Are you considering adding a cute and playful Maltese to your family but unsure about how much does a maltese cost? The average price of these tiny, endearing canines can vary from $600 up to even $15,000, depending on multiple factors.
Our detailed guide will break down the various pricing components involved in buying and maintaining a Maltese. Keep reading to make an informed decision that fits your budget while fulfilling your dream of owning this lovely breed!
Key Takeaways
- The cost of a Maltese dog can vary depending on where you get it from, with breeders and pet shops generally charging more than rescue shelters or finding one for free.
- Owning a Maltese comes with several one – time costs such as setting up your home with supplies and grooming and training expenses, as well as ongoing monthly costs for food, grooming, vet visits, and entertainment.
- It’s important to budget for these costs before getting a Maltese to ensure that you can afford the initial setup and ongoing expenses involved in caring for this adorable breed.
- There are money – saving strategies that can help reduce the cost of owning a Maltese, such as adopting from a shelter instead of buying from a breeder, learning to groom your dog at home, and seeking out affordable pet supplies.
Factors Influencing the Cost of a Maltese
The cost of a Maltese can vary depending on whether you buy from a breeder or pet shop, adopt from a rescue shelter, or find one for free.
Breeder and Pet Shop Prices
Maltese puppies from breeders cost a lot. The price is around $2,000 to $4,000. Some top dogs can even cost between $3,000 and $5,000. At pet shops, the price goes down but not by much.
Maltese pups there can cost between $600 and $1,000 sometimes even as high as $15,000! Big changes in price come from gender and dog quality too. Keep all of this in mind while shopping for your new pup.
Rescue Shelter Adoptions
Adopting a Maltese from a rescue shelter can be a more affordable option compared to buying from a breeder. The price range for adopting a Maltese can vary from $50 to $700, depending on the shelter and the age of the dog.
Adopting from a rescue shelter not only saves you money but also gives you the opportunity to provide a loving home for a dog in need. Plus, many rescued Maltese dogs are already spayed or neutered and have received some medical care, which can save you additional costs.
Free Maltese Dogs
If you’re looking for a Maltese dog but don’t want to pay a high price, there is a possibility of finding one for free. Some owners may be unable to care for their Maltese anymore and are willing to give them away.
You can check local shelters and rescue organizations as they sometimes have Maltese dogs available for adoption at no cost. However, it’s important to remember that even though the dog may be free, there will still be costs associated with owning one such as food, grooming, and medical care.
So even if you don’t pay an upfront fee, it’s essential to consider these ongoing expenses before deciding to get a free Maltese dog.
One-Time Costs of Owning a Maltese
Owning a Maltese comes with several one-time costs, including the initial setup and supplies, training and grooming costs, as well as medical care and insurance expenses.
Initial Setup and Supplies
Setting up your home for a Maltese dog involves certain expenses. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Dog crate or kennel
- Collar and leash
- Food and water bowls
- Bed or comfortable bedding
- Toys for entertainment
- Puppy pads or litter box for potty training
- Cleaning supplies for accidents
Training and Grooming Costs
Training and grooming are important aspects of owning a Maltese. Here are some costs to consider:
- Professional Training: The cost of professional training for your Maltese can range from $100 to $500, depending on the duration and type of training program.
- Puppy Classes: Enrolling your Maltese in puppy classes can help with socialization and basic obedience. The cost is typically around $50 to $150 for a series of classes.
- Grooming Supplies: Regular grooming supplies like brushes, combs, shampoos, and nail clippers will cost approximately $50 to $100 initially, with ongoing costs for replacements.
- Professional Grooming: Taking your Maltese to a professional groomer can cost around $40 to $100 per session, depending on the size of your dog and the complexity of the grooming style.
- Dental Care: Regular dental cleanings or procedures may be needed for your Maltese’s oral health. This can cost around $200 to $500 per year.
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
Medical Care and Insurance Costs
Owning a Maltese comes with its own set of healthcare expenses. These costs range from routine check-ups to unexpected medical expenses that might arise from illness or injury. To help cover these expenses, some owners choose to purchase pet insurance. The table below outlines some possible costs associated with medical care and insurance for a Maltese.
| Medical Expense | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial Vet Visit | $70 – $130 |
| Annual Check-ups | $50 – $200 |
| Vaccinations | $75 – $100 |
| Heartworm Tests | $35 – $50 |
| Spaying/Neutering | $200 – $600 |
| Emergency Vet Visits | $100 – $1,000+ (depending on the severity of the condition) |
| Pet Insurance | $20 – $50 per month |
These costs are just estimates and actual expenses can vary greatly depending on your location, the specific health needs of your Maltese, and the insurance coverage chosen. It’s important to consider these potential costs when deciding if a Maltese is the right pet for you. One should be prepared for hidden or unexpected costs, as pet ownership often involves unforeseen medical emergencies or conditions. For this reason, many Maltese owners opt for pet insurance to help buffer against such expenses.
Monthly Costs of Owning a Maltese
Find out the ongoing expenses for food, grooming, vet visits, and more.
