Irish Setter vs Maltese Cost Comparison 2026
Irish Setter costs $2,060/yr vs $1,720/yr for Maltese. Over a lifetime: $27,170 vs $26,680. Here's where the money goes.
Irish Setter
$27,170
lifetime (12 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$490
Maltese costs less
Maltese
$26,680
lifetime (14 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Irish Setter | Maltese | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $800–$1,800 | $800–$2,500 | Irish Setter |
| Annual Food | $600 | $220 | Maltese |
| Routine Vet Care | $480 | $450 | Maltese |
| Grooming | $180 | $480 | Irish Setter |
| Pet Insurance | $28–$58/mo | $24–$50/mo | Maltese |
| Supplies & Training | $400 | $230 | Maltese |
| Total Annual Cost | $2,060 | $1,720 | Maltese |
| Lifetime Cost | $27,170 | $26,680 | Maltese |
Irish Setter Cost Profile
- Size
- large
- Lifespan
- 12 years
- Purchase Price
- $800–$1,800
- Annual Cost
- $2,060/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $27,170
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 $340/yr less than Irish Setter ($1,720 vs $2,060). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $490 difference.