Maltese Dog Ownership Costs: First-Year, Monthly & Lifetime Expenses

Maltese dog ownership costs are usually higher than many new owners expect. Although Maltese dogs are small and do not eat much, their long coat, regular grooming needs, dental care, and routine vet expenses make them a moderate-to-high maintenance breed from a budgeting point of view.

On average, the cost of a Maltese dog can range from $2,000 to $4,500 in the first year, then about $120 to $250 per month for normal ongoing care. Over a typical 12–15 year lifespan, many owners spend around $18,000 to $35,000+ on Maltese ownership.

This guide breaks down the real cost of owning a Maltese, including puppy price, adoption cost, first-year setup, monthly expenses, grooming, vet bills, insurance, hidden costs, and lifetime budget estimates.

If you are also planning your dog’s long-term care, you can use our Maltese Dog Age Calculator to estimate your Maltese’s age in human years and better understand life-stage care needs.

Maltese Dog Cost Overview: Quick Snapshot

Here is a quick answer to the common question: how much do Maltese cost to own?

Cost Category	Typical Range (USD)	What This Covers
Maltese puppy price or adoption	$200 – $3,500+	Adoption fee or breeder purchase price
First-year cost	$2,000 – $4,500	Dog purchase/adoption, initial vet care, supplies, training, grooming
Average monthly cost	$120 – $250	Food, grooming, preventatives, routine care, supplies
Average annual cost	$1,500 – $3,000	Ongoing vet care, grooming, food, dental care, supplies
Estimated lifetime cost	$18,000 – $35,000+	12–15 years of care, including grooming, medical needs, and emergencies

Note: These Maltese dog cost estimates vary by location, breeder quality, grooming frequency, health status, insurance choice, and whether you use professional services or handle some care at home.

Why Maltese Ownership Costs More Than Many Small Dogs

A Maltese may weigh under 7 pounds, but that does not automatically make the breed cheap to own. The biggest long-term expenses are usually grooming, dental care, vet visits, and preventive health care.

• Professional grooming is often needed every 4–6 weeks, especially for long coats.
• Dental care matters because small dogs are more prone to tartar buildup and crowded teeth.
• Skin sensitivity and allergies can increase vet, food, shampoo, or medication costs.
• Long lifespan means even small monthly expenses add up over many years.

Food is usually one of the cheaper parts of Maltese ownership. Grooming and medical upkeep are the expenses that make this breed more expensive than many first-time owners expect.

First-Year vs Long-Term Maltese Costs

The first year is usually the most expensive year of Maltese ownership because you pay for the puppy or adoption fee, first vet visits, supplies, training, and early grooming. After that, costs become more predictable, but grooming and health care remain ongoing expenses.

• First-year Maltese costs are driven by purchase price, vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, supplies, and training.
• Long-term Maltese costs are driven by grooming, dental care, annual vet visits, preventatives, food, and emergency care.
• Senior Maltese costs may increase if dental disease, joint issues, heart problems, or other age-related conditions appear.

If you are budgeting conservatively, plan for the higher end of the ranges, especially if you live in a city, prefer professional grooming, or want pet insurance.

Quick Reality Check for Potential Owners

A Maltese is not usually the cheapest small dog to own. The breed can be affordable day to day, but only if you plan ahead for grooming, dental care, and preventive vet care. Owners who budget properly are less likely to face surprise expenses later.

First-Year Maltese Puppy Ownership Costs

Maltese puppy ownership costs are highest in the first year because you are paying for both the dog and the setup costs. This includes the breeder or adoption fee, early vet care, vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, supplies, training, grooming, and food.

Most owners should expect the first year of owning a Maltese puppy to cost around $2,000 to $4,500, depending on where the dog comes from and how much professional care is needed.

Maltese Puppy Price vs Adoption Cost

The largest first-year cost is usually the initial purchase or adoption fee. A Maltese from a reputable breeder usually costs more upfront, while adoption is often cheaper and may include some basic medical care.

Option	Typical Cost (USD)	What’s Usually Included
Reputable breeder	$1,000 – $3,500+	Health-checked puppy, early vaccines, breeder support, pedigree documentation
Rescue or shelter adoption	$200 – $600	Vaccines, spay/neuter in many cases, basic health exam
Lower-cost private rehoming	$100 – $500	Varies widely; may not include medical records or health screening

A cheaper Maltese puppy is not always cheaper long term. Poor breeding, missing vaccines, or untreated health issues can lead to higher vet bills later.

