Wender Pets
Cost of Owning a Maltese
Small (under 20 lbs) · ~14 year lifespan · below average cost
One-Time Costs
Monthly Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | High | Avg/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| FoodPremium kibble or fresh food for dogs under 20 lbs | $30/mo | $50/mo | $480/yr |
| Veterinary CareAnnual exam, vaccines, heartworm & flea/tick prevention (amortized) | $40/mo | $60/mo | $600/yr |
| Pet InsuranceAccident & illness coverage; lower premiums for small breeds | $25/mo | $45/mo | $420/yr |
| GroomingProfessional grooming every 6–8 weeks plus at-home care | $20/mo | $40/mo | $360/yr |
| Treats & ToysTraining treats, chews, and enrichment toys | $15/mo | $30/mo | $276/yr |
| Boarding & DaycareVaries widely — $0 if you never board, $100+/mo for regular daycare | $0/mo | $100/mo | $600/yr |
| TrainingGroup classes or refresher sessions; first year is typically $50–150/mo | $0/mo | $30/mo | $180/yr |
| MiscellaneousBeds, leashes, collars, tags, waste bags, and replacements | $10/mo | $25/mo | $216/yr |
| Total | $140/mo | $380/mo | $3,132/yr |
How Maltese compares
As a small-sized breed, the Maltese’s monthly costs are below average compared to all breeds. With an average lifespan of 14 years, you can expect to spend approximately $43,848 over their lifetime on recurring expenses alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Maltese cost per month?
On average, a Maltese costs between $140 and $380 per month, covering food, veterinary care, insurance, grooming, and other essentials.
What is the lifetime cost of owning a Maltese?
The estimated lifetime cost of a Maltese is approximately $43,848, based on an average lifespan of 14 years. This includes recurring monthly expenses but does not include the initial purchase or adoption fee.
How much does Maltese food cost per month?
Food for a Maltese typically costs $30 to $50 per month, depending on the brand and whether you choose kibble, wet food, or fresh/raw diets.
Is pet insurance worth it for a Maltese?
Pet insurance for a Maltese typically runs $25 to $45 per month. It can be worth it to protect against unexpected emergencies, especially since veterinary emergencies can easily cost thousands of dollars.
These are average estimates based on US national data. Actual costs vary by location, breed health, and lifestyle.