Maltese vs Rat Terrier Cost Comparison 2026
Maltese costs $1,720/yr vs $1,120/yr for Rat Terrier. Over a lifetime: $26,680 vs $19,320. Here's where the money goes.
Maltese
$26,680
lifetime (14 yrs)
Lifetime Difference
$7,360
Rat Terrier costs less
Rat Terrier
$19,320
lifetime (16 yrs)
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Maltese | Rat Terrier | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $800–$2,500 | $300–$800 | Rat Terrier |
| Annual Food | $220 | $200 | Rat Terrier |
| Routine Vet Care | $450 | $380 | Rat Terrier |
| Grooming | $480 | $40 | Rat Terrier |
| Pet Insurance | $24–$50/mo | $18–$42/mo | Rat Terrier |
| Supplies & Training | $230 | $220 | Rat Terrier |
| Total Annual Cost | $1,720 | $1,120 | Rat Terrier |
| Lifetime Cost | $26,680 | $19,320 | Rat Terrier |
Maltese Cost Profile
- Size
- small
- Lifespan
- 14 years
- Purchase Price
- $800–$2,500
- Annual Cost
- $1,720/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $26,680
Rat Terrier Cost Profile
- Size
- small
- Lifespan
- 16 years
- Purchase Price
- $300–$800
- Annual Cost
- $1,120/yr
- Lifetime Total
- $19,320
Bottom Line
Rat Terrier costs $600/yr less than Maltese ($1,120 vs $1,720). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $7,360 difference.