BreedCost

Great Dane vs Maltese Cost Comparison 2026

Great Dane costs $3,000/yr vs $1,720/yr for Maltese. Over a lifetime: $27,600 vs $26,680. Here's where the money goes.

Great Dane

$27,600

lifetime (8 yrs)

Lifetime Difference

$920

Maltese costs less

Maltese

$26,680

lifetime (14 yrs)

Cost Breakdown

Category Great Dane Maltese Winner
Purchase Price $1,000–$3,000 $800–$2,500 Maltese
Annual Food $1,080 $220 Maltese
Routine Vet Care $700 $450 Maltese
Grooming $60 $480 Great Dane
Pet Insurance $48–$95/mo $24–$50/mo Maltese
Supplies & Training $500 $230 Maltese
Total Annual Cost $3,000 $1,720 Maltese
Lifetime Cost $27,600 $26,680 Maltese

Great Dane Cost Profile

Size
giant
Lifespan
8 years
Purchase Price
$1,000–$3,000
Annual Cost
$3,000/yr
Lifetime Total
$27,600
Full Great Dane 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 $1,280/yr less than Great Dane ($1,720 vs $3,000). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $920 difference.