How Much Does a Maltese Cost? Buying & Lifetime Costs

The Maltese is a perennially popular toy breed in the UK, and that popularity comes with a price tag — both up front and across the dog's long life. Before you fall for those dark eyes and that silky white coat, it pays to understand the full cost of ownership. Here is an honest breakdown of what a Maltese costs to buy and to keep, including the running costs that catch many owners by surprise.

How much does a Maltese puppy cost?

The purchase price varies depending on the breeder, the puppy's lines, and whether the parents are health-tested and Kennel Club registered. As a general guide, a well-bred Maltese puppy from a responsible UK breeder typically costs from several hundred pounds up to over a thousand pounds. Puppies advertised very cheaply should be approached with real caution: a low price often signals a puppy farm, no health screening, poor early care, or an imported puppy with welfare and health risks. Equally, a high price alone is no guarantee of quality — what matters is the evidence of responsible breeding behind it, not the figure. It is also worth remembering that adoption is an option: rescue organisations sometimes have Maltese and Maltese-crosses looking for homes, usually for a modest adoption fee that includes vaccination and microchipping, which can be a rewarding and lower-cost route to ownership.

Why a reputable breeder is worth it

Where you buy matters enormously for a toy breed. A responsible breeder — ideally a Kennel Club Assured Breeder — will:

• Rear puppies in the home and let you meet the mother with the litter.
• Screen breeding dogs for relevant conditions and be open about the breed's health.
• Provide vaccination, microchipping and worming records.
• Be happy to answer questions and stay in touch for the dog's life.

Microchipping is a legal requirement for dogs in the UK, and a good breeder will already have done it before your puppy comes home. Paying more for a properly reared, healthy puppy can save heartache and significant vet bills later; our health guide explains the conditions to ask about.

The bigger cost: keeping a Maltese

The purchase price is only the beginning. Across a 12–15 year life — and Maltese are long-lived — the running costs dwarf the initial outlay. For this breed, two costs are higher than many people expect:

• Professional grooming. The continuously growing coat needs daily home brushing plus a groomer every four to eight weeks for bathing, clipping and tidying. Over the dog's life this is a substantial, recurring cost — factor it in from the start. See our grooming guide.
• Dental care. Toy breeds are very prone to dental disease, and professional dental treatment under anaesthetic is expensive. Daily tooth brushing and good dental care products help prevent it.

On top of these come food (small, so relatively cheap), insurance, vaccinations, parasite control, neutering, vet check-ups, and kit such as a harness, bed, coat for cold weather, and toys. It is sensible to budget a meaningful monthly figure, with an extra buffer for veterinary costs.

Why insurance matters

For a small breed prone to dental disease, patellar luxation, collapsing trachea and other issues, pet insurance is genuinely valuable. A single operation — a knee repair or major dental work — can cost more than the dog itself. A lifetime policy taken out while your dog is young and healthy, before any condition is diagnosed and excluded as pre-existing, gives the broadest protection. You can get a rough idea of cover and budget with our pet insurance estimator, and read the pet insurance guide for what to look for in a policy.

Avoiding scams and puppy farms

The breed's popularity attracts unscrupulous sellers. Be wary of puppies offered with no health records, sellers who will not let you visit the home or meet the mother, pressure to pay deposits quickly, multiple breeds available at once, or prices that seem too good to be true. Take your time, ask for proof of microchipping and registration, and walk away if anything feels off. A good breeder will be as keen to vet you as you are to vet them.

The honest bottom line

A Maltese is a significant long-term financial commitment: a meaningful purchase price for a well-bred puppy, and substantial lifetime costs driven especially by grooming and dental care across a long life. Budget realistically, insure early, and buy from a reputable breeder, and you will give yourself the best chance of years of happy, affordable ownership. For more on living with the breed, see our guides on temperament and lifespan.

*This is general guidance. Costs vary by region, breeder and individual dog, and insurance terms differ between providers.*

Sources

• The Kennel Club — buying a puppy, Assured Breeders and microchipping law (thekennelclub.org.uk).
• PDSA — the cost of owning a dog (pdsa.org.uk).
• Blue Cross — buying a puppy and avoiding puppy farms (bluecross.org.uk).
• RSPCA — getting a dog responsibly (rspca.org.uk).