Are Yorkshire Terriers A Costly Breed To Own?
If you are considering bringing a Yorkshire Terrier, also known as a Yorkie, into your family, one of your first considerations should be the costs involved. Pet ownership is a significant responsibility and knowing the costs associated with purchasing and raising a Yorkie is essential. When I was a veterinarian working with pet owners, money was usually a significant concern for most of them. This comprehensive guide aims to provide an in-depth understanding of not just the initial cost of a Yorkie puppy but also the ongoing expenses to ensure its wellbeing and health.
Table of Contents
The Initial Cost of a Yorkie
When entering the wonderful world of pet parenthood, one adorable breed to consider is the Yorkie or Yorkshire Terrier. Known for their feisty personalities and petite stature, Yorkies make a vibrant addition to any family. However, it’s essential to account for the costs of obtaining these furry friends before making the commitment.
Puppy Pricing
Depending on the breed quality, pedigree, and breeder reputation, a Yorkie puppy’s price can vary significantly. On average, new pet parents can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $3,000. If you have a sizeable budget and a desire for a show-quality Yorkie with a top-tier lineage, prepare to shell out up to $10,000. Remember though, the purchase price is only the initial cost. Regular veterinary check-ups, feeding, grooming, and other expenses stack up over the pet’s lifetime.
Why Are Yorkie Puppies So Expensive?
Prices for most dog breeds skyrocketed during the Covid years due to high demand and short supply. Those prices have never really come down since. Yorkies are considered a “status” dog. They are shown almost exclusively in popular culture as the arm candy of wealthy celebrities and in upscale homes. They are revered by those that love the breed and this high demand will keep the price tag high for a puppy indefinitely.
Try not to let the initial sticker shock deter your decision if a Yorkie feels like the right fit for your family. There are often plenty of solid financing options or adoption opportunities to aid in making this lovely breed part of your home. Emphasizing the importance of budgeting, saving, and planning as key components in the pet adoption process can make for a smoother transition. After all, welcoming a furry family member is about love, care, and companionship rather than the price tag attached.
Ongoing Maintenance Costs For A Yorkie
Veterinary Care
Yorkies, being a toy breed, have certain ongoing costs that come along with them. One key expenditure to consider is certainly linked to their health and wellness. These sprightly dogs have a lifespan of 13 to 16 years. Like any other pet, regular check-ups are essential to keep them in tip-top condition. Vets visits for the routine issues (think annual wellness exams, bloodwork, heartworm preventative, flea preventatives, vaccinations, etc) can create a cost of at least $400 a year (in my area and at my practice but yours could be more or less depending on where you live).
What if your adorable baby Yorkie develops a problem on the weekend or at night? An ER visit could add hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars more to the costs of pet ownership. Even if you purchase pet insurance for your Yorkie (which, as a vet, I do highly recommend), ongoing monthly premium payments can add up to hundreds of dollars per year.
Grooming
Yet, one wouldn’t be able to discuss the Yorkie without acknowledging their distinctive aesthetic. To maintain their radiant coats and their elegant poise, grooming is an essential part of well-being. Regular grooming appointments can be quite the expense, averaging between $30 to $150 per session depending on the level of grooming service chosen.
This cost can escalate quite fast, with them requiring grooming approximately every 4 to 6 weeks. Additionally, remember to factor in the cost of food. Yorkies are small dogs with a big appetite, and hence, high-quality diet could sum to around $200 to $400 annually. You can save money by grooming your Yorkie yourself if you have the proper tools and the patience and time it will take to
Food/Diet/Snacks
Furthermore, don’t forget about the unexpected expenditures. Life is unpredictable, and so are pets. Emergency vet visits, medication for common Yorkie health issues, or even getting a new chew toy when the old one is unexpectedly destroyed, can add up. Home comforts like a bed, crate, or blanket, add to the tally too. These costs can vary greatly, so having a kitty set up for such unknown occurrences ensures everybody stays happy, healthy, and worry-free – just as a home should feel.
Collars/Clothing/Beds/Toys
The overwhelmingly vast majority of Yorkie owners (and I do know quite a few) spoil their precious pups incessantly with a variety of lavish beds, toys, and clothes.
Calculating the Overall Lifetime Cost of a Yorkie
Owning a Yorkie or any pet, for that matter, is a long-term commitment that extends beyond the initial adoption or purchase. Along these lines, one must consider the ongoing costs that are tied in with keeping a dog happy, healthy, and comfortable over its entire lifetime.
- Grooming – $30-$90/month, depending highly on where you live and chosen groomer.
- Feeding – you should budget for high-quality food that provides all the nutrients your little canine needs, a cost which can range from $20 to $60 per month.
- Veterinary Care – General healthcare costs, including vaccinations, boosters, dental cleaning, and occasional sick visits, can easily cost around $300 to $800 annually depending on the health condition of your Yorkie. I do recommend pet insurance to try and mitigate some of those emergency veterinary bills that can wreck a budget, but you are still going to pay a certain premium amount every month and have to pay a dedcuctible (usually $500/month) before the insurance starts to save you money.
- Toys, Clothes, Collars, beds, etc – Many Yorkie owners spend roughly $40/month or more on accessorizing their little Yorkie.
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To sum up, while owning a Yorkie involves more than just cuddles and playtime, every investment made contributes to a rewarding bond and innumerable memories with your precious pet.
Yorkshire terriers, with their playful and affectionate demeanor, can undoubtedly bring immense joy and companionship to a family. However, prospective owners need to be fully prepared for the financial commitments involved in caring for these delightful creatures. By considering both the initial purchasing cost and ongoing expenses like feeding, grooming, and healthcare, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision. Remember that owning a dog is not just about the cute puppy stage; it’s a lifelong commitment that should be carefully considered and planned.
