Yorkies Price: How Much Does a Yorkies Cost?
Typical price
$500 – $2,000
Breeders commonly list Yorkshire Terrier puppies at $500 – $2,000, while adopting a Yorkie from a shelter or rescue costs far less.
Yorkshire Terriers, usually called Yorkies, are one of the most popular toy breeds in the United States. Their small size keeps food and supply costs low, but the puppy price, grooming, and dental care add up. What you pay depends on the breeder's reputation, the puppy's size, and your region.
Below you will find breeder and adoption prices, first-year costs, annual costs, and tips for avoiding overpriced or misleading listings. The guide is written for anyone deciding between buying and adopting.
Price by source type
| Item | Typical range | Relative price range |
|---|---|---|
| Breeder puppy (iHeartDogs) | $1,200 – $3,500 | |
| Rescue or shelter adoption (Lemonade) | $50 – $300 | |
| Adoption (Spot) | $50 – $600 |
Sources: Lemonade: Yorkshire Terrier cost; iHeartDogs: Yorkie puppy cost; Spot: Yorkshire Terrier cost
How much does a Yorkie cost?
The table gives the range from several published guides. They differ because one describes the broad market and another describes breeders who health test and raise puppies in a home setting. Both can be accurate for the sellers they describe.
Local availability matters. In areas with few Yorkie breeders, buyers may wait for a litter or travel, and the shipping or travel cost belongs in your budget. Compare the total cost of getting the puppy home.
What affects Yorkie puppy prices
- Breeder practices. Health testing, vet checks, early socialization, and a written guarantee all take time and money. Breeders who provide them often charge more.
- Pedigree. Puppies from show lines or from champion parents may be priced higher. If you want a family pet, you can often skip this premium.
- Size. Yorkies are already small. Some sellers advertise "teacup" or "micro" Yorkies at higher prices, but neither is an official size, and very small dogs can have extra health risks. Treat a price premium for tiny puppies as a warning sign.
- Color and coat. Standard Yorkie coloring is the norm. Unusual coat colors are sometimes sold as rare, and a different color says nothing about quality.
- Location. Prices tend to be higher where demand is high and breeders are scarce.
Adopting a Yorkie
Shelters and rescues do receive Yorkies, including owner surrenders and adult dogs. Several breed-specific rescue groups work across the country. Fees vary by organization, and many include vaccinations, a spay or neuter procedure, and a microchip.
Because small breeds are in demand, rescue Yorkies can be adopted quickly. Register with a few groups and ask to be contacted when a dog arrives. Adult dogs also arrive with a known temperament and size, which a puppy cannot offer.
First-year costs
First-year costs
| Item | Typical range | Relative price range |
|---|---|---|
| Initial veterinary care | $300 – $500 | |
| Initial setup | $150 – $500 | |
| Vaccinations, first year | $150 – $350 |
Sources: Lemonade: Yorkshire Terrier cost; Spot: Yorkshire Terrier cost
The first year includes the puppy's veterinary visits, vaccines, spay or neuter surgery, and supplies. Yorkies need a small crate, a harness rather than a collar for many dogs, a bed, grooming tools, and a safe place to rest. Some owners also budget for puppy training classes. Exact spending depends on how much you already own and how you shop.
Annual costs
Annual costs
| Item | Typical range | Relative price range |
|---|---|---|
| Food and treats | $200 – $500/yr | |
| Routine veterinary care | $500 – $1,000/yr | |
| Professional grooming | $400 – $800/yr |
Source: Lemonade: Yorkshire Terrier cost
Food is a small line item for a toy breed. Grooming is the larger one. A Yorkie's long silky coat needs regular brushing, and many owners also pay for professional trims or choose a shorter clip to cut down on upkeep. Dental care is worth planning for, since small breeds can have crowded teeth, and costs depend on the clinic. Pet insurance, boarding, and pet sitting are extra.
Why estimates vary
Estimates by source
| Item | Typical range | Relative price range |
|---|---|---|
| Lemonade | $500 – $2,000 | |
| iHeartDogs | $1,200 – $3,500 |
Sources: Lemonade: Yorkshire Terrier cost; iHeartDogs: Yorkie puppy cost
Sources are not measuring the same thing. One may describe a broad market that includes lower-cost sellers, while another focuses on established breeders. Some include puppies priced for pet homes only. Others may include dogs sold for breeding or show. When two guides disagree, look at who they describe before deciding which range applies to you.
How to spot a responsible Yorkie breeder
- Visit, in person or by video, and see the puppy with its mother.
- Ask what health screening the parents had and what the guarantee covers.
- Ask about age at sale. Responsible breeders do not release puppies too early.
- Get everything in a written contract, including return terms.
- Be skeptical of sellers who push for a deposit before you have spoken, who accept only gift cards or wire transfers, or who will not show the puppy live. Puppy scams are common online, and toy breeds are a frequent target.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Yorkies cost?
Guides list breeder puppies at $500 – $2,000 in one source and $1,200 – $3,500 in another. Adoption fees are lower.
How much does a Yorkie cost to adopt?
Shelter and rescue fees are listed at $50 – $300 and $50 – $600 depending on the guide and the organization.
Is a teacup Yorkie more expensive?
Sellers sometimes charge more for very small puppies, but "teacup" is not an official size. Very small puppies may carry health risks, so ask a veterinarian about any dog you are considering.
What does a Yorkie cost each year?
Published estimates put food and treats at $200 – $500/yr, routine veterinary care at $500 – $1,000/yr, and professional grooming at $400 – $800/yr.
Are Yorkies expensive to groom?
They can be. Long coats need frequent brushing, and professional grooming is a recurring cost. A shorter clip usually lowers the work between appointments.
Should I buy from a pet store?
Buying through a store or an online listing makes it harder to see where the puppy came from. Meeting the breeder and the parents is a better way to judge the source.