How Much Does a Yorkshire Terrier Cost in 2024?

Yorkshire Terrier Characteristics

Yorkshire Terriers, also known as Yorkies, are a popular toy dog breed that originated in Yorkshire, England, in the 19th century. They were originally bred for catching rats in clothing mills, but today, they are primarily companion dogs recognized for their small size, intelligence, and charming personalities. Yorkies will never let a day go by without entertaining their families.

One of the most distinctive features of the Yorkshire Terrier is its glossy, silky coat that is typically blue and tan in color. However, some Yorkies may have a black and tan coat or even a gold and silver coat. Their coat is non-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them an ideal choice for people with allergies.

In terms of physical appearance, Yorkies are small dogs that typically weigh between 5-7 pounds and stand around 7-9 inches tall at the shoulder. Despite their small size, they are known for their confident and lively personalities. They can be very protective of their owners, making them great watchdogs despite their diminutive size.

Yorkies are highly intelligent and eager to please, which can make them very easy to train. They are also very social dogs that thrive on attention and affection from their owners. Due to their small size, they are a great option for apartment living or for people who do not have a lot of space or a large backyard.

What is the price of a Yorkshire Terrier?

If you are considering adding a Yorkshire Terrier to your family, it is important to understand some of the factors that can affect the price of these popular dogs. The cost of a Yorkshire Terrier puppy can change according to factors including pedigree, age, gender, coat color, breeder, and location.

Buying: $600 - $2500

The cost of purchasing a Yorkshire Terrier can vary based on several factors. The average Yorkshire Terrier price can range around $600-$2500. The price can be affected by factors such as pedigree, age, gender, coat color, breeder, and location, but prices average around $1050.

Dogs with a strong pedigree, younger puppies, and puppies with rare coat colors tend to be more expensive. Reputable breeders who perform health testing and raise their dogs in a loving and safe environment may also charge more. Additionally, the cost of a Yorkshire Terrier can be higher in larger cities or more populated areas. It's important to consider these factors when deciding to purchase a Yorkie.

Adoption: $50 - $500

There are many rescue organizations and shelters that offer Yorkies for adoption at a much lower cost. Adoption fees typically range around $50-$500, depending on factors including the organization and the age of the dog. Often times, puppies can be more expensive than adopting an adult or senior dogs would be.

Adopting a Yorkie can not only help you save money, but it also provides a loving home for a dog in need. Many rescue organizations also provide initial veterinary care for their dogs, including vaccinations or spaying/neutering, which can help save you money in the long run. Adopting a Yorkie can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to bring a new furry friend into your home.

Monthly Costs for a Yorkshire Terrier Puppy

Diet: $10 - $15

Yorkshire Terriers are small dogs that only require around 60 lbs. of dry food per year. This is significantly less than what is necessary for larger breeds. Depending on the quality of food you choose, you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 - $120 annually on dry dog food for your Yorkshire Terrier. Of course, this cost can vary depending on the brand, quantity, and quality of food you purchase, as well as how often you choose to spoil your furry friend with additional treats or supplements. Overall, feeding a Yorkshire Terrier can be a relatively affordable aspect of owning one of these beloved dogs.

Grooming: $40 - $100

Grooming a Yorkshire Terrier is an important part of their care and can also be a significant expense. Due to their long, silky hair, Yorkies require regular, daily grooming to help prevent matting and to keep their coat healthy and shiny. The cost of grooming a Yorkie can vary based on the type of service, the location, and the experience level of the groomer. The average price for grooming a Yorkie can be about $40 - $100 per session. On average, owners can expect to spend between $240 - $600 per year on professional grooming services.

This cost can include services such as haircuts, baths, brushing, and nail trimming. While this may seem like a high cost, it's important to remember that regular grooming can help prevent more costly health issues down the line.

Medical Costs: $195 - $510

During the first year, it is recommended that a Yorkie puppy have at least three visits to the vet to receive recommended vaccinations and other preventive care treatments. The cost of these visits can vary based on the location and the specific services provided, but on average, each visit can cost around $65-$170. This includes the cost of a physical exam, vaccinations, and other recommended tests or treatments during the first year. It's important to budget for these costs to help ensure that your furry friend can get the necessary veterinary care to stay healthy and happy.

Yorkshire Terriers are known for their small size and delicate structure, which can make them at risk of developing certain health conditions over their lifetime. Patellar luxation, collapsing trachea, and mitral valve disease of the heart are some of the more common conditions seen in Yorkies. The costs associated with these conditions may be:

One-Time Costs for a Yorkshire Terrier

Initial Costs: $150 - $500

Bringing home a new pet has some initial costs for necessary supplies including food and water bowls, a dog collar and leash, a bed, crate, and sanitary supplies such as poop scoops and bags. In addition, if choosing to groom your puppy at home, you will want to purchase grooming equipment as well. The cost of these initial supplies can be around $150 - $500.

Microchipping: $50 - $75

Microchips allow for a 70% - 80% chance of your dog being found, identified, and returned to you if they become lost. The cost of microchipping a dog can vary from state to state, but the average cost is around $50 - $75.

Vaccinations: $150 - $350

As part of their preventive care recommendations, a Yorkshire Terrier should receive three to four sets of vaccines during their first year of life. The cost of each set of vaccines, which includes core vaccines such as distemper, parvovirus, and rabies, averages about $250.

As your Yorkshire Terrier ages, their annual vaccinations average at $150. While this may seem like a significant expense, it's crucial to help protect your furry friend from preventable diseases that can be costly to treat down the road. It's important to work with your veterinarian to create a vaccination schedule that meets your Yorkie's specific needs and helps keeps them healthy and protected.

Miscellaneous: $100 - $150

At times you may need to cover additional expenses such as hiring a dog walker or dog sitter or covering fees that may come up if you choose to travel with your dog. It’s important to put aside around $100 - $150 annually in case the need for these or other miscellaneous services arise. These services can help you provide great care for your fur family when you are in a pinch.

Lifetime Yorkshire Terrier Cost $18,615

This estimate considers the cost of buying or adopting your Yorkshire terrier, some initial costs, one-time costs, and monthly costs over the average lifespan of this breed. A pet parent could expect the cost of a Yorkie over their lifetime to be around $18,615. This estimate does not include the cost of emergency accidents or illnesses should they happen to your pet. It also does not include the cost of optional services such as dog walkers or placing your dog in a boarding facility while you are away.

How Can Spot Pet Insurance Help?

Spot Pet Insurance plans offer pet parents the opportunity to customize coverage options that fits the needs of their furry friend and their budget. Pet parents have the option to choose an unlimited annual limit option with no per incident caps, no lifetime caps, and a reimbursement rate of up to 90% for eligible veterinary costs. A plan from Spot Pet Insurance offers coverage for accidents, illnesses, and preventive care coverage for an additional cost. Preventive care coverage can help cover the eligible cost of routine exams, vaccines, and dental cleaning, among other benefits. To learn more about Spot Pet Insurance plans, get a free quote!

Conclusion

Owning a Yorkshire Terrier can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience, but it can also come with its own set of financial responsibilities. From food and grooming costs to regular veterinary visits and vaccinations, it's important to budget for these expenses to help ensure that your furry friend can get the necessary care to stay healthy and happy. By understanding some of the potential health conditions and being proactive about your Yorkie's preventive care, you can help keep your furry friend by your side for many happy and healthy years to come.