Rant on Yorkie Pricing

[lulababy]

Originally Posted by amanda350

Ok please tell me that this was a miss print and you meant 1600 and 2100...If you spent 21 thousand dollars on a dog, I hope he came with one heck of a guarantee and a car to take him home in......

LOL!

yeah my mouth dropped when i read that I hope she mistyped or something!!

[YorkieChick1]

Originally Posted by amanda350

Ok please tell me that this was a miss print and you meant 1600 and 2100...If you spent 21 thousand dollars on a dog, I hope he came with one heck of a guarantee and a car to take him home in......

[Alisteretc]

I am fairly new to being owned by a yorkie but I have wanted one for years but couldn't bring myself to pay the pricetag, especially since I have 3 human kids, one with autism and a special needs brussels griffon as well. However, I finally decided to look seriously at the breeders around here. I was shocked at what I found. Not at the prices, because I expected that, but at WHO was asking those prices. I understand, especially after reading all the posts here, that breeding yorkies is very expensive so that is one reason the cost is so high, however, I didn't find that to be the case here. I had known people who got a beautiful yorkie from a local woman for about $2000 and they gave me the woman's card. I called but was NOT impressed. She did say we could make payment plans (almost right away) but I didn't get a good feeling about her. She never asked a thing about me etc. I asked around some more about her and it turns out that she is a broker. She buys from people for $500 or so then resells the pups for triple what she paid. I did go see a few pups that she had (and she acted like they were bred by her) and they were no where the same quality as the one she sold my friends. Naturally, I looked elseware. She was in it for profit, and was obviously having NO problem making that profit. I also looked at another woman's pups and they were born and raised in a shed with her goats(!!), the parents were illkept, and she was asking $1500. Luckily, I didn't give up (or end up going to a petstore, although I must admit I though about it) and finally found a great woman who had all her dogs genetically tested, dabbled in showing, and took WONDERFULL care of her dogs. I ended up getting a 4 1/2month old boy for $700 who I think is drop dead gorgeous. I was thrilled to find an older pup as I have a 9lb bouncy dog and 3 kids (age 3-9). I am no show judge so am not positive if he is standard or not, but I think he is the most beautiful boy, is king of yorkies, and could not love him more.

I guess my point is, just because a yorkie has a high price tag does not mean it is healthy or very good quality. However, the breeders who posted here sure have educated me on how much a breeder gives up for the pups (financially and otherwise) and I have a lot of respect for you wonderful breeders, and want to warn others to look deeper than fancy talk on a phone and a pricetag. Even a "cheaper" pup can be just as great, if not better.

I know this kind of goes a bit away from the original post, but seeing how the original poster doesn't plan on posting again, I hope it's alright.

[yorkie2luv]

Hello All,

I am simply reading the post but not even close to page 12 yet. However, I have noticed a bit of an "assumption" and honestly a slight "ignorance" about Korea just because the member asking the question happens to live there.

Please don't assume pricing is because it is Korea and not the states. Korea is not a real cheap place to live or as undeveloped as the tone people are having implies. Those that haven't been there or sometimes other places, think that things are backwards and less developed. This is not the case.

The member who posed the question just happen to pay less for their yorkie than what is considered a standard price. One can not be sure they got their yorkie in Korea. They could have lived somewhere else and moved there. If they did get their yorkie from Korea, they simply stated the price paid. Just like here in the states, prices very. I really believe they took into consideration the flack they were going to get from asking the question and even expressed how much they didn't want to be band. However, I don't believe they thought that there would be a particular...sorry to say...arrogance or prejudice because of location. It's almost like saying..."I don't know what you do there but here we..."

Ok, I am going to go back and finish reading now. I just wanted to make that comment because it was really bothering me how people were approaching this member and the post.

This is a very interesting post and I am sure some new members or even old one's are just as interested to understand both customer and breeder point of view.

Blessings...and happy posting.

[Jaya and Jenna]

This is when research becomes a MUST!


From what I have seen, pricing is definitely indicative of quality.

If you look hard enough, you can find yorkies between $600-900 in the rural areas. The baseline price in BC was $1200 last year, which has increased to $1500 this year which shows an increase in demand. But there is bargaining room for those average quality yorkies.

You can see the clear differences between the $900 yorkie and the $1200 yorkie; and then from the $1500 yorkie and $2500+ yorkie. I mean the differences are night and day. I know that I came down very hard on one particular breeder located in BC for selling her pups for over $2800 and upto $6000, but meeting her and actually seeing her pups totally opened my eyes to how she raised them, and what amazing quality each of her dogs was. Her dogs are worth every cent.