First-Year Setup and Medical Costs

These are the most common first-year Maltese dog costs after purchase or adoption.

Expense	Typical Cost (USD)	Why It’s Needed
Initial vet visits and vaccines	$200 – $400	Protects against common puppy diseases
Spay or neuter surgery	$150 – $400	Prevents unwanted litters and may reduce some health or behavior risks
Microchipping	$40 – $75	Helps identify and recover a lost dog
Crate, bed, bowls, leash, harness	$150 – $300	Basic daily safety and comfort supplies
Food and treats	$250 – $500	Small portions, but quality food still matters
Grooming tools or early grooming	$100 – $300	Coat care starts early with this breed
Puppy training classes	$100 – $300	Helps with house training, socialization, and behavior
Emergency buffer	$300 – $1,000+	Useful for unexpected illness, accidents, or urgent vet visits

These first-year expenses are normal for most Maltese puppies. The exact total depends on breeder price, local vet fees, whether you use a groomer, and how much training support you need.

Puppy First Year vs Adult First Year

A Maltese puppy usually costs more during the first year than an adult Maltese because puppies need more setup, more vet visits, and more training. An adopted adult Maltese may cost less upfront if vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, and basic training are already complete.

• Puppies cost more because of vaccines, training, supplies, grooming adjustment, and small accidents.
• Adult Maltese dogs may cost less upfront if they are already trained and have completed basic medical care.
• Senior Maltese dogs may cost more medically if dental, heart, joint, or vision issues are already present.

For most owners, the safest first-year budget is to plan above the minimum estimate. It is better to have extra money set aside than to delay vet care or grooming.

Monthly and Annual Costs to Own a Maltese Dog

After the first year, the average monthly cost to own a Maltese is usually around $120 to $250. This includes food, grooming, routine vet care, flea and heartworm prevention, toys, supplies, and basic maintenance.

Because a Maltese is small, food costs are usually low. However, the breed’s coat and dental needs mean grooming and vet care should always be included in your monthly budget.

Average Monthly and Annual Maltese Expenses

This table shows a realistic budget for a healthy adult Maltese.

Expense	Monthly Cost (USD)	Yearly Cost (USD)	What This Covers
Food and treats	$20 – $40	$240 – $480	Quality small-breed food and treats
Professional grooming or supplies	$40 – $100	$480 – $1,200	Haircuts, bathing, brushing tools, coat care
Routine vet care	$20 – $40	$250 – $500	Annual exams, vaccines, routine checkups
Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention	$15 – $30	$180 – $360	Preventive medications
Toys and supplies	$10 – $25	$120 – $300	Toys, beds, bowls, cleaning supplies, replacements
Dental care savings	$15 – $50	$180 – $600	At-home dental care and savings toward cleanings
Total average	$120 – $250+	$1,500 – $3,000+	Typical ongoing Maltese ownership costs

These numbers assume your Maltese is generally healthy. Medical conditions, emergency care, boarding, insurance, or frequent grooming can push the total higher.

Estimate Your Maltese Monthly Budget

If you want a simple budgeting target, many Maltese owners should plan for about $200 per month. This gives enough room for normal food, grooming, preventive care, and small surprise expenses.

Budget Type	Monthly Estimate	Best For
Low-cost care	$80 – $150	Home grooming, healthy dog, minimal extras
Average care	$150 – $250	Regular grooming, routine vet care, quality food
Higher-cost care	$250 – $400+	Frequent grooming, insurance, dental care, medical issues, boarding

This monthly estimate does not replace emergency savings. A separate emergency fund is still important for sudden illness, accidents, or urgent dental problems.

Maltese Grooming Costs Over the Year

Maltese grooming cost is one of the biggest long-term expenses for this breed. Their long, silky hair grows continuously and can mat quickly without regular brushing, bathing, and trimming.

Grooming Style	Frequency	Estimated Yearly Cost
Professional grooming	Every 4–6 weeks	$600 – $1,200
Home grooming with basic trims	Monthly or as needed	$150 – $300
Short puppy cut	Every 6–8 weeks	Usually lower than a long coat
Long show-style coat	Frequent brushing and professional care	Usually the highest-maintenance option

Keeping a Maltese in a short puppy cut can reduce grooming difficulty, but it does not remove grooming costs completely. Brushing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, tear-stain care, and bathing are still part of regular maintenance.

Skipping grooming can lead to painful mats, skin irritation, infections, and emergency grooming or vet bills. For most Maltese owners, regular grooming is cheaper than fixing coat and skin problems later.

