Bernese Mountain Dogs, with their gentle nature and loyalty, are popular family dogs. Originally from Switzerland, these “gentle giants” are known for being both loving and affectionate.
But before you bring one home, it’s important to know that owning a Bernese Mountain Dog is a significant financial commitment. You’ll need to think about much more than just the initial purchase price.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the costs associated with owning a Bernese Mountain Dog. We’ll cover the initial costs of acquiring a puppy, monthly expenses like food and grooming, potential health issues that could lead to vet bills, and some tips for saving money along the way. So, exactly how much are Bernese Mountain Dogs going to cost you?
Initial Costs: Bringing Home Your Bernese
The price of a Bernese Mountain Dog can vary widely depending on whether you adopt, buy from a breeder, or seek out a show-quality dog.
Adoption vs. Breeder vs. Show Quality
Adopting a Bernese from a rescue organization or animal shelter is almost always the most affordable option.
- Adoption: Adoption fees generally run somewhere between $50 and $500 and often include initial vaccinations and spaying or neutering.
- Reputable breeder: Buying a puppy from a reputable breeder will likely cost you between $700 and $2,000. This price reflects the health screenings and pedigree that come with a purebred dog from a known breeder. Do your homework and research breeders carefully.
- Show-quality or champion bloodline puppies: If you want a show dog, be prepared to pay upwards of $5,000.
Initial Setup and Supplies
Before you bring your Bernese Mountain Dog puppy home, you’ll need to buy some essential supplies, including a crate, bed, food and water bowls, a leash and collar, toys to play with, and grooming tools to keep your dog’s coat in good shape.
Expect your initial outlay for these supplies to run somewhere between $250 and $1,000.
Recurring Monthly Expenses: The Ongoing Cost of Care
The purchase price is only the beginning when you’re figuring out how much a Bernese Mountain Dog will cost. You’ll also need to budget for the dog’s ongoing care. Here’s a breakdown of the recurring monthly costs you can expect.
Food
Berners need a high-quality dog food formulated for large breeds. Depending on the brand and the quantity you buy, you can expect to pay $20 to $50 per month or even $60 to $120 per month. A growing puppy has different nutritional needs than an adult dog, so be sure to check with your vet about the best food for your Berner’s age and activity level.
Grooming
Bernese Mountain Dogs have thick coats that require regular grooming. You can learn to do some of the grooming yourself, but most Berner owners also take their dog to a professional groomer several times a year. Professional grooming can cost $60 to $100 per session and usually includes brushing, bathing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. All in all, you can expect to spend $10 to $100 per month on grooming.
Healthcare
Regular vet checkups and preventative care are essential for keeping your Berner healthy. Vaccinations can cost $75 to $100 per cycle. Monthly healthcare costs can range from $175 to $440, depending on where you live and the type of care your dog needs.
Pet insurance is one way to mitigate unexpected medical expenses. Pet insurance can range from $75 to $120 per month.
Berners are prone to certain breed-specific health issues, such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and GDV (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, also known as bloat). Hip dysplasia treatment can cost $500 to $10,000 or more. Elbow dysplasia can cost $2,000 to $3,500. GDV surgery can cost $1,500 to $3,000.
Miscellaneous Costs
Don’t forget to factor in other monthly expenses, such as toys, treats, waste bags, and dog walking or pet sitting services. You’ll probably spend $25 to $50 per month on entertainment and $27 to $50 per month on environmental maintenance.
Don’t forget about unexpected costs
Bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog into your life can be expensive. Here are some unexpected costs you may want to prepare for:
- Emergency veterinary care. Accidents happen, and illnesses can come on suddenly. A trip to the emergency vet can easily cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
- Breed-specific health issues. Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to certain conditions, like hip and elbow dysplasia. Treatment for these issues can be costly and may require surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing medication.
- Behavioral issues and training. Some Bernese Mountain Dogs may develop behavioral problems like excessive barking, chewing, or separation anxiety. Professional training can help address these issues, but it can also be a significant expense.
- Damage to property. Puppies, especially large breeds like Bernese Mountain Dogs, are known for causing damage to furniture and belongings. Be prepared to replace chewed-up shoes, scratched furniture, and other items.
Saving Money on Bernese Mountain Dog Care: Budgeting Tips
Bringing a Berner into your family can be a joy, but it’s important to factor in the ongoing costs of caring for a large breed dog. Here are a few ways to save money without sacrificing your dog’s well-being.
Affordable Food Options
Generic brands can be a good way to save money on dog food, as long as you’re still buying a quality product with the nutrients your dog needs. Read the labels and talk with your veterinarian if you’re unsure. Comparing prices at different retailers and buying in bulk can also lower your costs.
DIY Grooming
Bernese Mountain Dogs have thick coats that require regular grooming. Professional grooming can cost anywhere from $60 to $100 per session, so learning to groom your dog at home can save you a bundle. Invest in quality brushes, clippers, and shampoo to keep your Berner looking and feeling its best.
Preventative Healthcare
The best way to save money on healthcare is to keep your dog healthy in the first place. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent many health issues. Make sure your dog gets regular checkups and vaccinations.
Finding Affordable Pet Care Services
If you need a pet sitter or dog walker, research different providers to find the best prices. Consider subscription services for discounts on regular supplies like food, treats, and toys.
Bernese Mountain Dog Characteristics: Understanding the Breed
Bernese Mountain Dogs are often called “gentle giants” because of their kind and affectionate personalities. They’re usually very loving, patient, and good with kids. They have a moderate amount of energy, so they need a fair amount of exercise. But they can also be stubborn, which means you’ll need to be patient and consistent during training.
A typical Bernese Mountain Dog will weigh between 70 and 115 pounds and stand about 23 to 27.5 inches tall.
Unfortunately, Bernese Mountain Dogs don’t live very long. Their average lifespan is only 7 to 10 years.
Summary
Bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog into your life means planning for initial costs like the purchase price, supplies, and initial vet visits. You’ll also need to budget for ongoing monthly expenses like food, grooming, toys, and routine healthcare. And it’s wise to have some funds set aside for unexpected costs like emergency vet visits or special equipment.
Being financially prepared is part of being a responsible pet owner. But while Bernese Mountain Dogs can be a financial commitment, they offer plenty of rewards, too. Their friendly nature and patience with children make them a good choice for first-time dog owners, and their affectionate personalities mean they’ll quickly become a beloved member of the family.