How Much is a Maltese? Puppy & Adult Dog (with Calculator)

The costs associated with a new pet can be hard to put a finger on, and if you’re looking to raise a Maltese, you will need to take a number of things into consideration – the cost of the dog itself, veterinary expenses, training, food, supplies, insurance, licensing, grooming and more. To give you a good estimation, we have developed a cost calculator that will inform you on the accurate cost of purchasing and maintaining a Maltese.

A Maltese puppy is likely to cost between $600-$2,340 with the average price being $1,200. First-year expenses are around $2,980 and will be about $1,230/year (or $103/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Maltese is $18,970.

These figures consider all essentials. However, extra costs such as spay/neuter, pet insurance, as well as dog walking and boarding services that can be necessary, are not included. If you take those into consideration, especially if you need a dog walker five times a week, your expenses are likely to rise to the $5,375-$11,860 range for the first year and $4,945-$9,430 mark for each subsequent year. This would put the cost range at $69,660-$134,450, with an average cost of $100,175 for the entirety of your Maltese’s lifetime.

The high range is relevant for owners living in expensive areas and/or looking for high-end products and services. On the contrary, the low end of the range is suitable for cheaper areas, products, and services.

Below, we have compiled a ton of information, analyses and professional recommendations that are sure to help with raising a Maltese as well as planning your finances. You will also find a cost calculator that lets you apply your requirements to help generate a much more accurate estimate when it comes to determining the overall cost of a Maltese puppy and adult dog.

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For general information about the cost of puppies and dogs, you can read The True Cost of a Dog (50 breeds compared) on our blog. If you are serious about adopting or buying this breed, keep reading this article. To compare the cost with other ones, visit our All Breeds page. You can also read our New Dog Owner Guide to learn everything about welcoming a dog home.

Quick Links

• Puppy Cost
• Supplies Cost
• Training Cost (dog trainer’s opinion)
• Medical Cost (veterinarian’s opinion)
• Food Cost
• Grooming Cost (groomer’s opinion)
• Other Costs (dog walker’s opinion)
• Total Cost
• PetBudget Cost Calculator

How much are Maltese puppies?

After reviewing over 350 ads across numerous sources that include the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind, our team found the cost of a Maltese to range from $600 to $2,340, with over 80% of the puppies under 6 month of age for sale falling within this range. This puts the average cost at $1,200, with the higher end of the spectrum being $5,500 for purebreds from reputable breeders.

Adoption, on the other hand, is a much less expensive ordeal, with rehoming fees typically ranging from $50-$500. If you are actively looking to raise a Maltese, we strongly recommend doing some research and finding the most reputable breeders and/or shelters possible. This will make a big difference in terms of your dog’s health and wellbeing.

WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND A MALTESE PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Our Guide will help you find a dog near you. We share the 25 best places to find your perfect pet.

This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget’s team.

“As a veterinarian, I think Maltese breeding dogs should be evaluated for the following conditions prior to breeding and throughout their breeding years: patellar luxation, cardiac evaluation. Buyers should ask the breeder about health screening tests performed.”

Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian

If you want to know more about the price of puppies in the US or compare this breed with 150 others, check our puppy prices article based on the analysis of close to 50,000 ads (for 151 different breeds).

Factors affecting the price of puppies and why prices vary for the same breed.

Purebred or mixed. Usually, mixed-breeds are sold at a lower price than purebred dogs.

Bloodline and breeder’s reputation. If the parents are purebred show quality dogs from a reputable breeder, the price will be substantially higher. These breeders also tend to invest more money than others to take care of their breeding dogs and puppies.

Registration papers/pedigree. Some breeders are members of kennel clubs, the most famous being the American Kennel Club (AKC). They can also have their breeding dogs and puppies registered which would also add to their fees.

Health screenings and medical expenses. Serious breeders will have their breeding dogs and/or puppies evaluated/tested for different medical conditions. Moreover, some will take their puppies to the vet for an exam, deworming, vaccines, and/or microchip implantation prior to selling them. This drives the price higher but also reduces the risk to get an unhealthy dog.

Training and socialization. Some breeders sell their dogs after they are trained and socialized. It will increase the puppy’s price but generate savings as you most probably won’t have to invest in more training and also gives a better chance to get a well-behaved dog.

Breed popularity in the buyer’s location. Local supply and demand will have an impact on puppy prices. For example, small dogs tend to be more popular in metropolitan areas where people live in smaller spaces. Some breeds are more in demand in colder climates, others where hunting is popular, etc. It is worth looking for prices in different locations, but it is risky to buy a dog without having seen it before or at least have met with the breeder and visited the kennel.

