What are you planning to buy – a Maltese poodle or a Maltese puppy? Yes, these are two different breeds. While Maltese poodle is a mixed breed of Maltese and a Toy or Miniature Poodle, Maltese is a purebred puppy. Both are incredibly playful, intelligent, curious, loving, and obedient dogs.
How Much are Maltese Poodles/Puppies? Maltese poodles/puppies are a relatively expensive breed. You may have to pay anywhere between $700 to $3000 to get one home. For a pet quality Maltese puppy, you may have to pay as much as $2500 for a male and $3000 for a female. And the show quality puppies are over $10000.
As a first-time Maltese buyer, we understand you may be harbouring several queries such as what is the average cost, are they good pets, should you buy them, and so on. We will answer all your questions, but one by one. So, let’s roll.
How Much Is A Maltese Poodle/Puppy?
Becoming a parent to a Maltese poodle or a puppy is undoubtedly overwhelming. However, you must consider certain factors before going ahead with the purchase. Remember, the initial cost is not the only price you incur. Maintenance costs are also included.
Certain costs for maintaining the Maltese breeds include grooming, veterinary, training, and lifestyle expenditures. Now let’s begin with the purchase cost.
Initial Price
Generally, a Maltese puppy costs anywhere between $700 to $3000. However, if you buy a Maltese from a shelter, the price starts as low as $600. For a pet quality Maltese puppy, you may have to pay as much as $2500 for a male and $3000 for a female. And the show quality puppies are over $10000.
But before you finalise the deal, verify whether or not the puppy has papers, is vaccinated and other such necessary things. Buying a puppy with papers may excite you as they come at a lower price, but you must buy one with the papers.
Why Are Maltese So Expensive?
Apart from the initial cost, when you bring a Maltese poodle/puppy home, you have to buy bowls for water and food, get a cosy bed, a small crate, and spend on many other essentials. I talked to my friends who own Maltese, and here are the costs they came up with.
Grooming expenses
Maltese do not have an undercoat. As a result, they do not shed and are hypoallergenic. However, brushing is an everyday necessity for a Maltese puppy. You can skip it with a Maltese poodle; 2-3 times a week is sufficient. But if you buy a white coloured Maltese poodle, dirt is easily visible, which means you have to pay extra attention to the maintenance. A hairbrush required for maintaining Maltese’s hair starts at $5.
Next, as you wouldn’t want your Maltese to look shabby, weekly bathing is vital. The best shampooing products for the Maltese breed can cost you anywhere between $5 to $30. In addition, a single salon visit for grooming such as ear cleaning, teeth brushing, nail clipping, bath and haircut comes at an approximate price of $40-$70.
Training Cost
Maltese are one of the easiest breeds to train. Show them a treat, and they are ready to follow your instructions. You may also consider a trainer. The average cost of hiring a professional for a single session is $45 – $120, and usually, a session lasts for 90 minutes.
Medical Cost
In the first year, a minimum of three vet trips is vital. Each visit costs $65 to $170. The appointment includes physical checkups, flea prevention, heartworm prevention, essential vaccines (including rabies), and a faecal examination. Vaccination visits are additional.
Further, depending on your pet’s lifestyle, the vet may suggest additional vaccinations for:
- Leptospirosis: If he/she is taken on hiking/camping expeditions or exposed to wildlife. Approximate cost: 60-$80
- Lyme: It is required due to tick exposure on camping and hiking expeditions. Approximate price: $60-$80
- Influenza: If you’ve kept him/her in daycare for long. Approximate cost: $70-$90
As your dog starts growing, spaying or neutering is considerable. This costs $100-$300 extra.
Accessories
No pet parent can stop himself from pampering such an adorable and affectionate breed. Kindly note that these playful dogs love squeaky toys, fetch balls, and chewy bones and these toys are reasonably priced in the range of $6 and $15.
If your Maltese has long hair, it is tempting to accessorise it with clips, bows and elastic bands. These can be bought for a maximum of $10.
Food Cost
Regular meals are important, or else your poodle may lack some important vitamins and nutrients. Feed him healthy food. Usually, Maltese weighing 2 to 4 pounds will need 1/4th cup to 1/2 cup of solid food every day with some snacks.
These expenditures on raising your Maltese puppies vary due to several reasons, namely:
- Breeder
Each breeder will price Maltese differently. Reputed Maltese breeders that also ensure the pedigree and the lineage of the breed are undoubtedly expensive. But these are truly worth the price as the puppies are well cared for.
However, if your pocket does not allow it, then go for puppy mills and Maltese backyard breeders.
- Age
The cost of a Maltese puppy is relatively more than an adult Maltese dog. The reason lies in the preference for puppies among the buyers. The higher the demand, the higher the price. Interestingly, a female puppy is costlier than a male puppy.
- Location
The price of a Maltese poodle varies from place to place. This difference is due to the demand and also availability of the pup in that area.
Are Maltese Poodles Good Dogs?
As Maltese poodles are a mixed breed, they inherit qualities of both breeds. They are charming and love spending time with the owner. Besides this, they love attention. So, shower them with your care, treats and rewards and they will reciprocate it with affection. Early socialisation makes these well behaved around other dogs and humans. Also, Maltese poodles are less stubborn than the purebred Maltese. But both are equally impressive.
Do Maltese Make Good Pets?
Maltese poodles make great companions, and you can also train them for therapeutic purposes. In addition, they are friendly and affectionate to all those they meet. They love staying indoors; all they need is a little exercise and some company. Since they are an intelligent breed and learn everything quickly, training them is extremely easy. Most owners find them comfortable in all situations, even outside the home.
Should I Buy A Maltese Puppy?
Maltese are wonderful miniature dogs. Their size makes them great for apartments and small houses. And if you are a patient person, you can be an excellent parent to Maltese as they tend to be a little stubborn sometimes. Nonetheless, they are considered dogs of royalty and will make you feel nothing but regal.
Wrapping up
We agree Maltese is a relatively expensive breed. However, the breed has a great personality and are cheerful. They are active, loving and extremely easy-going puppies you would love to take home for your kids and family. So, without a second thought, you must buy one today. Just keep in mind all the information we have provided you with.
My name is Katie, and I have had different pets at home for as long as I can remember. While I can definitely say I love all animals in general, my heart belongs to cats and dogs. I know you are supposed to choose one or the other, but I could never really decide. I’ve also owned hamsters and fish when I was a kid, and they filled my childhood with very delightful memories.
