How much for a maltese puppy?

Choosing a Maltese puppy is as much about temperament and daily life as it is about price. For many people I work with, the decision begins with the appeal of a small, affectionate dog but quickly becomes a question of realistic commitment: grooming every few weeks, consistent dental care, and a lifetime of veterinary oversight that may add surprise costs. This piece explains why people pick Maltese, what you should expect to pay up front and over time, why their biology affects price, when prices move, red flags to watch for, a practical buying checklist, how to prepare your home, and what starter items reliably protect both puppy and budget.

Is a Maltese the right fit? Key benefits and what to expect

Maltese are chosen primarily for companionship. They are small, generally people-focused, and often comfortable in apartments or smaller homes. I frequently see owners who want a dog that sits on their lap, travels easily, or provides calm therapy-like presence; Maltese fit those roles more often than larger, higher-energy breeds.

Beyond presence, lifestyle motivations matter. If you want a dog for frequent travel, a Maltese’s size and temperament may make logistics easier, which indirectly lowers lifestyle friction and potential boarding costs. Conversely, if you want a running partner or a guard dog, a Maltese is unlikely to meet that need, and mismatched expectations can lead to rehoming expenses down the road.

Grooming is a significant, recurring commitment. A full coat Maltese usually needs daily brushing to prevent mats and professional grooming every 4–8 weeks unless you keep a short “puppy cut.” Time spent under the brush, trips to a groomer, and occasional coat maintenance products are ongoing costs that should be part of your initial budget thinking—not an afterthought triggered by impulse.

Finally, approach ownership with a budget mindset. A well-bred Maltese requires an upfront investment; a lower sticker price sometimes signals hidden costs later. If your budget is tight, I advise planning for total first-year costs and a contingency fund rather than basing the decision on purchase price alone.

From budget to breeder-quality: Typical Maltese price ranges

People want a single answer: how much will a Maltese puppy cost? Expect a wide range. Below is a practical snapshot of typical price bands and the first-year and ongoing costs you’re likely to encounter in the United States.

Item	Typical cost (USD)
Breeder — pet-quality puppy	$1,200 – $3,500
Breeder — show/breeding-quality puppy	$3,000 – $8,000+
Adoption/rescue fee	$150 – $600
Initial vaccinations and vet exam	$100 – $300
Spay or neuter	$150 – $500 (varies by clinic)
Microchip and registration	$25 – $75
First-year grooming (professional)	$400 – $1,200
Annual recurring (food, vet, grooming)	$800 – $2,000+

These figures are median ranges; your actual cost will depend on choices such as professional full-coat grooming versus a puppy cut, how often you use veterinary services, and whether you purchase pet insurance. Many owners find setting aside a $1,500–$3,000 first-year budget (including purchase) helps avoid financial stress.

Temperament, common health concerns, and how they influence value

Maltese biology affects both care and cost. Their long, single-layer coat is prone to tangles, which increases grooming frequency and creates a routine expense few people can avoid if they keep the coat long. Even with a short trim, regular brushing and dental care remain essential.

Small size changes medical considerations. Maltese puppies are more likely to experience hypoglycemia if meals are missed, and small breeds are often at higher risk for dental disease. Dental problems can lead to regular cleanings under anesthesia—an expense that may become routine as the dog ages.

Genetics matters. Common hereditary issues clinicians see in Maltese include patellar luxation (kneecap slipping), tracheal collapse, and certain eye conditions; these are likely linked to breed conformation and lineage. Responsible breeders screen parents for hereditary issues, which can raise puppy price but tends to reduce the frequency of costly, early-onset problems.

Reproductive costs influence price for breeders: stud fees, prenatal care, and potential caesarean sections for small-breed deliveries can be substantial. Those costs are often reflected in puppies from reputable breed lines. Lifespan tends to be long for Maltese—12 to 15+ years—so chronic conditions such as periodontal disease and joint issues can accumulate costs over time rather than appearing as a single large bill.

Timing, demand and breeder practices that drive Maltese prices

Several market factors change how much you’ll pay. Geography is a major one: urban areas with higher demand and fewer local breeders often have higher prices, while regions with several active breeders can be more competitive. I’ve seen identical puppies listed for very different prices only 100–200 miles apart.

Breeder reputation and paperwork matter. Puppies sold with full registration papers, multi-generation pedigrees, and health clearances typically command higher prices. Show-line or breeding-quality puppies will cost more because a buyer is often purchasing specific characteristics and future breeding potential.