In my opinion, the pricing is totally justifiable. If people just did their research, they wouldnt be buying lesser quality yorkies. Buying lesser quality yorkies allows bad breeders and puppy mills to remain in business. If the pricing of yorkies is less than $1200 - every Tom and Jo will own one. The question becomes - will every Tom and Jo treat their yorkie as they should? Of course not. If you are paying top dollar for your yorkie, u will be less likely to mistreat him or her.

The yorkie cannot be treated like every other dog breed... you really do have to invest in them -time, energy, AND money. Quality DOES matter.

[nydia]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I think $1500 is entirely too cheap for a Yorkie. People pay well over $1000 for the newest television set out or the best computer. It costs a lot of money to be a breeder. I don't think most of them make much if it is done right. Vet bills are very expensive, then what if mom needs a C-Section?

Yorkie rescues are a great thing. I have nothing against them. Do you know how hard it is to adopt from some of them though? You have to meet a ton of criteria and usually half of it is stupid. I have heard that shelters and rescues have turned people away for no good reason. So if I don't get a Yorkie from a shelter my other choice is a reputable breeder. No reputable breeder will purposely breed off-standard dogs. That would go against what they believe because if their dogs aren't standard, they haven't bred for the betterment of the breed.

My Yorkie is laying on my lap right now. She is the best doggie ever. She is, however, way off standard. It is not a big deal to me (although I think all Yorkies should meet the standard to be bred and hopefully produce standard dogs). Ellie cost $650. There is one small problem though. Ellie seems to be having health problems. The most expensive one may have been preventable if the breeder would have laid out the money to test her dogs for certain things to begin with. Sure I got a cheap dog, but I am paying it in vet bills and stress now.

I didn't get a cheap dog, my Sabrina costed me $2500 and I bought her with the purpose of breeding her, my breeder has champions in her blood line and she breeds for the standard, she really thought Sabrina would grow to be a healthy 5-7 pound yorkie, but she didn't, she is only 3lbs, she gets hypoglycemic if I let her play to much, she cannot tolerate the cold, she was sick when I got her off of the plane they sent her to me on, cost was another $650.00 to take her to the vet emergency hospital VCA, not cheap, if you think about it I paid damn near $3500 for her, with cost of her air flight $275.00 and she is not a healthy baby, I have to really watch her. Yes I agree that breeding yorkies is very expensive I had to pay $3500 for a c-section but I kept the babies I had to bottle feed them for three months straight every two hours there was no way after putting in all that work that I was going to let these babies go, I looooooovvvvee them. At the same time I think I should of been compensated by the breeder who sold Sabrina to me, especially she was sick when I got her and then she didn't grow to be the size I was told she would be, her mother was 8lbs and her father was 6.5 pds, she should been a bigger baby.

[bfollowell]

$1000 - $1500 for a pet quality dog?!

That sounds ridiculous. Of course, so does $4 gasoline and I still pay it. I have to have my gasoline and most of us on here have to have our Yorkies! Retailers will historically charge as much as the market can bear. If consumers are willing to pay it, they'll charge it.

I haven't had a Yorkie in several years and haven't bought one in many years. My ex is generously giving me a little male from her recent litter (only eleven more weeks and little Jackson gets to come home, yeah!) so I won't have to pay for one this time but I had been looking around. In the paper, and that's not necessarily where I would go but, in the paper in southern Indiana, Illinois, western Kentucky area, pet quality Yorkies seem to be going for $500 - $600 with females running $50 - $100 more from any particular breeder. The last time I bought a pup, about six or seven years ago, I think she was around $350 or $400 so current prices seem like a lot to me. $1000 - $1500 sounds almost insane. Still, different areas of the country have always charged more for some things and, if that's what I had to pay, I'm sure I'd just save longer and pay it. But I don't have to, this time at least, did I mention my ex is giving me a pup? Did I mention that Jackson gets to come home in eleven weeks? Man, I can't wait to get him home.

- Byron

[Wigfur]

I think they are high priced,but to each their own. i'd gladly pay a lot more then I did for my lil sweetie he's worth every dime

[mblab]

Since everyone here is truly passionate about their dogs/Yorkshire Terriers it's understandable that so much attention has come to this topic. I do find it interesting, reading through this thread (I had to give up after reading about 9 pages total). This is something near and dear to me as I'm in the hunt for a puppy and dealing with the incredible process of finding the right puppy, from the right breeder, at a cost that I can afford.

To support what a lot of posters said, there is so much involved in the entire process that the high prices aren't completely ridiculous. That said, it's my understanding that the truly great breeders breed for the betterment of the dogs, NOT to make money. It seems like the breeders that are most concerned about the money aren't the breeders you should be dealing with. (Though a breeder being concerned about money, in an effort to attempt to cover most if not all of their costs is not unreasonable at all.)

