[MyFairLacy]

Originally Posted by fbmom

Thanks for sharing - I'm new owner - actually I have a yorkiechi that I got before I knew much about yorkies. Daisy was a total impulse buy (I should be ashamed to admit) but my baby was leaving for college, and I saw this precious furbaby to help ease the pain - and she is a blessing. It's been very educational for me to read this website. I have a question for ya'll.

I have had boxers -(a wonderful breed) and I purchased healthy dogs that have lived long lives for boxers 12-13 years for about $500. Is it possible to purchase a healthy purebred yorkie for this price? I'm flabbergasted by the prices I see on the internet.

It's very unlikely that you will find one from a reputable breeder for that price, although not necessarily impossible. Reputable breeders put so much time and money into their dogs - paying for their dogs & normal maintenance costs, genetic screening tests, showing costs, and puppy care. And you have to remember that yorkies have small litters - normally 2-4 on average. I have heard of some reputable show breeders placing pet puppies for less than $1000 but most are usually between $1000 and $2000. These breeders occasionally retire their adult dogs, have them spayed/neutered, and place them in pet homes for a minimal cost.

Now, so far as getting a healthy yorkie for $500 or less - yes, it's definitely possible. But if you go out searching for the cheapest yorkies you can find and buy from backyard breeders who breed any two dogs together, don't do health testing, etc...then it's basically a crapshoot..you may or may not get a healthy dog. That's why it's better to look for a reputable breeder and pay more up front to get a healthy dog. You may spend $500 for a puppy from a byb and it end up with a genetic issue that costs you thousands in vet bills, whereas if you pay more up from from a reputable breeder the liklihood of getting a healthy puppy is much better - saving vet bills in the long run