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The Yorkshire Terrier is a popular breed in the United States. They are ideal for families and senior owners because although they are bright and lively, they do not require too much exercise. They are somewhat stubborn and challenging to train, and their diminutive stature means that they will not physically rule the roost at home.
So, how much do Yorkies cost? The average Yorkie price can be $2,000 or more, while the annual cost of keeping this breed is $1,800. These figures add up to mean that your Yorkie will cost an average of $25,000 over their lifetime.
To most owners, they are worth every cent, but it is essential to know what to expect and how much to budget to keep your new pet healthy, happy, and fulfilled. Read on to see how the costs stack up.
The biggest initial expense is buying your Yorkie. You can save money by adopting rather than buying, and if you buy a puppy from a breeder, consider whether you need an exhibition-quality Yorkie or whether a pet-quality pup will be good enough. Companion puppies cost considerably less than show-quality ones.
Free
Free Yorkies tend to come from friends or family who can no longer look after the dog or close friends and family willing to part with one of their puppies from a recent litter. Ideally, the puppy should still come from parents who are free from genetic conditions and health problems; otherwise, you run the risk that your puppy will suffer similar problems.
Adoption
$50–$500
Many owners prefer adopting over buying. Dogs are surrendered to rescues and shelters for several reasons. Because of their popularity with senior owners, Yorkies tend to be put up for adoption because of the death of their owner, and while some are very well-trained and perfectly well-behaved, you should meet the dog before adopting to ensure they’re healthy. Adoption fees are lower than purchase costs, but they vary by shelter, and you do not have the same freedom of choice or guarantee of screening and health checks.
Breeder
$2,000–$5,000
There is a significant variance in price when buying a Yorkie from a breeder. Yorkie prices are between $2,000 and $5,000 for a pet-quality puppy at the lower end of the scale.
Expect to pay over $5,000 for exhibition-quality show dogs. For those with the best pedigree, boasting award winners throughout their family tree, you may have to pay additional fees of $2,000 or more.
Initial Setup and Supplies
$200–$1000
Another essential cost of owning a dog will be the supplies. Some items should last several years, while others may need to be replaced more frequently. It will depend on the quality of the items as well as your puppy’s tendencies to chew things.
List of Yorkshire Terrier Care Supplies and Costs
Below is an example of what you can expect to pay in the first year of ownership, and these costs can vary:
Food and Water Bowls: $20
Leash and Harness: $40
Toys: $50
Brush: $10
Nail Clipper: $10
Bed/Kennel: $75
Microchip: $50
Spay/Neuter: $150-700
How Much Do Yorkies Cost Per Month?
$25–$100 per month
It is very unlikely that your monthly costs will come out at the top end of this scale because it assumes you are paying for daily walks, emergency medical treatment, and some pet sitting.
Health Care
$60–$100 per month
Health care includes ensuring that your Yorkie is healthy and free from illness and providing the required food and nutrition. You must also trim their nails while ensuring their ears and eyes are clean and healthy. Age is the most significant determining factor when it comes to your expenses. Puppies and seniors cost more than healthy adults.
Food
$20–$50 per month
The Yorkie is a small dog and has less of an appetite than a Husky or a St. Bernard. However, they require high-quality food. This ensures that your Yorkshire Terrier gets the nutrition they need without consuming too many calories. Treats can prove especially beneficial for training, too. The total cost of food will depend on the brand rather than the amount you feed.
Grooming
$0–$100 per month
It is possible to keep your Yorkie well-groomed and in top condition yourself. This means keeping their nails trimmed, checking their ears, cleaning their eyes, and, of course, cutting their hair and ensuring that it doesn’t get in their eyes. Those who use a professional groomer will do so roughly every month, which costs around $30 per month. Show-quality grooming will cost more.
Medications and Vet Visits
$20–$100 per month
If your Yorkie is healthy, and he is up to date on all of his shots, you won’t have to take them to the vet more than once a year. However, when your Yorkie becomes a senior, you should visit your vet at least twice yearly. You should also have your Yorkie's teeth cleaned once a year at around $300. All small dogs tend to have problems with their teeth and gums, so this is a necessary cost. You can shop around to find affordable services/vets, but consider the ease of access, opening hours, and other factors besides the cost of the veterinary services.
Pet Insurance
$20–$100 per month
Pet insurance is one way to prepare for veterinary bills. It usually covers emergency costs, but some policies require that you pay the fees and have the cost reimbursed later. Policies usually reimburse you for 70% to 90% of the veterinary costs, and they typically have a maximum payment per treatment, per annum, and per policy, so check these before you buy.
Training and Behavior
$10 – $150
Although Yorkies are small dogs, they can be mischievous and destructive if they’re not trained and socialized. Ensure you start training early, and remember you need someone to care for your dog if you leave.
Whether you intend to train your dog yourself, attend professional classes, or have a behaviorist visit your home, you must provide training. Yorkies are clever, but they can be stubborn, and taking them to training classes is a good idea. Costs vary but are lower than having a behaviorist visit your home.
Pet Sitting and Boarding
$0–$50 per month
Pet-sitting costs vary from one month to the next, depending on the time you spend away. Some months, the cost will be nothing, and if you have sympathetic neighbors or family members, you could benefit from nominal costs whenever required. Otherwise, it is a good idea to include pet sitting in your vacation budget. Pet sitters typically cost more than paying for a boarding kennel.
Entertainment
$5–$100 per month
Entertainment is vital because an entertained Yorkie is better behaved, fitter, and tends to be friendlier and more sociable. Ensure that yours has a decent supply of toys and safe items to chew. If you cannot walk your dog daily, you can pay for a professional walking service.
Owning a Yorkshire Terrier On a Budget
The best way to keep a Yorkie on a budget is to take a hands-on approach to ownership. This involves getting out and walking your Yorkie every day to avoid paying for a walker, training them yourself, and enrolling in a cost-effective pet insurance plan that minimizes the amount you have to pay each month.
Saving Money on Yorkshire Terrier Care
Check with your vets to see if they offer a wellness plan for inoculations or flea treatments. These can save you money in the long run but may require an up-front payment. You can also look for discounts on supplies, food, and toys online and in newspaper ads.
Final Thoughts
The Yorkshire Terrier is a very popular pet. They’re energetic little pups that love spending time with their owners. You will never regret the love you receive from these little guys and gals.
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