Maintenance Cost For Keeping a Yorkie Teacup?
 

As the title says it, I am looking to buying a Teacup Yorkie, the problem is not with actually buying the dog, but costs thereafter to look after the dog.

I know it probably varies in price depending on the health of the dog etc.., But just want to know a general price like monthly costs If at all, general costs like that.

Please keep aside toys, and stuff like that, I mean things that are mandatory.



Thanks in advance for your advise!!

Welcome to YT, this is a very hard question to answer as all vets charge diff. prices depending on where you live, and like you already stated depending on the health of the puppy. The least expensive thing in owning a dog is the price you pay for it. Depending on the age of the puppy the first thing it will need is their puppies shots, depending on what the breeder has already given it, you may need 2 possibly 3 puppy shots, then distemper, and lastly rabbi vaccine. Again cost for these shots will vary. Getting pet insurance will relieve some of the finances over the dogs life, it is highly suggest to purchase it. If you are not planning on breeding which I advise against doing, spaying a female and neutering a male are a must for health issues, read up on why spaying and neutering is a MUST DO. If you have a healthy puppy the first 6 / 7 months is where you will be spending money with shots and spay / neutering, then you should be home free unless the puppy gets sick. Cost for spay / neutering all depends on your vet. You call make some calls to a vet of your choice and get this information from the vet, keep in mind they will more then likely be ball park figures, but close enough to give you an idea of the cost. If you have friends with dogs you can ask them what they paid as they live in your area, again the cost can vary from vet to vet, but you will get an idea of what it "could" cost you. Just a little advise, the is no such thing as a "teacup" yorkie. Yorkies standard weight is 5 to7 lbs, some yorkies can be bigger, my last girl weighed 17 lbs as an adult, and puppies can be smaller then 5 lbs, all a matter of genes of the mating pair and the background of both parents.Beware of a breeder that advertises "teacup" yorkies, it is just a gimmick phrase to draw in clients looking for tiny babies. Some unethical breeders will hold back food from a puppy to stunt it's growth making it a smaller puppy and an unhealthy puppy. We have a thread in our library, what to look for when buying a puppy. I suggest you read up on that. Also know the breed, make sure a yorkie will fit into your life style. Yorkies are a high maintenance breed, they need attention, lots of exercise due to having a high amount of energy. Do not buy a yorkie because of it's small size. Do your home work on the breed, then find a reputable breeder, one that breeds to better the breed, not a BYB (backyard breeder) exp. one neighbor has a female, the other neighbor has a male, brain storm, lets mate them up, have puppies, sell,make lots of money. This you need to stay away from. Others will be along to offer up advise, suggestions. Good luck, I hope you find that precious little pup that will light up your life and give you years of love and laughter.

Hi welcome I just wanted to let you now that our Vet. cost here in Canada are much higher then then our firends to the South. Bellas spaying was a little over $ 600 and I live an hour north of Toronto. Bella got sick from a bad treat in her first year ( it was a Canadian treat to ) and it cost us $ 2000 by the time I was done a week later. Needless to say I took pet insurance out the next week . So its hard to say just how much a furbaby will cost. Put I have to say she is worth every penny.

Hi and welcome to YT :). Best of luck in your search for a yorkie. Just beware as you're looking - be VERY careful. Do not buy from ANYone who advertises "Teacup Yorkies" as there is no such thing - teacup is just a marketing term used by unethical breeder trying to get more money for their dogs.

I would suggest perusing this thread: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...ent-guide.html

As far as costs, office visits are usually around $50. You have to then consider costs of vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, teeth cleanings/dentals, yearly bloodwork, yearly exam. Then you have all the unexpecteds: skin issues, ear infections, eye infections, disease, injuries, tummy upsets etc...

If you can, get pet insurance to help with some of the cost or setup an automatic savings specifically for your pet. Pet insurance for my one female yorkie cost 39.00 a month. It covers all major illnesses and injuries but it does not cover routine wellness visits or any vaccinations like rabies.

To me, 39.00 a month is well worth it. I had a previous yorkie that had ongoing health issues but I didn't have any insurance. Her cost was easily over 5,000 or more over the 6.5 yrs that I had her. This didn't even include her regular bi yearly checkups.

With the new pup, I immediately got pet insurance because I did not want cost to be a determining factor on deciding the best course of action if she needed any kind of medical treatment. My plan reimburses me 80% after a deductible. In my opinion, it is well worth it. Besides 39.00 a month is easily doable. I just cut back on buying lunch everyday at work.

