cost of yorkie....
 

I have searched the internet looking at yorkies... I see some for $400 and then there are some for $2000 that one would have to travel out of state to get... so my question is on the average, what should a yorkie cost???:confused::confused::confused:

I paid about $1400 for my Yorkie, but I purchased from a puppy mill pet store in the mall. I just couldn't leave her there. She was so young and I had an instant bond..


When you are calculating cost don't forget to add in the cost of multiple vet visits their first year of life + costs of vaccines and the spay/neuter. Also think about dog food, dog beds, crates, etc along with grooming costs. When I got my puppy I did not think about those things and I really messed up my budget. We made it work of course but it was rough. Next time I will be fully prepared with costs.

I am new to this site but I will answer your question and probably offend half the people on here. Do your research. First off, there are no "teacup" yorkies. AKC standards states that a yorkie must not exceed 7 pounds. If a person is breeding yorkies under 3 pounds they have a possibility of having hyporglycemia, portal shunt issues and a shorter life span. That means vet bills. That said, some people like to breed small, call them "Tea Cup" and raise the price to $2,000 or more. You can purchase a quality yorkie for less than $1,000 easy. It depends what you are looking for. Do you want to breed, show, have a perfect loving lap dog. That will determine your price. Most top breeders that care about the dogs will only give a restricted registration unless you show proof of spay/neutering. This is to protect them from ending up in puppy mill situations. If you are not going to champion the dog and want a good pet; a reliable breeders will sell you a pet quality yorkie with restricted AKC papers anywhere from $400 to $1,000. You should interact with the parents, learn there temperament and health history. To me, that is more important than entering the "smallest yorkie" competition and shelling out a couple thousand.

I should also mention that "pet quality" means they do not meet the exact AKC standards. They are not winning the dog shows. Maybe there ears are to close together/to far apart, maybe they are to small (usually under 3 pounds), or they hold there tail wrong. They stand with their feet turned in or out etc. Any small flaw. For a pet they are awesome.

That's the million dollar question.

You could spend $2,000 or more and buy a sickly Yorkie from a disreputable breeder, or you could spend $400 and luck out and get a great healthy pet from someone who breeds out of their home. In other words, it's not how much you spend but how seriously the breeder takes their job and how knowledgeable they are.

My only advice is to research the breed, research breeders and research the specific line of dogs in a breeder's litter.

What do I expect from a breeder? I expect them to be breeding healthy dogs with the intention of improving the breed. I want to see a track record of healthy dogs. I want to see the parents and see if they are the general size and coloring I'm interested in. And, for me most importantly, I want them to assure me that they place a premium on socializing the puppies before they leave the litter. I expect them to keep the puppies for 12 weeks before releasing them to ensure proper socialization. And I expect them to check out my qualifications as an owner and to offer assistance in the future.

For all that -- if I knew I had the very best -- I would expect to pay up to $2,000 for a pet-quality Yorkie, not a showdog.

If that's too much, consider a rescue. Check with your local shelter regularly and look for Yorkie pup or adult.

Good luck. It's not easy and there are no sure things.

Alaskayorkie has given great advice. I also think one of the cost factors are the area you are purchasing from. In my area, $1500 for one is the highest I have seen. But I also have seen them as low as $100. Usually from a puppy mill. :(. Listen to Alaskayorkies advice. Do your research. Just noticed you are from Oklahoma. Watch for puppy mills. They are common in both our areas.

My little guy was 600$ canadian from an online ad.

Thanks guys for all the great advise... in part of purchasing the puppy, I have added in the extra expenses and supplies one would need for the furbaby (including a spreadsheet), along with getting fix, anything that has four legs and fur gets fixed here. We don't plan on breeding or showing the little thing, just a lap baby for me.

Lap babies are the best! I have two lap babies! A little spoiled but that's ok!

Its a hard question to answer because prices are different in different places. You wanna make sure that the pup's parents have had health and genetic testing on them, that they are free of LP, that the pup is AKC registered, that the breeder is not breeding mixes or lots of dogs at one times, that the breeder isn't letting the pups go before 12 weeks, that the breeder is not housing her dogs in outside buildings, and that the breeder is following the YTCA. My yorkie who ended up coming from a broker (didn't know better) and the broker got there pups from a puppy mill and she cost me $1,000 so price doesn't guarantee a good bred pup. Plus she was sick and that cost even more money plus puppy shots and wellness visits. Also make sure when saving money that you are also saving enough to keep in an account for emergency's because they do happen and can cost a lot of money.

hello and welcome. This advice is right on point. Research. Good luck

Didn't offend me, I agree with this post! Most people cannot even see the "faults" in a pet quality yorkie that a show breeder thinks they can't champion, and most of these dogs are gonna be better looking that what your average byb is breeding.