Why Maltese Costs Stay Steady Over Time

Maltese dog ownership costs usually stay steady because the same care needs continue throughout the dog’s life. Food costs remain low because Maltese dogs eat small portions, but grooming, dental care, and preventive vet care do not disappear with age.

• Food costs are usually low because Maltese dogs are small.
• Grooming costs continue throughout life because the coat keeps growing.
• Dental care becomes more important as the dog gets older.
• Preventive vet care helps reduce the risk of larger medical bills later.

Owners who skip grooming, dental care, or yearly checkups often end up paying more later for skin problems, painful mats, tooth disease, infections, or emergency vet visits.

Major Maltese Cost Drivers: Grooming, Vet Bills, and Insurance

The biggest long-term cost drivers for Maltese dogs are grooming, dental care, routine vet bills, emergency care, and pet insurance. These expenses decide whether your Maltese dog cost stays predictable or becomes expensive over time.

Understanding these cost drivers early helps you build a realistic monthly and lifetime budget instead of only thinking about the puppy purchase price.

Why Grooming Is a Major Expense for Maltese Dogs

Maltese dogs have long, fine hair that keeps growing. This makes grooming one of the most important and most expensive parts of owning the breed. A short puppy cut is easier to manage, but regular brushing, bathing, trimming, ear cleaning, and nail care are still needed.

Grooming Need	Typical Cost (USD)	Why It Matters
Professional grooming visit	$50 – $100	Keeps the coat clean, trimmed, and tangle-free
Yearly grooming total	$600 – $1,200	Regular grooming visits throughout the year
Home grooming tools	$50 – $150 one-time	Brushes, combs, shampoo, clippers, tear-stain care
Mat removal or extra coat care	$25 – $100+ per visit	Extra fee when the coat is tangled or neglected

Skipping grooming can cause painful mats, skin irritation, infections, and emergency grooming fees. For most owners, regular grooming is cheaper than fixing coat and skin problems later.

Common Vet Costs for Maltese Dogs

Maltese dogs are generally long-lived, but they can still develop health issues that increase ownership costs. Dental disease is one of the most common expenses because small dogs often have crowded teeth and faster tartar buildup.

Health or Vet Expense	Typical Cost (USD)	Notes
Routine annual checkup	$100 – $300	Exam, vaccines, and basic wellness care
Dental cleaning	$300 – $800	Often needed every 1–2 years, depending on dental health
Luxating patella care	$300 – $3,000+	Mild cases may need monitoring; severe cases may need surgery
Allergy or skin treatment	$200 – $600 per year	May include exams, medication, shampoo, or diet changes
Emergency vet visit	$500 – $2,000+	Accidents, sudden illness, stomach issues, injury, or urgent care

Dental care is one of the most common surprise costs for Maltese owners. Brushing your dog’s teeth at home and scheduling routine cleanings can help reduce expensive dental problems later.

Pet Insurance for Maltese Dogs

Pet insurance can make Maltese dog ownership costs more predictable, especially if you are worried about emergency vet bills or breed-related health issues. It is not required, but it can reduce the financial shock of sudden medical care.

Insurance Item	Typical Cost (USD)	What to Consider
Monthly premium	$20 – $45	Varies by location, age, deductible, and coverage level
Yearly premium cost	$240 – $540	Regular cost added to your annual budget
Deductible	$250 – $500	Amount you pay before insurance reimbursement
Emergency coverage value	Varies	Most useful for accidents, illness, surgery, or unexpected care

Pet insurance may be worth considering if you want protection from large emergency bills, your Maltese has health risks, or you prefer steady monthly payments. Some owners choose to save money each month instead, but that only works well if the emergency fund is built before a major vet bill happens.

Simple Cost-Saving Advice for Maltese Owners

• Keep the coat brushed to avoid mat removal fees.
• Use a short puppy cut if you want easier coat maintenance.
• Brush teeth at home to reduce dental problems.
• Do not skip yearly vet checkups or preventatives.
• Compare groomers, insurance plans, and routine-care packages.

The safest way to reduce Maltese ownership costs is not to skip care. It is to prevent expensive problems before they happen.

Hidden Maltese Costs, Budgeting Tips, and Lifetime Cost Summary

Some Maltese costs are easy to miss when you only focus on the puppy price. Hidden expenses such as dental cleanings, boarding, grooming extras, replacements, and emergency vet care are often what surprise new owners.