Age. As most people want to get their puppy as young as possible, prices tend to be lower when the dog gets older. For example, on average a 6-month-old pup is likely to be less expensive than an 8-week-old one.

Coat color and markings. Coat color trends can change quickly. For any breed, some colors are more popular than others, sometimes temporarily. When the interest for a specific coat color grows, puppies get more expensive as an increase in demand leads to a higher market price. Also, for purebred dogs, only specific colors and color combinations are accepted by kennel clubs. Finally, puppies with rare colors can be very expensive as well.

The cost of supplies when welcoming a Maltese dog

As with any dog, you will need several products on hand to make raising a Maltese easier. This includes items like bowls, collars, toys, beds, shampoo, sanitary equipment to name just a few. Based on prices of over 250 Walmart, Amazon and PetSmart best sellers, essential supplies add up to anywhere between $150-$650 for the first year depending on the quality of the items purchased and location.

As your Maltese grows, the price of supplies eases up considerably. Each subsequent year entails expenses ranging from $55 to $260, with an average of $140. This includes replenishing your stock of some aforementioned items (toys, bed, poop bags, shampoo, toothbrush).

Additionally, you may require things that are not accounted for, such as clothing, play pens, fences, muzzles, harnesses and other cosmetic or maintenance items. These items are bound to push your expenses higher, so keep that in mind when planning your finances.

Check our Dog Supplies Guide and get tips to choose the right items for you and your dog (bowls, collar, leash, bed, and crate size, etc.). Learn everything about costs, and find the best products available.

If you are on a budget check our special selection and buy everything new for less than $200.

Leave your email at the top or bottom of this article to get our free supplies checklist with tips to select the right size for each product.

Training cost

Maltese are small, intelligent dogs that are easy to manage, extremely sociable with humans and are not aggressive. As a result, private training is not a necessity according to Alexa Diaz, dog trainer and animal behaviorist. Nonetheless, she would recommend group lessons for socialization with other people and dogs outside the home and to address their tendency to bark. This generally cost $150-$200 for five 1-hour sessions.

Even with easily manageable dogs, consulting a dog training book is always a good idea and a very inexpensive way to help build a harmonious relationship between a dog and the rest of the family.

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If you want to know whether to train your dog yourself or hire a professional and learn about the cost of training classes and supplies, check our article written with a certified dog trainer.

“Maltese are intelligent and are good family dogs. They tend to be barkers, so group class training is recommended.”

Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist

The veterinary costs for a Maltese

Licensed veterinarian Leslie Brooks (DVM) has helped us highlight all the important medical expenses that come with owning a Maltese dog. On average, expect to spend around $590 for the first year on veterinary fees and $465 every year after that. These expenses may vary depending on location as well as your dog’s age and health condition.

Medical cost for the first year with a Maltese

Experts like Leslie Brooks typically suggest a minimum of three trips to the vet through the course of the puppy’s first year, with the first visit being scheduled when the puppy is around 8 weeks of age. Each appointment should cost you anywhere between $65 and $170. At her clinic, these include physical checkups, essential vaccines (including rabies), heartworm prevention, flea prevention and a fecal examination.

Additionally, Dr Brooks suggests continuing with heartworm ($50-$105) and flea ($70-$105) medication after the initial visits.

Moreover, the dog may need vaccines that depend on lifestyle and activities:

• Leptospirosis if the dog is exposed to wildlife or taken on camping/hiking trips often ($15-$25 but is sometimes included in the appointment fees with the other essential vaccines).
• Influenza is recommended if the dog is boarded or kept in a daycare for extended periods of time ($70-$90 for both the initial dose and booster shot).
• Lyme if exposed to ticks when camping, hiking, or staying in a wooded area or on a farm ($60-$80 for both the initial dose and booster shot).

As your Maltese dog grows, a neutering or spaying procedure may be considered. Generally, these cost $100-$300, depending on your locality as well as the clinics therein. Keep in mind that spays are usually slightly more expensive. Some low-cost clinics also provide sterilization services for $50-$100.

Veterinary expenses for an adult Maltese

Generally, your adult Maltese will require at least one trip to the vet for every year. This falls in the $125-$265 range, depending on your clinic and the services provided. This usually includes the annual exam and vaccines, heartworm test and blood work (to detect any hidden medical conditions for older dogs especially).

Leslie Brooks, DVM, recommends following through with heartworm and flea prevention medication, which usually fall in the $55-$70 and $100-$150 ranges respectively for the year. Additionally, optional lifestyle vaccines may also command annual booster shots ($15-$45 each), and a fecal examination may be required if the pet is regularly exposed to other animals or has inconsistent stool quality, adding another $40-$50 to the total.

Possible Maltese health issues

Maltese are subjects to some potential medical problems throughout the course of their life according to Dr Brooks.

