The average annual cost of owning a Maltese in the US ranges from $1,265 to $2,508 per year ($105–$209/month). This includes food, routine vet care, pet insurance, grooming, and supplies. Actual costs depend on your Dog’s age, weight, diet, activity level, and location.
Unlike generic pet cost guides, this breakdown is tuned to Malteses: size, coat type, and known health risks all change the line items below.
Annual Cost Breakdown for Malteses
Here’s how the average Maltese owner’s annual budget breaks down across five key categories. Malteses are a small Dog breed with a long-haired coat.
| Category | Annual Range | Monthly Range | % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🍖 Food | $396–$660 | $33–$55 | 28% |
| Vet Care | $220–$550 | $18–$45 | 20% |
| Insurance | $264–$528 | $22–$44 | 21% |
| Grooming | $220–$440 | $18–$36 | 17% |
| Supplies | $150–$300 | $12–$25 | 12% |
| Total | $1,265–$2,508 | $105–$209 | 100% |
Food
Nutrition affects coat quality too — Malteses on omega-rich diets may spend $396–$660/year, with premium kibble or fresh food at the higher end.
Veterinary Care
Routine veterinary care for Malteses costs $220–$550 per year. This covers annual check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative treatments. Malteses are prone to dental issues, which may require professional cleanings and at-home dental care to prevent more serious health problems. Unexpected emergencies can add thousands in a single visit.
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance for a Maltese costs $264–$528 per year. Given the breed's predisposition to dental & skin issues, insurance is worth considering. An emergency visit can cost $2,000 to $5,000 — far more than a year's premiums.
Grooming
Malteses have a gorgeous long-haired coat that needs regular brushing 2-3 times per week and occasional professional grooming. Annual grooming costs: $220–$440. Regular grooming prevents matting and hairballs.
Supplies
Plan $150–$300/year for supplies. Active malteses need replaced toys, grooming tools, and weather gear more often than couch-potato breeds.
Why Malteses Cost Less Than Average
Malteses cost less than the average dog primarily because of their small size and breed-specific health considerations. Malteses are prone to dental issues, which may require professional cleanings and at-home dental care to prevent more serious health problems. Additionally, malteses have long-haired coats, which affects annual grooming costs.
How to Save on Maltese Ownership
- Shop pet insurance before age 2. Premiums jump after the first birthday. Accident-only plans start around $264/year — compare at least three carriers.
- Batch-buy food on auto-ship. Subscribe-and-save cuts dogs food costs 10–15%. Store bulk bags in airtight bins to keep kibble fresh.
- Don't skip the annual wellness exam. One $50–$80 checkup catches $2,000 problems early. Vaccine clinics at shelters are cheaper than emergency rooms.
- Brush teeth at home. Dental cleanings under anesthesia cost $300–$800. Daily dental chews or brushing adds years of cheap prevention for most dogs.
- Buy durable, not cute. A $40 chew toy that lasts six months beats four $12 toys destroyed in a week.
First-Year vs. Annual Costs
Your first year with a Maltese will be more expensive. Expect to spend an extra $754 on:
- Initial vet package plus flea/tick prevention
- Spay/neuter and recovery supplies
- Puppy training classes ($100–$300), crate, gates, enrichment toys
FAQ About Maltese Costs
How much does a Maltese cost per month?
Monthly costs for a Maltese range from $105 to $209. This includes food, vet care, insurance, grooming, and supplies. Dogs and seniors typically cost more than healthy adults.
Is a Maltese expensive to own compared to other dogs?
Malteses are less expensive than average to own. A typical dog costs around $2,800 per year, while malteses at $1,265–$2,508/year cost less due to their small size, generally good health, and low-maintenance needs.
What health issues do Malteses have?
Malteses are prone to dental & skin issues. These conditions can require ongoing medication, special diets, or surgery — increasing annual veterinary costs beyond the routine care baseline.