How Much Does a Maltese Cost?

Last Updated on December 27, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

The Maltese, highly appreciated in society over time, is one of the oldest breeds of dogs, which conquered the world with its appearance and qualities. It is a dog breed member of the Bichon family, which also includes the breeds: Bichon Frize, Coton de Tulear, Bichon Havanese, Bichon Bolognese, Franzuskaya, Tsvetnaya Bolonka. With a Mediterranean heritage, the breed believed to be native to Malta, has always been in the company of man, being a much-loved house dog.

How Much Does a Maltese Cost?

The average cost of a Maltese puppy would start at around $720 and go up to more than $2,200. The female Maltese price tends to be 30% more than that of a male. It is important to mention that there is only one Maltese breed, so don’t be fooled by marketing tricks with names like Bichon, Teacup Maltese, and Tiny Toy.

The price of a Maltese dog that comes from a highly reputable breeder and meets all standards would be anywhere between $1,600 and more than $2,600. Don’t be surprised to pay around $3,100 for a dog that is the bloodline of a highly sought-after show dog.

According to the foxstonemaltese.com website, most Maltese dogs cost anywhere between $1,550 and $3,100.

What is going to be included in the adoption fee?

When you buy a Maltese dog from a reputable breeder it will come with an airline-approved travel crate if being shipped, registration papers, a health guarantee, any AKC paperwork if registered, a health certificate, up-to-date vaccinations, and a full medical report by a licensed vet.

The height of an average Maltese dog is nine to ten inches and its weight is four to eight pounds.

Maltese dog overview

With round, dark eyes and a black nose contrasting with its snow-white fur, the Maltese wins the hearts of many dog lovers with its looks. The silky fur has no substrate and reaches down to the ground.

Both males and females measure between 20 and 25 cm, and the accepted weight is between 2 and 3.5 kg. In general, males are more massive than females. Depending on the standard, the above dimensions may vary.

A Maltese dog’s lifespan is between 12 and 15 years with few breed-specific health problems. Even though this is the average life expectancy for Maltese, it is not uncommon for some specimens to reach 16 or even 17 years, if they do not have serious health problems and are not involved in accidents. Females live on average 1 year longer than males.

What is the cost of owning a Maltese?

Most probably, your local county/city will require a dog license to register your dog. The fee for registering your dog would be anywhere between $10 and $35, depending on the state.

You have to factor in all the recurring expenses, like dog food, random/routine vet visits, grooming, toys, and leashes. Plan on spending anywhere between $55 and $80 per month to keep your puppy healthy, which translates in an annual cost of about $650 to $950.

If your dog has to be shipped via an airline, you will have to pay anywhere between $155 and $370, depending on the traveled distance and the airline.

Professional obedience classes may be recommended as the dogs are hard to train in general, especially adult dogs.

Also, professional grooming sessions are recommended at least once per month if you don’t have time to constantly brush the long coat of your Maltese dog, to avoid tangles and mats.

Important things to consider

The adult Maltese is the perfect dog when you want to escape the stress of a hectic day. Playful, lively, and extremely graceful, it is very affectionate with its owner and loves to be held. He also likes to be around children, provided they are not very small, as they can hurt the sensitive Maltese. He has no problem with other dogs or other pets

The fur can be worn long, down to the ground, which will create the feeling that this dog has a robe on. However, to make it easier to maintain, the fur can be shortened. However, you still need to be careful with its maintenance. It should be brushed daily but in a gentle way. This dog also needs regular baths with warm water. After you wash it, it must be dried completely. The advantage is that the Maltese does not shed, which makes it a hypoallergenic dog.

You might also like our articles on the cost of a Bichon Frise, Cockapoo, or Teddy Bear pup.

This dog is very easy to train, due to the fact that it is intelligent and remembers commands very quickly. In addition, he is obedient and eager to please his master.

Training must be done gently and patiently because the Maltese is very sensitive when scolded. In the beginning, you will need a leash, but after the puppy learns the basic commands, you can do without it. To get the best results, you can use food rewards.

Like many other small dogs, this breed is prone to patellar luxation, the painful dislocation of the knee joint. The best way to prevent this is to watch your dog’s weight and give him the opportunity to exercise regularly, as this strengthens the stability of the muscles around the knees. The breed is also prone to diabetes and tear gland problems. Keep an eye on your Maltese to prevent the latter, as it can cause irritation if hair gets in its eyes too often. It is best to clean your puppy’s eyes daily with a special dog cleaner.

It is not recommended that puppies be purchased earlier than 12 weeks of age, as they may become stressed from changing environments. In addition, if they will be held and played with from such a young age, they will not have time to rest as they should and may even start to refuse to eat.

Before buying a Maltese puppy, make sure it has all its vaccinations.

Ideally, feed it twice a day with saltwater fish, poultry, lamb, rice, or wheat.

Tips for saving money

Before choosing any Maltese breeder, you should always consider adoption as your first choice. Contact a local rescue group that is specialized in this breed and ask if they have any dogs available for adoption.

When you purchase a dog never focus on the price because cheaper is not always better. The dogs from a cheaper backyard breeder may be raised in small kennels, lack the essential human companionship, and come without all necessary paperwork.