New to YT but I could really use your help!

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by apartmentgirL

My bf is still on the bang wagon. I guess he just is thinking ahead. Thanks, I will be sure to tell him a bigger dog is more expensive b/c he doesnt seem to think so. lol

Other than food, I'm not sure how a bigger dog would be any more expensive.

[apartmentgirL]

Originally Posted by SNCBOOM

I'm sort of in the same situation. I live with my girlfriend [we're 24 and 23 respectively]. I have never owned a small dog so she had to convince me. I have a Doberman that I love dearly. We are also in the process of finding a home and moving. I think that it's much more responsible to secure housing first. I can understand the budget concerns as pets are a fairly large expense. We have been doing our research for housing and yorkies. I think that it is probably best to make sure you find the apartment/house that you want that fulfills your needs FIRST. We're going to wait a few months until we're settled and have passed those unforeseen costs that come with a new rental/ownership. I think at the point, everyone has enough time to do thorough research and find a reputable breeder while making sure that everything on the homefront is going to be secure. I can't help but think that the costs associated with moving and new puppy ownership would probably more than overwhelm us. Just my opinion of course. Good luck to you two!

We are young also. We moved into our pet friendly apartment last month. So we still have enough time to look for another place that accepts pets. We have done so much homework..we're working as a team to decide whats bests. Thank You!

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by bonbon

Other than food, I'm not sure how a bigger dog would be any more expensive.

Lady is my first small dog and believe me, small dogs are much more expensive than big dogs! A little tummy upset in a big dog is no big deal. A small dog can dehydrate in 48 hours and have to be hospitalized and on an IV. Been there, done that several times.

Toy breeds are much more prone to injury because their bones are so delicate. Look at all the threads we have on broken legs which require several thousand dollars worth of surgery. Luxating patellas (slipped knee caps) are a problem in toy breeds, too. They can be genetic or be caused by jumping on and off furniture.

Pancreatitis is common in Yorkies. A tiny piece of ham or sausage can cause a episode and it is very serious. It usually requires hospitalization. Yorkies are especially prone to it.

Pancreatitis (Inflammation) in Dogs

It's good that you have come here beforehand and are asking for opinions. You will learn all the pros and cons so you and your BF can decide if now is the right time for a puppy and if a Yorkie is the right breed for you.

[hbrown0923]

We have recently gotten two puppies, which is not your case, but I just wanted to warn you that the initial cost can be quite a bit. We had a 85 lb lab before these pups so we had to get most everything new, except cages because we had them for all sizes. After the initial cost though it all depends on the dog and you. We have had them for a month and after the first week and besides the vet visits for their shots we have hardly spent any money. Another thing to help you out is that big dogs are A LOT more money. So I guess the expense of these little guys doesn't bother us. Big dogs go through so much more food and chews, etc. I just wanted to let you know that there is a difference in small and large dogs in general. Another tip from a person that just got puppies, check the breeders guarantee. Not only the guarantee in general but what it covers. When we got our guys home one had ear mites, which cost $7 to treat, no big deal, but she said to send her the bill. We weren't going to but our guys also had coccidia, which was not covered, and between the fecal samples and the meds it was like $35. So needless to say we sent the ear mite bill just because we had to pay for this other illness. This is an illness that a lot of puppies get and can be treated and they will be fine, but it was just the fact that we just paid for puppies and they were already sick. So just a little heads up to check up on that. When she told us when we were purchasing that coccidia was not covered we were like o, well I am sure they are fine, well they weren't. Anyway, they have been treated and are doing great...illness free!! Good luck with everything and enjoy your new pup! They are LOTS of fun!

[JenniferLeigh]

Originally Posted by apartmentgirL

My bf is still on the bang wagon. I guess he just is thinking ahead. Thanks, I will be sure to tell him a bigger dog is more expensive b/c he doesnt seem to think so. lol

Yes bigger dogs are more pricey.
Lexi's monthly food bill is generally around $50, while we spend over $140 for the 2 large dogs.

I rented for 4 years with dogs in 3 different homes. Finding a place that accepts pets can be challenging, especially in apartments. In some cases we needed to put down an extra deposit for the dogs. Also while talking to people I discovered that small dogs were generally more accepted than large breeds.

