Chow Chow vs Maltese Cost Comparison 2026
Chow Chow costs $2,600/yr vs $1,720/yr for Maltese. Over a lifetime: $29,600 vs $26,680. Here's where the money goes.
Chow Chow
$29,600
lifetime (10 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$2,920
Maltese costs less
Maltese
$26,680
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Chow Chow | Maltese | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000–$3,500 | $800–$2,500 | Maltese |
| Annual Food | $660 | $220 | Maltese |
| Routine Vet Care | $600 | $450 | Maltese |
| Grooming | $360 | $480 | Chow Chow |
| Pet Insurance | $40–$78/mo | $24–$50/mo | Maltese |
| Supplies & Training | $420 | $230 | Maltese |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,600 | $1,720 | Maltese |
| Lifetime Cost | $29,600 | $26,680 | Maltese |
Chow Chow Cost Profile
- Size
- large
- Lifespan
- 10 years
- Purchase Price
- $1,000–$3,500
- Annual Cost
- $2,600/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $29,600
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 $880/yr less than Chow Chow ($1,720 vs $2,600). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $2,920 difference.