In this blog post, we will explain why are Yorkies so expensive. We will focus mainly on the history of this breed, but we’ll also talk about Yorkshire terrier characteristics and what makes it so special.
Why are Yorkies so expensive?
A good dog is always expensive, not just Yorkies. One of the most important things that people tend to forget is that a Yorkie is purebred. This is really the biggest factor influencing the price of Yorkshire Terriers.
Many underground breeders often overcharge for puppies that may not be purebred, which can cause a multitude of problems in the long run, and no one likes to be fooled.
Yorkie puppies with an aristocratic pedigree that are the offspring of champions of the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the US are at the top of the scale when it comes to high prices.
Also, Yorkshire are in fashion, like Chihuahuas, pocket dogs, and unfortunately, many people use them as accessories, not as living beings. Ideally, when you see one of these dogs, you associate them with wealthy people … and since they are expensive because people with possibilities are the ones who have them.
If you really want a Yorkie, save up and go to a professional breeder to acquire it, as this can guarantee the purity of the breed, and when it grows up it will not come out as a Saint Bernard version of Yorkie. Although instead of buying you can also adopt one, in dog shelters you can see everything, even Yorkies!
When buying a dog you acquire a commitment for the next 10 or 15 years of your life, they are not disposable. You should also know that the last thing is buying a dog, you have to educate it, spend on veterinary care, food, toys, time, affection and PATIENCE.
The history of the Yorkshire Terrier is the answer
The history of this breed has been closely linked to the development of our society, adapting to the economic situation and the corresponding demands of the different social classes of the time. Although its origins are not entirely clear as it is the result of constant crosses. It is evident the name of this breed is linked to the Yorkshire region in England.
While you’ll read more facts about this breed, you will understand why are Yorkies so expensive.
The origins of the Yorkshire Terrier
We are situated at the beginning of the 19th century, where the difference between social classes and employment marked the development of the entire society. The dogs used by people are specialized in hunting. They were large in size and with qualities adapted for sport. These characteristics could not be matched by their smaller namesakes.
On the other hand, in the lower classes, the situation was the opposite. They resorted to smaller dogs for their usefulness when hunting mice at home. The advantages were obvious; they ate little and took up hardly any space. Due to the lack of work in Scotland, many workers moved to England, the Yorkshire region.
Scottish workers travelled with their own dogs, saving the cost of acquiring a new specimen without depending on the dogs available in the region. The Terriers brought in by the workers were mixed with local breeds without any knowledge of interbreeding, seeking above all that they were small and would serve their function in the home.
It is estimated that around 1860 the Yorkshire Terrier was reached as we know it today. Adopting the name of the region that had been born. W. Eastwood Huddersfield, a professional breeder, took it upon himself to maintain the appearance of that latest hybrid.
It was ensured that the following specimens had the same characteristics regarding size and type of coat. They had long hair, a characteristic probably inherited from the Maltese Bichon, but at the same time, they kept the hunter’s roots against rodents without having to resort to a cross where the dog increased in size.
The popularity of the Yorkshire Terrier grew to become a dog coveted by millionaires. England adopted the Yorkshire Terrier as a pet and a show dog at the same time. It was common to find him at all the competitions at the local level while the public marvelled at the care they gave him.
In 1886 the Kennel club officially recognized him, reaching a unique status. It was considered a mandatory accessory for the fashion of the time. All the ladies of the high aristocracy had their own Yorkshire Terrier.
They were looking for the most beautiful and best-educated specimen to walk with him through the most distinguished streets of the city. London became a huge business where Yorkshire dogs were the most requested dogs, so much so that they could not even supply the existing demand.
The Yorkshire Terrier nowadays
The role of the Yorkshire Terrier today is indisputable. Known worldwide, it took very little time to spread throughout Europe and the United States. Maintaining size and coat at all times as their main hallmarks. The expansion of dogs as a species in homes around the world caused the Yorkshire people to find their niche easily.
In the United States, it became the most popular breed in 2002. Real merit considering the current population and the heterogeneity of social classes and personal preferences about dogs.
