For the prospective dog owner, finding the right dog is not as simple as some people make it out to be. Some dogs may have specific requirements that the average dog owner may not be able to provide, especially if it’s a rescue dog or a dog that has had a challenging background.
With this in mind, you need to remember that when you’re looking to purchase a Yorkshire Terrier, you should make every effort to buy from a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders ensure the puppies health and well-being are their main priority before they go to their forever home.
By following the tips below, you can become a proud owner of your very own happy and healthy Yorkie! Hopefully, this article will give you the information you need to determine the cost of owning a Yorkshire Terrier and provides helpful information on why some Yorkies may cost a little more than others.
How Much Does A Yorkshire Terrier Cost?
So, the price you will pay will depend on the breeder’s locale, reputation (which is built over decades) and bloodlines for each particular Yorkie. One thing you’ll quickly learn, however, is that they can be expensive.
Reputable breeders can charge anywhere from $800 to $10,000, but you can purchase a Yorkie from backyard sellers or unlicensed breeders, which charge anywhere from $300 to $800.
However, we do not recommend buying a Yorkie from a backyard or unlicensed breeder as they may not be healthy or happy pups, and the breeder may not offer the same guarantees as a licensed breeder.
If you are unable to afford the cost of a Yorkie puppy, there is another route that you can take to give a Yorkie a forever home, and one of those ways is to adopt a Yorkie from a rescue centre. For more information regarding adopting a Yorkie from a rescue centre, please visit SAVE A YORKIE RESCUE.
What affects a Yorkshire Terrier’s cost?
Several factors affect the price of a Yorkshire Terrier. Below are the main ones that affect the price, which you should familiarize yourself with.
Bloodlines: The bloodline of a Yorkie is one of the most important factors when determining their eventual price. Highly sought-after breeders typically own many girls and boys that they breed regularly, and it’s not uncommon for separate reputable breeders to agree to mate their champion bitch or stud with each other.
Coat: One of the first things you will notice about a Yorkshire Terrier is the color of their coat. Yorkies traditionally have three coats, the puppy coat, the silky coat, and the wire/cotton coat. The type of coat isn’t generally a factor for those looking to purchase a Yorkie, however, those looking for a Yorkie with a show groom coat with hair that is long and straight will generally cost more.
Gender: Typically, a Yorkie female will cost more than a male. This is often because female Yorkies are more desirable for numerous reasons, but more so because people want them for breeding purposes. As such, you can expect to pay several hundred dollars more for a female compared to a male.
Size: The size of a Yorkshire Terrier usually reflects on its price. The Yorkshire terriers official size is roughly 8 to 9 inches from the shoulder and weighs between 4 and seven pounds. The Yorkie breed comes in multiple sizes such as the standard, miniature, and teacup/toy sizes, with the latter two being the most in-demand, thus being more expensive. For more information regarding the Yorkshire terrier size and other interesting facts, please read our article here.
Where to find a reputable Yorkie breeder
As a prospective Yorkshire Terrier owner, you will likely have many questions about the best way to find a good breeder. Puppy mills are rampant in today’s pet industry, so it can be difficult to distinguish a reputable breeder from a puppy mill.
It is important that you do your homework before selecting an ethical breeder, so you can be confident that your new puppy comes from a reputable place.
Finding a Yorkshire Terrier may become a challenge, especially if there are no breeders in your area.
If you are unable to find a Yorkie breeder in your area, our best advice for you is to do a Google search for “Yorkie Breeders in Florida” (as an example). You will then be shown a list of breeders throughout this location (A map is usually displayed, along with breeder location).
What to check when you visit the breeder and puppies
The advice mentioned below is applicable to both Yorkie puppies and those looking to purchase an older Yorkie.
So, you’ve found a breeder and now you’re planning to arrange a visit to view the puppies. There are numerous things that you need to pay attention to.
REMEMBER: Don’t be coerced into purchasing a Yorkie, and be prepared to walk away if you feel things don’t seem quite right.
Does the mother and puppies look healthy and happy?
Puppies can be very playful and very sleepy, so try and distinguish if the puppy is tired or lethargic (pup is not interested in doing anything), this may be a sign that there is something wrong with your dog.
