How Much Does a Teacup Yorkie Cost?

Last Updated on April 2, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Compact and cute, the Teacup Yorkie is a perfect example of why it’s always good to be small. Originally known as the Broken-Haired Scotch Terrier or Micro Yorkshire Terriers (although they are not affiliated with this breed), these little guys were one of many toy breeds that emerged in response to demand from trendy dog lovers who wanted something smaller than their normal dog.

Weighing four pounds or less, you can often find them being carried around by an owner like some sort of accessory.

They are known for having a small size, but unfortunately, their ancestors are unknown at this time due to insufficient information left by the originating breeders. The typical cost usually depends on sellers’ pricing and parents – as well as where you live, geographically speaking.

How much do Teacup Yorkies cost?

The initial cost of Teacup Yorkie puppies ranges anywhere from $300 to as much as $3,000+, but most adoptions will be within the range of $500 and up. Dog prices are based on bloodline documentation so plan on spending around $1,500 to $2,500 if the dog has proper documents. Seeing that these dogs are so rare, you should be ready to spend even $3,000 for a show dog of this breed.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a full-size Yorkie Poo, a Pomeranian, or a Jack Russel Terrier.

The price of a dog can vary wildly based on the pedigree. Without documentation, you might not know what ailments or illnesses your potential pup may be prone to in their future years which is why it’s important for pet owners to do proper homework before they purchase an animal.

When you’re in the market for a new puppy, it can be tempting to go with less expensive purebreds that don’t have AKC registration. But according to YorkiePassion.com – an online resource devoted entirely to these tiny dogs – those without papers may cost around $300-$800 while pups registered by the American Kennel Club will likely start at upwards of $1,200 and range up towards $2,500 depending on their lineage.

As females can give birth to other litters in the future, they will cost more than males.

Factors that can impact the cost of Teacup Yorkie puppies

The bloodline

The heritage of the Yorkie will be a deciding factor when it comes to pricing. Some breeders who often breed champion bloodline Teacup Yorkshire Terriers may have an extensive waiting list for up to one year, and some in fact travel hundreds of miles just so they can crossbreed their dog with another AKC Champion. If these two breeds were bred together then you would likely get a litter worth $5,000 each.

The gender

According to our research, on average females can cost about 30% more than males. The reason for the higher price is that the females are often in higher demand since some adoptees want them for breeding purposes if they are allowed to. Keep in mind that breeders may require you to neuter/spay your pet upon adoption or charge an additional fee if you want their pet’s breeding rights as well.

The coat

The coat’s color can affect the pricing of a dog. For example, in the Teacup Yorkie’s world, coats come with four accepted combinations as explained in this article; if it is glossy silky, fine, and meets AKC standards then they will be priced higher than breeds that don’t meet these qualifications.

The size

The AKC says your average toy-sized Yorkies should be in the four to seven-pound range but some breeders will try to sell even smaller dogs which command an increased price point.

What should be included in the adoption fee?

Reputable breeders provide an extensive list of perks for potential owners which includes a vet checkup, microchipping, spay/neuter surgery, and free travel crate if shipped as well as any registration papers required before picking up the dog.

What are some additional costs to expect?

If you’re out of state and looking for a dog, the breeder may ship it either by car or airline. Shipping via air runs from $200 to $400. If they do the shipping on road, they might choose to do it themselves or outsource this to a third-party company. Either way, the cost will be between $100-$300 for the dog to reach you by road.

Dogs, like any animal, need to be fed and have their needs met, so there are some additional costs you should consider when you get a teacup Yorkie. The average dog owner pays $800-$1,200 per year for a healthy dog with recurring costs such as food, accessories, and vet visits that must be considered when getting one of these pets.

If your little pup ever needed an unexpected trip to the veterinarian because he was either sick or injured it could cost you more than just his normal medical bills. So put some money aside for unexpected medical costs. Since dogs don’t wear clothes they’ll need something warm too, like tiny clothes, if the temperature drops below 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips Yorkie owners should remember

A Teacup Yorkie is a really small dog, only eight to nine inches tall. This breed has been known for its longevity, with the average lifespan being 12 to 16 years long if handled properly and free of any popular health problems such as collapsing trachea or hypoglycemia. The Teacup dog can weigh up to four pounds; much smaller than your standard Yorkshire Terrier.

The AKC recognizes four colors for these dogs: blue and tan, black and tan, gold and black with blue or golf. If a dog is particolored it can still be accepted by the AKC as long as its most dominant color is one of these standards.

The coat also changes in the pattern when the dog matures so they may not have that same coloring throughout their lives as some breeds do.

The teacup Yorkie is a fragile dog with many health problems. These include collapsing trachea, ligament injuries, and sensitivity to temperature changes. They are often playful but also known for their mischievous behavior when they get too excited or hungry.

With so many people adopting dogs without papers, it’s not a surprise that there are some hidden secrets to what they’re really getting. One of the most frightening is an inherited disease or condition from their parents and grandparents which can lead to expensive vet bills for you in the future.

These conditions can usually be detected before adoption if the dog comes with proper registration paperwork. Finding out as much information about your adopted pup’s lineage beforehand will help protect you against any diseases with unknown origins.

As much as they might seem like a good idea, small dogs can often backfire due to their fragile size. Terriers in particular are known for being willful and energetic so if you have rambunctious or otherwise difficult children then it may be better not to introduce one of these breeds into the family. This breed also has an increased likelihood of having more accidents than other dog breeds because their bladder is typically smaller than others.

Is there any way for breeders to save some money?

Adopting a pet from the rescue group or shelter is an amazing way to give back and support those pets who are less fortunate. You may not be able to find that perfect Teacup, but you’ll certainly have your pick of other loving dogs in need of forever homes.

Though it may be tempting to buy a dog for less than $200, you’re usually getting what you pay for. If the price seems too good to be true, there’s probably something wrong with the animal that either makes them worthless or expensive in medical care due to health issues they have or will likely develop over time.