Hidden or Often-Forgotten Maltese Costs

Hidden Expense	Typical Cost (USD)	Why It Happens
Dental cleanings	$300 – $800	Small dogs often need professional dental care
Boarding or pet sitting	$30 – $75 per day	Travel, emergencies, work schedules, vacations
Grooming extras	$100 – $300 per year	Mat removal, tear-stain care, special shampoos, extra coat work
Replacing toys, beds, and supplies	$50 – $150 per year	Wear, chewing, accidents, stains, or normal replacements
Emergency vet fund	$500 – $2,000+	Illness, sudden injury, urgent dental care, or accidents
Travel supplies or carriers	$40 – $150	Car seat, airline carrier, travel bowls, or safety gear

Many owners forget to plan for dental care and boarding. These are not daily expenses, but they can make the yearly cost of owning a Maltese much higher if they are ignored.

Lifetime Cost of Owning a Maltese Dog

The lifetime cost of owning a Maltese dog is usually high because the breed often lives 12 to 15 years. Even if monthly costs look manageable, grooming, vet care, dental cleanings, food, preventatives, supplies, and emergencies add up over time.

Cost Level	Estimated Lifetime Cost (USD)	What This Looks Like
Lower-cost care	$18,000 – $22,000	Healthy dog, home grooming support, fewer extras
Average care	$22,000 – $30,000	Regular grooming, routine vet care, dental care, quality food
Higher-cost care	$30,000 – $35,000+	Medical issues, insurance, boarding, frequent grooming, emergency care

Long life is one of the best things about the Maltese breed, but it also means long-term budgeting matters. A small monthly expense can become a large lifetime cost over 12–15 years.

To plan care by age, use the Maltese Dog Age Calculator and compare your dog’s life stage with likely grooming, dental, and senior-care needs.

Simple Budgeting Tips for Maltese Owners

• Set aside around $150 to $250 per month for normal Maltese care.
• Keep a separate emergency fund for sudden vet bills.
• Budget for dental cleanings before tooth problems become painful.
• Choose a realistic grooming style based on your budget and schedule.
• Review pet insurance before your Maltese develops age-related conditions.
• Do not buy the cheapest puppy without checking health history and breeder quality.

Saving money should never mean skipping basic care. Poor grooming, delayed dental treatment, and missed vet visits often cost more later.

Maltese Dog Cost FAQs

Here are quick answers to common questions about Maltese dog ownership costs, puppy price, grooming expenses, monthly care, and lifetime budgeting.

How much does a Maltese dog cost?

A Maltese dog can cost anywhere from $200 to $3,500+ upfront, depending on whether you adopt, buy from a reputable breeder, or find a private rehoming situation. The total first-year cost is usually higher, often around $2,000 to $4,500 after supplies, vet care, grooming, training, and food are included.

How much does it cost per month to own a Maltese?

The average monthly cost to own a Maltese is usually around $120 to $250. This includes food, grooming, routine vet care, flea and heartworm prevention, toys, supplies, and basic dental care savings. Costs can be higher if your Maltese needs frequent grooming, insurance, boarding, or medical treatment.

Are Maltese dogs expensive to maintain?

Yes, Maltese dogs can be more expensive to maintain than many people expect. Food costs are usually low because they are small dogs, but grooming, dental care, and preventive vet care make Maltese ownership more expensive over time.

Why are Maltese grooming costs so high?

Maltese grooming costs are high because their long, fine hair keeps growing and can mat easily. Many Maltese dogs need professional grooming every 4–6 weeks, which can cost around $600 to $1,200 per year depending on location, coat style, and groomer pricing.

What is the lifetime cost of owning a Maltese?

The lifetime cost of owning a Maltese is often around $18,000 to $35,000+ over 12–15 years. The final amount depends on grooming frequency, dental care, health issues, emergency vet bills, insurance, boarding, and how much care is handled at home.

Is a cheaper Maltese puppy a good way to save money?

Not always. A cheaper Maltese puppy can cost more later if the dog comes from poor breeding, has missing vaccines, lacks health records, or develops preventable medical problems. A healthy puppy from a responsible source may cost more upfront but can reduce risk over time.

Final Reality Check

A Maltese is loving, friendly, and well suited for small homes, but it is not always a low-cost dog. The breed’s small size keeps food costs low, but grooming, dental care, vet visits, and long lifespan make ownership more expensive than many people expect.

If you are prepared for regular grooming, preventive health care, and long-term budgeting, Maltese dog ownership costs can stay manageable and predictable. The owners who struggle most are usually the ones who only budget for the puppy price and ignore the ongoing cost of care.