The teacup Yorkie is not only one of the smallest dogs, but this variety of the Yorkshire terrier is also among the smallest toy breeds. This means they are even smaller compared to the tiniest dog breeds out there. Weighing just a few pounds, the teacup Yorkie is the dog for those who want a pocket-sized companion.
If this sounds like you, however, know that you’re not the only one. The teacup Yorkie’s appeal is greater than its size, with countless individuals wanting to get one of these small dogs. As you can expect, due to their popularity, the teacup Yorkie typically comes with a fairly high price tag.
Although adoption can be an option in rare cases, those who want to own a teacup Yorkie will likely need to buy from a breeder. This begs the question, how much is a teacup Yorkie? While there isn’t a definitive answer that will apply to all teacup Yorkies, our article will cover everything you need to know.
What Is a Teacup Yorkie?
The teacup Yorkie is a variety of the Yorkshire terrier. Even though the teacup Yorkie isn’t recognized by major kennel clubs, the term “teacup” is used to refer to noticeably smaller Yorkshire terriers.
Everything about the teacup Yorkie is the same as other Yorkshire terriers except for the size. While the standard Yorkshire terrier weighs around seven pounds, the teacup Yorkie is usually between two and four pounds – and yes, this is the adult weight, so they weigh just a pound or so as puppies.
How Much Is a Teacup Yorkie From a Breeder?
So, how much does a teacup Yorkie cost? Well, while we can’t say an exact amount that will apply to teacup Yorkies everywhere, we can give you a rough estimate that will help you budget.
On average, a teacup Yorkie costs between $1,500 and $3,000 from a breeder. If you’re living somewhere with a higher cost of living, like California or Hawaii, we recommend budgeting slightly more than this amount. Where you buy the teacup Yorkie also matters; breeders with long waitlists and a reputation for delivering healthy, well-tempered teacup Yorkies tend to ask for higher prices.
While getting a popular and special dog like the teacup Yorkie means you will need to find a breeder to buy a puppy from, adoption is another alternative. Read more about how much you should expect to pay for a teacup Yorkie if you choose to adopt one below.
How Much Is a Teacup Yorkie for Adoption?
Teacup Yorkies for adoption are surely less available than puppies for purchase, but by looking at the right places, like Dog Academy’s teacup Yorkie adoption listings, you can adopt one yourself. Platforms that operate adoption listings nationwide, like Dog Academy, can help you find teacup Yorkies for adoption.
However, with the limited number of teacup Yorkies for adoption, you might need to be somewhat flexible on your preferences. For example, you might not be able to find a teacup Yorkie puppy and adopt a young adult instead.
While this is the case for many teacup Yorkie owners who choose to adopt, it is a lot more affordable than buying a puppy from a breeder. The adoption fees for a teacup Yorkie tend to be $600 at most, and that’s only when you adopt a puppy. If adopting an adult teacup Yorkie, you will pay around $200 to $300.
Should You Adopt or Buy a Teacup Yorkie?
Teacup Yorkies might not always be available for adoption due to the breed’s popularity and size. Even a puppy listed for adoption might be a standard Yorkshire terrier, not a teacup Yorkie. Without knowing the puppy’s background, shelters and rescues have no way of knowing whether a Yorkie is a teacup Yorkie or not.
Therefore, working with a breeder is often what people choose when it comes to breeds like the teacup Yorkie. Despite this, adoption can be an excellent way to get a teacup Yorkie, especially if you can be flexible on the characteristics of the dog you adopt.
If you don’t mind your teacup Yorkie being a little bit bigger or having one of the more typical coat color combinations, adoption is the more cost-effective option. On the other hand, buying from a reputable breeder will be the better option if you prioritize predictability and want to get health guarantees.
How Much is a Teacup Yorkie? Welcoming Your Teacup Yorkie Home
You’ve learned how much a teacup Yorkie costs, both from a breeder and when you adopt. Regardless of how you get your teacup Yorkie, get all the supplies and make the necessary arrangements before welcoming them home. By preparing ahead of their arrival, you will ensure your new furry friend adapts to their new life as quickly as possible.
