Yorkie Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and More!

yorkshie terrier
© Anna Vasiljeva/Shutterstock.com

Written by Erin Whitten

Updated: July 17, 2023

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If you’ve ever been captivated by the adorable charm and lively spirit of Yorkshire terriers, or Yorkies as a common-known nickname, you’re certainly not alone. The average Yorkie puppy can cost from $600 to $2,500, although these figures can fluctuate based on how the owner acquires their new Yorkie and their location. Potential pet owners need to remember that buying their Yorkie is the first step to pet parenthood, and it is necessary to consider additional ongoing costs like vaccinations, medical care, food, equipment, grooming, and training.

A Yorkshire terrier with a red bow

The average Yorkie puppy can cost from $600 to $2,500.

©Seregraff/Shutterstock.com

Often, puppies offered for free are a result of unintentional breeding, theft, or even worse – are linked to unscrupulous breeding practices, such as those found in puppy mills.

How Much Does a Yorkie Puppy Cost?

When deciding to add a Yorkie to your family in 2024, remember to factor in all associated costs. The price can depend on the puppy’s health, pedigree, and place of purchase. Additionally, preparing for dog ownership involves securing necessary supplies and identifying a reliable vet.

Average Cost

The cost of buying a Yorkie can vary greatly based on numerous factors, such as the acquisition method, the puppy’s health, and pedigree. In the sense of giving you an average estimate, you can expect to spend at least $1000 when initially purchasing a Yorkie puppy with supplies and other factors involved.

Finding a Yorkie for Free

When looking for a Yorkie, the idea of getting one for free is one that is too good to be true. Often, puppies offered for free are a result of unintentional breeding, theft, or even worse – are linked to unscrupulous breeding practices, such as those found in puppy mills.

Teacup Yorkie

Puppies offered for free are usually a result of unintentional breeding or bad practice in puppy mills.

©DOPTOON/Shutterstock.com

Reputable Breeders

Investing in a Yorkie from a trustworthy breeder, despite higher upfront costs, is a choice that pays off long-term. Reputable breeders prioritize health screenings and ethical practices, ensuring healthy offspring. A Yorkie from such a breeder could cost between $800-$2,500.

Adoption Centers or Animal Rescues

There’s a saying that goes, “In a perfect world, every dog would have a home, and every home would have a dog.” One of the most rewarding ways to find your new Yorkie is through adoption or an animal rescue center. The cost of adopting a Yorkie is significantly less than buying from a breeder, usually ranging from $250 to $500, which typically includes initial veterinary care such as vaccinations, deworming, and spay/neuter surgery. Beyond the cost, choosing to adopt supports the work of these organizations financially, helping them assist even more future pet parents and animals alike.

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Yorkie

Bloodline

Acquiring a Yorkie from a prestigious lineage can cost upwards of $8,000. This price reflects an investment in a dog that encapsulates the best qualities of the breed, having originated from industrious roots in the 19th-century England textile mills and coal mines and evolved into a breed adored by the fashionable elite. Keep in mind, health screenings and ethical breeding should remain a priority as diseases can happen even to purebred dogs.

Location

The cost of a Yorkie will vary based on location. In larger cities or high-demand areas, the prices for a Yorkie puppy can be higher due to greater demand. In contrast, in less populated areas or regions with less demand for Yorkies, the prices might be somewhat lower due to the needs of the population.

Gender

Typically, a Yorkie’s gender will influence the price point. Male Yorkies are generally less expensive than females because female dogs can be bred, adding potential value for breeders. However, not all breeders are alike, and some will not allow breeding with their puppies.

Yorkshire Terrier puppy sitting on the park grass

Male Yorkies are generally less expensive than females.

©Shllabadibum Bubidibam/Shutterstock.com

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for a Yorkie

ProcedureCost
Initial Vet appointments$150-200
Initial Vaccines$250
Sterilization$250-350
Microchip$40

Cost of Food and Supplies for a Yorkie

Food and SuppliesCost
Bed/Cage$100
Nail Clipper$8-12
Brush$8-10
Leash and Harness$40-60
Food and Water Bowls$50-100
Toys$30-50

Food

The Yorkie is a small breed with a correspondingly smaller appetite than larger dogs; however, the quality of their food should be paramount. Yorkies require high-quality, nutritionally balanced food to maintain their health without exceeding their calorie needs. We all know treats can be a useful tool for training purposes, but like their main diet, they should be of good quality.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Yorkie?

For a cost of $20-$50 per month, pet insurance provides a valuable financial buffer against unexpected veterinary bills for your Yorkie. Pet insurance usually covers emergency healthcare costs, though it’s important to note that these plans often operate on a reimbursement basis, requiring you to pay upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement.

How Much Does It Cost to Train a Yorkie?

Prepare to set aside $10-$150 each month for training as a wise investment in your Yorkie’s behavior and manners around the unknown. These energetic little dogs, while generally sociable, can sometimes show a playful stubbornness or develop apprehension around unfamiliar faces without proper socialization from a young age. Professional training sessions can help curb these tendencies, ensuring your Yorkie matures into a well-rounded companion.

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About the Author

Erin Whitten is a writer at A-Z Animals, primarily covering dogs, food, and travel. She earned her BA in Communications and Digital Media from Arizona State University in 2019. A resident of Massachusetts, Erin enjoys hanging out with her shelter cat Azula and taking photos of other animals.

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