Alaskayorkie doesn't post advise much. He's always just posting jokes and bans. :rolleyes: But every once in a while he posts advice and it's always good advice. Listen to this guy!

My Dallas cost $ 90 (hard to remember the exact dollar figure) from the pound. He came with his shots, micro chip, neuter, a free vet visit, and some other goodies. He is the light of my life, and in my opinion the handsomest boy in the world.

My new biewer cost four figures and came with one set of puppy shots and wormer (vet said first set didn't take because he was too young) some paperwork from Germany which means nothing to me and a blanket. All shots, neuters, microchips and so on are on my dime! I am glad Dallas likes his new play toy/brother......... he's not getting another one.

I think you can find a good pet quality pup from a reputable breeder between 800.00-1,200.00 easy.

We got our baby off craigslist for $200 plus $75 for her accesories. She is a teapot yorkie. Some lady didnt have time for her anymore. We are so lucky because she is a sweet loving, playful, and healthy girl. Just came back from vet today..she is as healthy as can be. We love her so much.

Zeus' adoption fee was $300. But, again, he was adopted.

I would research breeders. You may luck out and Find a Backyard breeder who cares about there pet And not pay much. But I would find that slim. Because if they cared about the breed they wouldn't just breed them for $$. But the same can go for a person who Shows there dog. Constantly breeding many dog to find the "winning" dog. I paid $1500 for My Pup. He was pet quality. The Sire and Dam are Both Nation Champions. So Imo depending on your area if your paying $2k + to much imo. I bought for health. I don't care about Showing. I know what his "Flaws" are in Conformance. But he makes up with smarts. But you also need $$ for Unexpected Vet bills . I spend $200 in one Month just on Bees stings.

I also meant to say over $2k is to much under spay or neuter contract. IMO
But if you get breeding rights and are willing to take the responsibility then I would think that would be to much. Just so may ppl want so much for crappy breeding.
Pound for Pound Yorkies are expensive compared to another dogs with equal breeding. JMO

I have 3...my first costing 1000. second 1300. (from the same breeder) and our little man 1800. they all came with papers which didn't matter to me because they are all spayed/neutered. the only one that came with a health guarantee was our little man. my next door neighbor bought one from someone that "just wanted to breed" for 400.00...In my area the cost, normally, is between 1000. and 1500.

Alaskayorkie is right. You need to know what you are looking at. You need to know the difference between a backyard breeder and a puppy mill. Some people have gotten healthy dogs from both types of breeders but, personally, I would not reward bad breeding practices by giving them my money. Puppy mills keep their dogs in horrid conditions and then sell them fairly cheaply to pet stores and "boutiques." They take those poor puppies away from their mom way too early and many of them die in transit. Many more people have ended up with sickly pets from puppy mills.

A backyard breeder pays no attention to such details as genetics or health background. They take a dog that they think looks good and mate it with another that they have. No science is used and they many times produce genetically weakened pups that are far from the breed standard. Why should you care since you just want a pet? They are doing the breed a disservice. They weaken it as they produce dogs that are further and further from the healthy vital Yorkie that it should be.

When you do a Yorkie search online you will pull up mostly puppy mills and backyard breeders along with brokers. Unless you do a specific search for a particular kennel or breeder you will find the kind of things you have found so far. These people can make fancy websites but they are simply a front for some crooks that are trying to make money off the backs of these very popular dogs.

Look for clubs in your state or nearby states.The AKC has a search area where you can find conformation and breed clubs in your area. These clubs usually have a breeder referral person that you can contact. Also go to the YTCA website and do some research about the breed and breeders. Good breeders do have websites but you won't find them easily in a google search. Research any breeder you find, even if they show. A show breeder is not a guarantee of a healthy pup. You need to know what you are looking for. A reputable breeder should be able to sell you a healthy pet puppy for $800.00 to $1500. There is no reason to pay much more than that for a pet.