In Europe, its success has also occurred, but in a more moderate way. The different cultures present together with a huge number of races. They have caused it to be limited to families with young children and older people who cannot handle larger dogs.
It is a perfect dog for people looking for an easy-to-care animal. A pet to play with whenever he wants. In addition, being so small it adapts well, it is capable of living in urban flats, it does not need large spaces.
Yorkshire terrier characteristics
We will tell you the main characteristics of this breed, the physical ones, the behaviour, its training and personality.
Physical characteristics of a Yorkshire terrier
The most striking feature of the Yorkshire Terrier is by far its small size: 3 kilograms on average with a height that does not exceed 30 centimetres. There are even specimens that can weigh 1.5 kilograms measuring 15 centimetres. A size that can even become problematic when we interact with it at the risk of hurting it.
His head is small and flat without being prominent in any of its areas, bulging more from the hair than from the muscle mass itself. With a short muzzle, big eyes. It has small ears full of hair. The Yorkie has one of the most expressive faces within the species, conveying all kinds of emotions through the gaze without. It is a charming dog that attracts children a lot.
Yorkshire terrier character
Yorkshire terriers with their toy appearance can surprise us, as it usually happens depending on the dog, not all of them are adorable and calm. The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the dogs with the greatest contrasts in their behaviour.
Yorkies often have personality and are very brave, standing up to other dogs twice their size. They do not like being alone at all, they are the perfect candidates for their owners to take them everywhere. They even like to be carried.
Training potential of a Yorkshire terrier
As a race, it is one of the most intelligent and insightful within the species. Yorkshire Terriers are not easy dogs to train. Drawer training is recommended. Responds very well to positive reinforcement without the need for unconditioned stimuli in the form of human food or treats. It can move quickly to social stimuli that will allow us to consolidate learned behaviour over time.
It is important, however, to try to avoid overstimulation when training. Especially in the first sessions where we will use food in a constant reinforcement program. His small body and haughty behaviour can overly excite, making training difficult and can lead to behaviour problems.
Yorkshire terriers are sociable and with an overflowing energy
One point that we must train will be their behaviour with other animals and young children. Due to its size and temperament, it can suffer mishaps when dealing with both groups.
Yorkshire, though playful and sociable, can focus their energy on responding with aggression and dominance. Especially if they feel threatened. Simple situation to fulfil when all the beings around you are much bigger than you.
It is essential that we force constant exposure situations both with other dogs and with children. In a relaxed environment where they are allowed to play without receiving rejection responses and rewarding their behaviour.
Conclusions
In this blog post, we explained why are Yorkies so expensive. We focused mainly on the history of this breed, but we also talked about Yorkshire terriers characteristics and what makes it so special.
Now that you know the history of this breed, but also the specific features of a Yorkie, it may be easier for you to understand why it has such a high price.
In conclusion, we want to remind you that regardless of the dog breed you choose as a companion, a dog will bring you immense joy in your life (whether it has royal blood or not).
If you have any questions or comments on the content, please let us know!
FAQ on Why are Yorkies so expensive?
Why do Yorkies cost so much?
Yorkies cost a lot because they are considered a royal breed. Yorkie puppies with an aristocratic pedigree that are the offspring of champions of the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the US are at the top of the scale when it comes to high prices.
What is the average price of a Yorkie?
The average price of a Yorkie is round $1200 – $1500 for a typical companion Yorkie. However, prices are negotiable most of the time.
Are Yorkies expensive to take care of?
Yorkies are not more expensive to take care off than most of the dogs. Food for a Yorkie may cost you around $300/year. But you should add to the bill veterinarian care, toys, tickets (if you want to travel with your dog).
Are Yorkies good pets to have?
Yorkies are considered good pets to have and they are very popular dogs. They are great family pets, are hypoallergenic and believed to be very sociable and affectionate.
Why are Yorkies so bad?
Some consider Yorkies bad as pets because, being a small breed, it is prone to develop small size dogs behaviour issues. Owners need to be aware of this and train their dog. They can still bite and do a lot of damage.
References
Yorkieadvice.com
Petsworld.in
Animalwised.com
