Cost of Owning a Maltese
Maltese are glamorous, low-shedding toy dogs - but their signature white silk coat requires significant grooming investment. Here is what Maltese ownership actually costs.
Estimated First Year Cost
$2,180–$4,255
Monthly Ongoing Cost
$140–$270
Purchase Price
$1,000-$3,000
About the purchase price: Reputable breeders. Teacup Maltese marketed by some breeders are unethical - avoid.
Monthly Costs
| Category | Low Est. | High Est. | |
|---|---|---|---|
Food Tiny breed - under 1 cup per day of small-breed kibble | $25 | $45 | |
Vet Routine Annualized routine care; dental disease is common | $25 | $45 | |
Grooming Long coat requires professional grooming every 4-6 weeks | $50 | $100 | |
Treats & Toys Small portions - dental chews especially useful | $15 | $25 | |
Pet Insurance Recommended - luxating patellas and dental disease are common | $25 | $55 | |
| Monthly Total | $140 | $270 | |
One-Time Setup Costs
| Item | Low Est. | High Est. |
|---|---|---|
| Crate (small) | $35 | $70 |
| Dog Bed | $30 | $70 |
| Collar, Harness & ID Tag | $25 | $50 |
| Spay / Neuter | $200 | $400 |
| Grooming Setup (brushes, comb) | $40 | $80 |
| Bowls & Nail Clippers | $20 | $45 |
| Initial Vet Visit & Vaccines | $150 | $300 |
| One-Time Total | $500 | $1,015 |
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Based on typical monthly costs and lifespan, expect to spend:
$15,000-$30,000
over the lifetime of your Maltese
* Estimate includes food, routine vet care, grooming, insurance, and supplies. Does not include purchase price or major health events.
Save on vet bills with pet insurance
Unexpected vet bills are the biggest wildcard in Maltese ownership. Pet insurance can cap your out-of-pocket costs and give you peace of mind.
Get Insurance Quotes →Tips to Reduce Your Maltese Costs
✓Buy pet insurance as a puppy — premiums are lower and no pre-existing conditions are excluded.
✓Buy food in bulk or subscribe-and-save — save 10–20% on your biggest monthly expense.
✓Learn basic grooming at home — even one home trim per quarter between professional visits saves money.
✓Stay current on preventive care — annual vaccines and parasite prevention prevent far more expensive conditions.
✓Consider adopting an adult dog — adoption fees ($100–$400) are far lower than breeder prices.
✓Set up a dedicated pet health savings account — $50–$100/month builds a buffer for unexpected bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Maltese expensive to groom?
Yes - the long silk coat requires professional grooming every 4-6 weeks at $50-$80 per session, totaling $600-$1,200/year. Many owners opt for a short puppy cut to reduce maintenance.
How much does a Maltese puppy cost?
From reputable breeders: $1,000-$3,000. Avoid extremely cheap Maltese or teacup varieties - these often come from puppy mills and have serious health issues.
What are the biggest Maltese vet expenses?
Dental disease (almost universal in small breeds), luxating patellas, collapsed trachea, and hypoglycemia in puppies. Dental cleanings under anesthesia cost $300-$700 and may be needed annually.
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