Few sights in the dog world are quite as striking as a well-groomed Maltese — a pure-white, silky-coated lap dog of ancient heritage that seems to float rather than walk. The Maltese is one of the world’s oldest toy breeds, with a documented history spanning 2,000 years, and it has found a devoted following in India’s growing premium small-dog market. If you are searching for the Maltese dog price in India in 2026, this guide provides current, accurate information on pricing, costs, temperament, and everything that makes the Maltese a genuinely special breed.
Maltese popularity in India has grown steadily through 2024 and into 2025-2026, particularly among apartment-dwelling urban professionals and seniors who appreciate a gentle, companionable, low-exercise dog with an elegant appearance. Their non-shedding coat also makes them a popular choice for mild allergy sufferers.
| Attribute | Details |
| Breed Name | Maltese |
| Origin | Malta / Mediterranean (ancient breed) |
| Size | Toy: 3–4 kg, 20–25 cm |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Temperament | Gentle, playful, affectionate, fearless, lively, can be stubborn |
| Coat | Long, silky, pure white single coat — low-shedding but HIGH grooming requirement |
| Price Range (2026) | Rs. 30,000 – Rs. 80,000 |
| KCI / Show Quality | Rs. 50,000 – Rs. 80,000+ |
| Monthly Maintenance | Rs. 5,000 – Rs. 12,000 (grooming is a major recurring cost) |
| Best For | Apartment owners, seniors, mild allergy sufferers, calm households |
| Climate Suitability | Moderate — single silky coat is better than double coats in India’s heat |
About the Maltese
The Maltese is one of the most ancient companion dog breeds in existence, with documented history from Ancient Greece and Rome. Aristotle mentioned a breed from Malta called “Canis Melitaeus” in the 4th century BC, and Maltese-type dogs appear in ancient Greek and Roman art. The breed was a favourite among aristocratic women throughout European history.
In India, the Maltese has established itself among urban buyers seeking a premium small companion breed. Their pure-white, silky coat and gentle temperament create strong visual and emotional appeal. As of 2025-2026 KCI data, the Maltese ranks among the top 15 most registered toy breeds in India, with significant concentrations in Maharashtra, Delhi, and Telangana.
Maltese Price in India 2026 — City-Wise Breakdown
Maltese are available in India but remain a premium purchase due to their relatively small breeder community and specialised grooming requirements. Prices below reflect reputable breeder rates as of early 2026.
| City / Category | Min Price (INR) | Max Price (INR) |
| Delhi / NCR | Rs. 35,000 | Rs. 70,000 |
| Mumbai | Rs. 40,000 | Rs. 75,000 |
| Bangalore | Rs. 32,000 | Rs. 65,000 |
| Hyderabad | Rs. 30,000 | Rs. 60,000 |
| Chennai | Rs. 28,000 | Rs. 58,000 |
| Kolkata | Rs. 28,000 | Rs. 55,000 |
| Pune | Rs. 32,000 | Rs. 65,000 |
| Ahmedabad | Rs. 28,000 | Rs. 55,000 |
| Tier-2 / Tier-3 Cities | Rs. 22,000 | Rs. 45,000 |
| KCI Registered / Show Quality | Rs. 50,000 | Rs. 80,000+ |
Pure white coat is the breed standard — any cream, lemon, or tan markings are technically a fault, though pet-quality Maltese with slight colouring may be available at reduced prices. Maltese-Poodle (“Maltipoo”) crosses are also sold in India — ensure you are purchasing a purebred Maltese if that is your intention.
Temperament & Suitability
The Maltese is a gentle, affectionate companion that adapts beautifully to apartment life. They are playful without being boisterous, lively without being high-energy, and deeply bonded to their owners. They love to cuddle, enjoy being carried, and thrive on human attention — they do not do well when left alone for extended periods and are prone to separation anxiety.
Despite their delicate appearance, Maltese have a surprisingly bold and confident personality. They are not typically timid or anxious with strangers (with proper socialisation) and can be feisty with larger dogs that they perceive as a threat — their size does not intimidate them in the least.
Maltese can be somewhat difficult to housetrain — patience and consistency are key. They respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy learning tricks. Their intelligence makes them trainable with the right approach, though their occasional stubborn streak requires patient persistence.
