Bernese Mountain Dog – PetBudget | Pet Costs & Saving Tips

As you are thinking about adopting or buying a Bernese Mountain Dog, you will want to plan your finances so that the pet does not become a financial burden to you or your family later down the line. You should account not just for the price of the dog itself, but also for training cost, food, supplies, vet fees, grooming and other miscellaneous expenses. To help with budgeting as you welcome your new dog into your home, we have designed a cost calculator that will give you an accurate estimate as to how much it would cost to raise a Bernese Mountain Dog. A Bernese Mountain Dog puppy is likely to cost between $675-$1,995 with the average price being $1,200. First-year expenses are around $3,580 and will be about $1,980/year (or $165/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Bernese Mountain Dog is $19,420. These numbers include essentials, such as supplies, training, medical costs, food, treats, grooming expenses, licensing, and microchip. Additionally, you may incur optional costs depending on your lifestyle and personal preferences, such as spaying/neutering your dog, enrolling in a pet insurance plan, hiring a dog walker, or sending your furry friend to a boarding facility. All this could easily bring the total cost of ownership up to the $47,240 to $101,230 range. In practice, where your expenses are likely to fall within that range depends on many factors including the cost of living in your area as well as the quality of products and/or services purchased. Below we will detail these costs, share professional opinions from a licensed veterinarian, a dog trainer, a groomer as well as a dog walker and help you budget and save as you raise your Bernese Mountain Dog. At the very bottom of the article is a cost calculator for you to use. It will generate a much more accurate estimate as to your cost of owning and raising a Bernese Mountain Dog depending on your situation, preferences, and needs. Quick Links The price of Bernese Mountain puppies 80% of the puppies found after reviewing more than 300 ads for Bernese Mountain Dogs from reputable sources like the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind fell within the $675 to $1,995 range. The average cost being $1,200 for puppies under 6 months. For purebred dogs with documents, prices can be as high as $6,500. Puppy CostRangeAverage CostBernese Mountain Dog$675 - $1,995$1,200 Adoption offers a more affordable alternative, with rehoming/adoption fees typically being between $50 and $500, depending on the shelter. You would also be rescuing an abandoned animal, supporting a charity, and breaking the cycle of pet overpopulation. Whether you decide to buy or adopt a Bernese Mountain Dog, make sure to find a reputable breeder or shelter as you want your future dog to have been properly cared for and reduce the chances to get a sick or behaviorally troubled animal. Puppies Price RangeAds Reviewed$200 - $1,000115 $1,001 - $1,800 143 $1,801 - $2,600 38 $2,601 - $3,400 1 $3,401 - $4,200 2 $4,201 - $6,500 3Total 302 This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget's team. "As a veterinarian, I think it is ideal that a Bernese Mountain Dog be either evaluated or tested for the following conditions prior to breeding and throughout their breeding years: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye examination by an ophthalmologist, cardiac evaluation by a cardiologist, degenerative myelopathy (DNA test). Buyers should ask the breeder about health screening tests performed."Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian What supplies do you need for your dog? We have listed all the essential items a new dog owner will probably have to buy and analyzed over 250 best seller prices from Walmart, Amazon, and PetSmart to get an accurate estimate of the cost of supplies. A Bernese Mountain Dog owner should budget between $245 and $925 the first year and $105 to $410 every year after that when it comes to supplies for such a large dog. Prices can vary depending on store, brand, location, and product quality. Supplies PricesRangeAverage CostFood & Water Bowls$10 - $40$20Dog Collars (x2) $10 - $40 $20Leash $10 - $30 $15ID Tag with Phone Number $5 - $20 $10Dog Bed (48" or 60") $30 - $110 $60Dog Crate (48" or 60") $50 - $165 $90Plastic Poop Bags (900-1080) $15 - $110 $55Pooper Scooper $10 - $30 $20House Training Pads (75-100) $15 - $45 $25Stains and Odors Removal Spray $5 - $20 $10Toys $50 - $155 $90First-Aid Kit $15 - $50 $30Brush $5 - $45 $15Shampoo $5 - $20 $10Tooth-brushing Kit $5 - $15 $10Toenail Clippers $5 - $30 $15 A new dog owner will need to buy most items on the list before welcoming the new pet, hence the higher initial investment of $495 on average. After that it will only be necessary to replace or replenish a few things lowering yearly expenses to about $225. This accounts for new toys, changing the bed and replenishing poop bags, shampoo, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Total Supplies CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year$245 - $925$495Subsequent Years$105 - $410$225 Other items are not included in this list. For example, you might consider buying a harness, a muzzle, dog clothing, fences for the yard or add gates inside the house. For a more accurate estimate, you can add these expenses in the supplies section of the cost calculator at the end of the article. A simple way to save a lot on supplies is to buy from previous dog owners on second-hand websites or visit second-hand stores. Do Bernese Mountain Dogs need professional training? Bernese Mountain Dogs are famous for being sociable and highly intelligent creatures. They tend to be obedient, friendly, and warm dogs. Based on her experience as a dog trainer and animal behaviorist, Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., states that private training is not usually necessary for this breed. However, she recommends a few group lessons to cover basic obedience and house manners. These sessions usually range from $150-$200 for five weekly one-hour sessions. Training CostRangeAverage CostBernese Mountain Dog$150 - $200$175 A great way to get ready to welcome a dog into your house is by reading a dog training book beforehand. You can find good inexpensive ones online to find out more about dog behavior and the best ways to interact with them. "Bernese Mountain Dogs are fun, silly and great family dogs. They need lots of exercise and are always ready for an adventure."Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist Medical expenses for a Bernese Mountain Dog According to our consulting licensed veterinarian, Leslie Brooks, DVM, first year medical expenses for a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy should be around $630. Even if the number of visits to the clinic are lower for each year that follows, the cost of medication as the dog gets bigger drives the annual price up close to $750. Spay/neuter and gastropexy procedures will add between $250 and $900 to the medical bills (more details below). Medical CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year Vet Cost$425 - $830$630Spay/Neuter (optional)$50 - $500$275Gastropexy (optional)$200 - $400$300Adult Year Vet Cost$475 - $1,025$750 Vet cost for the first year When it comes to prices, Dr Brooks estimates that a dog owner will pay $65-$170 for each of the three recommended visits for a puppy, with the first one being scheduled at about 8 weeks of age. This will cover the exams, essential vaccines including rabies, the first doses of heartworm and flea prevention as well as a fecal examination. Most of her clients also follow her advice to purchase heartworm and flea prevention medication. They cost $75-$120 and $85-$125 for the rest of the first year. Some dogs may also need additional vaccines depending on activities and lifestyle: Leptospirosis if the dog is exposed to wildlife, goes camping often, hikes, plays in puddles, lakes, or ponds ($15-$25 and sometimes already included in the visit). Influenza if the dog goes to doggie daycare or is kenneled/boarded often and if the daycare or kennels require it due to intermittent influenza outbreaks ($70-$90 for two doses).Lyme, if exposed to ticks often, such as if the dog goes camping or hiking, or lives in a wooded area or on a farm ($60-$80 for two doses). Some owners will also decide to spay/neuter their dog. Vet clinics usually charge $150-$500 to perform this procedure on a Bernese Mountain Dog. It is even possible to find low-cost sterilization clinics that will do it for as low as $50 to $100 depending on your location. Generally, the procedure is more expensive for female dogs (spays). For large, deep-chested dogs like Bernese Mountain Dogs, Leslie Brooks, DVM, also advises performing a gastropexy at the time of their spay or neuter to help prevent the possibility of GDV (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus) later in life. GDV is a life-threatening condition that must be corrected with surgery. A gastropexy procedure typically adds between $200 and $400 to the spay/neuter bill. Bernese Mountain Dog veterinary expenses for the following years Leslie Brooks expects dog owners to bring their adult Bernese Mountain Dog to the clinic for an annual checkup. Yearly visits are usually priced between $125-$265 which includes the exam, vaccines, and a heartworm test (as well as blood work for middle aged and senior dogs to detect any potential issue). Additionally, Dr Brooks suggests continuing flea and heartworm prevention medication, which usually fall in the $125-$250 and $225-$350 ranges respectively for a dog this big. Annual booster shots for the optional lifestyle vaccines presented above will add $15-$45 each to the medical bill. Finally, some dogs may require a fecal examination costing an extra $40-$50. This is mainly if the pet is exposed to wildlife and/or other dogs or shows inconsistent stool quality. Health problems to be aware of Not all Berners will have the following health problems listed by Dr Brooks, but it is important to be aware of them when considering this breed. Health ProblemLikelihoodTreatment Cost EstimateHip DysplasiaHigh$500 - $13,000*Elbow DysplasiaMedium$2,000 - $3,500ArthritisHigh$200 - $500 per monthHistiocytic Sarcoma (cancer)High$1,000 - $8,000Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV)Medium$1,500 - $3,000 * This price range for hip dysplasia is very wide because of the variety of treatment options an owner may pursue. Conservative treatment including pain management and physical therapy is usually the cheapest alternative ($500-$2,500 per year), while total hip replacement costs about $5,000-$6,500 per affected hip. Hip dysplasia can affect dogs as young as 1 year of age. "Aside from the cost of food, the most expensive health-related aspect of having a Bernese Mountain Dog, will be the cost of managing arthritis and joint issues, as well as the potential cancerous conditions they may develop at any point in their life."Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian Dog health insurance One might consider enrolling their dog in a health insurance plan as a safety net against unexpected costs, making budgeting much easier. As per the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry report, the annual price for accident and illness coverage plans round out at about $565. For accident only plans, the average price is $190. Contact pet insurance companies to know more and get a quote. The cost to feed a Bernese Mountain Dog Bernese Mountain Dogs are very large and grow to be 95 lb. on average (usually 70 to 115 lb.). They will need a lot of food and owners can expect to spend $260-$530/year for a puppy and $185-$585/year for an adult dog. In fact, a puppy will eat around 340 lb. of dry food during the first year and adult Bernese Mountain Dogs can be expected to consume about 390 lb. annually, so take this into account to chart out your expenses. These cost estimations were made using prices of some of the most popular brands including Purina, Pedigree and Blue Buffalo. Yearly Food CostRangeAverage CostPuppy$260 - $530$380Adult Dog$185 - $585$345 Most dog owners will also feed their furry friend treats daily. They can be as expensive if not more than dog food itself. Once again, this is based on prices from PetSmart, Amazon, and Walmart best sellers. Treats CostRangeAverage CostYearly Treats$125 - $715$345 Four dog food brands compared The following table compares the price of 340 lb. of puppy dry food from four popular brands. Puppy Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Puppy Chow36 lb.10$27.78 (Walmart)$277.80Purina One - Smart Blend Puppy16.5 lb.21$21.98 (Walmart)$461.58Pedigree - Puppy36 lb.10$25.83 (Walmart)$258.30Blue Buffalo - Puppy30 lb.12$44.08 (Amazon)$528.96 An adult Bernese Mountain Dog owner will need to buy around 390 lb. of dry food every year. Adult Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Dog Chow50 lb.8$22.98 (Walmart)$183.84Purina One - Smart Blend40 lb.10$40.36 (Walmart)$403.60Pedigree - Adult50 lb.8$25.83 (Walmart)$206.64Blue Buffalo - Adult30 lb.13$44.98 (Amazon)$584.74 Additionally, dog food is perishable, but can be stored for extended periods of time. So, consider bulk-purchasing food for your dog to save money. You should also consult with your veterinarian to decide the most appropriate diet for your Bernese Mountain Dog. Example for a more expensive premium brand Royal Canin - Size Health NutritionQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PriceLarge Puppy35 lb.10$73.99 (PetSmart)$739.90Large Adult35 lb.12$68.99 (PetSmart)$827.88 This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food. Grooming budget for a Bernese Mountain Dog Typically, Bernese Mountain Dogs do not require a ton of grooming and maintenance. According to Corryne Smith, certified dog groomer, an owner could reasonably take care to groom this breed at home. The alternative would be to take the dog to a professional groomer. 6 times a year being a reasonable estimate, each session ranging from $60 to $100 depending on the groomer, the services paid for, and the dog itself (size, coat condition, behavior, etc.). Yearly Grooming CostRangeAverage CostBernese Mountain Dog$0 - $600$300 Usually a professional dog grooming session includes a bath and shampoo, nail trimming, teeth brushing, eye and ear cleaning as well as hair removal (if needed), brushing and styling. If you do not want to take your dog to a groomer, a DIY grooming kit is a viable alternative. You can find these for about $75 on amazon or at Walmart and PetSmart (prices found range from $25 to $290). Additional costs to consider Additional CostsRangeAverage CostLicense$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40 Dog Walking (per walk) $15 - $25 $20 Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 License It is recommended to license your dog, as it can be illegal, depending on state regulations, to own an unlicensed dog. Moreover, it makes identification much easier. Licenses usually fall in the $10-$20 range. It could be more expensive if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Microchip Microchips are a great way to identify a dog and are required in many U.S. states. Costs will range from $25-$50. Microchip implants make it easier to identify a lost or stolen animal and quickly notify its owner. They also allow dogs to be on some medical and emergency databases. Dog walking Bernese Mountain Dogs are big, energetic pets and require a fair amount of exercise. If you are unable to cater to its needs and dedicate the time to take your dog outdoors during the day, a dog walker is highly recommended by professionals like Tamaria Reddick. On average, dog walkers will charge $15-$25 for 30-minute walks ($20-$50 for 1 hour), depending on your location, and can be found on apps like Rover and Wag. If you are planning on hiring a dog walker on a regular basis, make sure to include this expense into your budget. An owner might need to pay for private walks if the dog is not well socialized. These are obviously more expensive. Traveling Dog boarding services are a good option in the case of extended travel plans. Budget $25 to $85 a day, depending on location, services offered and time of year. Make sure to book in advance especially during holidays to increase your chances of finding an available spot for your dog and get the best rates. It is not always the easiest thing when it comes to extra-large dogs, but if you are on a tight budget, having friends or family to host your Berner while you are away will help you save. Taking your dog with you is also a possibility, as some airlines and train companies offer this option. Planning is essential as you will have to submit a formal request in advance and availability can be limited. The cost of traveling with your pet will vary depending on so many factors that it is almost impossible to estimate it and can only be calculated on a case by case basis. Yearly and monthly cost for a Bernese Mountain Dog The cost of a puppy during the first year Using the metrics and explanations detailed above, the cost of raising a Bernese Mountain puppy for the first year falls within the $1,915 to $5,865 range, with an average cost of $3,580. Most of this amount will have to be spent before or shortly after welcoming the pup. First Year