How much is a yorkie puppy?

Knowing how much a Yorkie puppy costs matters more than most people expect. The price you pay up front often reflects health screening, lineage, and breeder practices, and it strongly affects your emotional and financial experience for years. I typically see prospective owners surprised by the lifetime costs—veterinary care, grooming, training, and the occasional emergency—which can change the timing and source of purchase (breeder, shelter, or rescue). For anyone choosing a Yorkie because they want a small apartment companion, a possible show dog, or even a therapy dog, the initial price is only the start of a set of practical decisions that shape well-being and finances.

Typical Yorkie Puppy Price Range — A Clear Snapshot

As a quick, realistic snapshot: a pet-quality Yorkshire Terrier puppy from a reputable breeder in the U.S. commonly sells for about $1,200 to $3,000. Puppies from show lines, with champion parents or full health clearances, often run $3,000 to $6,000 or more. Rare coat colors, “teacup” advertising, or exceptionally tiny adult size can add another premium, sometimes pushing prices above $7,000 in high-demand markets. Regional differences matter: urban areas and regions with fewer litters usually show higher prices, while rescues and shelters may list Yorkie mixes or small terriers for much lower adoption fees—often $200 to $600.

Expect first-year ownership costs beyond purchase to range roughly $1,500 to $3,500 for routine care—vaccinations, spay/neuter, microchip, initial training, grooming every 4–8 weeks, and basic supplies. Serious or ongoing medical conditions and specialty grooming can make that number materially higher.

How Genetics, Size and Coat Influence Yorkie Prices

Breed biology and genetics are central to price differences. Lineage matters: puppies from parents with show titles or documented health clearances usually command higher prices because breeders have invested time and money in selective breeding and testing. Those parental records are likely linked to lower risk of inherited problems, which is why conscientious buyers pay more.

Size is another biological driver. “Teacup” is not an official designation but a market label tied to dogs that remain extremely small. The genetics that keep a puppy tiny can be unpredictable and may increase the likelihood of fragile anatomy or metabolic issues. That fragility can raise both the price and the potential lifetime cost of care.

Coat color and texture have genetic bases that some buyers prize. Silvered or parti-color patterns are less common in some lines, which can inflate price. Responsible breeders will be able to explain how a color arises and whether it is linked to health risks; color alone should not justify ignoring health documentation.

Health screening is costly and thus affects sale price. Responsible breeders commonly perform tests for conditions that may affect Yorkies—thyroid function, eye exams, patella evaluations, and cardiac checks—or they may submit results to registries. Those tests do not guarantee lifelong health, but they often indicate reduced risk for known inherited problems, and the testing expense is typically passed into the puppy price.

When to Buy: Seasonal Trends and Market Forces That Affect Cost

Puppy prices change with timing and supply. Seasonality matters: many litters arrive in the spring and fall, so a buyer who waits for those windows may find more options and slightly lower prices. Conversely, scarcity—few litters available locally—can push demand and prices up quickly.

Local demand plays a large role. In cities where small dogs are highly desirable for apartment living, breeders and rescuers often see longer waiting lists and higher asking prices. When a breeder maintains a careful waiting list and limits the number of litters per year, they may charge more because their production is limited and perceived quality is higher.

Market trends and economic conditions also alter prices. During periods when small-breed dogs become fashionable—driven by social media, celebrity pets, or a trend toward therapy and emotional support animals—prices can spike. Conversely, recessionary conditions may depress demand and lower prices or extend waiting periods for sales.

Spotting Health Concerns: Red Flags to Watch in Yorkie Puppies

Yorkies are generally healthy for their size, but there are specific risks and buyer warnings to keep front of mind. Congenital issues such as luxating patella (kneecap problems), certain dental crowding, and tracheal collapse are more commonly seen in toy breeds and may present early or as the dog ages. When I examine young Yorkies with abnormal gait or difficulty breathing, those possibilities are high on the differential list.

Toy breeds are prone to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) as puppies; signs include lethargy, wobbliness, tremors, and sudden collapse. This is especially likely in very small or underfed pups, and it can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated promptly. Owners should learn how to recognize and respond to low blood sugar events and follow a feeding plan to reduce risk.

