A Maltese could become your new best buddy if you’re willing to give your regular dog grooming and lots of attention. Maltese dogs are well-liked worldwide due to their cute size, lovable appearance, and brilliantly clever personality. Additionally, many find them friendly due to their endearing appearances and sweet disposition. This breed thrives in India thanks to its excellent adaptability, ease of training, apartment friendliness, and decent temperature tolerance. Thus, both inexperienced and seasoned dog parents can profit from this.
In recent years, animals have become commonplace in shelters simply because their owners could not give them the necessary care. To save our furry companions from facing the same and to assist you in making an informed choice, we spent hours compiling all the specific information you need to be aware of before purchasing a Maltese dog. So let’s get started without further ado!
How Much Does a Maltese Dog Cost in India?
Maltese dogs are well-liked worldwide, but until about five or six years ago, they weren’t trendy in India. Maltese dogs are, therefore, scarce in India. Unfortunately, this could make them quite expensive to own.
The median price for a Maltese dog in India is Rs. 95,000, with prices typically ranging from Rs. 32,050 to 125,000.
Factors that Influence the Buying Price of Maltese in India
The cost of Maltese in India might vary depending on several things. These elements include the dog’s age and gender, breed purity, pedigree, etc. Where you purchase your pet also significantly impacts how much it costs. Let’s dive into further detail on each of these elements.
Maltese Age: Buying A Puppy vs. An Old Dog
Following the difficult choice of the dog breed you prefer, the next option would be whether to go with a puppy or an older dog. Puppies are generally priced higher as they pick up tricks quickly. Consequently, getting a Maltese puppy is advantageous since you may train them to your preferences, albeit at a slightly higher price.
Adopting A Maltese vs. Buying
A Maltese adopted from a shelter does not necessarily imply that you will get an unhealthy dog. Aside from that, you can feel good about saving or adopting a dog from a shelter because you are helping a worthy cause.
However, finding the ideal dog for you through adoption may take some time, given the low demand for Maltese dogs in India. Additionally, getting a purebred puppy could take a lot of patience and time because these puppies typically find homes very quickly.
Breeder Factor
Before making any judgments, it is crucial to undertake extensive research on the breeder from whom you will be purchasing your new pet. This is because Maltese are genetically predisposed to specific health conditions such as Patent Ductus arteriosus (heart disease), portosystemic shunt (liver problems), eye problems, knee problems, bleeding disorders, dental abnormalities, skin conditions, thyroid problems, Tracheal Collapse, and Deafness. In addition, making sure your new family member has healthy parents is crucial to ensuring that it leads a healthy and fulfilling life.
Buying Maltese from Puppy Mills
Puppy factories are known as puppy mills. They are massive commercial dog breeding businesses where the welfare of the dogs is virtually disregarded to maximize revenue from the sale of the puppies.
The dogs are kept in inhumane living conditions, fed poor food, refused adequate medical treatment, and—most importantly—severely denied healthy human social interaction. Thus, it follows poor psychological functioning, impairs their ability to interact with people, socializes with other canines, and enjoy playing. In short, their capacity to behave like an ordinary dog.
Fortunately, the dogs’ remarkable capacity for recovery from psychological damage makes rehabilitation possible. However, it is challenging and may not rid dogs of their phobias and other emotional issues for weeks, months, or even years.
Buying a Maltese from Pet Shops
Many want to “rescue” pet store pups by purchasing them because it’s heartbreaking to watch them in cages. Unfortunately, despite the good intentions of these buyers, the cycle of thousands of puppies being grown in puppy mills and then sold in stores is maintained by pet store sales. In other words, “rescuing” a puppy from a pet store aids the growth of puppy mills.
When purchasing from a pet store, meeting the dog’s parents is one way to ensure that the Maltese you wish to adopt is in the finest of health and that the breed is pure. In addition, you will gain adequate information about the puppy of your choosing from the parents’ health, temperament, and breeds, thus making your decision easier.
