Puppy price
$500–$1,250 From reputable breederBreed cost calculator
How much does a Maltese cost?
Complete 2026 cost breakdown for Maltese ownership, including puppy price, annual expenses, lifetime estimate, first-year setup costs, and state-adjusted insurance estimates.
- Small size
- Regular energy
- Long coat
- 7–7 lb
Annual cost
$1,960 Per year ongoingLifetime total
$19,084 Over ~12.2 yearsPet insurance estimate
Maltese insurance estimate
Age 3 · California $46.74/mo $561/year
Showing estimates for: California Dog age: 3 years
Base premium
$32.00/mo Breed-specific rateAge factor
×1.09 Age 3State multiplier
×1.34 California (CA) Low risk
Formula: $32.00 × 1.09 × 1.34 = $46.74/mo
Insurance estimates are indicative. Actual premiums vary by provider, coverage level, deductible, reimbursement rate, age, location, and individual health history.
Annual breakdown
Maltese annual cost breakdown
Dog food
$270/yrBased on Small breed feeding requirements
Veterinary care
$600/yrRegular energy breeds have typical baseline vet costs
Grooming
$640/yrLong coat requires frequent grooming
Toys & enrichment
$250/yrStandard toy rotation
Other costs
$200/yrTraining, boarding, supplies, insurance contributions, and miscellaneous care
Total annual cost $1,960
Estimates are based on the Maltese profile: Small size, Regular energy, and Long coat. Actual costs vary by location, lifestyle, product choices, and individual health.
First year
First year cost for a Maltese
Puppy / adoption fee Reputable breeder or rescue
$500–$1,250
Initial vet visit Health check, vaccines, and microchip
$150–$300
Spay / neuter Often recommended around 6–12 months
$200–$500
Supplies Crate, bed, bowls, leash, collar, and toys
$400–$600
Food Puppy food and growth-stage nutrition
$270–$324
Training classes Puppy classes and basic obedience
$150–$400
First year total estimate $1,670–$3,374
Long-term view
Maltese lifetime cost projection
| Year | Annual cost | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (puppy) | $3,360 | $3,360 |
| Year 2 | $1,960 | $5,320 |
| Year 3 | $1,960 | $7,280 |
| Year 4 | $1,960 | $9,240 |
| Year 5 | $1,960 | $11,200 |
| Year 6 | $1,960 | $13,160 |
| Year 7 | $1,960 | $15,120 |
| Year 8 | $1,960 | $17,080 |
| Year 9 | $1,960 | $19,040 |
| Year 10 | $1,960 | $21,000 |
| Year 11 (senior) | $1,960 | $22,960 |
| Year 12 (senior) | $1,960 | $24,920 |
| Year 13 (senior) | $1,960 | $26,880 |
Budget smarter
How to reduce Maltese ownership costs
Buy food strategically
$100–300/yrBulk buying and auto-ship discounts can reduce repeat food costs.
Budget for preventive care
$200–800/yrDental care, healthy weight, exercise, and routine checkups can reduce avoidable vet bills.
Compare insurance early
Potentially thousandsPremiums are often lower when a dog is young and healthy.
Learn basic grooming
$200–600/yrBrushing, nail trims, and coat maintenance between appointments can cut grooming costs.
Rotate toys
$100–200/yrA small rotating set keeps novelty high without constant buying.
Consider adoption
$1,000+ upfrontRescue and rehoming fees are often far lower than breeder purchase prices.
Quick answers
FAQs about Maltese costs
How much does a Maltese cost per year?
A Maltese costs approximately $1,960 per year in ongoing expenses, including food, vet care, grooming, toys, enrichment, and miscellaneous care.
What is the estimated lifetime cost of a Maltese?
The estimated lifetime cost is $19,084, based on an average lifespan of about 12.2 years and ongoing annual costs of $1,960.
How much does a Maltese puppy cost?
A Maltese puppy from a reputable breeder typically costs $500–$1,250. Adoption or rehoming may cost less upfront.