Breeder behaviors that should raise concern include refusal to show health records, pressure to sell without a contract, multiple litters from the same dam within a short period, and unwillingness to let you meet the mother and see the environment. Missing vaccinations, absent deworming records, no registration papers or transfer, and vague answers about parentage are additional red flags. I’ve seen puppies sold cheaply that later reveal significant genetic or infectious problems—those initial savings rarely make up for subsequent expenses.

From Inquiry to Adoption — Practical Steps for Buying a Yorkie Puppy

1. Start with research: read the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America guidance, the AKC breed page, and breed rescue sites to learn typical temperament and health issues. Make a short list of breeders and nearby rescues.
2. Ask breeders for documentation: vaccination and deworming records, pedigrees, results of parental health screens (thyroid, eyes, patella, cardiac), and a written contract outlining health guarantees and return policies.
3. Visit in person whenever possible. Observe the mother, puppies, and the living area—cleanliness, social behavior, and the presence of other animals. Watch how the breeder interacts with the dogs; responsible breeders are comfortable with questions and transparency.
4. Request a veterinary check: arrange a pre-purchase exam or at minimum a post-pickup vet visit within 48–72 hours. Consider a basic screening (physical exam, stool check for parasites, and a brief hematology/chemistry panel if recommended).
5. Complete paperwork: ensure microchip registration, clear transfer of registration if applicable, a written health warranty, and a return clause. Avoid cash-only transactions without receipt or contract.

Prepare Your Home and Start Training: First Tasks for New Yorkie Owners

Puppy-proofing for a Yorkie means focusing on small-breed hazards. Low-level openings under furniture, small chewable objects, and reachable toxic plants are more dangerous to a dog that can slip into tight spaces or swallow objects that seem small to an adult. I recommend walking your intended puppy area on hands and knees to spot risks you might miss while standing.

Crate training and a consistent house-training plan reduce stress and accelerate learning. Use a crate sized so the pup can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably; that encourages bowel and bladder control. For house training, many toy-breed puppies benefit from a frequent schedule—every 1–2 hours for young pups—because of their small bladder capacity.

Begin socialization early and gentle. Between about 3 and 16 weeks is a particularly sensitive period when puppies form lasting impressions, so controlled exposure to different people, sounds, and surfaces is valuable. I usually advise gradual introductions with positive reinforcement and to pause any high-stress exposure if the puppy shows prolonged fear.

Feeding schedule is a direct health tool. Small-breed puppies can be prone to hypoglycemia if meals are skipped or delayed. Offering 3–4 small, measured meals daily of a high-quality small-breed puppy formula helps maintain stable glucose and reduces GI upset. Keep a small measuring scale to confirm portion sizes, since overfeeding and underfeeding are both common.

Essential Gear Checklist: What Every Yorkie Puppy Needs First

• A properly sized harness (not a neck-choke collar) and a light leash—chest-based harnesses reduce tracheal pressure and are safer for the delicate throat of small breeds.
• A small crate with cozy bedding and the option for a supplemental heat pad for very young or tiny puppies; ensure any heat source is covered and has temperature regulation to avoid burns.
• High-quality small-breed puppy food, a kitchen scale for measuring portions, and a schedule printed and posted to help all caregivers stay consistent.
• A basic grooming kit: soft bristle brush, small scissors or safety clippers for trims, a toothbrush and canine toothpaste, and vet-approved ear cleaner; Yorkies often need regular coat care to prevent mats and skin irritation.
• Veterinary supplies: a pet first-aid kit, a glucose source for emergencies (like honey or glucose gel) and clear instructions from your vet on when to use it, and a card with your emergency vet’s contact information.

Sources, Data and Further Reading

• American Kennel Club: “Yorkshire Terrier Breed Information” — breed characteristics, typical health concerns, and breeder guidance.
• Yorkshire Terrier Club of America: “Health & Genetics” — breed club resources on lineage, testing, and responsible breeding practices.
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) & Canine Health Information Center (CHIC): searchable health registry data and recommended screening tests.
• Merck Veterinary Manual: “Hypoglycemia in Neonatal Animals” — clinical signs, first-line responses, and preventive strategies for toy-breed puppies.
• Embark Veterinary: “Genetic Testing for Dogs” — overview of what modern DNA testing can reveal about inherited conditions and trait predictions.
• AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association): “Puppy Socialization” and “Choosing a Pet” — guidelines on socialization timing and responsible acquisition.