Buying A Maltese from A Middleman or A Broker
By connecting you with the breeder, middlemen or brokers provide you with the opportunity to ask questions, meet the dog’s parents, and investigate the likely upbringing of your prospective pet. However, the total cost increases due to their commissions that range from 10 to 15%.
Buying Maltese from Reputable Breeders
Only reputable breeders make certain that the dogs adhere to their breed criteria. They recommend only the best dog to you. To rule out any health issues, you must unapologetically obtain as many health certificates as possible, which a reputable breeder should be able to provide. These breeders take good care of their dogs and ensure they are raised in a good and happy environment before being purchased by a new owner. They do not sell their dogs to anybody who offers to pay.
Questions to Ask A Breeder
Good breeders will welcome your inquiries. Some questions you can ask are:
- Since how long do they breed Maltese?
- Request health certifications.
- What kind of food do they give their puppies and dogs?
- Maltese health problems, their prevention, and treatment options.
- Have the parents of the puppy been examined for these flaws?
- Do they have a documented agreement and health assurance? Look for a health guarantee that lasts for a more extended period.
- How to offer your new family member the best life possible, what to anticipate from the dog, and how they feel.
- Ask to see the setting and the place the dog has been dwelling in.
- Ask them if they can provide any references of other families who have bought puppies from them.
- Do they have a deal to buy or take back the dog if this ever becomes necessary? Will they commit it to paper?
Gender
Male Maltese dogs are occasionally, but not always, more expensive simply because they are more well-liked and typically stronger. Conversely, females make better friends since they are less inclined to be aggressive and dominant.
Size
Because of their small size, Maltese eat less, take up less space, and incur fewer medical expenses. Teacup Maltese, even smaller than a normal Maltese, can cost between INR 60,000-90,000. However, their small stature and less weight make teacups more prone to genetic disorders, which puts them at a higher risk.
Mixed or Purebred Maltese
Since there are fewer chances for a purebred puppy to have inherited health issues than a mixed-breed puppy, purebreds are frequently more expensive than dogs not produced with as much care. However, since they are healthy, they cost less in terms of medical expenses in the long run.
Bloodline
The cost to purchase a Maltese dog might vary depending on the dog’s bloodline. The price of the dog may also be influenced by its pedigree. Naturally, dogs with Champion bloodlines cost more.
Coat Colours and Markings
Purebred Maltese come in white and tones, including cream and ivory, and cost higher due to the purity of the breed. Mix-breeds can, however, come in different colors, such as white, black, and brown. In addition, the belly of Maltese dogs has darker skin.
Location
Due to their poor availability in India, Maltese are far more expensive than breeds that are more widely available, such as Shih Tzus, Beagles, etc.
Additionally, purchasing a dog from a breeder located far away (in another state or region) can cost you extra because additional costs like shipping or travel fees are added to the entire cost of the dog.
Certification and Warranties
Remember not to completely trust a breeder’s credentials while investigating them because this can be one of their tricks for raising the selling price. Instead, conduct independent research before making a choice. One of the best ways to prevent future medical treatments is to ensure your puppy is healthy before purchasing. However, you can request KCI Certificates for lineage proof from your breeder or agent.
