If you are looking for the perfect combination of adorable looks and charming personality, you cannot go wrong with a Maltese. These regal pups are playful and affectionate companions that are a joy to have around. However, adopting one of these fur-babies can be costly.
Maltese dogs cost between $1,500 and $4,000. They are small, white, cute dogs that are very popular among dog owners. They don’t eat much, but they are prone to allergies, so you would need to spend more on quality food. They need a lot of grooming as well and can be prone to accidents due to their small size. They are also susceptible to dental problems. As a result, expect to pay around $200 per month for their maintenance costs.
Apart from the initial cost of your Maltese, caring for your pup also comes with various costs. To help you understand the kind of maintenance your Maltese will need, let’s explore everything you need to know about this affectionate toy breed.
What Is The Average Cost Of A Maltese?
Despite their small size, Maltese dogs are an expensive breed.
On average the cost of a Maltese will range between $1,000 to $3,000. Adopting from a shelter is typically cheaper than buying your pup from a breeder and will cost you between $400 to $600.
Factors that affect the cost of a Maltese:
Breeder
The average cost of a Maltese will vary from breeder to breeder. Reputable Maltese breeders that guarantee the pedigree and lineage of their Malteses will generally be more expensive. Reputable breeders are more likely to have well cared for puppies and are the best option when buying a Maltese.
Backyard Maltese breeders and puppy mills tend to be cheaper than reputable breeders. However, puppy mills may not always guarantee the lineage of your pooch or its health history.
Age
Maltese puppies will on average cost more than adult Maltese dogs. Most pet parents prefer puppies to adult dogs so the higher demand for Maltese puppies makes them more expensive.
If you choose to adopt an adult Maltese from a shelter, you will spend between $400 to $600. This is much lower than the cost of buying a Maltese puppy from a breeder.
Pedigree
Purebred Maltese will on average cost more than Maltese puppies with mixed lineage. Buying your Maltese from a reputable breeder will ensure that you get a pure-bred Maltese. Pet quality and show quality Maltese from reputable breeders can range from $2,000 to $10,000.
Location
Maltese prices may vary from one area to another. This difference in costs will depend on the popularity of the breed in a particular area and the availability of the breed.
What Health Problems Do Maltese Dogs Have?
Maltese is a healthy energetic breed with a lifespan of between 12-15 years.
With proper care, you can expect your pup to live a long and healthy life.
On average medical costs for a Maltese will range between $300 to $500 a year for vaccinations, flea treatments, and vet check-ups. However, like other breeds, Maltese dogs are susceptible to some health conditions that you need to watch out for. These include:
Portosystemic Liver Shunt (PSS)
Portosystemic liver shunt affects the proper flow of blood to the liver. This condition is hereditary and can occur in the Maltese breed.
Some symptoms of this condition include loss of appetite, jaundice, and urinary tract infections. PSS can be treated with surgery. Early diagnosis is important to avoid complications and ensure recovery.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Maltese can be prone to eye problems. It is recommended that you get your dog’s eyes checked regularly to detect any retinal disorders. If left unchecked, retinal atrophy can lead to blindness.
Patellar Luxation
Maltese dogs are susceptible to joint problems including patellar luxation. This condition causes joint dislocation which can be painful for your pup. Patellar luxation can be treated by surgery in advanced cases.
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
The Maltese are more prone to White Dog Shaker Syndrome, a disorder that causes full-body tremors. Episodes usually begin early in life and can be triggered by stress or excitement. This condition isn’t painful and won’t affect your dog’s personality.
Skin Conditions
The beautiful Maltese coat can be prone to infections and requires regular grooming. Chronic allergies are common in Maltese so you will need to watch out for scaly patches on the skin or signs of hair loss.
How To Take Care Of A Maltese?
Nutrition plays a key role in keeping your fur-buddy happy and healthy. The cost of feeding your Maltese will range between $800 to $1,000 annually.
Diet
Maltese dogs are small in stature and weigh between 3 to 8 pounds. However, these adorable pups still need high-quality meals to stay healthy. It is recommended that you feed your Maltese twice a day.
To make sure your Maltese is getting the right nutrients, always buy food that is appropriate for your dog’s age. Nutrient needs for a puppy and adult dog vary so age-appropriate food is crucial for your pup’s wellbeing.
Since Maltese are playful and energetic, they require a diet that is rich in protein and essential vitamins. PetPlate’s meals are great options for Maltese since they are formulated with human grade allergen-free ingredients that are easily digestible. PetPlate’s recipes are also rich in protein ensuring that your pup gets enough nutrients and energy from their meals.
