Yorkshire Terrier, the smallest terrier group, makes fine petite watchdogs.
Despite the pure terrier qualities, they belong to the category of Toy dogs. The hypoallergenic Yorkshires are perfect for apartment living.
They are a beautiful, devoted breed that has won many hearts. The most appealing part about the breed is their long human hair-like fur. Fondly known as Yorkies, they have also got a long life span.
How much does a Yorkshire terrier cost?
All the dog breeds vary according to the quality, and Yorkshire stands no exception.
The primary category of Yorkies itself will cost you around INR 35000. The price of a registered dog from the Kennel Club of India falls somewhere between INR 50000 to INR 60000. The show-quality ones, those closest to the ideal standards, will cost you about INR 60,000 to INR 80,000.
Factors affecting the cost
Bloodline
One needs to know the difference between purebred and mixed breeds. The bloodline of a dog can tell a lot about it. It affects the health, appearance, habits, and other qualities of a dog.
Breeders will play around with the breeding and exploit the customers. Therefore, bloodline is a significant factor to consider before buying a Yorkshire Terrier puppy.
The more valuable a bloodline is, the higher the puppy will cost.
Documentation
Documents of a dog’s registration will point to a dog’s bloodline.
So you need to check whether a puppy has all the required documents. It will help you verify the purity of a breed.
The registration will guarantee you the health condition and other quality of the puppy you are buying. Hence a Yorkie that’s registered will cost you more than the one that’s not.
Breeder’s Reputation
The reputation of a breeder tells a lot about the bloodline of dogs. Reputable breeder stays loyal to his work.
So, when you are buying a puppy from a reputable breeder, it will cost more than elsewhere.
Health
Enquire as much as possible about the health of the puppy. It must include the medical history of the pup, its parents, genetic issues, and more.
Visit the Kennel to get an idea about the environment where the puppy took birth and how the breeder cares for them. The ancestors will also tell you a lot about the puppy.
Appearance
Lately, small-sized Yorkies are fetching higher prices.
Teacup Yorkshire and the smallest ones are priced higher because of the additional costs associated with caring.
The coat is another factor of appearance that influences the price of the Yorkie. Yorkshire has fine hair with a glossy and silky finish. Anything less than that will cost you more.
Rescued/Adopted puppies
A rescued puppy will cost you very little and make you feel good. Providing shelter to a homeless Yorkie is a wise thing to do.
However, it is not the cost of the dog alone. Other expenses associated with any pet arise once you bring it home.
Socialization and Training
Breeders also sell trained and socialized dogs.
They put in their time and resources to train a dog, which will bring down your efforts. Therefore these pets will be priced higher, and you will get a well-behaved dog.
Age
Younger puppies are always in higher demand as compared to older ones.
Many factors set up the price. It is easier to train and care for younger dogs. Older dogs come with a set of training, may find it harder to adjust to a newer environment. Health conditions are not stable or reliable.
Other Costs involve raising a dog too-
Supplies
One will need various supplies even before bringing a puppy into the house. They are food, harness, water bowl, treats, toys, and many others.
If these are a necessary supply, there are other additional ones such as a dog carrier, clothes, and a Yorkie car seat.
So let’s consider your first year supply might cost you about INR 20000 and the subsequent years at around 10000 a year.
Veterinarian Expenses
A vet visit is similar to a regular medical check-up for humans. Timely vaccines, spaying and neutering, vet fees, and others are part of owning a dog.
Your first-year veterinary expenses might be lower as compared to that of subsequent years.
Feed
The most basic of expenses will cost you the highest. On average, Yorkies are 7 pounds which means they will require about 60 pounds of food per year.
So a yearly expenditure of an adult dog will come up to INR 6000/- and for a puppy, it might range between INR 3500/- to INR 6000/-.
Grooming
The Yorkshire Terrier as a breed will need professional grooming because of its long and silky coat.
Many pet parents manage the routine grooming by themselves, and a kit online will cost you about INR 5000/-. You may also choose to spend INR 2000/- a year for a professional grooming expert.
Traveling
You may sometimes wish to travel someplace and take some private time off. You can leave your dog at a boarding service in that case.
Depending on location and services, charges might start from around INR 500- 5000/- per day.
So these are the primary costing elements, but many more will get added to these once you bring home a pet.
About & History
Yorkshire terriers started as lapdogs with the Victorian ladies, before which the breeding of these was for use as ratters in mine shafts and clothing mills in Northern England.
The breed got its popularity as part of a show in 1861 as “broken-haired Scotch Terrier.”
Workers from Scotland came to work at the textile mills, coal mines, and factories of England during its industrial revolution. That’s when they brought along a dog known as a Clydesdale Terrier or Paisley Terrier.
These, along with Waterside Terrier, may have also contributed to the evolution of the Yorkshire Terrier.
Yorkies are a big-town attitude stuffed in a small package. Hence, they perform well in activities such as rally, agility, and obedience training.
They are an intelligent breed and eager to please their human friends.
The Yorkshire terriers have a good life span of 13-15 years and are generally healthy. They are inquisitive and have perceptive senses such as good mental and physical reflexes.
Yorkies love checking things out. You will find them maneuvering around the house and yard.
All such qualities make them excellent watchdogs. Every new movement and noise might get them to react too quickly in addition to the loud barking.
Appearance
Want to know an interesting fact about the breed? Yorkies tend to change their shades with age and hormonal changes.