Yearly Maintenance Cost of Owning a Maltese
Sr. No. | Cost Header | Type | Cost Range (INR) |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Dog Food Cost | Monthly | 3,000 to 8,000 |
2 | Vet Visit Costs | ||
2.1 | Vaccinations | Yearly | 1000 to 2,000 |
2.2 | Deworming | Recurring | 200 to 500 |
2.3 | Neutering or Spaying Surgery | One Time | 5,000 to 15,000 |
2.4 | Preventive Medications | Yearly | 2,000 to 12,000 |
2.5 | Antiseptic Spray, Cotton, and Band-aids | As required | 200 to 500 |
2.6 | Ticks and Flea powder | As required | 500 |
2.7 | Ear drops | As required | 150 |
3 | Housing and confinement Cost | ||
3.1 | Crates for puppy | One Time | 1,500 to 2,000 |
3.2 | Bed for adult dogs | One Time | 1.500 to 2,000 |
4 | Accessories Cost | ||
4.1 | Collar | One Time | 200 to 1,000 |
4.2 | Leash | One Time | 600 to 1,000 |
4.3 | Harness | One Time | 300 to 2,000 |
5 | Toys Cost | As required | 250 to 1,000 |
6 | Grooming Cost | ||
6.1 | Top-quality brush | One Time | 200 to 500 |
6.2 | Nail clippers | One Time | 200 to 500 |
6.3 | Shampoo and Conditioner | Monthly | 400 |
6.4 | Towels | One Time | 200 to 700 |
6.5 | Professional Grooming Service | Per Visit | 1,500 to 2,000 |
6.6 | At Home grooming | As required | 500 |
7 | Walker Cost | Monthly | 3,000 to 5,000 |
8 | Training and Socialising Class Cost | Per session | 500 to 1,000 |
9 | Treat Cost | Recurring | 500 to 700 |
10 | Insurance Cost | Yearly | 5,000 to 15,000 |
11 | Travel Cost | ||
11.1 | Canine Car Seat | One Time | 1,000 to 5,000 |
11.2 | Domestic Travel | Per Visit | 5,000 to 20,000 |
11.3 | International Travel | Per Visit | 2,00,000 to 3,00.000 |
12 | Daycare Cost | Per Day | 250 to 500 |
13 | Registration Cost | One Time | 400 to 800 |
14 | Miscellaneous | One Time | 2,500 to 4000 |
After the initial purchase, Maltese requires maintenance, which will also cost money. This covers nutrition, shots, deworming, regular vet visits, and many other things. Let’s understand them one by one.
Dog Food Factor
The quality and quantity of food produced for the dog affect how much Maltese dog food costs. However, the average monthly cost of food is between INR 3,000-8,000. It should contain the necessary vitamins and nutrients. Try to get a high-quality kibble specially formulated for Maltese dogs or grain-free organic dog food.
Home Food vs. Purchased Food
All the necessary nutrients can be consumed through commercially prepared dog food. However, you may also choose homemade dog food made with meat, grains, milk, eggs, vegetables, and other ingredients under the guidance of your veterinarian. Although homemade food will be slightly less expensive, it may lower the breed quality of your dog.
Portion Size and Daily Frequency
Keep an eye on your dog’s calorie intake and weight because Maltese dogs are more likely to be overweight. Puppies under a year usually need three meals each day, while those over a year only need two. The suggested calorie intake is 400 calories for puppies under the age of one and 200 calories for those above the age of one. However, be careful not to feed it too much. For more concise details, see the table below.
Age | Number of Meals per Day | Total cups of Dry Kibble |
---|---|---|
Below 1 year | 3 | ½ |
Above 1 year | 2 | ¼ to ½ |
Vet Factor
Small pups, like young children, are prone to illness regularly because their immune systems are still developing. Every two to four weeks, they need to see a veterinarian. You might anticipate a decline in vet visits as they age.
Veterinarian care for dogs can include everything from regular examinations and immunizations to more serious procedures like surgery.
Vaccination Cost
After bringing it home, vaccinating your Maltese puppy should be one of your priorities. Get a vaccination card from your veterinarian and discuss the immunization schedule with your breeder.
You must take your Maltese to the veterinarian every month for vaccinations till puppyhood, which adds to the cost of vaccinations. You will have to pay between INR 5,000-8,000 in the first year. However, if the breeder has already given the dog its initial immunizations, this cost can be lower. Post the one-year mark, the annual vaccination fee for your puppy would reduce to INR 1,000-2,000.
Neutering or Spaying Surgery Cost
Spaying or neutering a dog, which removes its reproductive organs, can significantly lower the number of unwanted litters of puppies and aid in the prevention of various canine cancers. In India, the cost of neutering or spaying ranges from INR 5,000 to 15,000. Location affects how much it will cost to get your pet neutered. It is high in major cities like Mumbai, Pune, or Delhi. Always keep in mind that spaying involves surgery. We would not advise it if your city lacks high-quality veterinary care.