Availability influences price. If a breeder has few litters per year, waiting lists form, and prices can increase. Conversely, when a breeder has multiple litters or when rescue organizations have an influx, adoption fees may be lower. Seasonal demand—holidays and cold months when people adopt for companionship—can push prices up and increase pressure to buy quickly. I recommend planning your purchase outside peak holiday rushes when you can be more deliberate.

Cost red flags and scams: warning signs to avoid

A very low price or pressure to act “right now” is the most common red flag. I routinely advise people that the cheapest puppy is often the most expensive over time—costs appear as medical issues, behavioral problems, or rehoming fees.

Another warning sign is missing documentation. If a seller cannot provide vaccination records, a microchip, or parent health clearances, that lack of transparency may suggest poor breeding practices or hidden health problems. I expect to see copies of health clearances for hips, patellas, and eyes when a breeder claims the parents are cleared.

Watch for environmental signs of poor care: dogs kept in cages, multiple litters continuously breeding with no breaks, puppies that are fearful or not socialized—these may indicate a commercial mill operation. Behavioral issues from inadequate early socialization often require professional training or behavioral therapy, which can be costly and emotionally draining.

Early medical or behavioral signs—persistent diarrhea, coughing, extreme lethargy, or severe fear around people—often indicate underlying issues that will require treatment. If you notice these in a potential purchase, ask for a veterinary exam or walk away.

Buying checklist: essential questions to ask before you commit

1. Verify breeder credentials. Ask for references from recent buyers, see registration paperwork, and confirm health clearances for parents where relevant.
2. Request medical records for the puppy. Verify vaccines, deworming, and a recent vet check. Ask for microchip registration details.
3. Meet the parents if possible or at least see clear photos and health documentation. Observing temperament in the adults can give a practical hint of what a puppy may be like.
4. Inspect living conditions. Puppies should be clean, well-socialized, and not isolated. If the environment looks cramped or unsanitary, proceed with caution.
5. Get a written contract. It should cover health guarantees, return policies, spay/neuter terms (if applicable), and what happens if a hereditary condition appears.
6. Calculate a full first-year budget before signing: purchase/adoption fee, initial vet costs, grooming, food, supplies, and a $500–$1,500 emergency fund.

Preparing your home and the first training steps for your Maltese

Puppy-proofing small-breed living spaces reduces accidental costs. Secure electrical cords, remove choking hazards, and create a low-rise, stable space so a Maltese doesn’t injure itself jumping from furniture. I suggest a designated safe area—crate plus a play area—that becomes the puppy’s calm zone.

Start socialization early and safely. Between about 3 and 16 weeks is a key window for positive social exposure; manage interactions to avoid overwhelming the puppy. Early, guided exposure to different people, surfaces, and sounds often prevents fear-based behaviors that can become expensive to treat.

Basic obedience and housetraining reduce long-term stress and damage. Short, consistent sessions with reward-based training work well for small breeds. Crate training aids housebreaking and protects the puppy when unsupervised. If you’re unsure, invest in a puppy class for a few weeks—the cost often saves money by preventing destructive behaviors.

Grooming routine matters. Daily gentle brushing and regular face cleaning helps prevent tear stains and mats. If you plan full-coat maintenance, schedule a first professional groom soon after vaccination limits and establish a recurring appointment rhythm.

Starter gear that matters (and what you can skip)

• Properly sized harness (chest-clipping) and short leash; flat collars for ID tags and a registered microchip.
• Grooming tools: a small slicker brush, a fine-tooth comb for the face and feet, and a gentle, pH-balanced puppy shampoo.
• Small-breed-appropriate dry food formulated for nutrient density, plus a canine toothbrush and enzymatic dental wipes or toothpaste.
• Safe chew toys sized for small mouths, a fitted crate with bedding, non-slip feeding mat, and gates for restricting access during house training.

Sources and further reading — where these price estimates come from

• American Kennel Club: Maltese Breed Information — https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/maltese/
• Merck Veterinary Manual: Patellar Luxation in Dogs — https://www.merckvetmanual.com/orthopedic-system/lameness-in-dogs/patellar-luxation-in-dogs
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA): CHIC and Breed-Specific Health Testing for Maltese — https://www.ofa.org/diseases/breeds/maltese
• Embark Veterinary: Understanding Dog Genetic Testing and Health Reports — https://embarkvet.com/pages/what-we-test-for
• American Veterinary Medical Association: How to Find a Responsible Dog Breeder — https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/how-find-responsible-dog-breeder