How Much Does a Maltese Cost? (2026 Guide)

Owning a Maltese is generally less expensive on a day-to-day basis than owning a medium or large breed, but several breed-specific costs create a financial profile that new owners consistently underestimate. The purchase price from a responsible breeder who health-tests breeding stock and is affiliated with the American Maltese Association typically falls between $1,500 and $3,500 in the United States as of 2024. Prices at the higher end of that range reflect champion bloodlines, geographic demand, or breeders with extensive health-testing programs. Prices advertised significantly below $1,000 from non-AMA-affiliated sources should prompt serious scrutiny, as the Maltese's popularity makes it a frequent target for puppy mills and irresponsible backyard breeders.

Grooming is one of the most significant ongoing expenses for this breed and is non-negotiable. A Maltese kept in a full floor-length show coat requires brushing every single day and professional grooming every four to six weeks. A Maltese kept in a puppy cut — which most pet owners choose — requires professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Professional grooming sessions for a Maltese typically range from $50 to $90 per appointment depending on location and coat condition, with some urban groomers charging upward of $100. PetSmart's grooming pricing for small breeds starts around $55 for a bath and trim. Annual grooming costs for a pet-cut Maltese run approximately $600 to $900 per year.

Food costs are among the lowest of any breed category. A Maltese eating a quality dry kibble or fresh food diet consumes roughly 200 to 300 calories per day. Monthly food costs typically run between $25 and $60 depending on the quality of food chosen, with fresh food delivery services like The Farmer's Dog or Ollie running toward the higher end of that range.

Veterinary costs are where the Maltese can become expensive. Patellar luxation surgery, if needed, ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 per knee. Portosystemic shunt surgery can cost between $3,000 and $7,000 depending on the complexity and the facility. Tracheal collapse management, which typically involves medication and lifestyle modification rather than surgery, runs $200 to $800 annually in ongoing care. Dental cleanings, which this breed typically needs every one to two years due to its crowded dentition, cost $300 to $700 per procedure under anesthesia.

Pet insurance is strongly advisable for this breed given those risk factors. Policies from insurers like Embrace or Healthy Paws for a Maltese puppy typically run $35 to $65 per month for a plan with a $250 deductible and 80 percent reimbursement. Premiums increase with age and vary by zip code. Budgeting a conservative $1,200 to $1,500 annually for routine veterinary care — including wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and one dental cleaning — is realistic for a healthy adult Maltese.