How much does it cost to start a Yorkshire Terrier?
To welcome a Yorkie into your home, plan for a budget of $500-$700 for the first year.
Commitment Reality
A Yorkshire Terrier has a lifespan of 13-16 years, requiring a daily commitment of 20-30 minutes for exercise. They need ample space, at least 10 square feet, and daily handling to maintain their long, silky coat.
You'll need to invest time in daily brushing or consider a short clip to manage their coat. Dental care is crucial, so plan for regular teeth brushing or professional cleanings every 6-12 months.
Handling a Yorkie requires gentle care due to their small size and delicate nature.
- Lifespan: 13-16 years
- Daily exercise: 20-30 minutes
- Space: 10 square feet
- Daily handling: Required for coat maintenance
One-Time Setup
Before bringing your Yorkie home, prepare with the following one-time setup items:
1. A comfortable crate or bed, measuring at least 18x24 inches.
2. A collar and leash, suitable for a small dog.
3. A grooming kit including a brush, comb, nail clippers, and toothbrush.
- Crate or bed: 18x24 inches
- Collar and leash: Small dog size
- Grooming kit: Brush, comb, nail clippers, toothbrush
Recurring Consumables
Regular consumables include high-quality dog food, treats, and grooming supplies. Plan for the following rough intervals:
1. Dog food: 1 cup per meal, twice a day.
2. Treats: 1-2 per day, depending on size.
3. Grooming supplies: Brushing every day, nail trimming every 4-6 weeks.
- Dog food: 1 cup per meal
- Treats: 1-2 per day
- Grooming supplies: Daily brushing, every 4-6 weeks for nails
Ongoing Costs
Don't forget to budget for recurring costs such as substrate, food, bedding, and replacement equipment. Regular vet visits are also essential.
1. Substrate: 1-2 bags per month, depending on the size of the crate.
2. Food: 1-2 bags per month, depending on the dog's size and activity level.
3. Bedding: 1-2 per month, depending on the dog's shedding and cleaning habits.
4. Replacement equipment: Collars, leashes, and grooming tools may need to be replaced every 6-12 months.
- Substrate: 1-2 bags per month
- Food: 1-2 bags per month
- Bedding: 1-2 per month
- Replacement equipment: Every 6-12 months
Are You Ready?
Before you bring a Yorkie home, ensure you're prepared with the following:
1. A safe, comfortable living space with enough space for a crate or bed.
2. A consistent daily routine for exercise and feeding.
3. A budget for food, grooming supplies, and vet care.
- Safe living space: With a crate or bed
- Consistent routine: For exercise and feeding
- Budget: For food, grooming, and vet care
Keep reading about Yorkshire Terrier: Yorkshire Terrier care sheet
Related questions
How often should I brush my Yorkie's coat?
Brush your Yorkie's coat daily to prevent matting and tangles.
How much exercise does a Yorkie need?
A Yorkie requires 20-30 minutes of exercise daily, including walks and playtime.
How much does it cost to spay or neuter a Yorkie?
The cost of spaying or neutering a Yorkie can range from $200 to $400, depending on the vet and location.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your yorkshire terrier is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.