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Why Are Yorkies So Expensive? 9 Facts To Know About Them!
If you’ve ever fallen in love with the adorable face of a Yorkshire Terrier and then looked up the price, you might have been in for a bit of sticker shock. “Wait, why are Yorkies so expensive?” It’s a question many potential dog owners ask, and for good reason. Yorkies are undeniably cute and full of personality, but they come with a hefty price tag that can make you wonder what exactly you’re paying for.
There are so many reasons why people adore Yorkies – not only because they are like the cutest little stuffed toys, with their dear eyes and tiny paws. The main reason why Yorkies are so expensive is their popularity. You may think that they’ve been popular for the last two decades, but that’s not the case. There are several reasons why you need to invest more money if you want to enrich your family for one little Yorkie.
Why are Yorkies so expensive? Things to know!
This breed has been known since the beginning of the 18th century. Yorkies were used as hunting dogs in Scotland and England because they were fast, and they could fit in any space while chasing the hunt. But the Yorkie soon became one of the leading “accessories” of ladies throughout England’s society. Therefore, this breed has been trendy since its inception.
In the middle of the 19th century, Yorkies’ owners tried to improve this breed by making the dog as small as possible and the hair longer. It was already a fashionable dog at that time, so the point was making Yorkies as tiny as possible because then its price would jump. Even today, it is one of the most wanted breeds, considering the growing trend of small dogs in the last few years. That is why breeders are more engaged in selling small dogs because they bring more money.
Factors that affects the price
Yorkies are quite costly for many reasons and are one of the most expensive breeds to own. Their small size and cuteness is part of the appeal but there’s more to it. Breeding practices, popularity of the breed, and other factors play an important part in the price of Yorkies. Yorkies are a premium breed. They need special care, meticulous grooming, high-end food and regular vet visits to keep them healthy.
Besides, reputable breeders invest in the breed’s standard and it’s quite expensive to produce puppies that meet the ideal. The overall demand for Yorkies, plus the small litters adds to the price. Color variations, location, and breeding methods all add to the cost of these lovelies. Therefore, we should not be surprised why are Yorkies so expensive.
a. Breeding Costs and Practices
To be honest…breeding Yorkies is a big job. Trusted breeders don’t just spontaneously mate two dogs. They do health checks for genetic issues to make sure the parents and their puppies are healthy. These tests can include testing for liver shunts, eye problems, and other breed-specific health issues. The cost of a breeding program includes routine vet care, vaccinations, and even emergency treatments during pregnancy or birth. Proper nutrition for the mom and puppies is also crucial. It often includes premium food and supplements.
On the other hand, stud fees can be very expensive, especially if you’re looking for a sir from a top bloodline to improve or maintain the breed. Therefore, breeders have to charge more for puppies to cover their costs and make a profit which affects the overall price of Yorkies.
b. High Demand Enormous Popularity
Yorkies are one of the top breeds in the US because of their small size, beautiful looks, and friendly nature. This popularity drives up demand as many people want Yorkies for their affectionate nature and hypoallergenic coat.
That’s why they’re often a favorite pick of allergy sufferers. Because they’re indoor pets and city dwellers, Yorkies are especially popular in urban areas where small dogs are preferred. When demand is high, breeders can charge more especially for puppies from well-known bloodlines or with specific appearance standards.
Celebrities and influencers showcasing Yorkies as fashion pets has also added to their appeal and made them exclusive and desirable. Therefore, Yorkies can often cost more than many other breeds, even from reputable breeders who follow ethical breeding practices.
c. Limited Litter Size
Yorkies usually have small litters, averaging just 2-5 puppies, unlike larger breeds that may have 8-12 puppies per litter. This limited supply means that there are fewer Yorkie puppies available for potential buyers, driving up their price due to scarcity.
Smaller litter size also makes breeding harder. The cost of breeding one Yorkie is the same regardless of how many puppies are born. Each puppy needs individual attention and care to ensure their health and socialization and that adds to the breeder’s workload.
When puppies are in short supply, breeders may also have to keep waiting lists which adds to the perceived value and demand. Besides the risk of complications during pregnancy and birth, in small breeds like Yorkies makes breeding even more complicated. That also adds to the price of these puppies.
2. Rare Yorkie Colors Are More Expensive
Yorkie colors can affect the price greatly, especially when the coat is not blue and tan. Certain color combinations are rare and that makes them more expensive. Parti Yorkies for example have a coat of white, black, and tan which makes them stand out from the traditional Yorkies.
Producing these rare Yorkie colors requires special knowledge to produce puppies with the desired traits. That often involves selective breeding. It means fewer puppies with the rare coloration.
Chocolate Yorkies have a rich brown coat that is highly sought after but rare in the breed, and requires specific genetic combination to achieve. Golden Yorkies with all gold coat also command premium prices. They posses unique appearance and they’re very difficult to ‘’produce’’. Therefore, they are more expensive than standard-colored Yorkies.