Deworming Cost
To prevent the spread of illnesses in dogs, deworming involves removing parasitic organisms from a dog’s body. The dog’s age, weight, health, and behavior all play a role in determining the cost, process, and frequency of deworming. Nevertheless, we advise speaking with your veterinarian about the worming medication and dose. In India, deworming pills might run you anything from INR 200-500.
Age | Frequency of Deworming |
---|---|
Under 8 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
8 weeks to 6 months | Monthly |
More than 6 months | 4 times a year |
Preventive Medications Cost
For the sake of your general health and the health of your Maltese, preventative drugs for illnesses like heartworms are necessary. A year’s supply of these preventatives costs anything from INR 2,000 to INR 12,000 in India.
The antiseptic spray is one of the most popular materials for treating dog injuries. Other common items include cotton and bandages. You may pay between INR 300 and 500 for this.
Dogs are susceptible to the same diseases brought on by ticks and fleas as humans are. In addition, dogs with these parasites may experience various health issues, including gastroenteritis. Therefore, eating it with a tick and flea powder is crucial, which costs about INR 500.
Housing and Confinement Cost
For any pup, a crate is a necessity. Your dog can play, sleep, and travel safely in crates, which can even be used as a carrier. A high-quality crate may cost between INR 1,500 to 5,000.
Due to their tiny stature, Maltese do well in a tiny designated dog bed space where they can unwind and clean up. A decent bed can cost you between INR 1,500-5,000.
Accessories Cost
There are two basic accessory choices when walking your Maltese puppy or dog on a leash: a harness or a collar. It would appear that the decision between these two comes down to which is cuter or simpler to put on. But there is a lot more to this than meets the eye. It can be crucial to the health of your Maltese dog or puppy.
Collar and Leash
A simple collar costs between INR 200-1,000, although many variations include leather and nylon collars. In addition, you can choose an extendable leash or a retractable leash to help you keep your dog by your side at all times. You can spend between INR 600-1,000 for a collar and leash combination. However, we think a harness is preferable to a leash.
Training Harness
Incurable, a disorder known as collapsed trachea, is common in toy breeds like the Maltese. A harness is a safer option for your Maltese’s well-being because a leash can accelerate the degradation of a trachea that is already fragile. You should expect to pay anywhere from INR 300-2,000 for a harness. A harness also helps keep them under control and makes it simpler to control their emotions.
Toys Cost
Puppy Maltese adore playing with toys. They can cost you about INR 250-1000 a year.
Grooming Cost
Maltese fur must be cleaned and brushed regularly to prevent contamination, crusting, and tear stains. They also have a lot of excessive ear hair that needs to be cut. TIn addition, their nails must be meticulously clipped. Ask your vet or groomer to assist you or provide instructions. You may pay a skilled groomer between INR 1,500-2,000 per visit. Grooming, however, will cost about INR 500 per month if you do it yourself.
- Top-quality brush – INR 200-500
- Nail clippers- INR 200-500
- Shampoo and Conditioner- INR 400
- Towels- INR 300-700
Walker Cost
Toy breeds with a lot of energy, like the Maltese, require a lot of activity to stay healthy and content. In India, a reliable dog walking service can run you anything from INR 3,000-5,000 per month.
Training and Socialising Class Cost
Though they need a lot of patience, if you have ever trained a dog, you can probably train your Maltese yourself.
We advise choosing group classes if you wish to bring your Maltese to a professional. These help your dog socialize with other people and puppies, along with training.
You should expect to pay between INR 500-1000 per class for group classes. The price does differ significantly based on the instructor and the course content.
Treat Cost
Treats are a crucial part of training your Maltese. Monthly treats for Maltese will cost between INR 500-700.
Commercial treats can be expensive. We favor treats cooked at home. They are affordable and good for your dog’s health. We advise serving homemade treats like cheese, boiled eggs, and cooked meat.
Insurance Cost
If your pet develops health-related issues, it is crucial to have financial protection. Good insurance coverage will pay for pet hospitalization expenses and urgent medical care. You could spend anything from INR 5,000-15,000 on an annual insurance premium.
