If you are wanting a yorkie, why would you consider a mix, then you have the worry of generics issues of 2 dif. breeds. Crossing a maltese with a yorkie does not better either of the breeds and can cause generic issues,mixing the breeds is NOT a guarantee it will not have health issues a yorkie has, and a mix may not have that charming personality of our awesome yorkies, just saying. Good luck on your quest.

Oh I don't think that's what is being said at all. You just should know that each toy breed has its share of issues, so Sadly, mixing them isn't always the answer. Matese is a very helpful member but also very experienced, so try to consider that :). Just as an fyi, there are good breeders who test for genetic defects....buying from one of them is a good option if you are concerned.

Very well said :thumbup:

Yorkies are AMAZING, and I love my boys more than I ever thought possible! That being said, they are very expensive to own. the cost of the pup is often the cheapest part. I'd say expect to pay at least $1000 from a reputable breeder, at least that's what I found when looking around for mine. Even if you do your own grooming, preventative routine vet care (check-ups, shots or titer testing, annual blood screening, annual heartworm testing and meds, and dentals) can easily run into the thousands for just a year. And that's just if you pup is healthy! If they get sick or hurt, it can be 10 times as much. Just to give you an example, I have 2 healthy yorkies, and just for their heartworm prevention (12 months each) and flea and tick prevention (6 months each) it's $400. I spent at least $1000 (maybe closer to $2k) on vet bills just last year, and they didn't even have dentals done last year. It was just routine stuff, plus 2 tummy bugs and a sore paw. Our guys are little, and vet care cannot wait. They depend on us to keep them safe and healthy, so make sure you have the means to take care of a pup in the event of an emergency.

I paid $600 for her. No papers but I'm not interested in breeding her. Vet said she was extremely healthy and could not foresee any health issues. He's a very reliable vet - have used him before.

If money is a big concern of yours you need to be aware of just maintenance costs -- first 4 months of puppy shots, heart worm and flea prevention, grooming which includes nail clipping (about every 3 months or less depending on the need of your puppy). Having a Yorkie isn't necessarily cheap. You might also consider pet insurance for accidents such as jumping off a bed or couch and breaking a bone. Just to into the purchase with your eyes open.

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To the OP...I honestly don't know of any Yorkie owner who'd have a "spare" Yorkie. Any reputable breeder wouldn't be calling it a spare. If they had one to sell, whether it was a retired show dog or a new litter, it wouldn't be for "really cheap". I'm not sure how much your rent costs, but it's true that most healthy and well-bred Yorkies will run from $1000 to $2000. Even then, you might be unlucky and run into a backyard breeder who bred unhealthy Yorkies, which will cause you more health expenses in the long run.

It might be a long wait, but I would suggest that you continue to wait for a rescue, especially if you don't mind mixed breeds and don't want to spend much on the pup itself. There are so many small dogs in need of rescuing these days with all the irresponsible dog owners.

yorkies are so expensive...not just "buying" a yorkie...they can give you a free yorkie and the yorkie can end up costing you twice as much...I did not know either, I did not know about this forum before I got my yorkie...I had read about their illness but now that I have one i really do see the real picture...if you love them like I do, any little thing can end you up at the Vet...good luck with yours!

Excellent Maximo! You covered it all I think :-) Maximo is very right. We learned the hard way with our first Yorkie, Bella. Wound up costing thousands to try to save her, but her liver failed, and we could do nothing about it. Follow those guidelines you have read here, and you should do fine :-)

I understand what you are saying and thanks for commenting but my statement about mixed breeds ( genetically and personality wise ) is based on living with a fiancee that has raised a mix breed dog . She is 10 years old with no major health problems at all . I have said that I understand the genetic issues of purebred dogs . I have came across genetic issues of Yorkies . About your last sentence ... What does testing for genetic defects do ? It does stop things they are "destined" to get as they age right ?

Thanks for the ballpark ��They are a beautiful breed and Im sure its worth it .

I agree I can't justify spending thousands on a dog and in addition to the monthly high cost already of owning a dog so I went the rescue route.

My only concern I see from reading your posts is that Yorkies or any dog for that matter can be expense especially if they get sick. If you didn't have the gas money to get a rescue 3 hours away how will you care for a a dog if he/she becomes ill? For instance, my dog had to go the ER last weekend and it cost me over $500. Luckily I have insurance and will be reimbursed $400. However, i needed to lay out all the money at once and won't get the check for about a week.

I don't want you to be discouraged I understand wanting a yorkie, but also want you to be aware that its just not the cost purchase price of a Yorkie you need to be concerned with but all the costs.

Rescue groups are great it just takes time to find a Yorkie since they are in high demand. As you suggested looking at mixed breeds will help.

Yorkies also need a special food to help prevent pancreatitis. The cheapest you will likely find is $2.00 or more a pound if you buy 30 lbs or more at a time. $34 for 13 lbs is pretty common.

I used to buy all my mfixed pups Walmart food (ol Roy). However, that will not work for a Yorkie since they are so prone to pancreatitis.

Mario is a mix and I still spend more on him than any dog I have ever owed. Toothpaste, tooth brushes, teeth treats, water additive to reduce tarter, and his special food. Yorkies have a bad history of terrible teeth which leads to heart disease, severe dental pain, and an early death if not treated.

You pay up front for prevention or you pay more often to have them sedated and have their teeth cleaned, or they will likely die prematurely.

Even if you do find a "cheap" yorkie, the advice here has been good. We did not search inexpensive pets, and we still spent something over fifteen thousand in care for two dogs in less than two years. Maybe you should consider a rescue--but please put a few hundred dollars into an emergency fund first. The only comfort we had in losing our sweet Millie was that we had been able to do everything that anyone suggested to save her life and keep her comfortable. Please don't put yourself in the heartrending spot that I have read so many write about here when their precious puppies need care and there are no resources to provide it. These little darlings rely on us for EVERYTHING.

Im sorry to hear about your dog . I hope she is happy in her afterlife . I will do everything I can to take care of my dog and I understand that the expense can be great . I have been considering adopting a rescue . I was qualified to adopt a Yorkie puppy named Matilda for 60.00 but she was 3 hours away and we didnt have the gas at the time . It was so upsetting . I understand what is needed of me as a future Yorkie owner . And I accept 😍