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Originally Posted by Nancy1999  I'm always worried when someone want a cheap Yorkie. I think you should know that Yorkies are a more expensive dog to own than other breeds. Because of their popularity, backyard breeders have come out of the woodwork, and Yorkies have many health problems due to overbreeding. Read the ER section to see some of the illnesses. It’s sad because so many people can’t afford the medical treatment that their Yorkies need. Finding a good breeder can save you money in the long run. Also, Yorkies have to go to the emergency room for things quite often, you just don't have the luxury of time when a Yorkie is vomiting, they can go downhill fast. They have more accidents; just jumping off a chair can cause them problems. Finally, they have many grooming needs that can cause serious problems if you don't groom them. Matting can be very painful for them if daily brushing/combining isn’t done. Of course, you can learn to do this at home, but you need equipment and products, all of which are expensive. Human shampoos won’t work and can cause expensive skin problems. Their teeth are their week spot and they are prone to tartar so dental care is a must some people have to have their Yorkies teeth cleaned every year and this is done under anesthesia, and it's costly. Daily brushing helps some, as well as chewing aids, but these things take time and cost money. A tube of Joey’s toothpaste is $17.00, you can buy cheaper toothpastes, but this has been shown to be effective in reducing tartar, so I’m going to use it, but it all adds up. Finally, many have sensitive tummies and are finicky about food, so even though they don’t eat much, their food can be expensive. |
Great information - and for those of us on rescue we can tell you how many we see that are in bad shape because owners weren't financially able to care for them properly!
My Benjamin is a shelter dog - I pulled him from a high kill shelter. He's already a senior and relatively health. Great, free yorkie right? WRONG! I have only had him a few weeks - here's my costs to give you an idea
- premium food (wet and dry) - $50
- Initial vet check, senior wellness panel, neuter, heartworm test, etc - $450
- follow up visit and meds when he started coughing - $150
- Groomer - $45
- supplies (toys, ID tag, collar, grooming supplies, etc) - $200
And that's not adding in things I already had such as bedding, a crate, etc or the $50 harness he proudly wears - that's just the basics! A good food will run you no less then $20 or so for a SMALL bag. Good wet food is generally at least $2-$3 a can.
And this was for an older Yorkie with no teeth, so I didn't have to worry about a dental - otherwise I'm sure a minimum of $500 extra for a dental would have been needed to be added in to that. I didn't need anything for him to chew on - and I had alot of things at home! This is just what I had to spend on what I didn't have or things he needed. And I consider it $900 well spent! I also have already bought an insurance plan for him - something I highly recommend, and have an account I won't touch that I only use for emergency expenses. I keep at least $1000 in there at all times! $1000 - $1500 may seem like alot - but if you can't afford that, you probably can't afford a Yorkie. Rescue shouldn't be looked at as a way to get a cheaper dog - often they're badly bred, and prone to more health issues then a dog purchased from a reputable, health-concious breeder. I choose to have my rescues because I well know the expenses can be extreme and I rather care for a dog others wouldn't or couldn't provide for. I am in no way saying you shouldn't rescue - quite the opposite, rescues are wonderful, and you can get healthy dogs from rescue - but just be aware seldom is health and genetic background known so you MUST be prepared for vet bills - wither you rescue or buy!