People who are trying to breed extra tiny Yorkies are making a mess of the breed. They will try to gouge you for thousands of dollars promising a tiny dog. Way too many people have paid way too much money for a tiny dog only to end up with a larger than normal pet or a very sick puppy.
The world of dog breeding is way more complicated than most people would ever imagine.
Buyer beware. All puppies are cute but you don't know what kind of health or personality issues lurk under that cute little furry coat.

You have received a lot of great advice. My two are an exception, they were both adopted. My male was $300 with his AKC papers and my female was free. There are tons of yorkies in rescues, so consider checking them out :)

Yes...get in touch with an area breeders club or ytca website. Either way will get and keep you on the right track for finding a breeder who is serious about the breed and one that is right for you and your pocketboook.

Great advice you have gotten so far! I can't add much more, I lucked out and got my biewer for 400.00 on Craigslist he was fixed microchipped and current on all shots, and came with all his toys kennel and 4 beds. I found his breeder thu the ibc paperwork and contacted er so. Have inc gotten all his baby pictures, and photos of mom and dad.... Good luck in your search!

I payed $850 for my yorkie puppy. I got him from hobby breeder. I was planning to get a puppy from AKC certified breeder but we fell in love with this puppy. We purely got her for her personality and have not been disappointed so far :)

I don't have anything to add as you have received some great advice from others already. I just wanted to say that it is great to see you are doing your research first - wish I would have done some research first, but I have lucked out! Love both my fur babies. Also wanted to welcome you to YT. You will find some great info here!

You received great advice.

That's the good thing about YT, we all have a range of experience with our pups.
Mine was $1400 but from a BYB/puppymill in AR and was about 5 weeks when he was taken from his momma. Needless to say, he had a lot of health/social issues, and it took a long of time, patience, and money for us to get Gizmo where he is to say. All honeymoon money that as saved went towards Gizmo's health bills. :p

Please remember though, prices does not determine personality or health problems. There are those on here that bought their dogs from a puppy mill and spent $450 at Petland and swear up and down that their dog is fine, and there are those who spent $1700 at a breeder and their dog had a LP by the age of 2 or some weird genetic/personality issue.
Despite those random occurrences, please know that the more researched and better breeder (YTCA recommended) the higher statistics you'll have for a healthy and happy pup. However,keep in mind that those statistics can come at a price of upwards of $1,000.

Good luck! :)

My unaverage 12lb with papers was $550 and is completely healthy. :)

I can not add anything to the wonderful advice that everyone has shared. Just do your research and be patient. You will get your pup. Good luck in your search

Price could be one factor in looking for a breeder to purchase from. In my area, show breeders such as myself will sell a pet quality puppy for about $1500 sometimes a bit less.
Other things to consider when purchasing-
If the breeder knows what they are doing, carefully choosing their breedings the puppies they produce even those sold for pet, will be beautiful. I start mine in leash training etc at 8 weeks. They are not even quite weaned yet.They are not taken home to the right buyer until 3 -4 months of age sometimes older.
You also want to have a breeder that asks you all kinds of questions such as previous pet ownership, where the pup will be living, how many and who in the family that sort of thing. And the breeder should be more than happy to be able to answer questions about their dogs and yorkies in general. They should know about the illnesses that Yorkies can be prone to and genetic issues that can happen in yorkies.
In Canada, under the CKC rules we are required to also provide a contract to the buyer for any dog or puppy sale outlining sire and dam reg. names and numbers registration number of puppy, litter reg. number and that Registration papers will be forthcoming to the new owner and price paid for the dog or puppy.
Personally my contract also requires that the dog or puppy be returned to me at any time in its lifetime should soemthing happen the owner can't keep it.
If it is returned within a month of purchase, I refund most of the purchase price keeping back $100 providing it is returned in good health. If it is returned because the puppy has a problem full refund.

Seems alot of Puppy mills will charge $ 2-3k+ making ppl who don't know better think the pup must be good quality. My pup was health checked and I got the Vet paper saying so. But I still was giving time to have the pup checked by my own vet. Pups that young theres really not much they can tell except knees or if they have something bad??But I still get a health guarantee for anything Genetic like liver shunts ect..But pet quality from a good conformance breeder means the pup is still nice . But they can't keep them all.