Complete 2026 cost breakdown — puppy price, annual expenses, and lifetime estimate based on breed size, coat type, and energy level.
Puppy price
$500–$1,250
From reputable breeder
Annual cost
$1,960
Per year ongoing
Lifetime total
$19,084
Over ~12.2 years
Annual breakdown
Dog food
$270/yr
Based on small breed feeding requirements
Veterinary care
$600/yr
regular energy breeds have typical vet costs
Grooming
$640/yr
long coat requires frequent grooming
Toys & enrichment
$250/yr
Standard toy rotation
Other (misc/insurance)
$200/yr
Training, boarding, pet insurance contributions
Total annual cost
$1,960
* Estimates based on Maltese breed profile (small size, regular energy, long coat). Actual costs vary by location, lifestyle, and individual dog health.
First year
Puppy / adoption fee
Reputable breeder or rescue
$500–$1,250
Initial vet visit
Health check, vaccines, microchip
$150–$300
Spay / neuter
Recommended around 6–12 months
$200–$500
Supplies (one-time)
Crate, bed, bowls, leash, collar, toys
$400–$600
Food (year 1)
Puppy food typically costs more
$270–$324
Training classes
Puppy classes + basic obedience
$150–$400
First year total estimate
$1,820– $3,674
Long-term view
| Year | Annual cost | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (puppy) | $3,360 | $3,360 |
| Year 2 | $1,960 | $5,320 |
| Year 3 | $1,960 | $7,280 |
| Year 4 | $1,960 | $9,240 |
| Year 5 | $1,960 | $11,200 |
| Year 6 | $1,960 | $13,160 |
| Year 7 | $1,960 | $15,120 |
| Year 8 | $1,960 | $17,080 |
| Year 9 | $1,960 | $19,040 |
| Year 10 | $1,960 | $21,000 |
| Year 11 (senior) | $1,960 | $22,960 |
| Year 12 (senior) | $1,960 | $24,920 |
| Year 13 (senior) | $1,960 | $26,880 |
Buy food in bulk
Save $100–300/yr
Subscribe & Save on Chewy saves 5–35% on food orders
Pet insurance
Save $0–5,000/yr
Monthly premiums of $30–80 can save thousands on unexpected vet bills
Rotate toys
Save $100–200/yr
Rotating 8–12 toys keeps novelty high without constant buying
Learn to groom
Save $200–600/yr
Basic grooming at home between professional sessions reduces costs significantly
Preventive health
Save $200–800/yr
Quality food, dental care, and exercise reduce vet costs over a lifetime
Adopt vs buy
Save $1,000–3,000
Rescue or rehoming fees are $50–500 vs $800–4,000+ from breeders
