Australian Shepherd vs Maltese Cost Comparison 2026
Australian Shepherd costs $2,000/yr vs $1,720/yr for Maltese. Over a lifetime: $30,800 vs $26,680. Here's where the money goes.
Australian Shepherd
$30,800
lifetime (14 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$4,120
Maltese costs less
Maltese
$26,680
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Australian Shepherd | Maltese | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $800–$2,500 | $800–$2,500 | Maltese |
| Annual Food | $540 | $220 | Maltese |
| Routine Vet Care | $500 | $450 | Maltese |
| Grooming | $120 | $480 | Australian Shepherd |
| Pet Insurance | $30–$58/mo | $24–$50/mo | Maltese |
| Supplies & Training | $420 | $230 | Maltese |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,000 | $1,720 | Maltese |
| Lifetime Cost | $30,800 | $26,680 | Maltese |
Australian Shepherd Cost Profile
- Size
- medium
- Lifespan
- 14 years
- Purchase Price
- $800–$2,500
- Annual Cost
- $2,000/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $30,800
Maltese Cost Profile
- Size
- small
- Lifespan
- 14 years
- Purchase Price
- $800–$2,500
- Annual Cost
- $1,720/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $26,680
Bottom Line
Maltese costs $280/yr less than Australian Shepherd ($1,720 vs $2,000). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $4,120 difference.