Maltese vs Portuguese Water Dog Cost Comparison 2026
Maltese costs $1,720/yr vs $2,290/yr for Portuguese Water Dog. Over a lifetime: $26,680 vs $31,680. Here's where the money goes.
Maltese
$26,680
lifetime (14 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$5,000
Maltese costs less
Portuguese Water Dog
$31,680
lifetime (12 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Maltese | Portuguese Water Dog | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $800–$2,500 | $2,000–$4,000 | Maltese |
| Annual Food | $220 | $540 | Maltese |
| Routine Vet Care | $450 | $500 | Maltese |
| Grooming | $480 | $480 | Maltese |
| Pet Insurance | $24–$50/mo | $30–$60/mo | Maltese |
| Supplies & Training | $230 | $350 | Maltese |
| Total Annual Cost | $1,720 | $2,290 | Maltese |
| Lifetime Cost | $26,680 | $31,680 | Maltese |
Maltese Cost Profile
- Size
- small
- Lifespan
- 14 years
- Purchase Price
- $800–$2,500
- Annual Cost
- $1,720/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $26,680
Portuguese Water Dog Cost Profile
- Size
- medium
- Lifespan
- 12 years
- Purchase Price
- $2,000–$4,000
- Annual Cost
- $2,290/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $31,680
Bottom Line
Maltese costs $570/yr less than Portuguese Water Dog ($1,720 vs $2,290). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $5,000 difference.