My stance, while talking with several breeders, is supporting their right to charge whatever they feel is appropriate for their puppies. However my budget may not support their price. (And when I tell them this, I make sure they understand that I do not mean to be disrespectful, I'm just being honest since money is involved in the process.) And when I've told breeders a bit more about myself, the research and effort I've put in, and my truly wonderful intentions to be a great mom and love this dog then most (though not all) have agreed that they could negotiate the price because in the end they want the best for their puppies and not the most money.

But it is important to keep in mind that having a dog (of any breed) is a big responsibility that doesn't come free (even if you get the dog for no money, there's a lot of money involved in their upkeep and general wellness). So charging anywhere from $500-1500 seems reasonable to me (if nothing else it sets a price point that may stop the kind of people that shouldn't own a dog from owning a dog). I don't agree with breeders trying to charge something like $10,000 for a pet-quality dog, but then again there are people out there that will pay that much so those breeders are able to sell them for that much.

So mostly the same as what everyone else has said here, I'm just chiming in supporting their opinions as well.

[allisongaines]

a dogs a dog as a dogs a dog
i dont understand why every ones all HUGE on bloodlines and blah blah blah
yea.... if you want a champion bloodline, you can pay that much... whatever.
but for the people who just want a friend....... WE DONT.
we just want a happy, healthy yorkie who loves us just as much as we love them..
that being said.. yes, i think yorkies are being too much.. and yes they DO cost a ton in places like NY and LA.. but HELLO thats NY and LA.....

geez........ now that i got that off my chest i forgot what i was going to say
:

[allisongaines]

Originally Posted by allisongaines

a dogs a dog as a dogs a dog
i dont understand why every ones all HUGE on bloodlines and blah blah blah
yea.... if you want a champion bloodline, you can pay that much... whatever.
but for the people who just want a friend....... WE DONT.
we just want a happy, healthy yorkie who loves us just as much as we love them..
that being said.. yes, i think yorkies are being too much.. and yes they DO cost a ton in places like NY and LA.. but HELLO thats NY and LA.....

geez........ now that i got that off my chest i forgot what i was going to say
:

OH YEA
i do think that yorkies should be priced like around 500 and up.. just to keep ppl that arent serious dog lovers out... but 2000?? idk dude...... for some reason that price just erks me..
i mean, i dont have my baby yet... (i will this sundayyyyy!!).. i paid 650. i mean, it doesnt mean she wont have health problems... but what breeder can gaurentee no health problems!?? even if you pay an arm and a leg.. after paying 2000 on the dog, do you think you could pay for vet bills? i know i couldnt.....

thats why a dogs a dog as a dogs a dog
no matter what price, the best dog is going to be happy and HEALTHY

[Amber_lv]

Ok I really wasn't going to post lol... but.... If you are going to critisize PLEASE READ MY WHOLE POST FIRST!!!

We paid $700.00 for peeka and $700 for Boo we got a discount for getting 2 of them together. We paid $2300.00 for Daisy they are worth every penny to me.Now Daisy being so much it was hard but i wanted top quality. If i want a Yorkie I want it to be Top Quality I am very Picky you can even call me a yorkie snob if you will

I must say that here in Utah you are hard pressed to find a decent breeder that isn't breeding either 10 lb females or 2 lb females. Most don't even look like yorkies it's horrible They are mostly greeders

I do belive that when some sell their yorkies for under $1200.00 the are risking selling to brokers, BYB and puppy mills. They look for good bargins to expand their breeding.

Also thinking about cost of having a litter is insane. I know a few ppl here that breed and i will just say this for ex...

Getting the breeding Female $1500-$2000
shots (here) $150-$200 a set x 2-3 sets
you have to wait 2 yrs to breed
Stud Fee $500-$1000
Whelping supplies $60
misc supplies (food care etc) $200.00
Mother check-up $100.00
X-Ray at 58 days (here) $240.00
C-section (here) $2000-$3000
first checkup $200 for all mom and pups
Dewclaws and tail docks (here) $40 per puppy
Shots (here) $200 a set per pup x2-3 sets
Feeding and puppy supplies $200.00

so as you can see with an average litter of 3 pups you don't make a profit and even if you sold the pups for $1500.00 a piece thats only $4500.00 when your cost with out including the price of purchasing the female can be around $5160.00 if your lucky and no c-section is needed then your cost will be a little less and you may recoup some for the female you bought but still look at the money involved that is why i don't understandall the bargin hunting that is done.

Besides like said before they live around 15 yrs I personally would like nice quality and heathy yorkie from buying from a reputal breeder then going bargin shopping and get one i wouldn't be happy with.

People want to talk about shelters and buying from them and i think it's great to rescue and unwanted animal but unfortunantly those dogs in the shelters are there mostly because people went bargin hunting and making sponatnious purchases and they were not happy with their pet. IMPO i feel if people did more reaserch before they bought a pet you would have less animals in the shelters. Thanks for hearing my opinion

[Tnyorkiemom]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I think $1500 is entirely too cheap for a Yorkie. People pay well over $1000 for the newest television set out or the best computer. It costs a lot of money to be a breeder. I don't think most of them make much if it is done right. Vet bills are very expensive, then what if mom needs a C-Section?