The official (AKC and Yorkshire Terrier Club of America ) standard for the breed is under 7 pounds. It does seem most are 5 to 7 pounds. That being said, there are some great pups who are over 7 pounds, they are just not breed standard.

Small Yorkies (of which I have some experience) are known to often have more health issues. That means you need to get a good health contract when you purchase. Also they are fragile and can get injured more easily so have to be more careful with them. If another dog or animal gets ahold of them it is usually a disastee, so you have to be vigilant.

You can't show or breed the tiny ones so keep that in mind, and they really need to be healthy to be spayed.

Breeders can never guarantee what the weight of a pup will be until they are older so getting a young puppy is going to mean they may get bigger than you think. MOST IMPORTANT - no reputable breeder will intentionally breed "tinies". So beware of those that do. Reputable breeders know the issues these
little ones have and do not intentionally breed those problems into any dog.

Good luck with your search.

Welcome to Yorkie Talk. Vet costs vary widely based on location and I see you are in Canada. I agree with those above who suggested health insurance, or a savings account, Care Credit, or credit card for emergencies.
I would estimate a minimum of $600 USD annually for food, basic vet care, and preventative meds like heartworm, flea and tick.

Max went through some eye problems (not congenital) and both of my boys have needed vet care for other relatively common things, so annual expenses went up significantly.

Forgot this thread too: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/mis...wning-dog.html

First year for shots and getting my puppy spayed was at least $1000, I think the spay alone was $700.

6 months of revolution (flea and heartworm drops) is about $100, so $200 a year.
A vet visit for a check up and heartworm test was about $100.
I feed health extensions little bites dry, 2 4lb bags a year is about $30.
Her main food is freshpet refridgerated food, about $10 a month, so $120 a year.
So that's about $450 a year, closer to $500 when you figure in treats and other stuff.

A groomer would be $60-80 4x a year, but I groom Lola myself.

My yorkie is 7-8lbs and I live in a suburban area.

:thumbup::thumbup:
Pretty well hits on most things I would mention. Completely SCRATCH that sentence on breeding...do not even let your mind wander into that mine field, especially with what you are calling a "teacup yorkie". As a breeder of merit, I have not ever sold ONE teacup baby I have ever had, and these darlings go for a premium price!. These tiny babies require an enormous amount of time and energy and money....they can not safely play with other dogs, they think in their minds they are the size of a St. Bernard, and they will get into everything a St.Bernard will get into, if given a chance! They have never met a dog that is too big or too mean to challenge to a duel to the death! These tinies are just a heartbeat away from disaster and the minute you let your guard down, the minute you relax your gaze and close your eyes, it is all over but the hole digging. I have no idea if you are an experienced Yorkie owner, but if you are not, a teacup yorkie is NOT the way to cut your teeth on this breed!

I forgot about spay/neuter, and the cost of grooming. We groom at home, full coats. Although I didn't need to invest in clippers (about $200?), we spend a lot on shampoo and conditioner annually. More than the products for my hair. :D

Neutering is less than spay -- we paid about $350 - $375.

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: Exactly !

Lol, the amount I spent on my one yorkie girl in a year (that isn't standard nor a tiny girl, though she is a tad overweight for her one year of age ;_;..) I could've bought 1 or 2 champion bred yorkies :P So aside from vet/health essentials, it really in the end depends on what you are willing to spend. A little over half my spending was on her vet/healthcare and the other half was on her comforts/optional spoiling spending. ^^;; She knows when I got something for her and she makes it clear when she wants something that isn't suppose to be for her >_<; lol

WOW, this really is an Amazing community! I want to first thank all of you for putting the time and effort into answering my question!


I was planning on buying from a place called Minipups.ca, has anyone heard of them?...They come up when I search for breeders in my area (Toronto), but they charge like $2500 for "Teacups" as you guys mentioned to be careful of.

However they are selling lots, I mean every time they are sold out and they sell the next set of puppies the next month, and they offer Warranties and only sell to be people in person they feel are fit to look after the dog etc...


So I guess from my understanding from these posts, my initial costs will be expensive, but thereafter will be much cheaper generally speaking? So on average around $600 a year give or take.


Lastly, can anyone recommend a reputable Breeder in Toronto that's sells the smaller size Yorkies?


Thanks again!!