Supplements
Maltese dogs are prone to allergies so it’s important to ensure that they get essential vitamins and minerals. Multivitamin supplements are a great way to supplement your pup’s diet. These multivitamins contain vitamins, minerals, probiotics, fatty acids, and antioxidants to keep your pooch healthy.
Exercise
Maltese dogs may be small in stature but these adorable fur-babies are energetic and playful. Although they do well even in small spaces, it is important to ensure that your Maltese gets enough exercise.
Walking your Maltese twice a day for at least 20 to 30 minutes will help to keep them healthy. Maltese also love to play so make sure that your pup has plenty of toys to keep them occupied.
Poorly exercised dogs can resort to destructive behavior so always ensure that your pooch gets daily exercise.
Do Maltese Dogs Bark A Lot? Temperament Of A Maltese
Affectionate and playful
The Maltese are as charming as they look with a warm loving nature. These playful pups are very affectionate and make excellent lap dogs. Their playful and easy-going nature also makes them great for families.
Social
Maltese get on well with people and other pets. Their calm and friendly nature means they do well in homes with other pets. It is important to ensure that your Maltese is socialized from an early age to ensure they are well-adjusted.
Vocal
Maltese can get yappy especially in situations where your pup is seeking attention or is not getting sufficient exercise. These tendencies can benefit from behavioral training like the Brain Training 4 dogs which is specifically designed to curb problem behavior such as excessive barking.
Behavioral training provides a long-term solution for pups with yappy tendencies eliminating the need for dog silencers.
Clingy
If you want a dog that follows you around everywhere, Maltese is a perfect fit. These pups love to be around people and this clingy nature makes them prone to separation anxiety. Maltese dogs do not do well alone and can resort to destructive behavior when left alone.
Intelligent
The Maltese is a very intelligent breed. These dogs respond well to positive reinforcement and pick up tricks easily. However potty-training Maltese puppies can be tricky since they have very small bladders.
With patience and consistency, it should take you 1 to 4 months to house train your Maltese.
Is A Maltese Dog Hypoallergenic? Grooming Tips For A Maltese Dog
Maltese have a long, silky coat so when it comes to grooming, these pups are not low maintenance. Getting your Maltese professionally groomed will cost between $40 to $75 per visit. However, it is also possible to groom your Maltese at home.
The Kingstar Professional Dog Grooming Scissors come with thinning and curved scissors that make light work of grooming your dog’s coat. This set is designed for ease of use and accuracy enabling you to groom your pup yourself at home.
Brushing
The Maltese coat tangles easily so daily brushing is required. However, since Maltese dogs are hypoallergenic you do not need to worry about your pooch shedding all over the house.
You can choose to trim your pup’s coat if you prefer to keep it short. A shorter coat will not tangle as much. You can get your Maltese coat groomed professionally or do it yourself with the handy Andis 05110 T-Outliner dog clipper. This clipper is easy to use and will make grooming a hassle-free process for you and your pooch.
Bathing
If doggy odor puts you off, the Maltese is the ideal pooch for you. These adorable fur-babies are not smelly since they have relatively small sebaceous glands. However, you will need to wash your Maltese at least once every three weeks.
The white coat of the Maltese tends to stain easily so a good shampoo is crucial. The Seamus Cherry Blossom Whitening and Brightening Shampoo is a great choice for keeping your pup’s coat pristine and clean. This mild soap-free formula removes stains and leaves your dog’s coat smelling fresh and clean.
Maltese are prone to tear stains so it’s important to clean their eyes daily. Wiping with warm water should do the trick.
Trimming
It’s important to trim your Maltese nails at least once a month. Long nails can cause injury to your pooch so always keep them trimmed.
Related Questions
How Big Do Maltese Get? Maltese is a toy dog breed that does not get bigger than 7 to 12 inches in height and 8 pounds in weight. Maltese is a small dog breed that does well even in small spaces since they do not take up much room. This breed makes great lap dogs and is known for its gentle affectionate nature.
Do Maltese Need Lots Of Exercise? No, Maltese dogs do not need lots of exercise. Moderate exercise of about 30 minutes daily is sufficient for a Maltese. It is recommended that you walk your Maltese once or twice a day for a total of 20 to 30 minutes.
Is A Maltese Dog A Purebred? Yes, a Maltese dog is a purebred dog. Maltese is an ancient breed with origins in Europe and is one of the oldest dog breeds. This breed is a purebred obtained from two Maltese parents.