Also if you do find a place, make sure you get it put in your lease. My friend recently rented out a place because the landlord assured him he could get a dog, but a couple weeks before he was suppose to pick up the puppy, the landlord changed his mind.

You may want to consider pet insurance too. Not sure on the monthly cost of this, been meaning to get it but haven't yet.

It annoys me when I see people rehoming their pets because their landlord doesn't accept them. If you get a dog and are renting, you have to consider this possibility.

[BonBon]

Originally Posted by Ladymom

Lady is my first small dog and believe me, small dogs are much more expensive than big dogs! A little tummy upset in a big dog is no big deal. A small dog can dehydrate in 48 hours and have to be hospitalized and on an IV. Been there, done that several times.

Toy breeds are much more prone to injury because their bones are so delicate. Look at all the threads we have on broken legs which require several thousand dollars worth of surgery. Luxating patellas (slipped knee caps) are a problem in toy breeds, too. They can be genetic or be caused by jumping on and off furniture.

Pancreatitis is common in Yorkies. A tiny piece of ham or sausage can cause a episode and it is very serious. It usually requires hospitalization. Yorkies are especially prone to it.

Pancreatitis (Inflammation) in Dogs

It's good that you have come here beforehand and are asking for opinions. You will learn all the pros and cons so you and your BF can decide if now is the right time for a puppy and if a Yorkie is the right breed for you.

These are some of the issues I was thinking of, too. Thanks for the great info!

[ndyorkiemom]

I think it is wonderful that you and your boyfriend are working together on this... And I can see both points of view.
I have far more than just one or two Yorkies but, I wouldn't trade a single moment in my life since I found this wonderful breed.
Just to give you a rough idea of the costs of being OWNED BY A YORKIE I'll give you an idea of what just one of mine runs me.

Kibble: $45
Canned Food: $30
Shampoo and conditioner: $25
Shots: $42 (yearly)
Wormer: $45 (every three months)
Bed: $25 (twice a year)
Grooming: I do myself because it was costing me $30 a month to have it done.
Crate:$45
Annual Vet work ups: $780 (this includes xrays of the knees, hips and shoulders. Eye exams, teeth cleaning, and all blood tests I have done so it breaks down to about $65 per month.
Then this past year one of my babies got sick and needed emergency care and was hospitalized for 6 days. That bill ended up costing me $1600 plus the medications she had to be on for the following two weeks which cost me an extra $150 so the total was $1750 or broken down into months about $146
So breaking it all down and adding it together for a monthly cost for just one of my Yorkies I have a monthly expense of $375.91.

As for the park about the odor in the house, he does have a good point as Yorkies are very hard to house train due to their attitude, it takes a great deal of patience on your part not to mention consistency.

I wish you luck with what ever you decide to do and would caution you to really check the breeder you have choosen. Make sure what she expects of you as a future owner of one of her babies. Ask for references of past puppy owners and for those of her vet. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the contract this breeder uses, if you have any doubts talk to him/her about them before you buy your puppy. This will give you a good idea of the kind of care your future puppy has recieved before you get him/her.

Also be prepared to answer alot of questions yourself, I know I need to know all I can about the home that is possibly going to get one of my babies.
Make sure that you have a vet choosen (I always do vet ref. checks) as well as at least two or three personal references. This will give the breeder an idea into the type of person who is possibly getting one of their puppies.

[chachi]

The expenses add up, shots, vet visits, dentals, flea and heartworm meds that they need every month. Those are just ordinary expenses not emergency expenses

[ellaYORKIE]

Originally Posted by apartmentgirL

My bf is still on the bang wagon. I guess he just is thinking ahead. Thanks, I will be sure to tell him a bigger dog is more expensive b/c he doesnt seem to think so. lol

Oh boys, they can be so stubborn. =]

[gemy]

I tend to agree about the cost but what we do here is buy Canada Savings Bonds yearly. You probably in the USA have some sort of similar program. This forces a say $40 a month deduction that is applied to your bond purchase. You might consider holding off on purchasing this puppy until you put your first $500 aside. This bond is / will be used to cover emergency vet bills. So anywhere from 20-$30 a month for normal food, normal shots etc sounds good to me. If you get through the first two years without a major problem requiring expensive vet care then you will have $1000 plus interest to cover off emergencies. Also consider pet insurance but KNOW exactly what the insurance covers and what it doesn't. For example does it cover Xrays, emergency vet care, medications, annual vet visit -etc.

