The real expense of bringing home baby

I'm often asked if I know where to get a Yorkie puppy. It's not usually that the prospective owner can't find a Yorkie. The buyer just doesn't want to pay the high cost. Typically from $1000 on up and even $500 for an adoption. Yes, that may seem like a lot of money up front, but that is only the beginning.

You are often better off paying the high price for a Yorkie from a very reputable breeder right from the start. Typically these are breeders for conformation - the show dogs. Reputable breeders take great care regarding the health and breed characteristics of their dogs. Breeders who sell to pet stores or other avenues strictly for profit, may not be as careful.

Very quickly that $800 dog from the strip mall pet store can end up costing you thousands in vet bills and a great deal of heartache when health problems and birth defects arise within weeks or months of bringing home baby. Whereas the $1200 Yorkie from the reputable breeder is more likely to be free of birth defects and sickness. That new baby will also need neutering or spaying, typically at 6 to 8 months old. Are you prepared for all the other costs that will quickly arise?

- Spaying or neutering, $300-500
- Teeth cleanings, $200-$500
- Grooming, $35-45
- Food, varies
- Car seat or crate for travel, $25-100 (watch for my blog post to come)
- Illness and emergencies, $50-$4,000
- Vet office visit fee, $40-55
- Vaccinations, vet office fee plus $15-25 per vaccine
- Pet insurance, optional (watch for my blog post to come)
- Harnesses, leashes, beds, toys, chew toys and more

My point of this summary of costs, is that you will likely encounter most of these expenses during the life of your pet and many right from the start. I know the initial cost of a Yorkie is overwhelming, but so are all these other expenses. Make sure that you truly can afford the routine care and emergencies that may arise. That initial cost of your Yorkie is only the beginning. You have a commitment to provide for and care for your dog for the rest of it's life.