CostsRangeAverage CostPuppy$675 - $1,995$1,200Supplies$245 - $925$495Training$150 - $200$175Medical$425 - $830$630Food & Treats$385 - $1,245$725Grooming$0 - $600$300License$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40First Year Total$1,915 - $5,865$3,580 The owner's situation and preferences might require him to pay some of the optional expenses listed below. Optional First Year CostsRangeAverage CostSpay/Neuter$50 - $500$275Gastropexy$200 - $400$300Insurance$350 - $780$565Dog Walking (30 minutes per day)$15 - $25$20Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 To illustrate this, the average cost of $3,580 will rise to $9,200 if the dog is spayed/neutered, enrolled in an insurance plan, professionally walked five days a week for forty-two weeks and boarded for seven days during the year. Potential First Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$2,515 - $7,545$4,720With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$5,840 - $13,390$9,200 Yearly and monthly cost of an adult Bernese Mountain Dog for the following years As welcoming a new pet entails initial costs that do not have to be renewed, expenses go drastically down for the following years. In fact, the yearly budget falls between $900 and $3,355 for all the essentials ($75-$280 monthly). Adult Year CostsRangeAverage CostSupplies$105 - $410$225Medical$475 - $1,025$750Food & Treats$310 - $1,300$690Grooming$0 - $600$300License$10 - $20$15Adult Year Total$900 - $3,355$1,980Estimated Monthly Cost$75 - $280$165 This time, the average cost of $1,980 will rise to $7,825 if the owner adds insurance, dog walking services (five days a week for fifty weeks) and dog boarding for seven days during the year. It is a major difference as the average monthly budget for the pet would be $652 instead of $165. Potential Adult Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Insurance$1,250 - $4,135$2,545With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$5,175 - $10,980$7,825 Bernese Mountain Dog total cost of ownership Bernese Mountain Dogs like other larger breeds tend to have a shorter lifespan. They live 9 years on average (usually 7 to 10 years) and so, the total cost of raising them can be placed in the $9,115 to $32,705 range ($19,420 on average). Total Cost of Ownership (9 years)RangeAverage CostBernese Mountain Dog$9,115 - $32,705$19,420 Once again, these amounts can change drastically depending on additional expenses incurred by the owner. Using the scenarios detailed previously we have calculated the total cost of owning a Bernese Mountain Dog in the table below. Potential Total Cost of Ownership (9 years)RangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$12,515 - $40,625$25,080With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$47,240 - $101,230$71,800 Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips. PetBudget Bernese Mountain Dog cost calculator The cost of a Bernese Mountain Dog – A summary in 7 questions 1- How much is a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy? On average a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy will cost $1,200 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $675 and $1,995. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things. 2 – How much are dog supplies? A new owner can expect an initial investment between $245 and $925 in supplies when welcoming an extra-large dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $105 and $410. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality. 3 - Does a Bernese Mountain Dog need training and how much will it cost? Having a Bernese Mountain Dog professionally trained is usually recommended (group training) and should cost around $150 to $200. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience and house manners. 4 - What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Bernese Mountain Dog? Preventive medical care should amount to around $425 to $830 for a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy during the first year and around $475 to $1,025 every adult year. This does not include spay or neuter and gastropexy procedures (usually $150 to $500 and $200 to $400 respectively). 5 - How much food does a Bernese Mountain Dog eat and how much will it cost? A Bernese Mountain Dog puppy will eat around 340 lb. and an adult close to 390 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $260 and $740 for a puppy and $185 to $830 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs. 6 - How often should a Bernese Mountain Dog be professionally groomed and how much will it cost? Grooming a Bernese Mountain Dog is easy enough that most owners should be able to do it themselves. Those who prefer having their dog professionally groomed can expect up to 6 visits to a salon every year. Each session should cost from $60 to $100 depending on the dog and services needed. 7 – Are there any other expenses to expect? In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere. A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans. Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive. A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things. To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog's well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing a Bernese Mountain Dog, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with owning a Bernese Mountain Dog. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision. References and Resources Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal BehavioristCorryne Smith – Dog GroomerTamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet SitterOrthopedic Foundation for AnimalsThe American Kennel ClubNorth American Pet Health Insurance AssociationAssociation of Professional Dog Trainers This article is original content from PetBudget.