By the way we also purchase bonds yearly to cover Xmas gift giving - it means we rarely go over our "presents" budget.

It's good to hear that you two are looking forward and trying to plan for your puppy. It's sounds like you are going to be great owners.

[ellaYORKIE]

Originally Posted by bonbon

Other than food, I'm not sure how a bigger dog would be any more expensive.

Well if you take a small dog to the vet and get let's say a heart worm pill, mine are 6 pills for 25 dollars. For a big dog it will be more, those things vary on the size of the dog. There are many things that can make a large dog more pricey.

[gemy]

Originally Posted by bonbon

Other than food, I'm not sure how a bigger dog would be any more expensive.

Sure lots of ways large dogs are more expensive. Most med's are weight sensitive so you pay more for Heartworm medication etc. Many places won't take large dogs when you go on vacation - I'm talking hotels/motels, and some boarding places. And I hate to say this - but with a large dog obedience training is a must, small dogs like our Yorkies of course should be obedience trained -..but we tend to get away more with a little dog than a large dog. Take jumping up most regular folks don't get scared if a yorkie jumps up on their shin bone, but a big dog - no way!

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by chachi

The expenses add up, shots, vet visits, dentals, flea and heartworm meds that they need every month. Those are just ordinary expenses not emergency expenses

Yeah, it's those unexpected vet visits that will break the bank!

Just to stress again how important it is to get your Yorkie from a reputable breeder who is knowledgeable about genetics and screens her Yorkies for genetic health conditions Yorkies are prone to. Extensive health testing should be done prior to breeding, much more than a general physical done by the vet.

Another member just posted the results of the health survey done by the YTCA. It is frightening that more than 1/3 of Yorkies are born with a liver shunt or Legg-Perthes. Both these conditions require expensive surgery to correct.

Health Survey 2007

If you and your BF do decide to get a Yorkie, please, please research breeders very carefully. Due to their popularity, Yorkies are a favorite among backyard breeders and puppy mills. Too many newbies look for a bargain when buying a puppy and end up spending a fortune on vet bills over its lifetime.

[apartmentgirL]

Thank you guys. I have looked at everybody's point of view. Its a tough decision to make, and I have done my research people. I know that getting a dog is huge responsiblity and that it takes money to raise a dog ecspecially a healthy one. Its a very hard decision...Thanks for everyone's advice. We've decided to continue to go with the intial plan. We both really want to add a new addition to our "family." lol I think the expenses threw him off a little bit. I am glad that we took the time to discuss this matter before we jumped into something that is life changing for the both of us. It will be our first yorkie and were ready to be responsible, loving parents!! I can't wait. Question: Now where do I find all my new puppy goodies??

[Ladymom]

Originally Posted by apartmentgirL

Thank you guys. I have looked at everybody's point of view. Its a tough decision to make, and I have done my research people. I know that getting a dog is huge responsiblity and that it takes money to raise a dog ecspecially a healthy one. Its a very hard decision...Thanks for everyone's advice. We've decided to continue to go with the intial plan. We both really want to add a new addition to our "family." lol I think the expenses threw him off a little bit. I am glad that we took the time to discuss this matter before we jumped into something that is life changing for the both of us. It will be our first yorkie and were ready to be responsible, loving parents!! I can't wait. Question: Now where do I find all my new puppy goodies??

You will love being a Yorkie mommy!

May I suggest you concentrate on finding a responsible breeder first? That can be a real challenge with all the greeders out there. You are making a hopefully 15 year commitment so you want to make sure you get a puppy who will grow up to look and act like a Yorkie is supposed to and won't have major genetic health problems as he gets older.

The YTCA breeder's list is the best place to start:

Yorkshire Terrier Club of America

Then we will be happy to help you with the goodies.