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. Although they are somewhat stubborn and can be difficult to train, their diminutive stature means that they will not physically rule the roost at home.

Their popularity and purebred status mean that buying one can cost $3,000 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 its life.

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.

Bringing Home a New Yorkshire Terrier: One-Time Costs

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 with registry papers 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 from close friends and family willing to part with one of their latest 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

Many owners prefer adopting over buying. Dogs are surrendered to rescues and shelters for a variety of 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 that this is the case.

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

There is a very big variance in price when buying a Yorkie from a breeder. At the lower end of the scale, Yorkie prices are between $3,000 and $5,000 for a pet-quality puppy. They will not have kennel club papers, but their parents should still have undergone screening and health checks.

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

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.

How Much Does a Yorkshire Terrier Cost Per Month?

It is very unlikely that your monthly costs will come out at the top end of this scale because it assumes that you are paying for daily walks, emergency medical treatment, and some pet sitting. On average, you should expect to pay about $150 per month in costs.

Health Care

Health care includes ensuring that your Yorkie is healthy and free from illness and providing the food and nutrition that they require. You will also need to 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

The Yorkie is a small dog and has less of an appetite than a Huskie 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

It is possible to keep your Yorkie well-groomed and in top condition yourself. This means keeping their nails trim, 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

If your Yorkie is healthy, 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 can shop around to find affordable vets, but consider ease of access, opening hours, and other factors, as well as just the cost of the vets.

Pet Insurance

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

Although the Yorkie is a small breed, they can be mischievous and destructive if they’re not trained and socialized. Ensure you start training early, and remember that you need someone to care for your dog if you go away.

Training Classes

Whether you intend to train them yourself, attend professional classes, or have a behaviorist visit your home, you must provide training for your dog. Yorkies are clever, but they can be stubborn, and taking them to training classes, costing approximately $25 per month, is a good idea. Costs vary but are lower than having a behaviorist visit your home. If you train at home yourself, you will likely still have to pay for treats and other training accessories to assist in the process.

Pet Sitting and Boarding

The cost of pet-sitting will vary wildly 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 and bear in mind that sitters cost a lot more than paying for a boarding kennel.

Entertainment

Entertainment is important 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 every day, you can pay for a professional walking service.

Toys

Consider a subscription box for toys if your dog regularly goes through them or gets bored of old toys. Alternatively, you will need a steady supply to ensure your Yorkie does not get bored. A bored Yorkie is a destructive one and the cost of a toy is a lot less than the cost of a new chair or sofa.

Walking

$500 may sound like a lot, but that assumes that you need a professional dog walker to come in and walk your puppy every day, which can cost $20 per walk. If you can walk your dog yourself, the cost is nothing.

 

Additional Costs to Factor In

You must have money set aside for incidentals and unexpected costs. For example, pre-existing conditions are not covered in insurance policies, and you may have to pay an expensive vet bill that isn’t covered by your provider. Also, if your dog chews on your furniture, you may need to repair or replace it.

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 having to pay for a walker, training them yourself, and enrolling in a pet insurance plan that is cost-effective and minimizes the amount you have to pay out 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 they 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. They can be stubborn and are prone to some health conditions, especially related to the eyes. Expect to pay approximately $3,000 for the puppy, additional costs of $1,000 to $2,000 when you first buy the dog, and monthly costs of $150 to $200, but bear in mind that the prices can vary significantly from these figures according to circumstances.

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Featured Image Credit: Mr. SUTTIPON YAKHAM, Shutterstock