Budget pressurePlan for it
3/5lower is easier
Bottom line
If you want an affectionate pet and can interact daily, Maltese is worth serious consideration. Settle this first: Small size is not low-maintenance; grooming and dental costs are often underestimated.
Breed intro
The Maltese is a small companion dog with a silky white coat and people-focused nature. Low shedding does not remove care needs: manage tear stains, teeth, brushing and separation stress.
Authority sources Dog
Is Maltese right for you? Temperament, cost, exercise and shedding, health
马尔济斯 · Overall, the Maltese is beginner-friendly. Check cost, space and exercise and shedding before bringing one home.
Lifespan12-15 years
Monthly cost$55–$130/mo
Beginner fit4/5
Apartment fit5/5
ApartmentCuddlyDaily groomLow-shed
Get My Report100% Free • No sign-up
See beginner fitWho it suits
- You want an affectionate pet and can interact daily
- You live in an apartment or rental with limited space
- You are keeping this kind of pet for the first time
Who should wait
- You cannot manage frequent grooming or heavy shedding
Pre-adoption snapshot
Start with four high-frequency checks, then expand the remaining indicators only when needed.EasierPlan for itCheck closely
Time needPlan for it
3/5lower is easier
Space needEasier
1/5lower is easier
Beginner fitEasier
4/5higher is better
Show noise, cleaning, grooming and companionship
NoisePlan for it
3/5lower is easier
Cleaning loadCheck closely
4/5lower is easier
Grooming needCheck closely
5/5lower is easier
Companionship needCheck closely
5/5lower is easier
These scores support an initial comparison; they do not replace an assessment of the individual pet, household or professional advice.
Monthly cost & setup
Monthly reference $55–$130/mo (China reference ¥350–¥700/mo).
Leash, crate, bed, bowls, training gear and first vaccines/deworming/neuter usually run about $200–$700 up front, more for large dogs.
Keep a separate medical, emergency and boarding reserve.
Temperament & interaction
Maltese has a companionship need of 5/5, exercise 2/5 and training 2/5. Silky long-haired toy dog — princess-energy aristocrat. It is usually very attached and can become anxious when left alone for long, so plan consistent interaction plus a quiet retreat it can escape to.
Exercise, shedding and cleaning
Cleaning pressure 4/5, noise 3/5, grooming 5/5. Treat grooming, tear staining, dental care, ears and separation-anxiety management as recurring costs. A heavy coat means scheduled brushing, hair cleanup and seasonal care.
Health risks & care challenges
- Daily brushing required
- Daily tear-stain wipe
- Severe separation anxiety
- Patellar luxation risk
Fit in your real life
Apartment fit 5/5, noise 3/5: confirm space, noise and building rules first. Students should also plan for budget stability, holiday care and moving; child-friendliness is 3/5.
Compared with similar pets
| Pet | Monthly | Lifespan | Beginner | Space | Noise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maltese | $55–$130/mo | 12-15y | 4/5 | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Pomeranian | $70–$150/mo | 12-16y | 3/5 | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Chihuahua | $40–$90/mo | 12-18y | 3/5 | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Toy Poodle | $50–$130/mo | 13-16y | 4/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 |
Buy / adopt checklist
- Confirm your home, building, family/roommates and local rules allow this pet.
- List one-time setup, monthly supplies, routine medical and an emergency fund.
- Find a nearby vet or specialist who handles this species.
- Settle the most important item: Small size is not low-maintenance; grooming and dental costs are often underestimated.
- Adopt from a reputable source or rescue and ask for health and background records.
- Prepare a 7-day observation, settling and isolation routine before arrival.
FAQ
Is Maltese good for beginners?
Maltese scores 4/5 on beginner-friendliness — beginner-friendly. With budget, space and routine care in place, most beginners can manage it.
How much does Maltese cost per month?
Our reference range is $55–$130/mo (China reference ¥350–¥700/mo). Real costs vary with location, medical care, food, supplies, boarding and emergencies.
What is the biggest pre-adoption risk for Maltese?
Small size is not low-maintenance; grooming and dental costs are often underestimated.
Is Maltese noisy or hard to clean up after?
Noise 3/5, cleaning 4/5, grooming 5/5. Vocal noise needs attention; regular cleaning and care are required.
How long does Maltese live?
Typical lifespan is about 12-15 years — a long commitment, so plan the time and cost across its whole life.
References & authority sources
- AVMA frames responsible ownership as time, money, shelter, veterinary care, training and companionship; dog ownership requires walking, training, socialization and medical budgeting.
- Dog size is not the same as exercise need: herding, sledding and terrier-type dogs can be harder for apartments or student schedules than their size suggests.
- Vaccines, parasite prevention, licensing, leash rules and noise rules belong in the pre-adoption check, not after the dog arrives.
AKC Dog Breeds · AVMA Responsible Pet Ownership · AVMA Preventive Pet Healthcare
Similar pets
Last updated: 2026-07-05