3. Geographical Price Differences: Why Are Yorkies So Expensive in America and California?
Prices for Yorkies vary greatly depending on the area, with some areas having higher prices due to cost of living.. In high-cost states like California, everything from vet care to grooming services is more expensive. Therefore, breeders have to charge more to maintain their dogs.
This higher overhead means breeders in these areas have to charge more for their puppies to cover their expenses. Urban centers and metropolitan areas where small dogs are more desirable due to limited living space see higher prices for Yorkies as demand outstrips supply. The cultural trend of having a pet as a status symbol especially in places like LA and SF adds to the higher prices. When you search “how much do Yorkies cost at PetSmart” you will see big differences in price depending on the area as demand, and availability plays a big role in the cost.
4. Special Varieties and Sizes: How much do Teacup Yorkies cost?
Teacup Yorkies are bred to be even smaller than the standard Yorkshire Terrier, often weighing less than 4 pounds as an adult. Because of their small size, Teacup Yorkies are highly sought after.
Breeding Teacup Yorkies is more challenging and requires extra precautions to avoid health issues that can arise from breeding very small dogs such as hypoglycemia, fragile bones, and other congenital health problems. These extra risks require specialized vet care which adds to the higher cost of Teacup Yorkies.
The small size also makes pregnancy and birth more complicated, and may require C-section and postnatal care. Therefore, the price of a Teacup Yorkie can range from $1,500 to over $5,000 depending on the breeder, location, and lineage. Their popularity and the perception of Teacup Yorkies as luxury pets adds to the price making them a big investment for prospective owners.
5. What’s a good price for a Yorkie?
Determining a fair price for a Yorkie depends on several factors. Those are the dog’s pedigree, age, and if the breeder provides additional services. For standard Yorkies, the price range is from $1,200 to $3,000. It depends of the cost of breeding, care, and meeting the breed standards.
Puppies with champion bloodlines, rare colors, or from well-known breeders can cost more, often $4,000 and up. For Teacup Yorkies the price starts at $2,000 and can go up to $5,000 because of their small size and specialized care.
Prospective buyers should research the breeder and ask what is included in the price, vaccinations, microchipping, health guarantees etc. While lower prices may be tempting, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true as they may be substandard breeding or health issues.
6. Factors That Determine Yorkie Prices
Several factors influence the price of a Yorkie, each contributing to the overall cost. Pedigree and bloodline play a significant role, with puppies from champion lines or show-winning parents being more expensive. The breeder’s reputation is also a key factor; established breeders with a track record of producing high-quality Yorkies typically charge more due to their experience and credibility.
Age of the puppy also matters. Younger puppies cost more because they are in higher demand and have more bonding time.
Health guarantees, early training, vaccinations, and microchipping can also increase the cost, as breeders aim to provide new owners with a complete package. These factors give buyers a wide range of prices to choose from, allowing them to find a Yorkie puppy that fits both their budget and preferences.
7. How much is a Yorkie puppy and where to buy one?
When buying a Yorkie, you should buy from a reputable breeder to ensure the puppy’s health and upbringing. Yorkie puppies prices vary depending on location, breeder reputation, and specific characteristics like color and size.
Standard Yorkies are $1,200 to $3,000, Parti Yorkies and other rare colors can be more. Avoid buying from pet stores as these puppies come from puppy mills where health and ethical breeding is not a priority. If you’re asking “how much do Yorkies cost at PetSmart?” remember prices can be way off from dedicated breeders.
Research, read reviews and visit breeders to see the puppies and their living conditions will help you find a healthy and happy Yorkie.
8. Low Maintenance Pup
Another reason that affects the price of a Yorkie is that it is a dog breed suitable for the apartment. They don’t need a lot of space, and several walks in the park or around the neighborhood are just enough for them.
Even though you have to brush its fur daily, with Yorkie, you don’t have to worry about allergies – their coat isn’t allergenic, so you and your family can be completely safe. Also, the maintenance of these dogs is minimal because of its size, and it suits both experienced owners and those who are having a new furry family member for the first time.
9. Its Personality
Yorkies are loyal and committed dogs who are very intelligent and territorial, but also loving and cuddly. They are not typical “small and angry” dogs, as some may think of them. With proper training, your children will adore them because they are energetic, and they love affection. With Yorkies, you can be sure that your family will get a lot more than his adorable appearance. If you like facts and traits about Yorkies, check this article we wrote.
Why are Yorkies so expensive? The Price
The price of a Yorkie puppy can be different depending on how purebred it is. As we’ve already said, the smaller the puppy – the higher the price. You should be very careful with so-called “teacup Yorkies” because when the Yorkie puppy is smaller than the standard prescribed by veterinary regulations, it can be much more sensitive and potentially unhealthy. Numerous health problems and diseases can appear as your dog grows, and also its lifespan can be shortened.