Yorkie rescues are a great thing. I have nothing against them. Do you know how hard it is to adopt from some of them though? You have to meet a ton of criteria and usually half of it is stupid. I have heard that shelters and rescues have turned people away for no good reason. So if I don't get a Yorkie from a shelter my other choice is a reputable breeder. No reputable breeder will purposely breed off-standard dogs. That would go against what they believe because if their dogs aren't standard, they haven't bred for the betterment of the breed.

My Yorkie is laying on my lap right now. She is the best doggie ever. She is, however, way off standard. It is not a big deal to me (although I think all Yorkies should meet the standard to be bred and hopefully produce standard dogs). Ellie cost $650. There is one small problem though. Ellie seems to be having health problems. The most expensive one may have been preventable if the breeder would have laid out the money to test her dogs for certain things to begin with. Sure I got a cheap dog, but I am paying it in vet bills and stress now.

well said......this is what i was told by a breeder once that was "venting" over people complaining about prices.....this is what he said.....1. i raise show quality dogs....i sell them as show quality dogs....if you decided to just have them as a pet that is your choice....price is still the same....i see breeders who have both "pet" quality Dams and Sires and "Show/breeding" quality Dams and Sires......they sell those pups at different prices for that reason.......but people cant expect the breeder to lower their price just because you dont want the pup for show or breeding.....

Just My Opinion

[EmrldShdwQueen]

Originally Posted by mblab

And when I've told breeders a bit more about myself, the research and effort I've put in, and my truly wonderful intentions to be a great mom and love this dog then most (though not all) have agreed that they could negotiate the price because in the end they want the best for their puppies and not the most money.

That is certainly the way I feel. If you're up front with me and I've talked to you a few times and I KNOW you will have a good home for one of my babies....and you ask me about lowering the price WITHIN REASON, I don't mind doing it.

The reason I charge what I do for my babies is simply because that's what I feel they're worth. So far I haven't had any trouble selling them...but I have lowered a couple prices. Once was for a puppy that didn't have the correct coloring and the other for a puppy that didn't have the look I try to breed for...and both went to pet homes with limited registration...and they are happy and loved as members of their families. I have never had anyone ask if I can take less for one of them...but for the right home I don't mind. As some have already mentioned, I won't get back even an inkling of what I put into the pups and the breeding...so charging $1500 for a dog (from a reputable breeder) is nothing.

So far I haven't seen any prices that "irked" me really...although I had to look twice at a couple $10,000 ones on puppyfind. It is interesting to see the prices on Yorkies though...it doesn't happen as much with many other breeds. You can find a Yorkie for $500 and you can find one for, like I said, $10000. SOme are worth it, some are not. The key is to research research research and find the RIGHT situation for you. I've had a couple people that told me within the first couple minutes of talking to me that they wanted a yorkie from a home where the dogs slept in the bed with the breeder. Sounds silly but the funniest things matter to people...and it SHOULD matter...you should be very specific about what you want...and keep looking until you find it. Whatever baby you choose will be with you for years and years, so I think it's more about finding the puppy for YOU, rather than the pricetag...

Bottom line: breeders are always going to charge what they think their babies are worth...buyers just have to decide which one is worth that much to them...

[Raja's Mom]

Originally Posted by Amber_lv

Also thinking about cost of having a litter is insane. I know a few ppl here that breed and i will just say this for ex...

Getting the breeding Female $1500-$2000
shots (here) $150-$200 a set x 2-3 sets
you have to wait 2 yrs to breed
Stud Fee $500-$1000
Whelping supplies $60
misc supplies (food care etc) $200.00
Mother check-up $100.00
X-Ray at 58 days (here) $240.00
C-section (here) $2000-$3000
first checkup $200 for all mom and pups
Dewclaws and tail docks (here) $40 per puppy
Shots (here) $200 a set per pup x2-3 sets
Feeding and puppy supplies $200.00

so as you can see with an average litter of 3 pups you don't make a profit and even if you sold the pups for $1500.00 a piece thats only $4500.00 when your cost with out including the price of purchasing the female can be around $5160.00 if your lucky and no c-section is needed then your cost will be a little less and you may recoup some for the female you bought but still look at the money involved that is why i don't understandall the bargin hunting that is done.
[/B]

Thank you for putting this into perspective for us. I knew breeding (when done right i.e. not "backyard" breeding) was expensive and breeders rarely made a profit, but wow. Just confirms that good breeders do it for the love of our babies and not to make money.

To all our YT breeders: we appreciate you!!!