Females especially go lighter during their mating season and again turn back dark once their heat subsides.
Yorkshire puppies are born in black shade, blue, and tan develop over time. They have tan legs, but the color does not extend above the elbow. The color of their eyes is generally dark and blends with their coat.
The hair of Yorkies is perfectly silky and reaches the floor. Long, straight hair with hardly any waves is their specialty. Head fall is the hair that falls over the face and is usually the same golden tint as the face.
The compact toy-sized terriers weigh no more than seven pounds. The lustrous floor-length hair, silky coat of steel blue, and a rich golden tan make them the diva of any show.
Bouncy topknot adds to the glamour, therefore grasping all the attention from around. They are 8 to 10 inches at shoulder height.
Temperament & Character
Yorkshire Terrier is territorial by nature and displays all the traits of a perfect terrier. They are brave, determined, combative, and even bossy at times.
Despite their small size, these dogs always have an eye for adventure and therefore get into trouble conveniently.
True to their terrier genealogy, they are highly suspicious of strange movements and sounds. They are quick to start barking at intruders or alien noises.
Hence, it is advisable to practice safety protocols while introducing them to a new animal or young children.
Despite their big dog attitude and bravery, they have a sassy persona. Yorkies are very affectionate and compassionate towards people. Their soft side requires a lot of attention and family time. As long as you raise the dogs along with other resident dogs and cats, they go along well.
Considering its temperament, Yorkshire Terriers do well with older children. It is better not to keep them around in homes with small children and toddlers.
The breed is highly active indoors and are absolute house dogs. They do not handle extreme heat or cold well. Hence, Yorkies require a wardrobe of warm clothing.
Trainability
Treats and expressive praising work the best with the Yorkshire terrier. Harsh disciplines are never a way to train a dog.
Positive ventures, a happy environment, and a slow entry to new situations are always a better way to train your pet.
Yorkies are sensory to training which should start in the early stages. They are an attention-loving breed and will perform cute tricks, agility, or obedience attempts to please their human friends. Early socializing with strangers, new pets, and situations is a good idea.
Obedience training is a recommended course for Yorkies. An obstacle course, fetching a ball or toy is all worth teaching.
A good walk, play session in the drawing-room, and simple exercises are good ways to calm them. Remember to walk these tiny monsters on a leash since they incline to chase smaller animals.
Housetraining is another significant aspect of training your Yorkies. People often ignore it because of their accidents being easy to clean. The breed is sensitive to weather.
Hence, people ‘paper train’ them to avoid outdoors during unfavorable weather.
Most of all, ensure your dog behaves. Teach your dogs when and when not to bark. Ensure they calm down their restlessness, at least for the sake of your neighbors.
Grooming
Treat your Yorkshire Terrier’s coat just like you would treat your hair. Brush the long coats daily and pull the hair on the upper part of the head into a topknot. How do you do this? Collect the hair on top, brush it up and secure it with a cute hairband.
If not, trim the hair short in front to avoid any irritation to the eye. Make sure to check their anal area and trim down the hair getting too long around it.
Pluck out the hair in the ear canal using your fingers or ask your groomer or vet to do it for you. Overall, hair shedding of the breed is not much.
Bath your Yorkie every week or so to keep the coat lustrous and healthy. Apply a light conditioner while drying, and it will keep the hair shiny and beautiful.
A gentle brushing every day will keep the hair clean and prevent the formation of mats. However, do not brush them when dirty or dry this will cause breakage.
Yorkshires are a bit prone to dental problems. So they will need a bit of extra maintenance for it. Ears will exhibit signs of infection/ debris if any. It is a good idea to check their ears weekly.
Is a Yorkie a good family dog?
Yorkshire Terriers offer great companionship besides portraying the character of a watchdog. They are very people-pleasing, devoted, and committed furry friends. Yorkies are good with people like senior citizens and those with medical issues. The breed is perfect for those who want a strong dog with the traits of a terrier but not an actual large dog. The toy-like appearance and the ‘big’ dog-like character are very suitable for a family living.
What problems do Yorkies have?
Some serious health issues related to the breed need extra attention. Bronchitis, portosystemic shunt, cataracts, and keratitis sicca are a few such health issues noticed in Yorkies.
Their diet needs special attention since the breed has a sensitive digestive system. They go through vomiting or diarrhea if they cross their regular diet.
They need extra attention with their dental health as well. Small dogs are most prone to dental issues, so a regular check must help you prevent it.
Are Yorkies easy to train?
It can get a bit tricky to train Yorkshire Terrier. Professional help will always be beneficial. They aren’t an impossible breed to teach but aren’t the easiest either. Yorkies are an intelligent breed yet stubborn, curious, and confident. These qualities make it harder to train the breed. Starting early, socializing, treats instead of punishments will fetch you a positive reward.
Do Yorkies bark a lot?
Yes, Yorkies bark at almost anything in sight or sound. They are known to be a vocal breed. Yorkshire terriers are very territorial and bark whenever they cross strangers, unfamiliar faces, and noises. This habit of your pets can create a menace for you and your neighbors. Proper training will keep this bad habit in control. They need to learn when and when not to bark.
Yorkies are a beauty in disguise, always on the lookout for adventure. The small, easy-to-carry-around, loving companion is also a perfect travel partner. So choose to pick this personality breed if you want years of love, laughter, and close camaraderie.