If you want a health pup try faeriepups the breeders name is Nora that is where our Bella came from I searched our hole area at the time we were looking over two year ago. I keep in touch with Nora on a regular bases. We have our name down for another girl. She breeds healthy dogs I have been to her place a couple of times. They are not tiny they are 5 to 7 lb witch is standard size and a healthy size. She is over the Hamilton way.

I am sure there are other breeder as well. There are other people from our area here too so hoping they will also give you other healthy choices.

Hope that helps:)

Be very careful of this "breeder" they sound like a broker not a breeder to me. A female comes into season twice a year which means she could have two litters a year. A breeder would have to have many, many females that come into season a month or two apart from each other if they sell all puppies and have more puppies to sell the next month. A broker is a person that sells puppies not a breeder, you may never know who the actual breeder is, a broker can sell puppy mill puppies.
A breeder cannot guarantee the exact weight a puppy will be as an adult, but can give you a ball park weight, and that's not even a sure thing unless the breeder has researched sire and dam's generations back to ensure there are standard litters (5 to 7 lbs) in their lines.
$2500.00 is average price for a quality yorkie here in Pa and NY with a good health guarantee. Hopefully others will weigh in on breeders in your area and possibly this Minipups.ca. Good luck

Bumping

minipups.ca google hits:

https://www.facebook.com/PeopleAgain...55117667869067

I am thinking of buying a puppy from minipups, located in Georgetown. Has anyone ever heard of this breeder? Any experie?

Maltese/Yorkie breeders in GTA? - RedFlagDeals.com Forums


Based on these, minipups is not a breeder, but a broker.

I dunno, these are all speculative, I am in no way trying to defend anyone here but you'll never for sure I guess, but I hate making assumptions.

For all I know that guy on the Facebook could be trying to put genuine people out of business for whatever reason, who knows really unless he is part of the "Animal Authorities or something more legit.

My little girl came from a show breeder just north of Toronto. She breeds for health, temperament, and conformation. Her dogs are wonderful, and she is the epitome of what it means to be a reputable breeder who breeds to better the breed. All puppies are given BAT tests. Two of my dear friends from Yorkietalk have pups from her, and they are the reason I have Katie. Katie is one of her little girls who was shown to her championship and had two litters of puppies before she was retired from breeding at a young age. She is a very happy, confident little girl with an amazing temperament. I believe this is so because of the love, attention, and training she received from her other mom, Ilona Rodionova. She breeds dogs who are within the standard,but at times might have a smaller pup. My friend's pup is five pounds, which is still very tiny.

Rigair Yorkshire Terriers CKC Reg. We breed only top quality yorkshire terriers

Hi there! I have a yorkie she is about 4 1/2 lbs I totally get your problem when I was looking I had to look for teacup too even people don't seem to like the word becuse I wanted a baby 5 lbs it less full grown. I think that these size are actually easier to take care of there are very little loyal they don't require too much walking every day which is great if you have abusier schedule. It's great they are so little they just want to cuddle up next to you. The coat stated above are pretty true what cost the most I think is obviously emergencies but also if you live in an are where they need to be on flle and tick and heart worm preventative year round problem that will cost around 200 it's cheaper for the litler ones you don't need that much. The is one problem I fear for you though I have had this problem before becuse I was looking for a smaller so f I highly suggest you take this advice to prevent a lot of heart ache trust me I have experienced it first hand. If you are looking fmkr a little doggy like 5lbs or less. Unless you are expert and experienced in dealing with pups the mortality rate is very hight because they grow up to be tiny when they Are pups they are extremly delicat I personally had had 2 pups pass away after spending thousands on vet bills the vet said that when they are all small as puppies sometimes it is very hard for them To make it. This is why I suggest trying to get a doggie 1 year and over. I I did that with all of mine and it was the best decision on I ever mad. They are still extremly easy to train and they are healthy you get the them are much easier the least to take care of they are potty trained and everything they are also they full weight lot of breeders will tell you that they will be smalll and them they get to be quite large as a full grown leg . Plus they are not puppies much much much easer to take care of the vet bull is significantly less if you give them love and feed them we'll and high quality food there is no resin GUI shiukd have high expensises. Inhagly suggest getting and older cog if you want a smaller one and I truly be,kicked that every sig mimics there owner no matter the age I adopted a senior doc and she has changes so much after being with me now she is just the mellowest sweetest dog it's all about the right attitude and growing. Good luck trust me Nikki whoever hard it is it took me for ever to find my fur babies but it's worth it i. The end!:):D:aimeeyork

IME go to a dog show. Meet some breeders. $2500 is to much for a puppy. You will only get pet quality. But for that much you should get breeding rights and top lines. But as a Novice a Breeder won't sell on to you. They breed for there next dog. JMO Calendar of Events

Yorkshire Terrier club of Canada - we have our National Specialty at the end of November. This would be a good thing to attend as many top show breeders will be there. www.cyta.ca Nov 28th in Mississauga - I don't have show addy yet it has not been posted In previous years it has been at the International Center near to Toronto airport aka Lester B Pearson.