Puppies should have a healthy weight (not too fat or too thin), and they should have a shiny coat, too, as this is an indicator of healthy skin and fur or hair.
Try and pick the pup up and interact with it. If the puppy responds to your voice with its eyes and movements with its head, then you know it can hear and see you okay.
Are the puppies kept in a cage or a suitable environment?
Puppies should be kept in a safe and clean environment where there is access to food, water, and stimulants such as toys. Most reputable breeders will often keep puppies with their mother until they’re ready to leave and usually have these necessities.
However, If you see puppies kept in a cage or a less than ideal area, you should be a little cautious, as there could be many reasons why they are there. So always ask questions!
Have the puppies been checked by a vet?
Veterinarians suggest newborn puppies should be health-checked when they are around six weeks of age to make sure the puppy is healthy and developing at the expected time. Regular weighing helps to ensure the pups are developing at the expected rate.
Has the puppy had regular worm treatment?
Since most puppies are born with worms, regular treatment is essential for a healthy and happy pup. Most breeders ensure their puppies are treated for worms regularly. Always ask questions if unsure.
Have they had their first vaccinations?
Most reputable breeders will ensure that the puppy will have their first injections before leaving for their new homes. Again, make sure you ask this question!
Before leaving for their new home, will the puppy be microchipped?
In most circumstances, breeders should microchip and register the puppies before going to their new homes.
Are the puppies Kennel Club registered?
Most breeders should state whether they are American Kennel Club registered or not. Again, many reputable breeders are registered and have puppies born to American Kennel Club registered parents.
What to do when you first bring your puppy home
Adopting a new puppy is a responsibility that every pet owner chooses to embrace. The day that you bring your new puppy home is a happy day but there are a few adjustments that the entire household has to do in order to adapt to the new situation. Aside from the home residents, the puppy itself will also feel uncomfortable since it will part from its mother and siblings.
Here are a few important things that you can do to create a happy new environment that both your pet and household will learn to love.
Learn to Handle your New Puppy
Taking your puppy home for the first is quite an upheaval since you will be displacing it from the environment that it is accustomed to. With proper handling and care, you will be able to gain your pet’s trust and love. Start with learning how to properly pick up your puppy. Slide one of your hands between the front legs and then slide your other hand to the back legs. It is important that you do not startle your puppy. Slowly lift your puppy’s body and ensure that its spines remain straight.
The First Days at Home
Weekends would be the best time to bring your puppy home so that you will have more time to spend with your new pet. Show your puppy around and let it explore its new environment. Take time to feed and play with your puppy so that it will get accustomed to you. Then introduce your puppy to its new bed and allow it to get settled in. It would help if you’re able to procure a blanket from the puppy’s old place so that it can smell the scent of its mother. This way, the puppy can get accustomed to its new environment quicker than usual.
Purchase Supplies
Aside from puppy food, dish bowls, leash, bed, toys, and treats, there are also a few supplies that you need in order to create a happy place for your new addition. The crate is one of the supplies that you may consider purchasing. It is a tool for training your puppies and it can also be useful in times of emergencies. Another essential item is the puppy pad where your pet can pee or poop. This will not only prevent the mess from your wood or tiles, but it can also keep odors from circulating as well.
Children and Pets
Puppies are very adorable creatures and it is highly possible that children would think that they are playthings. It is important to teach the children how they should behave with new puppies in order to avoid any untoward incidents. The children should know that, unlike stuffed toys, puppies can get hurt and it is dangerous to pull their ears or tail. Children must also be briefed not to distract the puppy while it’s eating.
In Meeting Resident Pets
If you have other pets, it is important that you introduce them to the new puppy one at a time. Ensure that you strictly observe the encounter so that you can separate them if one starts being hostile. Feed them separately at first and make sure that you spend time with your resident pet as well to avoid jealousy.
Conclusion
So that’s everything that you need to know about the cost of owning a Yorkshire Terrier! Owning a Yorkie can be a pleasure as they make great companions for any home, so long as you look after their health and well-being.
After all, when you purchase a Yorkie, you need to ensure that they are treated as an additional family member to your home, so you will also need to factor in the cost of vet bills, food, and grooming. All this adds to the cost of owning a Yorkie.