Portosystemic shunt: the low end of the cost range is for diagnostics and medical management with medications and special food, while the high end is for diagnostics and surgery.

Patellar luxation: the low end of the cost estimate covers pain management as needed and joint supplements, while the high end of the range is if surgery is needed. Not all dogs need surgery (only if it is causing them a lot of pain and if they cannot get their knee back in place on their own).

Collapsing trachea: a Maltese owner can expect to pay $250-$450 for diagnostic x-rays and medications to control symptoms. If the condition is severe enough, surgery might be needed and could cost $3,000 to $4,500. However, surgery is usually not recommended due to many severe complications post-surgery.

Gastrointestinal disease: the cost estimate accounts for diagnostics and treatments, including potential hospitalizations throughout the dog’s lifetime.

“Maltese dogs are genetically predisposed to being born with a liver shunt, which can be very expensive to treat and require lifelong maintenance to keep them healthy.”

Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian

Dog insurance

The North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report marks the average price of insurance for both accident and illness coverage at $565 per annum, while $190 is the cost for accident-only plans. This can be particularly important and may help you save a lot of money in the long run.

It is also possible to get complete health coverage with some insurance companies but it gets much more expensive.

If you wonder whether or not you should get pet insurance, we have a simple step by step guide to help you make the decision. This could save you thousands of dollars.

As mentioned, some medical conditions can be expensive to treat. Although purebred dogs may have a higher incidence of some inherited disorders, mixed breed dogs are also likely to develop health conditions, such as cancer and heart disorders. No dog owner should have to make critical decisions about their pets based on their ability to afford care. That’s why pet insurance is more popular every year in the US.

When comparing pet insurances, price is a significant factor, but it is also essential to consider:
– Deductible type (per incident or per year) and amount
– Reimbursements percentage and limits
– Services included (emergency visits, hospitalization, surgery, medications, specialists, cancer treatments, pre-existing conditions, etc.)
– When coverage will start

The price will vary depending on multiple factors, including the dog’s breed, age, location, and the plan chosen. You can compare pet insurance prices on comparison websites like PetInsuranceReview.

Read our article titled a veterinarian explains medical costs for a dog to learn more and get tips to save on vet expenses.

Feeding a Maltese

On average, Maltese dogs will grow to be only around 7 lb. (usually 6 to 8 lb.). After carefully reviewing some of the best-selling food brands such as Purina, Purina One, Pedigree and Blue Buffalo we estimate the average cost at $70 for the first year, and $65 for each subsequent year. Note that there is an important price difference between standard and premium brands.

Treats cannot be ignored when budgeting dog food. A review of more than 25 best sellers for small dogs on Walmart, PetSmart and Amazon shows that one can expect to spend around $150 every year on treats for their Maltese.

This cost estimation for treats is based on the premise that the dog gets one big treat every day. If you give your dog a treat every other day, you can divide these amounts by two. If it is once a week, divide them by seven, and so on. Enter the relevant information in the calculator at the end of the article to get your personalized cost estimate.

Four dog food brands compared

Your Maltese puppy will likely need around 60 lb. of food for the first year.

Adult Maltese dogs typically consume around 60 lb. of food a year as well.

As dog food is cheaper in bulk and can be stored sparingly, we recommend making bulk purchases for the best savings. Additionally, you should discuss the kind of dog food your Maltese should be eating with your veterinarian, as they have the best understanding of your dog’s needs.

Example for a more expensive premium brand

This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food.

Grooming prices for Maltese dogs

Corryne Smith, professional groomer, suggests that a Maltese receives grooming 6 to 10 times a year, with a session typically ranging from $40 to $55. The price will depend on the services requested as well as the dog (health, age, coat, behavior). On average, this comes up to an annual cost of $395.

Most professional groomers offer a bath, shampoo, hair removal (if needed), brushing, styling as well as nails, tooth, eyes, and ears care.

DIY enthusiasts can find grooming equipment online for $75 on average. You will be able handle all your dog’s grooming needs from within the comfort of your own home, if you have the skill set and patience to do so!

Additional costs that comes with a Maltese

Licensing

Licenses usually fall in the $10-$20 range in the USA, depending on the state you are in. If your dog is not spayed or neutered, the cost is likely to be a little bit higher. We strongly recommend licensing your dog, as it can be illegal, depending on state regulations, to own an unlicensed dog. Moreover, it makes identification and locating in the case of emergencies much easier.

Microchip

Microchips create a unique identification to your dog, allowing them to be on medical and emergency databases. Microchips are required in many U.S. states and will range from $25-$50.