Travel Cost
It is best to prepare ahead of time if you are taking your Maltese dog traveling with you. Being a tiny, toy-sized dog much more accessible to transport than many of his larger competitors is one of the best things about owning a Maltese. It is preferable to purchase a canine car seat of the right size for travels by car, which typically costs between INR 1,000 – 5,000.
The average cost of domestic travel is INR 20,000. On domestic trips, several airlines charge INR 94 per kg, with charges varying depending on the destination, route, and size of the container. For a medium-sized dog, the cost of overseas travel might range from INR 2 lakh to INR 3 lakh.
Day Care Cost
Daycare centers provide a safe setting for your pet while you are gone. These facilities frequently offer dog walking services and may include play and feeding places. Depending on where you live, they may cost you between INR 250-500 per day.
Registration Cost
Before being bred, displayed, or exported, a domestic dog must be registered. Therefore, let’s assume that both guardians are properly registered with the INKC. In this manner, members pay INR 400, and non-members pay INR 500.
If the parents are unknown, it costs INR 1000 for non-members and INR 800 for members registering a dog. Similarly, if parents are identified, and KCI recognizes one, registration costs INR 400 for members and INR 500 for non-members.
Maltese already registered with KCI typically costs more.
Miscellaneous
Other incidental products that cost you between INR 2,500 – 4,000 include a food and water dish, poop bags, pee cleaner, and food storage container, among other odd items.
Hidden and Related Costs of Maltese Puppy Ownership
Because of their reputation as needy dogs who demand a lot of care, your time becomes an added expense. They are known to whine and bark if not given enough attention; thus, it will be your job to train them for traits like obedience and socializing. Additionally, Maltese grooming takes time to ensure that your dog keeps their stunning appearance.
Essential Things to Consider Before Buying A Maltese
- Since Maltese are noted for having lovely coats, it is essential to groom them frequently.
- Maltese can be irritable while engaging with kids.
- Vulnerable to separation anxiety and its accompanying chewing and barking behaviors if not trained to break this behavior.
- Due to their small size, they are fragile and susceptible to injury.
Benefits of bringing a Maltese Puppy Home
- Maltese are known for being loving and trusting.
- They have good manners and are amicable even towards dogs and other animals.
- They make excellent family pets and friends since they are highly clever, playful, and energetic.
- Maltese shed extremely little and have a hypoallergenic coat.
FAQ’s
Can you teach Maltese dog tricks?
You can teach a Maltese dog tricks; that much is true. If you have patience and are consistent, they are very trainable and easy to deal with.
What is the average lifespan of a Maltese?
The average lifespan of a Maltese is 13-15 years.
Can Maltese survive In India?
Despite not being suitable, Maltese can survive in India if you offer them the correct kind of environment.
Is Maltese a good family dog?
Their kind and friendly nature make them the perfect companion dogs and wonderful family pets.
Are Maltese guard dogs?
No, they are not guarding dogs because they are too little to protect you from anything, but they make fantastic alert dogs.
How often should you walk a Maltese?
You should take your Maltese for a 30-minutes to 1-hour walk twice a day, in the morning and evening.
Are you good Maltese dogs for first-time owners?
Yes, they are excellent for new owners because they shed less and are simple to care for.
Are Maltese dogs aggressive?
Maltese are typically not violent breeds, but they can develop into aggressive dogs if not given the proper care.
Can a Maltese be left alone?
It is never a good idea to leave Maltese at home for more than a couple of hours because they experience separation anxiety.
Are Maltese expensive to maintain?
Despite being an expensive breed to purchase, Maltese are somewhat less costly to maintain in terms of dog food costs because they consume less food than larger breeds.
Are Maltese friendly with strangers?
They are the friendliest and most non-intimidating dog breeds and want to play with everyone they see.
How can I make my Maltese stop barking?
Maltese tend to be yappy in case the owner lacks socialization, exercise, and attention. So, try to spend as much time as possible with your pet.
Summing it Up
In conclusion, the costs of Maltese in India reflect their increasing popularity as a breed. You can make a well-informed decision and raise a dog with the help of the information in this article. They’ll get along nicely with your family and easily adapt to India’s climate.