Food and Treat Costs
Feeding your Maltese and providing treats can be an ongoing expense. The average cost of food for a Maltese is around $20 to $30 per month. However, this can vary depending on the brand and quality of food you choose. It’s important to feed your Maltese high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs. Additionally, treats are a great way to reward and train your furry friend, but they can add to your monthly expenses. Treats typically cost around $5 to $10 per month. Remember, it’s crucial to provide balanced meals and not overfeed your Maltese to maintain their health and weight.
Grooming and Vet Visit Costs
Grooming and vet visit costs are important expenses to consider when owning a Maltese. Since Maltese dogs have long, flowing coats, they require regular grooming to keep their fur clean and tangle-free. Grooming sessions can cost around $30 to $100 per session, depending on the location and services provided. These costs include services like bathing, trimming the coat, nail trimming, and ear cleaning.
In addition to grooming expenses, vet visits are necessary for maintaining your Maltese’s health. Regular check-ups and vaccinations are crucial to prevent illnesses and ensure your dog is in good condition. The average cost of a vet visit ranges from $50 to $200 per visit.
It’s also important to budget for unexpected veterinary emergencies that may arise throughout your Maltese’s life. Having an emergency fund or pet insurance can help cover these unexpected costs.
By considering these grooming and vet visit costs in your budget planning, you can ensure that you provide proper care for your furry friend without any financial surprises down the road.
Entertainment and Environment Maintenance Costs
- Toys and accessories for your Maltese can cost around $50 to $100 per year.
- Providing a safe and comfortable living environment, such as a crate or dog bed, can cost around $50 to $100 initially.
- Maintaining and cleaning the environment regularly, including purchasing cleaning supplies, may add an additional $50 to $100 per year to your expenses.
- Engaging in activities with your Maltese, such as obedience classes or agility training, can range from $100 to $200 per year.
- Socializing your Maltese through visits to dog parks or playdates may cost about $50 to $100 annually.
- Outdoor gear for walks and exercise, like leashes and harnesses, can add another $50 to $100 to your yearly expenses.
- Ensuring a secure fence or containment system for outdoor playtime may require an initial investment of around $300 to $500.
Remember that these costs are estimates and can vary depending on personal preferences and location. By budgeting for these entertainment and environment maintenance costs, you can provide a happy and stimulating life for your Maltese without breaking the bank.
Tips for Saving Money on Maltese Care
Save money on Maltese care by finding affordable grooming services, buying pet supplies in bulk, and ensuring regular exercise to prevent costly health issues.
Owning a Maltese on a Budget
If you are looking to own a Maltese on a budget, there are some tips that can help you save money. First, consider adopting from a rescue shelter instead of buying from a breeder. Adoption fees for Maltese dogs can be as low as $50.
Additionally, look for free Maltese dogs in your area through online classifieds or local community groups. Another way to save money is by taking care of the grooming and training yourself instead of paying for professional services.
This can save you several hundred dollars per year. Lastly, shop around for affordable pet supplies and food options to reduce monthly costs. By following these tips, you can enjoy the companionship of a Maltese without breaking the bank.
Money-Saving Strategies
To save money on caring for your Maltese, here are some effective strategies:
- Buy supplies in bulk to get discounts and savings.
- Use coupons and take advantage of sales when buying food, treats, and grooming products.
- Learn to groom your Maltese at home instead of paying for professional grooming services.
- Consider pet insurance to help cover unexpected medical expenses.
- Seek out low – cost or free training options, such as online resources or community classes.
- Look for discounted veterinary services or consider a wellness plan that offers affordable preventative care.
- Take good care of your Maltese’s health through regular exercise, proper nutrition, and dental care to reduce the risk of costly health issues.
- Plan ahead for future expenses by setting up a separate savings account specifically for your Maltese’s needs.
Conclusion: Overall Cost of Owning a Maltese
Owning a Maltese can come with various costs. On average, the price of a Maltese puppy ranges from $600 to $2,000. However, keep in mind that higher-quality dogs can be more expensive.
The annual expenses for owning a Maltese typically range from $1,000 to $3,000. This includes necessary items like food, grooming appointments, and vet visits. Adoption fees for shelter dogs may range from $50 to $700.
It’s important to consider these costs before bringing a Maltese into your home.
FAQs
1. How much does a Maltese dog cost?
A typical price for a Maltese ranges based on factors like age, health, and the breeder’s location.
2. Where can I find Maltese puppies for sale?
You can look up “Maltese breeders near me” online or visit local pet stores to find Maltese dogs for sale.
3. What is the average price of a Maltese puppy?
The average Cost of purchasing a Maltese puppy depends on many things such as the location and quality of the breeder.
4. What affects the price range for Maltese puppies?
Things like age, size, pedigree status and general health can affect pricing trends ofthese dogs.
5. Are there other costs tied to owning a Maltese dog?
Yes! The expenses of owning a maltese include costs for food, toys, vet visits, grooming and training sessions.
6. Is it better to buy from local breeders or online stores?
Buying from local breeders gives you greater assurance about your puppy’s health but always check reviews if going with an online seller.