Factors That Affect the Price
- Coat Quality & Colour: Pure brilliant white with silky texture commands highest prices; any discolouration reduces show value
- Size: Very small Maltese (under 2 kg) may be marketed at premium prices but face greater health risks
- Bloodline & KCI Registration: Show-quality from champion lines start at Rs. 50,000+; documentation is critical for purity verification
- Breeder Reputation: Specialised Maltese breeders with health-tested parents and proper grooming maintenance are rare — worth paying for
- Gender: Females Rs. 5,000–Rs. 10,000 higher
- Mixed Breeds Risk: Maltipoos and other Maltese crosses are sometimes sold as purebred Maltese — always verify pedigree
Health & Lifespan
Maltese are generally a healthy, long-lived breed (12–15 years), but have specific health concerns. Patellar luxation (slipping kneecap) is common in toy breeds. Dental disease is almost universal — their small mouths create severe crowding, and professional dental cleaning at least once annually is essential. Heart disease (mitral valve disease) becomes significant from middle age onward — annual cardiac auscultation is recommended from age 5.
The Maltese single coat, while low-shedding, stays white only with regular grooming. In India’s humid climate, tear staining (reddish-brown staining around the eyes) is a common and persistent issue, caused by porphyrin in tears oxidising on the white coat. Daily wiping of the eye area with pet-safe wipes, combined with ensuring clear tear ducts, helps manage this. Diet changes can also reduce tear staining in some individuals.
Monthly Maintenance Cost in India (2026 Estimate)
- Premium Toy Breed Dog Food: Rs. 1,500 – Rs. 3,000 (quality nutrition essential for coat health)
- Professional Grooming: Rs. 1,200 – Rs. 2,500 per session; every 4–6 weeks
- Home Grooming Supplies (brushes, wipes, grooming products): Rs. 600 – Rs. 1,200/month
- Veterinary / Dental Care: Rs. 7,000 – Rs. 18,000 annually
- Vaccinations & Preventives: Rs. 1,500 – Rs. 3,500 annually
- Total Estimated Monthly Cost: Rs. 5,000 – Rs. 12,000
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the Maltese dog price in India in 2026?
Ans: Maltese prices from reputable breeders in India in 2026 range from Rs. 28,000 to Rs. 75,000 for pet-quality puppies. KCI-registered show-quality Maltese start at Rs. 50,000. Be careful of Maltipoo or other crossbreeds being sold as purebred Maltese — always request pedigree documentation.
Q2. Are Maltese hypoallergenic?
Ans: Maltese are often described as low-allergen dogs because they have a single coat (no undercoat) and shed very little. This reduces the quantity of dander-coated shed hair in the environment. However, no dog is truly hypoallergenic — dog allergies are triggered by proteins in saliva and dander, not just hair. Maltese are a reasonable choice for mild allergy sufferers but should not be presented as risk-free for severely allergic individuals.
Q3. How do I manage tear staining in a white Maltese in India?
Ans: Tear staining is a common challenge for Maltese owners in India’s humid climate. Daily management includes wiping the eye area morning and evening with pet-safe wipes, ensuring the eye corners are clear of debris, using stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls (plastic can cause staining), and consulting a vet about whether tear duct blockage is contributing to excessive tearing. Diet changes (eliminating certain food dyes and additives) also help in many cases.
Q4. How much grooming does a Maltese require?
Ans: Maltese grooming is significant and ongoing. The long show coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting, professional grooming every 4–6 weeks for trimming and bathing, and daily eye-area cleaning. Many Indian Maltese owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” which reduces daily brushing time but still requires professional trimming every 6–8 weeks. Grooming costs should be factored as a recurring Rs. 1,200–Rs. 2,500 monthly expense.
Q5. Is a Maltese suitable for senior citizens in India?
Ans: The Maltese is one of the most suitable breeds for senior citizens. Their small size means they are easy to handle, their exercise requirements are modest (20–30 minutes of gentle daily walking), they are gentle and non-boisterous, and their affectionate nature provides genuine companionship. The primary challenge for seniors is the significant grooming requirement — arranging regular professional grooming is essential.
Conclusion
The Maltese brings 2,000 years of refined companion dog breeding into your Indian home — gentle, affectionate, low-shedding, and elegantly beautiful. In 2026, the Maltese price in India reflects both its quality and the specialised care its distinctive coat requires. For apartment-dwelling owners who commit to regular professional grooming, annual dental care, and the attention this breed craves, the Maltese offers a lifetime of devoted, serene companionship that has charmed royalty and commoners alike for millennia.