Teacup Yorkie Puppy Overview
The teacup Yorkie is a small pup who is sure to keep you entertained for hours on end with their lovable mischievous side and affectionate nature. They’re also fiercely loyal and protective over their loved ones… even despite their “towering” six to seven-inch height!
Teacup Yorkies can adapt well to most households and environments, and they’ll particularly thrive in California. After all, the state offers plenty of dog-friendly parks, scenic trails, and beaches where these excitable pups can expel their energy.
Even when temperatures become uncomfortably high, there are lots of pup-friendly facilities that offer indoor play areas, too, like South Park Doggie.
Teacup Yorkie Puppies for Sale: How Do You Buy a Teacup Yorkie Puppy in California
The first step to buying a teacup Yorkie in California is to find a reputable breeder who has the pups’ best interests at heart. While this process can be time-consuming, it’s vital you do thorough research and fully vet breeders. Unfortunately, there are plenty of backyard breeders who neglect the puppies’ health and well-being.
You can speak to veterinarians, dog trainers, and groomers in the area for teacup Yorkie breeder recommendations, and you can also connect with teacup Yorkie owners through social media groups.
Once you’ve found a few breeders, arrange calls or in-person meetups to find out more about their breeding practices, health screening processes, current availability, and pricing. This will help you determine whether the breeders are responsible and which breeder best aligns with your needs and budget.
You should also familiarize yourself with the common signs of a backyard breeder. Dog Academy can help with this, and their online platform also offers plenty of other helpful resources, including training courses and adoption guides for teacup Yorkies.
Be wary of any breeder who doesn’t ask you questions about your lifestyle and living arrangements — breeders who care about animal welfare will vet prospective buyers to ensure their pups are going to the best possible homes. A responsible breeder will also be happy for you to visit the area where the puppies are kept.
Once you’ve chosen a breeder, you’ll need to sign a contract and put down a deposit to reserve one of their teacup Yorkie puppies. You may be added to a waiting list if there’s high demand. After your pup is born, you’ll pay the remaining fee and be able to take them home with you once they reach the appropriate age (at least eight weeks).
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Teacup Yorkie Puppy in California
The exact cost of buying a teacup Yorkie puppy in California can vary, depending on the breeder you use and factors like the pup’s lineage and coat coloration.
In general, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $4,500 for a teacup Yorkie puppy, though the cost may be significantly higher if the pup is from show dog parents. If you see a teacup Yorkie puppy being advertised for less than this, it’s usually a strong indicator of a backyard breeder or puppy mill.
You will also need to consider care expenses such as food, vet bills, training tools, toys, treats, and bedding. Care expenses will typically total around $1,000 per year.
Teacup Yorkies For Sale in California
How Should I Train a Teacup Yorkie Puppy?
Your teacup Yorkie pup’s training journey can begin as soon as you bring them home. Break training sessions down into short, 5-minute intervals and use reward-based training measures (positive reinforcement) to set your pup up for success.
Teacup Yorkie puppies can be stubborn, so be consistent, patient, and firm. A clicker tool can be particularly effective at tackling stubbornness — it serves as a great motivator and can help keep their attention on the task at hand.
Teacup Yorkies are often slow to housebreak, but crate training and taking them out for regular potty breaks will help speed up the process. No matter how frustrated you get during training, never resort to shouting or using hash corrections. Punishments can ruin your teacup Yorkie puppy’s trust in you and cause them to become anxious and stressed.
If you’re struggling with training, don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional trainer for help and support. There are plenty throughout California, and Dog Academy can get you connected with one right away. Dog Academy also offers plenty of self-guided, affordable online courses to accommodate all different needs, training goals, and experience levels.
How Should I Puppy Proof My Home for a Teacup Yorkie Puppy?
Before bringing your teacup Yorkie puppy home, you need to make sure your house is safe, comfortable, and welcoming for them. Remove cables and other choking hazards from the floor, lock away cleaning supplies, and apply protective pads on sharp corners. You should also set up a crate in a quiet area of the home where your pup can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.
You should also take measures to secure your backyard. Check that there are no holes in the fence that your teacup Yorkie puppy can wriggle through, and ensure gate latches are in working order. Remove poisonous plants and keep pesticides and other garden chemicals out of their reach as well.
Make sure to always supervise your teacup Yorkie puppy when they’re playing in the yard. Birds of prey are abundant in California, and Yorkies are often targeted due to their small size.
Buy the Right Teacup Yorkie Puppy in California for You
Teacup Yorkie puppies make wonderful companions for families living in California, and their larger-than-life personalities are sure to bless your home with lots of aww-worthy moments.
If you’re considering purchasing a teacup Yorkie puppy, make sure to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the puppies’ wellbeing.
Familiarize yourself with the red flags of a backyard breeder and ask thorough questions to determine their knowledge of the breed. You should ask for proof of relevant health clearances and visit the premises where the pups are kept in person before putting a deposit down.
