Teacup Yorkie Cost
Teacup Yorkshire terriers, commonly known as Teacup Yorkies, are one of the smallest dog breeds in the world. Their tiny stature and adorable faces make them a popular choice as companion pets.
However, owning a Teacup Yorkie comes with certain financial responsibilities that prospective owners need to consider.
Teacup Yorkie Pricing
The initial cost of a Teacup Yorkie puppy varies depending on factors like the breeder, pedigree, health certifications, and location. On average, expect to pay between $1,000-$3,000 for a Teacup Yorkie puppy.
Pricing Factors
- Breeder reputation - Puppies from top breeders with champion bloodlines will cost more.
- Gender - Males usually cost $100-200 more than females.
- Pedigree - Puppies with full breeding rights from champion parents will be pricier.
- Color/markings - Rare colors command a premium price.
- Health testing - Breeders who do genetic/health testing add a few hundred to the cost.
- Location - City puppies typically cost more than rural areas due to supply/demand.
The absolute lowest you'll find a Teacup Yorkie for adoption or from a back-yard breeder is around $500-800. Reputable breeders with well-bred tiny toy puppies don't sell their pets for less than $1,000 as a rule.
Initial Supplies & Setup Costs
Once you welcome your new Teacup Yorkie home, you'll need to purchase several initial supplies to properly care for them. Here are some typical startup costs:
- Crate - $50-150 depending on size and material
- Dog bed - $15-50
- Food and water bowls - $10-30
- Food (1 month supply) - $30-60
- Leash and collar - $15-30
- Toy assortment - $15-30
- Grooming supplies - Brush $10, nail clippers $7, shampoo $10 = $27
- Potty training pads (if needed) - $15-30
- Car seat/carrier - $30-100
Plan for a minimum of $200-300 initially to equip your home and care for a new Teacup Yorkie, though you could spend up to $500 depending on the quality of products you select. Reputable breeders may include some initial items to lower these startup costs slightly.
Ongoing Monthly Expenses
While the initial cost of a Teacup Yorkie is a one-time expense, ongoing monthly ownership costs are important to factor into your budget:
Food
For a fully-grown Teacup Yorkie, plan to spend $30-60 monthly on premium small breed dog food, depending on brand and how much your pup eats.
Smaller dogs have lower calorie needs, but high-quality nutrition is still important for their health.
Grooming & Supplies
With their long coats and delicate skin, grooming is essential for Teacup Yorkies. Allow $15-30 monthly to cover:
- Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks - $25-50 each visit
- brushes and combs - $5-10 per month
- shampoo and conditioner - $5-10 per month
- nail trims from your vet - $10-15 bi-monthly
Toys & Treats
Replace well-loved chew toys regularly for dental health and mental stimulation. Spend $10-20 monthly on toys, bully sticks, and high-value training treats.
Healthcare
Teacup Yorkies are prone to several breed-specific conditions. Budget $50-150 per month to cover:
- Wellness exams and vaccines - $50-100 annually split into monthly payments
- Deworming and flea/tick prevention - $15-30 per month
- Pet insurance premium (highly recommended) - $15-50 per month depending on coverage and deductible selected
- Unexpected vet bills or dental work - Allocate $30-100 per month as a precaution
With all monthly costs averaged out, plan to spend a minimum of $150 per month to properly care for your Teacup Yorkie. Expect closer to $250 for top-of-the-line food, regular grooming and vet care, pet insurance, and unexpected expenses.
Other Annual or Occasional Costs
A few other financial factors to keep in mind when budgeting for Teacup Yorkie ownership include:
Boarding/Daycare
While on vacation, consider boarding which averages $30-50 per day depending on the facility. Or use a doggy daycare that may charge $15-30 per day.
Training Classes
Basic obedience training classes are $100-200 for 6-8 weeks. Specialty classes like agility may cost $10-15 per session.
Pet Deposits & Rent
Renting a home with your Teacup Yorkie? Ask about a non-refundable pet deposit of $200-500 and possible $10-30 in extra monthly rent.
Luxury Services
Day spas offer services like teeth cleaning ($75-150), baths ($25-50), and haircuts ($25-50). Consider them occasionally or for special occasions.
Dental Care
Professional dental cleanings from your vet cost around $250-500 and may be needed yearly or every other year due to tiny teeth size.
Financial Commitment
As you can see, owning a Teacup Yorkie requires a serious financial commitment beyond just the initial purchase price. Their tiny size demands specialized care, feeding, and vet treatments that carry a premium cost compared to larger dog breeds.
Considering all the typical one-time setup expenses plus average recurring monthly costs, budget a minimum of $4,000 in the first year and $2,000 annually going forward for proper Teacup Yorkie care. Be prepared for the possibility of unplanned veterinary bills too due to their tendency towards illness.
Only adopt a Teacup Yorkie if you can afford the commitment and are willing to financially support their long life as a beloved family member. Their fun-loving personalities make the investment worthwhile for many owners, but it's a big responsibility to undertake. Be sure you're fully prepared before bringing this toy breed into your home.
With advanced planning and dedication to your Teacup Yorkie's wellbeing, the costs of ownership are manageable for most families. Their tiny sizes make their affection for humans all the more abundantly clear.
If you have the budget, a Teacup Yorkie could be the perfect pet to add joy and cuteness to your life for many years to come.
