Bernese Mountain Dog Price – How Much is This Large & Lovable Pup?
Published: Last updated: by Jessi LarsonLarge and powerful yet calm and good-natured, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a gentle giant with a heart of gold. For many, the Bernese Mountain Dog price is well worth it considering what great pets they make.
But exactly how much does a Bernese Mountain Dog cost?
That answer can vary, of course, but if we examine the initial Bernese Mountain Dog price plus the cost of vet care, food, supplies and more, you’ll have a solid idea. Let’s get started!
The Initial Bernese Mountain Dog Price
The Bernese Mountain Dog price varies, depending on the location and breed. On average, you can expect to pay between $800-$2,000.
According to NextDayPets, the median price for all Bernese Mountain Dogs sold is $1,147.50.
That number increases for dogs with superior lineage. A top-quality dog with exceptional breed lines generally starts at $2,500 and can go as high as $10,000 or even more.
Of course, you can always adopt a Bernese Mountain Dog for much less.
Pet adoption usually ranges from $350-$550 and includes registrations and vaccinations.
You’re providing a home for a dog in need and saving money in the process, so it’s certainly a win-win.
The Cost of Feeding a Bernese Mountain Dog
When looking into the Bernese Mountain Dog price, it’s a good idea to figure out how much food will cost for these big dogs with an even bigger appetite.
Weighing between 80-115 pounds on average, the Bernese Mountain Dog needs hearty meals to keep their energy up.
On average, the Bernese Mountain Dog eats between 4-6 cups of food a day, depending on their size and activity level. Consult with your vet to see what’s right for your dog.
Quality dog food is usually about $2-$3 per pound. Say you get a 30-pound bag for $55. That’s approximately 120 cups of dog food.
Let’s estimate that your Bernese eats 5 cups a day. That means the 30-pound bag would provide 24 days of food. So you’d need to buy about 15 bags of food a year for a total of $825.
And don’t forget about treats. A large breed like this needs a few treats a day to supplement their diet and reward them for good behavior. A bag of quality treats usually costs between $5-$10 and will last a month.
How Much Are Vet Expenses?
Another important factor to note in the Bernese Mountain Dog price is how much vet expenses will cost.
All dog breeds are prone to certain conditions. For the Bernese Mountain Dog, cancer is a major concern. The most common types of cancers for the Bernese are malignant histiocytosis, mast cell tumor, lymphosarcoma, fibrosarcoma and osteosarcoma.
Other issues to look out for are arthritis, hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament rupture.
According to Embrace Pet Insurance, the most common serious issues for the Bernese Mountain Dog and the cost to treat them are:
- Hip Dysplasia – $1,500-$6,000
- Elbow Dysplasia – $1,500 – $4,000
- Aseptic Meningitis – $1,500 – $4,000
- Osteochondrosis – $2,000 – $4,000
Don’t let this list scare you, however. This is just a word of caution about potential concerns and tips to keep your pup in the best health possible.
Consider Other Costs as You Factor out the Bernese Mountain Dog Price
To calculate the full Bernese Mountain Dog price, let’s look at everything else that goes into dog ownership.
First off, there is grooming.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for its gorgeous coat. To keep it looking silky smooth, you’ll need to brush your Bernese frequently and give them regular baths. Both can be done at home.
They will also need regular nail trims, which you can do at home yourself or schedule an appointment for about $10 a session.
Training is also very important. On average, group lessons range from $50-$125 for 4-8 weeks of one-hour sessions.
Fortunately, the Bernese is an obedient breed that’s eager to please, so training should be a straightforward process.
Then there’s the cost of supplies. To start, dogs need a collar, leash, some toys, water and food bowls, a brush and a bed.
To help new dog owners, we’ve compiled a shopping list that notes everything you’ll need for your new bundle of fur.
Your first temptation might be to run to the pet store and buy everything in sight for your new furbaby, but for the sake of your pocketbook, resist the temptation.
In reality, your dog doesn’t need a million new toys, collars for every day of the week or the fanciest dog bed you can find. Buy the basics at first, and then you’ll slowly find out what your dog likes and needs.
In a survey, the American Pet Products Association found that it costs $1,641 per year on average to take care of a dog. This includes veterinary care, food, treats, boarding, grooming, vitamins and toys.
If you can afford the initial Bernese Mountain Dog price plus the ongoing expenses, go for it!
Why Should You Get a Bernese Mountain Dog?
Now that you know the Bernese Mountain Dog price, you may be pondering whether you should get such a dog.
Ask any Bernese parent, and they will enthusiastically tell you to do it.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is what you would call a gentle giant. They are sweet, docile dogs packed into large bodies.
On average, males stand 25-27.5 inches tall and weigh 80-115 pounds, and females stand 23-26 inches tall and weigh 70-95 pounds. Both are squarely built of solid muscle.
Their sturdy size makes sense given their history.
The Bernese Mountain Dog hails from Bern, Switzerland, and is one of four mountain dog breeds developed in the region. Back in the day, the dog was used to pull carts, drove cattle, guard farmyards and serve as a companion.
Despite their strong stature, this is one of the sweetest dog breeds you’ll find. They are affectionate and love their families dearly.
If you have kids in the house, don’t worry – the Bernese is great with little ones and other pets, too.
And who could resist that sweet, adorable face and the silky, tri-colored coat?
Check out the video below for more information about this fabulous breed.
Great Names for Your Bernese Mountain Dog
Does the Bernese Mountain Dog price fit within your budget?
If you said yes, you’re going to need a name for your new dog.
Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place!
First things first, take a look at our guide to Bernese Mountain Dog names. The list has 440+ amazing ideas.
And for even more options try our online name generator. You can sort by your favorite styles and themes.
Easy Tips For Raising a Puppy
Is this your first dog? Or do you need a refresher on how to raise a puppy? Check out our free puppy guide!
You’ll learn all you need to know about getting a new puppy and feel confident about connecting with your new canine.
The puppy guide covers:
1. Deciding to get a new dog
We’ll explore the important questions you need to ask yourself before committing to a new dog. In the end, you’ll walk away with a clear idea of whether you’re ready or not for a pup.
2. Choosing a dog breed
One of the most important first steps is getting a dog breed that’s right for you and your current living situation. Even though you’re leaning toward a Bernese Mountain Dog, it’s a good idea to cover all the bases.
3. New puppy checklist
Once you decide on a dog, do you have everything you need before bringing them home? You’ll find out with this new puppy checklist.
4. Bringing puppy home
Speaking of bringing a puppy home, one of the first experiences your dog will share with you is the car ride home. It can be scary, so we’ll share tips and tricks on how to make it the best experience possible.
5. What to feed a puppy
Once your puppy is at home with you, it’ll be hungry. Especially a big, strong breed like the Bernese Mountain Dog. Find out everything you need to know about feeding your new puppy.
6. Puppy care tips
Find out how to take the absolute best care of your dog. We’ll cover everything from vet appointments to grooming to medications and so much more.
7. Puppy training and socialization
And last but not least is the important topic of training socialization. After all, you want your dog to be well trained and to get along well with humans and other pets.
Getting a New Dog?