I can recommend www.rigair.com that is Ilona and Tanyas website


Oz's Yorkshire Terriers Loretta Serafini - she is in Mississauga.


Durrer Yorkshire Terriers is out of town - Betty Ann Durrer she is about 1.5 to 2 hr drive away.


Pet Insurance I know for a fact Trupanion covers genetic defects and you definitely want an insurance that does. Many pet insurance sites will give you a quote on line so that you can get some sense of monthly costs. I highly advise pet insurance. You also want to be covered for accidents - be it a car accident or travelling by air bus or train.


In Toronto vet costs are quite high. But you have to weigh in factors such as convenience including location and their hours of operation there are more reasonable vets in different areas of the city.


$500-$600 for annual vet visits including bloodwork and heartworm meds is about right. Dentals are extra and will cost you anaesthesia and any tooth extractions. I suggest you factor in the costs and do do regular teeth brushing - some oral gel to avoid plaque buildup. In fact teeth health is one question you want to ask the breeder - teeth health is genetic and you want to know how her lines fair in that department.


If you are interested in going to the Nationals drop me a line - I will be there - possibly showing my veteran.

I am sorry Mike but $2500 is not enough for a top quality Yorkie with breeding rights.


How-ever I do agree and even in Toronto area $2500 is too much for a pet quality Yorkie. Its been awhile but count on $1500-top $2000 for a pet quality Yorkie. I don't deal with folks who market and sell tinies so I have no idea what idiotic premium they put on these dogs.

I wasn't implying a Top Yorkie who already proved themselves. Or I didn't mean to. But A puppy with breeding rights you can get that. From top lines. Still doesn't mean it will show well...Maybe I should rephrase everything. I can. Because I know the right ppl. Maybe someone not in it can. $1500-2000k is right there for the ones passed for showing

OP I think this would be the best thing you can do. Before you spend alot of $$. You want to see the best representation of the breed. You want to learn what they are really suppose to look like. Yeah they are all cuties. But if you are willing to spend large amounts of money. Go to someone who lives Yorkie. Not to one who just pumps out litters. At first you don't notice the short legs,long legs short neck long necks. Flat top line, roach back eye set, ect ect. but after awhile you can't help your self.JMO Dog Shows are fun also

I don't know that breeder. But ppl I know theres always a waiting period. Or list. They aren't pumping out puppies also. They breed for their next Champion. I was on a 2yr waiting list for a female. JME I should say always a waiting list its timing and the breeders near you. JME. But I know one thing they should not always have pups and sell out every month or two

My Yorkies, depending on the parents/looks/bloodlines/show potential, will go for as much as $3000.00......but most are 2000.00- 2500.00......but my babies do not leave here until they are 14-16 weeks old and are are fully vaccinated and microchipped....paper trained....a new owner has no expense except spay/neutering at 8 months age, and a rabies shot.....and they have a HEALTHY dog that will not require any additional expenses. THAT is a whole lot better than spending $800.00 on a puppy, having to pay for all shots and then hopefully, there will be no vet bills.....several of my owners came to me after going down this road, $600.00-$800.00 for their puppy, then an additional $4000.00-$6500.00 trying to save their sick puppy with birth defects that died anyway.....I charge just enough to cover the amount of money and time I have invested in that baby, seldom doing better than breaking even......but most importantly, they will have a healthy, well socialized, well adjusted, loving baby.

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
My longest wait list for a baby was a little over 30 months....but they waited, gladly, and eventually we had their little man and they are to this day, thrilled with that little man! If you are going to be rewarded at the end of the wait with a healthy baby, and a respected breeder that will stand by you if there ever are genetic problems, the wait and price is worth it.

:thumbup: Yup. More time to save anyways. Certain dog breeds that are plauged with greeders and puppy mills. Pll need to be careful.