Maltese Price: How Much Do They Cost in 2026?
Complete cost breakdown for the Maltese including purchase price, first-year costs, and ongoing monthly expenses.
Maltese Price Overview
Expect to pay $1,500 to $3,000 from reputable breeders. Well-bred Maltese from health-tested parents with champion lineage may cost more.. The wide range reflects breeder quality, lineage, and location.
Total first-year costs (purchase + supplies + vet + food) average $3,985. Plan for about $116 per month in ongoing expenses after the first year.
Price Breakdown
| Pet-quality puppy | $1000–$2000 |
| Show-quality puppy | $2000–$3000 |
| Adoption/rescue | $$150–$400 |
Ongoing Costs
| Food (monthly) | $33–54 |
| Grooming (monthly) | $69–100 |
| Vet visits (annual) | $431–618 |
| Insurance (monthly) | $50–71 |
| Supplies (annual) | $256–535 |
Price by Color/Type
| Standard colors | $1000–$3000 |
| Rare colors | $3600–$4500 |
Where to Buy a Maltese
Where to find a Maltese:
- National breed club referrals: The Maltese parent club maintains a breeder directory requiring health testing for conditions like Patent Ductus Arteriosus
- Rescue organizations: Breed-specific rescues offer Malteses at $150–$500 vs. $1000–$3000 from breeders
- AKC Marketplace: Verified breeder listings with documented health clearances
A good breeder of this toy breed health-tests both parents, raises puppies in a home environment, and screens prospective buyers carefully. Expect to pay $1,500 to $3,000 from reputable breeders. Well-bred Maltese from health-tested parents with champion lineage may cost more..
Scam Warning
Be cautious of Maltese puppies priced significantly below the typical $1000–$3000 range. Red flags include sellers who cannot provide health clearances for Patent Ductus Arteriosus and Portosystemic Shunt, won't let you visit, request wire transfers or gift cards, or have multiple breeds available. Always meet the puppy and at least one parent in person before purchasing.