Maltese Dog Cost of Ownership: First-Year, Monthly & Lifetime Expenses
Owning a Maltese is often assumed to be inexpensive because of their small size—but in reality, long-term grooming, dental care, and routine vet costs make Maltese ownership more expensive than many people expect. While food costs are relatively low, coat maintenance and medical upkeep are the real budget drivers.
Below is a clear, realistic snapshot of what most owners should expect financially.
Maltese Dog Cost Overview (Quick Snapshot)
| Cost Category | Typical Range (USD) | What This Covers |
|---|---|---|
| First-year cost | $2,000 – $4,500 | Purchase/adoption, initial vet care, supplies, training |
| Average monthly cost | $120 – $250 | Food, grooming, preventatives, routine care |
| Average annual cost | $1,500 – $3,000 | Ongoing vet care, grooming, food, licenses |
| Estimated lifetime cost (12–15 years) | $18,000 – $35,000+ | Lifetime care including medical and grooming |
Note: Costs vary widely based on grooming frequency, health status, insurance choices, and location (urban areas typically cost more).
Why Maltese Ownership Costs More Than Many Small Dogs
Despite weighing under 7 pounds, Maltese dogs are high-maintenance in specific ways:
- Professional grooming every 4–6 weeks if kept in a long coat
- Frequent dental care due to small mouths and crowded teeth
- Sensitive skin and allergies that can increase vet and food costs
- Long lifespan, which means costs add up over many years
A Maltese with regular grooming and good preventive care is manageable, but skipping these areas often leads to higher medical bills later.
First-Year vs Long-Term Costs at a Glance
- The first year is the most expensive, especially for puppies, due to:
- Initial vet visits and procedures
- Spay/neuter surgery
- One-time setup supplies
- Early training and socialization
- Ongoing years are more predictable, but grooming and dental care remain consistent expenses throughout the dog’s life.
If you’re budgeting conservatively, plan for the higher end of the ranges, especially if you live in a city or prefer professional grooming.
Quick Reality Check for Potential Owners
A Maltese is not the cheapest small dog to own, but costs are stable and predictable if you plan ahead. Owners who budget properly for grooming and preventive healthcare typically avoid the financial stress that surprises many first-time Maltese owners.
First-Year Costs: Buying or Adopting a Maltese Puppy
The first year of owning a Maltese usually costs the most. This is because you pay for the dog itself (or adoption), early vet visits, and many one-time items. Planning for these costs early helps avoid stress later.
Maltese Puppy Price vs Adoption Cost
How you get your Maltese makes a big difference in first-year spending.
| Option | Typical Cost (USD) | What’s Usually Included |
|---|---|---|
| Reputable breeder | $1,000 – $3,500 | Health-checked puppy, early vaccines, breeder support |
| Rescue or shelter adoption | $200 – $600 | Vaccines, spay/neuter (often), basic health exam |
Buying from a breeder costs more upfront, while adoption is cheaper and often includes medical basics.
First-Year Setup and Medical Costs
These are the common expenses most Maltese owners pay during the first year.
| Expense | Typical Cost (USD) | Why It’s Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Initial vet visits & vaccines | $200 – $400 | Protects against common diseases |
| Spay or neuter surgery | $150 – $400 | Prevents health and behavior issues |
| Microchipping | $40 – $75 | Helps reunite lost dogs |
| Crate, bed, bowls, leash | $150 – $300 | Basic daily comfort and safety |
| Food & treats (first year) | $250 – $500 | Small dog portions but quality matters |
| Grooming tools or early grooming | $100 – $300 | Coat care starts early |
| Puppy training classes | $100 – $300 | Builds good behavior habits |
These costs are normal and expected for most Maltese puppies.
Puppy First Year vs Adult First Year
- Puppies cost more in the first year because of:
- Extra vet visits and shots
- Training and socialization
- Small accidents and replacements
- Adult Maltese dogs usually cost less in year one if adopted, since:
- Many are already trained
- Some medical care is already done
Even with higher first-year costs, most owners say the early investment leads to lower problems and lower costs later.
Simple First-Year Budget Tip
If you are unsure, plan for the higher end of the range. It is always safer to have extra money set aside for vet visits or grooming than to be unprepared.
Monthly and Annual Costs to Own a Maltese Dog
After the first year, Maltese costs become more regular and easier to plan for. These are the expenses you pay every month or every year to keep your dog healthy, clean, and happy.
Because a Maltese is small, food is affordable. But grooming and vet care are ongoing costs you should always plan for.
Average Monthly and Annual Maltese Expenses
This table shows what most owners spend on a healthy adult Maltese.
| Expense | Monthly Cost (USD) | Yearly Cost (USD) | What This Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food & treats | $20 – $40 | $240 – $480 | Quality dry or wet food |
| Grooming | $40 – $80 | $480 – $960 | Professional grooming or supplies |
| Vet care & checkups | $20 – $40 | $250 – $500 | Annual exams and vaccines |
| Flea, tick & heartworm | $15 – $30 | $180 – $360 | Preventive medications |
| Toys & supplies | $10 – $20 | $120 – $240 | Replacements and enrichment |
| Total (average) | $120 – $250 | $1,500 – $3,000 | Typical ongoing costs |
These numbers assume your Maltese is healthy and does not need special medical care.
