How much did your Yorkie cost?
 

Hi, I'm pretty new here (and don't have my Yorkie yet) so if this is an inappropriate question, please forgive.

I realize this may be a somewhat personal question, but on several other forums I visit, cost is freely discussed. Never for judgment (i.e., you won't hear, "You paid WHAT?! I'd never pay THAT!") or for bragging ("Mine cost more, must be better...") or for the bargain shoppers ("Well, I only paid $xxx...,") etc. It's just another stated fact from people who are comfortable disclosing.

I think that in discussing breeders, and breeding practices, and all the other nuances of research that go into making a responsible, educated decision, cost does factor in.

I have been researching what I believe to be responsible breeders and have found HUGE variances in price. From $650 to $3900 (or more) for a Yorkie pup.

Everyone's budget and comfort zone are different, of course, but when prices paid are secret and unspoken, then prospective buyers are missing what I believe is an important piece of the decision-making puzzle. While most people are not looking for a "bargain" in buying their new pup, in my humble opinion, cost is a reality.

I also realize that different parts of the country (or world) are different, so if you do disclose price, please state the general geographic area of the breeder. (if you are comfortable disclosing the breeder openly, that's awesome too!)

And just to be sure we are all on the same page, unless stated otherwise, let's assume we are talking about healthy Yorkie pups, typically 12 weeks old or under (and not older adults); sold as pets, with limited registration rights (i.e., pup will be spayed or neutered, not bred.). And if your pup came with lots of goodies and "extras", please mention that too.

I think this thread has the potential to be a really valuable resource for people looking to adopt a Yorkie pup.

Thanks in advance for all replies.

Lynn

I imagine prices are pretty much the same all around the world. Here, in Italy a pedigree from a reputable breeder is going for around 1,200 euro (that would be about $1,500). I have seen "champion" quality advertised on the internet for up to $3,500 in the States but that's a laugh as there is no guarantee that the puppy will be a champion. You are right to do your homework before buying. Good luck and keep us posted

nah....without knowing the "prosepective breeders" your looking at I couldn't gage if the price range your stating is a reputable breeders fee.

price varies based on SEVERAL factors and those factors are all discussed in full over many many threads.

I can say that the average reputable breeder with an outstanding breeding program averages prices UP TO $1800...but again there are so many variables that can increase or decrease that price even WITHIN guidelines you've set for this thread.

Puppy mills will charge a lot of money for pups so just because the price is higher does not mean that it is a good breeder. My pup came from a broker who got there dogs from puppy mills and she was $1,000. A reputable breeder normally charges between $1,000-2,000 but sometimes location and such makes a difference. I personally have never seen a reputable breeder selling a pup for under $1,000 and even when they sell them at that they normally don't break even and are not making money on the pups. Its very important that you look at everything else before price in my opinion. A reputable breeder is worth it. But don't let price fool you either there are many puppy mills who charge the same price or more then a reputable breeder.

Caleb cost £500 = $769.15
He's from a Yorkshire breeder of 20 years - Lynn Chambers.
Kennel Club registered.
Microchipped and wormed. Did not have injections, due to his size. (has had them now)

Is that all the info you wanted, or have I missed something?

There was a poll here regarding this question: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/pol...ur-yorkie.html

Puppy prices vary around the country. The highest prices are probably in the Northeast, New England.

Girls usually are priced higher than boys. I would say average price from good AKC registered breeders are $1200 - $1600 for a boy, and $1400 - $1800 for a girl.

The price usually reflects the amount of genetic testing the breeder does and AKC registration.

Outside of New England, I would be suspicious of a breeder charging more than $2000 for a pet quality pup. Anything under $1000, research extra carefully.

The prices may seem high, but bargain puppies often end up costing more in health care bills and heartbreak.

My girl was around $650.
No prebreed testing, far from standard, etc.
Born in MO. Sold in MI.
She came with full breeding rights.

Thank you for the replies so far!

Yes, I realize that many other factors play into the price -- and if anyone could direct me to specific threads to help me better educate myself I would be very appreciative!

I also realize that "more (money) is not necessarily better" either, although a responsible breeder of healthy, well bred and socialized pups certainly deserves a commensurate "wage" for the hard work.

I also realize that unscrupulous people will try to cash in on adorable puppies and excited, uneducated buyers and price gouge because "they can".

I am still in the info-gathering stage and trying to learn all I can. Maybe a better question would have been, "How much is a pup in YOUR area?"

Again, all replies and comments much appreciated!

More replies while I was typing mine, THANK YOU! ;)

If you are answering the question, it would also be helpful to mention WHEN the pup was purchased.

THANK YOU!

THANK YOU for that link, very interesting and helpful. I did a search before I posted this thread and didn't find it. But I seem to be a little search-challenged on this forum. (Is it just me or is the search function a little cumbersome!???) :confused: ;) :D

I'm not very good with the search feature, but I remembered reading the poll thread.

:thumbup::thumbup:

This should be very helpful http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/bre...e-breeder.html

I need to add to what I wrote above about average prices. Those are usually for champion-sired pups. I am biased in favor of show breeders because they tend to do more genetic testing and research.

Members of the breed parent club, the YTCA, and show breeders are not all perfect, and you can find good hobby breeders, but I think the chances of a healthy pup are better than with a backyard breeder and certainly a broker or mill.

I paid $400 for my Brody. He came from a reputable breeder here in Missouri. I already knew she was a good breeder, but my vet told me also that she was good. So that made me feel even better. :) But, I also don't live in a huge city. And he was going to be a little bigger than her others from that litter.