BreedCost

Alaskan Malamute vs Maltese Cost Comparison 2026

Alaskan Malamute costs $2,670/yr vs $1,720/yr for Maltese. Over a lifetime: $32,770 vs $26,680. Here's where the money goes.

Alaskan Malamute

$32,770

lifetime (11 yrs)

Lifetime Difference

$6,090

Maltese costs less

Maltese

$26,680

lifetime (14 yrs)

Cost Breakdown

Category Alaskan Malamute Maltese Winner
Purchase Price $1,000–$3,000 $800–$2,500 Maltese
Annual Food $840 $220 Maltese
Routine Vet Care $600 $450 Maltese
Grooming $180 $480 Alaskan Malamute
Pet Insurance $38–$72/mo $24–$50/mo Maltese
Supplies & Training $510 $230 Maltese
Total Annual Cost $2,670 $1,720 Maltese
Lifetime Cost $32,770 $26,680 Maltese

Alaskan Malamute Cost Profile

Size
giant
Lifespan
11 years
Purchase Price
$1,000–$3,000
Annual Cost
$2,670/yr
Lifetime Total
$32,770
Full Alaskan Malamute Cost Breakdown →

Maltese Cost Profile

Size
small
Lifespan
14 years
Purchase Price
$800–$2,500
Annual Cost
$1,720/yr
Lifetime Total
$26,680
Full Maltese Cost Breakdown →

Bottom Line

Maltese costs $950/yr less than Alaskan Malamute ($1,720 vs $2,670). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $6,090 difference.