How much does a Maltese puppy cost?

Maltese puppies aren’t cheap because breeding them responsibly is harder and costlier than most people realize. These tiny dogs, usually under 7 pounds, often require cesarean sections for delivery—some litters see C-section rates as high as 80%, which adds $1,000 or more per birth. That alone pushes prices up before any other costs. Then there’s health testing: ethical breeders screen for patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, portosystemic shunts, and white dog shaker syndrome, and those vet bills stack up fast. You’re not just paying for the puppy—you’re covering genetic testing, high-quality food, vaccinations, and sometimes even puppy training prep. The Maltese ranks 37 in AKC popularity, which means steady demand, especially since they’re hypoallergenic and beloved as companion dogs. That demand, paired with low litter sizes and high breeding risks, creates a market where responsible breeders can’t afford to charge less than $2,500 on average. If you see a Maltese under $1,200, it’s a red flag. That price likely means skipped health tests, no genetic screening, or worse—a puppy mill that treats dogs as profit machines. You might save money upfront, but you’ll probably pay more in vet bills down the road.