How Much Does a Teacup Yorkie Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

As the name implies, the Teacup Yorkie is smaller than the already small terrier breed — the Yorkshire Terrier.  Originally known as the Broken-Haired Scotch Terrier, this breed was one of the first Yorkie teacup breeds and often be referred to as the Micro, Mini, Tiny or Miniature Yorkies on the market.  Weighing four pounds or less, it’s not uncommon to see its owner carrying one around in a purse.  According to research, the ancestors are unknown at this time due to the insufficient information left by the originating breeders.

The typical cost for teacup Yorkie usually depends on the seller, the age, quality, its parents and geographical location.

Daisy by Machine is Organic, on Flickr
Daisy” (CC BY 2.0) by  Machine is Organic

How much does a Teacup Yorkie cost?

The average cost of a Teacup Yorkie can range anywhere from $300 to as much as $3,000+.  Most adoptions, however, will be within the $500 to $1,000 price range.  Due to the rarity of these dogs, it is not uncommon to see dogs cost more than $3,000.   As a benchmark, plan on spending about $1,500 to $2,500 if the dog has bloodline documentation.  If the dog were to come from an elite bloodline, then this is when the price can be $3,000+.  On the other hand, if the dog doesn’t have bloodline documentation, then the dog could in that $300 to $1,000 range.  Without this paperwork, it can be hard to distinguish since you won’t know the dog’s lineage or history.  It’s also hard to determine if the dog is prone to an illness.

YorkiePassion.com says a purebred Yorkie with AKC registration can drastically increase the price, but if you were to find a licensed AKC breeder, the costs will be in the $1,200 to $1,500 range.  A quality pup, on the other hand, without any sort of paperwork, should be in the $300 to $800 range.  The most elite champion-lined breed, while rare, could get close to $10,000, according to the website.

Factors that affect the cost

The bloodline

The heritage of the Yorkie will be the number one deciding factor when it comes to the pricing.  Breeders who often breed champion bloodline Teacup Yorkies may have a waiting list for up to a year, and some, in fact, will travel hundreds of miles, to breed their dog.  AKC champions, if bred with one another, can often produce a litter worth $5,000 each.

Gender

According to our research, females, on average, can cost about 30 percent more than males.  Why?  This is because the females are often more in demand since some adoptees want to breed if given the option to.  Keep in mind that some breeders may require you neuter/spay upon adopting or may charge an additional fee if you want to have breeding rights.

The coat

With any dog breed, the coat’s color can affect the pricing.  In the Teacup Yorkie world, the four combinations, as explained below, are accepted by the AKC.  If the coat is glossy, fine, silky and meets the AKC’s standard, then the price will be higher than a breed that doesn’t.

The size

Although the AKC says the Teacup should be in the four to seven-pound range, some breeders often try to sell even smaller Yorkies, which command a higher price tag.

What is going to be included in the adoption fee?

Reputable breeders should include a health checkup from a licensed veterinarian, a health guarantee, up-to-date vaccinations and any registration papers.  Other breeders may include the microchipping, a spay/neuter and a travel crate if being shipped.

What are the extra costs?

If purchasing the dog out of state, the breeder may ship the dog either via an airline by car.  If shipping via the air, the costs can be anywhere between $200 to $400, but if shipped on the road, the breeder may do the shipping on their own or may outsource it to a licensed third party.

Like any animal, recurring costs such as food, accessories, shelter and vet visits need to be considered.  The average dog owner pays $800 to $1,200 per year for a healthy dog.  If your dog were to need an unexpected vet visit, the costs could be much higher.

Due to its small size, clothes are recommended when the temperatures drop below 68 degrees Fahrenheit.  Also, if the ground is colder, it’s wise to put booties on their feet as well.

Tips to know

As long as taken care of properly, the average lifespan of a Teacup Yorkie is 12 to 16 years.  However, if it were to acquire a popular health problem such as collapsing trachea or hypoglycemia, then it can significantly reduce its lifespan.

A full-grown Teacup Yorkie can measure eight to nine inches tall, according to the AKC height standards.  A Teacup, unlike a standard Yorkshire, will weigh up to four pounds.

As for colors, the AKC only recognizes four colors:  blue and tan, black and tan, gold and black and blue and golf.  If it’s particolored, it can still be AKC accepted.  Blue will commonly be the most dominant color, and as the dog grows old, its coat may change colors once they mature.

Like any other Yorkie, the teacup is prone to many health problems, including a collapsing trachea, ligament injuries, hypoglycemia, patellar luxation and sensitivity to temperature changes.

Its character and temperament can vary from one dog to another but plan on your Teacup being playful, charming, smart and always full of energy.  It’s also known to not know its own size, often causing trouble with larger animals or even people.

If you’re adopting a Teacup Yorkie without any registration papers, then it’s so important you do your homework ahead of time.  This means looking into their licensure, their history, and reviews online.  Adopting a dog without any papers can be very risky since you don’t know about the parent’s history, which, in turn, can lead to very expensive vet bills if your dog were to come down with an inherited disease.

While a smaller dog may seem like a wonderful idea for your children, it can often backfire due to the Terrier’s fragile size.  If your child is rather rambunctious or doesn’t know how to handle pets properly, then it may be ideal to keep one away from children.

Due to the size of the bladder, this breed can often have more accidents when compared to other breeds.

How can I save money?

Consider adopting at a local rescue group or shelter.  You may be able to even find on at local adoption events that are often held at Petsmart and the like.  While you may not be able to find a Teacup, you may be able to find another dog that you may quickly fall in love with.  Adopting is a wonderful way to support your local shelters and offer a pet a loving home — something all pets in shelters are in desperate need of.

While a dog less than $200 may seem like a bargain, it often isn’t since it can either be a scam or the dog may have a number of health issues.


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