How Much Does A Yorkie And Teacup Yorkie Cost?

Photo: Rosika

So you have your heart set on welcoming an adorable and sweet little Yorkie puppy into your home? A purebred Yorkshire Terrier puppy to care for and watch grow into a beautiful animal. Perhaps one day to enter into shows or just to show off? What is the current price tag one can expect to pay for a purebred Yorkie puppy? As well as where to go to find one?

If you are in the US, you have a very reputable source; The American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC is a registry body, responsible for tracking the lineage of dogs. If you are wanting a purebred puppy, you can browse through Breeder profiles on the AKC website. Legitimate Yorkshire Terrier breeders are listed with the AKC Marketplace and important information regarding each breeder is listed on the individual profiles. These breeders have pre-breeding health screens performed and many have entered their parent Yorkies into AKC Competitions and won titles.

The pricing of available puppies can be found out by contacting the breeder directly, this option is provided. One can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to over $3000 for a purebred Yorkie puppy. If the pup you are after is from an AKC registered Champion Bloodline, you can expect to pay $2000 and up, but you will be sure to have a show worthy pup which you can primp and preen to win a ribbon and the title.

If you are just wanting a Yorkie for a companion pet then you can still find a respectable breeder and of course, pay a lower fee. A breeder for a companion Yorkie may not have kennel club papers but the parent dogs will have undergone health checks and received a health certificate.

Many breeders provide references as well, owners of puppies from previous litters, whom you are able to contact and ask about the health of their Yorkie.

The biggest risk about purchasing a puppy from a breeder who is either not registered or cannot provide health screen documentation and references, is the health of the puppy, as there can be troublesome genetic conditions passed down.

One may also worry if the Yorkie is indeed a purebred. Purebred Yorkies have distinctive appearances and traits. The first thing to look for is the coloring. Yorkie puppies will all be born with black and tan hair, the black hair may be quite prominent covering the torso and the head with the tan filtering in from the face, ears, legs and tail.

As the pup grows, the tan will start to take over more or all of the face and head. Yorkies will also all have dark roots on the black and on the tan hair. Another thing to look out for is the size, a purebred Yorkie is about 4 to 6 pounds, the maximum weight being up to 7 pounds, and the average height is 8 to 9 inches tall.

Of course your puppy won’t be this size yet, but a honest breeder will be more than happy for you to meet the parents and to view the puppies before purchase. You can also utilize these facts to determine if a Yorkie is purebred if you come across one up for adoption.

Your purebred puppy should come with a vaccination record and a health certificate, and if you are purchasing a Yorkie for show purposes from a Breeder of Merit, then you will receive the AKC Certified papers as well.

It is worth it to spend a bit more and get your puppy from a registered or trusted breeder, not just for the sake of knowing that you will have a healthy dog, but also to support a system that enables safe and healthy breeding, a system that positively influences the breeding of dogs and helps to prevent puppy mills and an overrun of mixed breed dogs, of which many end up homeless and with complicated health issues. Then take your sweet little Yorkie home and look after them with committed love and respect, as one should treat all.