Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier: cost, health and care compared
The Chihuahua and the Yorkshire Terrier side by side: size, care needs, health issues and what each costs to keep.
Last updated: October 2026 · 6 sources · see sources
Side by side
| Chihuahua | Yorkshire Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| AKC group | Toy Group [2] | Toy Group [3] |
| Weight | not exceeding 6 pounds [2] | 7 pounds [3] |
| Height | 5-8 inches [2] | 7-8 inches [3] |
| Life expectancy | 14–16+ years [2] | 11–15+ years [3] |
| Energy (AKC rating) | 4 of 5 [2] | 4 of 5 [3] |
| Shedding (AKC rating) | 2 of 5 [2] | 1 of 5 [3] |
| Grooming needs (AKC rating) | 1 of 5 [2] | 5 of 5 [3] |
| Good with young kids (AKC rating) | 1 of 5 [2] | 5 of 5 [3] |
| Barking (AKC rating) | 5 of 5 [2] | 4 of 5 [3] |
| AKC popularity, 2025 | No. 24 [4] | No. 13 [4] |
| Health issues to know | Luxating patella, Inherited eye disease, Mitral valve disease, Patent ductus arteriosus… See health costs | Luxating patella, Inherited eye disease See health costs |
| Typical vet bill | $273 – $1,110 (small dogs, median $508) [5] | $273 – $1,110 (small dogs, median $508) [5] |
| Yearly cost estimate | $880–$1,400 [1] | $880–$1,400 [1] |
| Rough lifetime cost | $12,200–$22,100 | $9,600–$20,700 |
About the cost numbers
The yearly estimate starts with the ASPCA's yearly cost of care and, at the high end, adds one typical vet bill for the breed's size. [1] The lifetime figure is that yearly range times the life expectancy. It is simple math on sourced numbers, before inflation and before any major illness, not a quote.
For each breed's health risks and what they cost to treat, see Chihuahua health problems and costs and Yorkshire Terrier health problems and costs.
Insurance and savings
Breed matters less than timing for insurance. The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in 2025. [6] Conditions found before you enroll are usually excluded, so many owners sign up while their pet is young. Some prefer a savings fund instead; see insurance vs savings.
Common questions
Which costs more, the Chihuahua or the Yorkshire Terrier?
Our yearly cost estimate is the same for both: $880–$1,400.
Which lives longer, the Chihuahua or the Yorkshire Terrier?
The AKC gives the Chihuahua a life expectancy of 14–16+ years and the Yorkshire Terrier 11–15+ years. Individual pets vary a lot.
What health problems do the Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier have?
Chihuahua: Luxating patella, Inherited eye disease, Mitral valve disease and Patent ductus arteriosus. Yorkshire Terrier: Luxating patella and Inherited eye disease.
Which is better with kids, the Chihuahua or the Yorkshire Terrier?
The AKC rates the Chihuahua 1 of 5 and the Yorkshire Terrier 5 of 5 for being good with young children. Training, supervision and the individual dog matter more than the breed average.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.