How Much Does a Yorkie Cost? [American Average Prices]
For some, the Yorkie Terrier is the ideal lap dog. This breed typically does not grow beyond seven pounds. Additionally, this breed is affectionate to its owners and comes in several coat variations, making them a versatile choice for many homes.
Yorkie Terrier cost – what you should expect to pay in 2022.
As popularity grows for the Yorkie Terrier, so does the price. As a potential dog owner, knowing the upfront costs and how much you will spend on regular health check-ups and throughout their lifetime will help you prepare when you bring home this darling pet.
So what is the average cost of a Yorkie Terrier in the USA? First, let’s look at some of the factors that help determine the price.
How Much Does a Yorkie Terrier Cost?
If a Yorkie Terrier is the breed you desperately want in your next pet, expect to pay a fair bit.
To buy a Yorkie you can expect to pay anywhere from $800 up to a whopping $4,000. Some prices will run even higher, up to around $10,000, but those animals are typically for breeding purposes and as show animals.
For an average house Yorkie, a price tag of $1,500 to $2,000 USD is quite normal in the United States and Canada.
Many factors can increase your Yorkie cost, including:
- Bloodlines
- Registered purebred
- Coat color and length (particularly Parti Yorkies)
- Size
- Gender
- Age
Bloodlines
For any serious breeder, the process of finding and using reputable bloodlines does not come cheap. You can expect to pay more for a Yorkie Terrier from exceptional lineages, such as show dogs or healthy breeding stock.
Registered Purebred
If you want a pet that brings registration papers, you will pay more for your new dog. However, unregistered animals will be less expensive since they may not come from proper bloodlines or their coats do not match breed standards.
Coat Color and Length
Yorkies can have various coat colors and lengths, which can alter the final cost. The American Kennel Club (AKC) only recognizes four color variations, so a Yorkie that has papers will only fall into these classes:
- Black and tan
- Black and gold
- Blue and tan
- Blue and gold
Of course, if the dog has any variations beyond these four combinations, they are not registered, and the cost will typically be lower. For example, the hair can vary between silky, fine, glossy, and coarse. Many pet owners prefer a smooth coat, so a dog with more coarse hair may be less expensive.
Their coat length will also vary and can alter what you will pay. Of course, longer coats can be more attractive for some pet owners, but they require more daily maintenance. Other alternatives will sport shorter hair. Typically, the longer and more silky or glossy the coat, the higher the price tag.
Size
Although Yorkie Terriers do not grow larger than seven pounds, the smaller the breeding parents are, the offspring will similarly be. Therefore, smaller dogs are more popular and can bring a higher price.
Some breeders will ask for more money if the puppies are miniature, growing to only three or four pounds.
Gender
The gender of a Yorkie Terrier can also raise the price. Many potential pet owners prefer female puppies over males, making them more in demand. If you want to purchase a dog for breeding purposes, you should prepare for a higher cost.
The gender of littermates can also determine what the breeder will charge for the puppies. If there is only one female in a litter, you can expect the breeder to charge a higher price than its male siblings.
Age
Of course, puppies are in higher demand than adult dogs. The older the animal is, the lower the price can be. If you are open to purchasing a senior pet, you could lower the budget of your Yorkie Terrier.
Some breeders will sell their sires or dams after they reach a point where they cannot have a litter. These mature animals can be lower in price than other Yorkie Terriers that you will find through other sources.
Ongoing Costs for Your Yorkie Terrier
The original price of your Yorkie Terrier is just the beginning. After purchasing your new pet, several things will cost money throughout its lifetime. On average, you can expect to pay approximately $23,000 in total for the duration of your pet’s life, including the original purchase price and ongoing care.
If you are aware of these additional costs, you can eliminate any surprises along the way and budget for them accordingly.
Some ongoing costs you may encounter include:
- Regular veterinarian visits
- Obedience classes or training
- Scheduled grooming and consumables like shampoo
- Supplies and toys
- Kennel fees or doggie daycare
- Unforeseen circumstances
Regular Veterinarian Visits
No matter what type of animal you have, they will require regular veterinarian attention. From annual vaccinations and check-ups to emergency health visits, you can expect to budget for this expense.
Obedience Classes or Training
New puppies will need a lot of attention and training, while older Yorkie Terriers may already have some obedience training and not require classes. Some new pet owners will pay upwards of $100 at a time for obedience classes for their new dog.
Scheduled Grooming
Unless you are comfortable bathing your pet regularly and trimming nails, you will be taking them to a professional groomer.
Yorkie Terriers can have matting issues in their coat if they do not receive grooming on schedule. In addition, you do not want their nails to grow too long; otherwise, they could have some issues with their feet.
Luckily you can DIY much of Yorkie grooming at home. Learn how to cut a Yorkie coat, and how to clean Yorkie eyes.
Supplies and Toys
If your new Yorkie Terrier is your first dog, the cost of supplies and toys can quickly add up. From dog beds to leashes, the supplies your new pet requires can vary. In addition, your puppy will need toys to help keep them occupied and happy at your home, so they are stimulated and do not chew your items.
Kennel Fees or Doggie Daycare
If you plan on going away for holidays and cannot take your precious Yorkie terrier with you, using a reputable kennel service will be necessary. The costs for kennel fees can run into hundreds of dollars.
Sometimes using a doggie daycare can help ensure your pet is well socialized with other dogs or allows you to not worry about them during the day while you are at work. However, these facilities can run at a high cost if you use them regularly.
Unforeseen Circumstances
Unfortunately, circumstances happen that you may not expect. From health problems to accidents, some of these situations can be costly. Either way, a situation may arise that your Yorkie Terrier will need attention and care, and the bills can add up quickly.
Some pet owners opt to pay for pet insurance to help shoulder some of these unforeseen expenses, while others may have a rainy-day fund.
Yorkie Terrier Costs in the United States
Owning a Yorkie Terrier can be a wonderful experience, and with proper care, they can live a long and healthy life. The cost of your new pet does not end when you purchase it from a breeder, but if you plan accordingly, your budget will accommodate any additional expenses you may incur.
It does not matter if you spend $800 or $4,000 on your new Yorkie Terrier. They will be an excellent addition to your family. With their pleasant demeanor and affectionate nature, it will be worth every penny when you bring your pet home.
