The Yorkie dog breed is incredibly affectionate, full of personality, and relatively easy to train, making them an excellent addition to your home whether you’re living the single life or have a full house! If you’re looking to add one of these cute dogs to your family, you might be wondering – how much does a Yorkie Terrier cost?
Yorkies are playful and high-energy, with long luxurious fur, and have an adaptable nature that makes them keen for adventure. But how much does this beautiful breed cost?
Yorkshire Terrier Price Range
The breeder determines the cost of a Yorkie, with most breeders charging anywhere from $800 to $2500. The price can be even higher for a Parti Yorkie. There are also many cheaper breeding facilities, but they may not have the same standards and care as a more expensive breeder.
Expect to pay more for it upfront if you want detailed information about your pup’s lineage and breeding history. If you just want a cute companion who loves being a part of your life, then there are lots of low-cost options available!
The American Kennel Club (AKC) Documented Yorkies
Yorkies are an AKC-recognized breed, which means the AKC has documented the breed since its addition to the AKC ranks.
If you buy Yorkie puppies from an AKC licensed and registered breeder, they are guaranteed to be purebred and come with the papers, and price tag, to prove it. Yorkie Terrier puppies cost between $1,200 and $2,000 from standard AKC licensed breeders.
If you’re looking for a champion bloodline to compete in shows, your Yorkie could cost up to $10,000.
Documents and Why You Want Them
If you’re looking at those numbers and wondering why you’d spend that kind of money on a Yorkie dog, the answer is simple. When you buy a purebred puppy, you’re purchasing a guarantee.
Breeders have carefully tracked and recorded their lineage over the years. You know your Yorkie’s family medical history, what the breed is prone to, and what it needs from you to be happy and healthy from day one to the end of its 11-15 years.
Finding Your Yorkie Puppy Through the AKC
To find a Yorkie through the AKC, go to the Yorkshire Terrier page. This page is a great place to learn more about the breed, from grooming needs and health expectations to history as you scroll down to the spot where it says “look for your puppy.” This will bring up information on every breeder that sells Yorkies. Then you can filter by location and whether or not they have any available litters (if not, you can choose to be alerted when they do!).
Yorkies Without Documents
If you’re not ready to drop $1,000 or more on a puppy, there are other options! You can probably find a Yorkie breeder in your area selling puppies for anywhere from $300 to $800. Without AKC registration, you don’t have any guarantees that the puppy you buy will be purebred, and you don’t know much about their history.
Make sure you do your research! While it may seem easy to go for the deal, you need to know your breeder isn’t a puppy mill. Puppy mills focus on breeding as quickly as possible, often creating health risks for puppies and their moms in the process.
Finding a Reputable Breeder
To make sure you’re buying your puppy from a good breeder and not a puppy mill, follow these steps:
- See how quick they are to sell. Responsible breeders want to know their puppies will be going to safe, healthy homes. If they’re in a rush to make the trade, say no and walk away.
- Take a look around their breeding facility. A good breeder will have no problem giving you a tour, introducing you to their pups, and talking you through their process.
- Ask for references. Reputable breeders will have a solid relationship with a local vet, other breeders, a local kennel club, and possibly some dog trainers.
These steps will not only help you bring home a healthier, happier puppy; they’ll also keep you from supporting animal cruelty in search of your new furry friend.
Adopting From a Shelter
If you don’t mind skipping the documents, why not adopt? You’ll be able to bring home the Yorkie of your dreams and give someone a new home! Believe it or not, pure and designer breeds can end up in shelters, too, for many reasons. Reach out to your local shelter to see if they tend to get Yorkies and can keep an eye out for you.
If that doesn’t work out, sites like Petfinder can help you find Yorkies in need of a good home. These sites let you search for pets in need of rehoming by breed and location (I just checked, there’s a three-year-old Yorkie named Rambo in the next town over from me!).
These sites then connect you to shelters that have the breed you’re looking for and provide you with detailed profiles on their backgrounds, personalities, and needs.
Why Are Yorkies So Expensive?
Yorkies are the tenth most popular purebred dog, according to the AKC.
The breed was “discovered” by high society in the nineteenth century when they went from common finds in blue-collar households and mining dogs to the most popular accessory of British ladies. Since then, Yorkies have been carefully bred to not only maintain all their precious features and big personality but to make them as small as possible.
Their size and personality are a good part of their appeal; they drive their popularity and scarcity. Yorkies make delightful companion animals and work well in small apartments, with little need for a yard.
Unlike other dogs that often need trips to parks to burn off energy, Yorkies are happy to play at home without becoming destructive. You can understand why they’ve been hugely popular for centuries!
Conclusion – How Much Does A Yorkie Terrier Cost
Yorkies are beautiful, fun, and a great addition to your home and lifestyle. AKC-registered breeders can offer you more information for a higher cost, and local breeders and shelters can save you money along the way. Whether you want a future champion or adopt a homeless pup, there’s a Yorkie out there for you.