Grooming Costs Over the Year
Grooming is one of the biggest long-term costs for Maltese dogs because of their long, fast-growing hair.
| Grooming Style | Frequency | Estimated Yearly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Professional grooming | Every 4–6 weeks | $600 – $1,200 |
| Home grooming (basic trims) | Monthly | $150 – $300 |
| Short “puppy cut” style | Less frequent | Lower grooming cost |
Keeping the coat short can help lower grooming costs, but brushing is still needed.
Why These Costs Stay Steady
- Maltese dogs eat small portions, so food costs stay low
- Grooming does not decrease with age
- Preventive vet care helps avoid large medical bills later
Owners who skip grooming or vet visits often end up paying more later for skin, dental, or health problems.
Simple Monthly Budget Tip
Many owners set aside $200 per month for their Maltese. This covers most normal costs and gives a little extra room for surprises.
Major Cost Drivers: Grooming, Vet Bills, and Insurance
Some Maltese costs stay the same every month, but a few expenses can raise your budget quickly. Grooming, medical care, and insurance choices have the biggest impact on how much you spend over time.
Understanding these costs early helps you avoid surprise bills.
Why Grooming Is a Major Expense for Maltese Dogs
Maltese dogs have long, fine hair that keeps growing. This means grooming is not optional.
| Grooming Need | Typical Cost (USD) | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Professional grooming visit | $50 – $100 | Keeps coat clean and tangle-free |
| Yearly grooming total | $600 – $1,200 | Regular visits all year |
| Home grooming tools | $50 – $150 (one-time) | Clippers, brushes, shampoo |
Skipping grooming can cause painful mats, skin infections, and vet visits, which cost more than grooming itself.
Common Vet Costs for Maltese Dogs
Maltese dogs are usually healthy, but some health issues are common.
| Health Issue | Typical Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dental cleaning | $300 – $800 | Often needed every 1–2 years |
| Luxating patella treatment | $300 – $3,000+ | Mild to surgery-level cases |
| Allergy treatment | $200 – $600 per year | Skin or food allergies |
| Emergency vet visit | $500 – $2,000+ | Accidents or sudden illness |
Dental care is one of the most common surprise costs for Maltese owners.
Pet Insurance for Maltese Dogs
Pet insurance can help with large vet bills, but it is not required for everyone.
| Insurance Item | Typical Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Monthly premium | $20 – $45 |
| Yearly cost | $240 – $540 |
| Deductible | $250 – $500 |
Insurance is often helpful if:
- You want protection from big emergency bills
- Your Maltese has health risks or allergies
- You prefer steady monthly payments
Some owners choose to save money each month instead of buying insurance.
Simple Cost-Saving Advice
- Keep up with grooming and dental care
- Do not skip yearly vet checkups
- Compare insurance plans carefully
Preventive care usually costs less than fixing problems later.
Hidden Costs, Budgeting Tips, and Lifetime Cost Summary
Some Maltese costs are easy to miss. These hidden expenses are often the reason owners feel surprised later. Planning for them makes Maltese ownership much easier and less stressful.
Hidden or Often-Forgotten Maltese Costs
| Hidden Expense | Typical Cost (USD) | Why It Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Dental cleanings | $300 – $800 | Small dogs often need dental care |
| Boarding or pet sitting | $30 – $75 per day | Travel, emergencies, vacations |
| Grooming extras | $100 – $300 per year | Mat removal, special shampoos |
| Replacing toys & beds | $50 – $150 per year | Wear, chewing, accidents |
| Emergency vet fund | $500 – $2,000+ | Illness or sudden injury |
Many owners forget to plan for dental care and boarding, which are very common costs.
Lifetime Cost of Owning a Maltese Dog
Maltese dogs often live 12 to 15 years, so small monthly costs add up over time.
| Cost Level | Estimated Lifetime Cost (USD) | What This Looks Like |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-cost care | $18,000 – $22,000 | Home grooming, healthy dog |
| Average care | $22,000 – $30,000 | Regular grooming and vet care |
| Higher-cost care | $30,000 – $35,000+ | Medical issues, insurance, boarding |
Long life is a good thing—but it also means long-term budgeting matters.
Simple Budgeting Tips for Maltese Owners
- Set aside $200 per month for normal care
- Keep an emergency fund for vet visits
- Groom regularly to avoid skin problems
- Brush teeth at home to lower dental bills
- Compare groomers and insurance plans
Saving money should never mean skipping care. Poor care often costs more later.
Final Reality Check
A Maltese is loving, friendly, and great for small homes—but it is not a low-cost dog. Grooming, dental care, and long life make planning important. Owners who budget well usually enjoy many happy years without money stress.
For more general guidance on pet-related expenses, you can also review the ASPCA’s breakdown of the cost of owning a dog, which explains common first-year and ongoing costs across all breeds:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/cost-owning-pet