit at your feet and stare at you, and you know they're thinking, "Hello, I'm here. Can I be picked up now? I love you so much. Do you love me? It would be great to be picked up!" This will happen even if it was just ten minutes ago that you put them down. They LOVE their people like I have never seen another dog love its people.

I wouldn't stress over toy costs. If you know you're getting one in the future, just start looking at clearance items when you go to stores, and look on the forums here. I have a red stuffed toy with a squeaker in it that cost me $2 and looks like a bone, and they're scuffling over that right now. The $15 toy is laying there ignored. They're very curious and love things that amuse them, but they aren't very hard to please. Mine will play with an empty box if I set it in the floor.

You also may as well go ahead and price two, because they're addictive and it's very difficult to have just one of them. They're just so much love and affection that it's hard to stop at one (two, three, four).

[jadecomputergal]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

The "start up" money is very little compared to what a dog will cost over the course of it's lifetime. Here's a great breakdown of those costs:

The Cost of Owning a Dog

The most important thing to focus on is getting a healthy puppy. "Bargain" puppies can rack up thousands of dollars in vet bills, sometimes right away. Yorkies are prone to liver shunts and luxating patellas which cost thousands to surgically correct. It's essential to find a breeder who is knowledgable about genetics and health tests her breeding dogs to make sure they don't pass genetic conditions on to their offspring. Since Yorkies are so popular, too many people who don't know what they are doing are breeding them.

I'm glad you joined YT. If you stick around, you will learn a lot about finding a reputable breeder when the time comes to get your little boy.

I should have read her post before I posted mine. I have one that has PSS (liver shunt) and another that was a rescue that has luxating patellas. The one with PSS is the one having the surgery. The other will need surgery if she becomes clinical when she gets older. (Yes, I knew it when I got her.) I just lost it when I saw her. She was full grown and only two pounds, and my heart just melted. I had to get her away, and it's people who do things like what I did that keep puppy mills in business. I was chastised for it on this forum, and for good reason. She's the sweetest dog I have, and the only one that's fully paper-trained, but she can't sit for a treat like the others. If she does end up becoming clinical and needing surgery, it's going to cost around $3,000, and that's not even the worst of it. It's a very long convalescence period (up to two months) that they have to have their little legs in casts and can't even walk. I was horrified when I found that out.

[alishasmom]

Welcome to YT . I am glad you are doing your homework. I did the same thing. It takes a while to find exactly what you want. It took me over a year, and I wasn't nesesarely looking for a yorkie, but the perfect pet. Remember, a high price is not always a synonyme of perfect health. Consider getting an older or young yorkie, because they would be more economical, and there is not gessing game. You will know how big, and how is the coat right away. I found some in petfinder, the foster mom wrote me back and, and said that as long as my aplication is aproved, I will get the one I want. That is a good option for you I think. Also, I dont think that good dog food is expensive. You can by them in bulk, and yorkies dont eat that much. For toys beds , toys and carrier's, I go to big lots. Also, it's good to have pet insurance. Ask your local vet, before buying a good insurance. good luck

[alishasmom]

I forgot to tell you, about the training aid, and grooming suplys. They become more expensive, than anything else

[KimberlySRN]

Welcome to yorkie talk!

We just brought Suri home recently.
I would recommend looking for a vet and groomer now. Get references from other yorkie owners as a small breed dog is its own category. Many vets offer puppy packages that include check ups, fecal exams, vaccinations etc...
Finding a vet that is familiar with small breeds will enable your pup to be effectively and safely treated.
Other costs include X pens, which you should look for now also. Many times you can find them on sale or clearance. I have been collecting for Suri for over a year and she has more than enough.

[Mayas Mommy]

Hi and Welcome to YT ....

[Sunnie]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

The "start up" money is very little compared to what a dog will cost over the course of it's lifetime. Here's a great breakdown of those costs:

The Cost of Owning a Dog

The most important thing to focus on is getting a healthy puppy. "Bargain" puppies can rack up thousands of dollars in vet bills, sometimes right away. Yorkies are prone to liver shunts and luxating patellas which cost thousands to surgically correct. It's essential to find a breeder who is knowledgable about genetics and health tests her breeding dogs to make sure they don't pass genetic conditions on to their offspring. Since Yorkies are so popular, too many people who don't know what they are doing are breeding them.

I'm glad you joined YT. If you stick around, you will learn a lot about finding a reputable breeder when the time comes to get your little boy.

I love that link. It really breaks down the costs especially for the first year. This list can really help someone figure out where they can save some of the costs. (you can watch for discounted costs for spay/nueter (many towns have a yearly low cost spay/nueter clinic) most towns or vets offices have discounted cost for vaccinations at least one day per month) Some items you can buy ahead of time (like bowls, beds, etc) so you can spread the costs out a bit. Look for bargains on ebay or craigs list, or even from friends who may have things like strollers, ex-pens, etc) If you start picking up some of the little things now, you will be all set when you finally get your baby.