How much does a Maltese cost per year?

The annual cost of owning a Maltese is approximately $1,688 at a moderate care level. This includes food ($228), veterinary care ($515), grooming ($440), pet insurance ($480), and licensing ($25).

How much does it cost to own a Maltese in the first year?

The first year of owning a Maltese typically costs around $2,408. This is higher than subsequent years because it includes one-time setup costs such as supplies, a grooming kit, and puppy training classes on top of the recurring annual expenses of $1,688.

What is the lifetime cost of owning a Maltese?

The lifetime cost of owning a Maltese is estimated at $28,572 over approximately 17 years (average lifespan). This accounts for first-year setup costs plus recurring annual expenses of $1,688 for each subsequent year.

How much is pet insurance for a Maltese?

Pet insurance for a Maltese typically costs around $40 per month ($480 per year) at a moderate coverage level. Rates vary by your location, the dog's age, and the level of coverage chosen. Malteses can face unexpected vet bills of $2,500 or more for emergencies, making insurance a worthwhile investment.

How much does food cost for a Maltese?

Food for a Maltese costs approximately $19 per month ($228 per year) at a moderate quality level. Budget options can reduce this, while premium raw or prescription diets will increase it.

Is a Maltese expensive to own?

Owning a Maltese costs around $1,688 per year on average, or about $141 per month. The first year runs higher at approximately $2,408 due to one-time setup expenses. Over a lifetime of ~17 years, total ownership costs are roughly $28,572.

What is the temperament of a Maltese?

Malteses are known to be playful, docile, fearless, affectionate, sweet-tempered, lively, responsive, easygoing, gentle, intelligent, active, athletic, couch, friendly, funny. This combination of traits makes them excellent companions for families with children. Their temperament is influenced by both genetics and proper socialization from an early age.

How much exercise does a Maltese need?

Malteses have low energy levels and require minimal daily exercise, typically 15-30 minutes of gentle activity.

How often should I groom my Maltese?

Malteses require intensive grooming with daily brushing and regular professional grooming sessions.

How do I train a Maltese?

Malteses may require extra patience during training and respond best to positive, consistent methods.

Are Malteses good with children?

Malteses are excellent with children. Their natural patience, gentle nature, and resilience make them outstanding family dogs. They typically form strong bonds with children and tend to be forgiving of the occasional accidental rough handling that can occur with younger kids. Remember that proper socialization and teaching children appropriate interaction with dogs are always important, regardless of breed.

What makes the Maltese unique compared to other dog breeds?

The Maltese stands out from other breeds due to its tiny, compact size, rich heritage from Mediterranean Basin, specialized abilities for lapdog. This unique combination of characteristics makes them special among dog breeds and appeals to owners who appreciate these distinct qualities. Understanding these traits helps provide appropriate care tailored to their specific needs.

What should I know before getting a Maltese?

Before bringing a Maltese into your home, potential owners should consider: They have relatively low exercise needs (2/5), making them suitable for less active households. Their coat requires significant maintenance (4/5) with regular grooming sessions. They typically excel in family environments with children (5/5 child-friendliness). They can be challenging to train (2/5) and are better suited for experienced dog owners. They may be prone to breed-specific health issues including Patellar Luxation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Dental Disease, Shaker Dog Syndrome, Portosystemic Shunts, Tracheal Collapse. Additionally, researching reputable breeders or rescue organizations is essential for finding a healthy, well-socialized Maltese. Understanding these factors will help ensure a good match between the breed and your lifestyle, leading to a happy relationship for both you and your dog.

What were Malteses originally bred for?

Malteses were originally bred for lapdog. This companion-focused breeding has resulted in their affectionate, people-oriented temperament that makes them excellent pets. As part of the Toy group, they share characteristics with other breeds developed for similar purposes. Understanding your Maltese's breeding heritage helps explain many of their natural behaviors and instincts, which can be channeled appropriately through training and enrichment activities. Even though modern Malteses are primarily companions, these inherent traits remain part of their genetic makeup.