Dog walking

According to professional dog walker and dog sitter, Tamaria Reddick, Maltese dogs have a moderate need for exercise. As a result, she would recommend enlisting a dog walker for 30-minute walks only in the case that you are unable to take your dog out during the day. You can find dog walkers on apps like Rover and Wag and they usually charge $15-$25 for 30-minute walks and $20-$50 for 1-hour walks.

Do not forget this when budgeting as these costs add up and can easily become your biggest expense. If the dog is not properly socialized, it might need private walks which are more expensive.

Traveling

In the case of extended travel plans, you can leave your Maltese in the care of a dog boarding service. Budget $25 to $85 a day, depending on location, services, and time of year. During particularly busy stretches of the year, such as the holidays, you will need to book dog boarding services in advance, as you are likely to get much better rates when doing so.

If you are on a tight budget, checking with any friends or family to see if they would be willing to host your dog is a good idea, especially since small dogs are more likely to be taken in by relatives for a few days than bigger ones.

Finally, you might be able to take your dog with you, as many airlines and train companies offer special provisions to help move your pets. You will probably have to submit a formal request ahead of time. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on several variables such as location, destination, mode of transport, etc.

Yearly and monthly cost of a Maltese

How much is a Maltese puppy during the first year?

The average cost of raising a Maltese for the first year falls within the $1,650 to $4,935 range, with an average cost of $2,980. Most of these expenses will happen early and will hardly be avoidable, as they are essential to the health and well-being of your Maltese.

Potential additional expenses include sterilization, dog insurance and services like dog walking and dog boarding.

Assuming you spay/neuter your dog, require the services of a dog walker 5 days a week for 42 weeks (30-minute walks), enroll in an insurance plan and use a boarding service for 1 week of the year, your first year cost is likely to rise into the $5,375 to $11,860 range.

Adult Maltese yearly and monthly costs

For each adult year, a Maltese will require $670-$1,805 in essential expenses, depending on your locality as well as the pet-related businesses that are accessible to you. On a monthly basis we are talking costs in the $56-$150 range or $103 on average.

Assuming you use a dog walker every weekday for 50 weeks, maintain your insurance enrollment and send the dog to a boarding facility for 1 week, you can expect to spend as high as $4,945-$9,430 every year ($412-$786 every month).

Maltese cost of ownership

Maltese dogs have an average life expectancy of 14 years (usually 12 to 15 years). This puts the overall cost of ownership in the $10,360 to $28,400 range using the figures outlined above. On average, an owner can expect to spend $18,970 over the years.

Using the same additional costs scenarios introduced in the previous sections of the article (spay/neuter, insurance, dog walking and dog boarding), you will be looking at a total cost of ownership of $100,175 on average for 14 years.

Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips.

PetBudget Maltese cost calculator

The cost of a Maltese – A summary in 7 questions

1- How much is a Maltese puppy?

On average a Maltese puppy will cost $1,200 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $600 and $2,340. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things.

2 – How much are dog supplies?

A new owner can expect an initial investment between $150 and $650 in supplies when welcoming a small dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $55 and $260. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality.

3 – Does a Maltese need training and how much will it cost?

Having a Maltese professionally trained is usually recommended (group training) and should cost around $150 to $200. For this breed, training should mainly focus on socialization and barking.

4 – What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Maltese?

Preventive medical care should amount to around $385 to $795 for a Maltese puppy during the first year and around $280 to $645 every adult year. This does not include a spay or neuter procedure (usually between $100 and $300).

5 – How much food does a Maltese eat and how much will it cost?

A Maltese will eat around 60 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $50 and $225 for a puppy and $45 to $210 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs.

6 – How often should a Maltese be professionally groomed and how much will it cost?

A Maltese should be professionally groomed 6 to 10 times every year. Most dog owners will not be able to groom the dog themselves. Each visit to a grooming salon should cost from $40 to $55 for this breed depending on the dog and the services offered.

7 – Are there any other expenses to expect?

In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere.

A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip.

According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans.

Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive.

A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things.

Newsletter Subscribers get:

Before & After you Get a Puppy (2 eBooks)
+ Our Dog Supplies Checklist
+ Coupons & Discounts
ALL FOR FREE

“Allow me to help you prepare for your new dog, make the best decisions, and save.”

Johann – PetBudget Founder

What is the next step? Check our New Dog Owner Guide. It’s a 5 minutes read packed with useful information for future and new dog owners.

Other breeds you might like

Or learn more about the cost of owning a dog. This article is THE reference when it comes to budgeting for your pet.

To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog’s well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing a Maltese, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with raising a Maltese. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision.

References and Resources

• Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
• Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
• Corryne Smith – Dog Groomer
• Tamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet Sitter
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
• The American Kennel Club
• North American Pet Health Insurance Association
• Association of Professional Dog Trainers

This article is original content from PetBudget.