Yorkie Cost: Tiny Dog, Salon-Sized Bills
Yorkies cost $800-$2,500 to buy and $1,300-$2,200 per year. Food is cheap; the coat and the teeth are not. Lifetime (13-16 years): $20,000-$33,000.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Puppy from a reputable breeder | $800-$2,500 |
| Rescue adoption | $100-$500 |
| Food (tiny appetite) | $250-$450 / year |
| Routine vet care | $280-$400 / year |
| Pet insurance | $35-$60 / month |
| Grooming every 4-6 weeks | $500-$1,000 / year |
Health Costs to Plan For
- Dental disease: the Yorkie tax – tiny crowded jaws mean $300-$800 cleanings and extractions become routine without daily brushing.
- Luxating patella: $1,500-$3,500 per knee if surgery is needed.
- Collapsed trachea: use a harness, never a collar; severe cases cost $3,500-$6,500 to fix.
- Fragility costs: a fall from a sofa can mean a broken leg – $1,500-$3,000.
How to Keep Costs Down
- Brush teeth daily – it is the single biggest cost saver for this breed.
- Keep a puppy cut to halve grooming time and price.
- Always walk on a harness to protect the trachea.
- Insure young; dental illness cover is worth checking specifically.
Typical 2026 US prices, for information only. Compare with the average in our dog cost guide and see how pet insurance changes the math.