How long do Malteses typically live?

The average lifespan of a Maltese is 15 - 18 years. With proper care including quality nutrition, regular veterinary check-ups, appropriate exercise, and preventative healthcare, some Malteses may live beyond this range. Genetics, environment, and healthcare all play important roles in determining longevity.

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Maltese

Written by Dr. Sarah Johnson, Veterinary Consultant

Published: January 15, 2024 • Last updated: May 5, 2026

Temperament

Playful, Docile, Fearless, Affectionate, Sweet-Tempered, Lively, Responsive, Easygoing, Gentle, Intelligent, Active, Athletic, Friendly, Funny

At a Glance

👶

Good with Kids

Excellent

🐕

Good with Dogs

Very Friendly

🎓

Trainability

Challenging

⚡

Energy Level

Laid-back

✂️

Grooming

High Maintenance

Quick Facts

Breed Group:: Toy
Bred For:: Lapdog
Origin:: Mediterranean Basin
Life Span:: 15 - 18 years
Weight:: 4 - 7 lbs
Height:: 8 - 10 in

💰 Maltese Cost Guide

Food · Vet · Grooming · Insurance · Full breakdown

Additional Characteristics

Good with Children5/5

Good with Other Dogs5/5

Trainability2/5

Energy Level2/5

Grooming Needs4/5

Care Requirements

Exercise Needs2/5

They have a low to moderate energy level and need regular but not extensive exercise.

Grooming Requirements4/5

They have high grooming needs requiring frequent brushing and regular professional grooming.

Trainability2/5

May require extra patience during training

Good with Children5/5

They are excellent with children and often form strong bonds with them.

Good with Other Dogs5/5

🐕

Maltese

Complete Breed Guide

6 sections

📋Overview

About the Maltese

🐾The Breed

The Maltese is a toy breed with origins that are not definitively known, although it is believed to have descended from ancient Mediterranean dogs. Typically weighing between 4 to 7 pounds and standing 8 to 10 inches tall, they are characterized by their long, flowing white coat and dark, expressive eyes. Known for their playful and affectionate temperament, Maltese dogs are lively companions that thrive on human interaction, making them excellent pets for families and individuals alike. Their intelligence and responsiveness also make them suitable for various dog sports and training activities.

⚡Personality

Malteses are known for being playful, docile, fearless, affectionate, sweet-tempered, and lively, responsive, easygoing. As a low-key and calm breed, they are independent-minded and requiring patient, consistent training and thrive with regular mental and physical activity. They are excellent with children of all ages and friendly with other dogs, making them a popular choice for families and experienced dog owners alike.

🏡Daily Life

Caring for a Maltese means committing to regular grooming (brushing several times a week), regular daily walks, and positive-reinforcement training. Their gentle, social nature makes them a wonderful addition to active families.

At a Glance

👶

Good with Kids

Excellent

🐕

Good with Dogs

Very Friendly

🎓

Trainability

Challenging

⚡

Energy Level

Laid-back

✂️

Grooming

High Maintenance

Quick Facts

Breed Group:: Toy
Bred For:: Lapdog
Origin:: Mediterranean Basin
Life Span:: 15 - 18 years
Weight:: 4 - 7 lbs
Height:: 8 - 10 in

Temperament

PlayfulDocileFearlessAffectionateSweet-TemperedLivelyResponsiveEasygoingGentleIntelligentActiveAthleticFriendlyFunny

Free Maltese Health Guide

Malteses can be prone to Patellar Luxation and other conditions. Get our owner's health checklist and monthly vet tips — free.

✓Maltese-specific health warning signs
✓Vet visit checklist & cost tracker
✓Monthly breed health newsletter

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Maltese

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Additional Characteristics

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About the Maltese

At a Glance

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Temperament

Free Maltese Health Guide

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