I can't advise on the cost of owning Yorkies as they're so much smaller than my three dogs (which cost about £500 a month altogether including insurance/food etc). It's no harder to travel in and out of the country with a Yorkie than it is a Golden tbh - just need the paperwork etc.
However, in terms of breeders:
Whatever you do, please do not use recommendations for breeders from randomers off the internet.
A poster recently was considering a puppy from a breeder that someone had 'mentioned' in the park - a quick google of the breeder made it clear they were a puppy farmer.
Another poster mentioned a kennels recently that breeds Jack Russell when someone requested 'good breeders' - again, a quick google made it clear they were puppy farmers and NOT a good breeder at all (they had six bitches and 13 dogs and NO ONE with that many dogs is exercising them properly or even taking care of them properly. It's just not possible). They also had no bitches over the age of 5 (aka when they get too old to breed from).
A good breeder does NOT need a fancy website. Or have multiple litters at once. Or have more than 2/3 bitches (more details below).
What you need to do is:
Go on the KC website and use Champ Dogs to find breeders near you (it's useful to cross-reference the two websites tbh). Then, speak to breeders and say you're considering getting a puppy from that breeder and you'd really welcome some practical advice about the breed because you want to be 100% you are the right fit for that breed. Most breeders are more than willing to speak to potential buyers (they use it as a form of vetting - my mum did this when she was considering getting an English Setter and the breeder really appreciated it). They'll tell you all you need to know. Most breeders have been in the game for YEARS and no one knows the breed like they do - and this is a good way to ensure a Yorkie is 100% the right breed for you. Sometimes breeds look right for us, but they're just not (for whatever reason).
You need to speak to several breeders of the same breed. No two breeders are the same. There will be 'feelings' you get from some that put you off - and that's okay. It took me three breeders to get one I felt was the right fit for my most recent dog.
Ask the following questions:
- How many bitches do they have - how many litters will each bitch have ( more than two per bitch is, IMO, a big red flag and more than one a year from multiple dogs is a huge red flag because it is SO exhausting to breed a dog that no one has the energy to do it properly more than once a year. And, of course, if they have multiple breeding bitches then chances are they aren't looking after the puppies or the bitches properly.
- How old is the bitch (KC say one year old, I think two - minimum. Particularly for bigger breeds where they aren't even fully physically developed until two years - my golden is 17 months and he is still growing as are his littermates...the idea of them being bred from is, quite frankly, insane.)
- Why did they choose the sire they did (don't be surprised if you can't see the sire. Most breeders don't own the sire these days).
- What are mum AND dads scores (Different tests for different breeds - a quick google will tell you what you need).
- Inbreeding coefficient of both parents (KC website will tell you breed average. But don't be wedded to this. My Golden is 10% inbred, which is higher than average, but his hip and elbow scores are incredible).
Then, when you visit the litter you should ask:
- To see evidence of the health tests (a good breeder will proactive show you)
- To see all the puppies (if they say no, then run).
- How are they socialising the puppies (hoover, people, different types of surface such as grass, concrete etc)
- Will there be a contract of sale? Can you see the family tree (this isn't hugely important, but its good to be sure the breeder has been careful to avoid breeding from similar lines)
- Will puppies be wormed and vaccinated
- Will the puppy be microchipped
- Can you meet the puppy several times
- Will you pick the puppy or will you be matched (some breeders will match you to the pup they think has the best temperament for your circumstances)
If you do view a litter, or speak to a breeder, and something doesn't feel right. Walk away. I have done. It's not a bad thing. You have to be 100% sure you are buying a dog from a good home that has been loved and cared for - otherwise you run the risk of a sickly puppy and expensive vets bills (plus you're just lining the pockets of puppy farmers...).
Remember: KC registration does not automatically mean a healthy or well tempered dog...just look at what they've done to French Bulldogs.