As dog lovers who appreciate parenting larger breeds, it is hard to identify anyone who doesn’t crave the Bernese Mountain Dog. If you ask the past and present owners, they will only have one thing to say: owning a Bernese is more than a fascinating experience. The big, fluffy, and smart dog fills your home with warmth and loyalty, and of course, a lot of hair.
However, before bringing home a Bernese mountain dog, there is one question that many people want to know: how much does it actually cost to own one? The Gentle Giant, as referred to fondly by the dog fraternity, may be considered to have a lot of expenses surrounding them. So, let us get on with the exact details on how much it costs to own a Bernese mountain dog. This detailed guide breaks down everything from the initial costs to the annual expenses and even the overlooked hidden costs.
One-time costs, the one you pay before bringing your Bernese home
Even before you bring home your gentle giant, here are a few upfront investments which you should be prepared for, and these are as follows:
Puppy price: A lot depends on the breeder’s reputation, bloodlines, and location. So, you can expect to pay $2,000 – $4,500 from reputable breeders, $4,500 – $8,000+ from champion-line breeders, and if you manage to get one of them from an adoption or rescue shelter, the price would range between $300 – $600, but it is extremely rare. Potential buyers also need to take note of a point.
The Bernese are prone to genetic conditions like hip dysplasia and cancers. Therefore, if you consider buying cheap puppies that aren’t screened for health, it can lead to huge medical bills later. Thus, the bottom line is to pay more up front and spend less on their health-related issues later.
- Home preparations: The items you need to prepare before bringing them home can cost you around $300 to $600. It includes an XXL Bed, large crate, bowls, grooming tools, toys and chews, leash and harness, poop bags, paw wipes, and shampoo. You must also remember that Berners tend to grow rather fast, so you must prepare accordingly for large-sized gear from the start.
- Vet visits and vaccination costs: The initial medical costs would usually include vaccination, deworming, flea/tick prevention, and initial health screenings. All these can cost you from $150 to $350.
- Spaying/neutering: Since the Bernese are larger dogs, the expenses for the operation are higher, and they can range from $250 – $600.
Annual cost breakdown
Now, let us focus on the annual costs that you can expect to pay for the gentle giants. Let us start with their dietary regimen. As the Bernese mountain dogs are heavy, they have high caloric requirements. An adult Bernese would usually intake 4 to 6 cups of kibble every day. They can also be given a mix of kibble and fresh food or a raw diet. Based on this information, you can break down the cost of their food as follows:
- Premium kibble would cost $700 – $1,200 per year.
- $2,000 – $3,000 per year.
- Treats + chews: $150 – $300 per year.
Of course, Bernese mountain dogs are not obsessed with their food, but it is important to feed them quality food that helps them overcome the vulnerability of joint pains and maintain a healthy weight.
Vet costs in the long run
For the Bernese, visits to the vets would be more often compared to other dog breeds. Earlier, you read about their initial health checkup costs. Now, routine yearly vet care can cost anywhere in the range of $200-$400. It includes annual examinations, booster vaccinations, and parasite prevention. Then again, depending on the type of breed, they might have to go through additional treatment like X-rays, supplements, and even surgery if necessary.
For the former checkups, you can expect to spend $200 – $800 annually. For surgeries, the amount can shoot up considerably, $2,000 – $5,000. Well, not all Bernese mountain dogs require such expensive medical care every year. Yet, due to their genetic risks, it is worthwhile to save funds for the unexpected turn of events, health-wise.
Grooming costs
That fascinating or jaw-dropping tri-color coat appears stunning. However, it sheds, and that too heavily, the whole year. Especially, there are a couple of seasons when the shedding is at its peak. Therefore, professional grooming is indispensable for them, and owners need to do it at an interval of every 6-8 weeks. The costs for each session can be within $70 – $120, which sums up to an annual total of $400 – $700.
Training and socialization costs
Bernese mountain dogs are reputed for their gentle and calm nature, and they are always eager to please their owners. But considering their huge size, early training is a must. Typical training costs can be as follows:
- Puppy classes: $120 – $200*
- Basic obedience: **$150 – $300**
- Advanced training or behavior support: **$200 – $600**.
Remember, well-trained Bernese mountain dogs often turn out to be calm and confident adults.
Pet insurance
Considering the healthy vulnerability of the Bernese, pet insurance is highly recommended. If you opt for one (which you should in all probability), the monthly and annual premiums can range from $40 – $80 per month and $480 – $960 annually. Insurance is feasible, as it would cover all its major illnesses, surgeries, and emergencies, and reduce the burden on your pocket.
Miscellaneous annual costs
Although these expenses might appear insignificant, they are recurring ones and must be included in the list. It kicks off with toys and chews, and for it, the annual costs can be $150 – $250, $200-$400 for dental care, and travel expenses can also add up a lot of money.
Is a Bernese mountain dog worth all the expense?
No doubts whatsoever, the Bernese are absolutely worth the expenses mentioned here. The families that are ready to embrace the warmth and loyalty of the gentle giant would feel that the financial aspect is quite appropriate. Precisely speaking, the Bernese has an exhaustive list of good things to count on. To name a few, it will offer endless affection, strong loyalty, gentle companionship, fascinating temperament with the kids, a calm home presence, a deep emotional bond with the human members, and many more. Yes, they aren’t inexpensive when it comes to the cost of their maintenance, but their priceless qualities make it worthwhile.
Thus, if you are ready to handle their grooming needs, their huge size, and their healthcare costs, the Bernese mountain dog can be a rewarding experience for any dog lover. Yes, it is a big responsibility when it comes to owning a Bernese, but at the same time, it is a timeless and beautiful journey that each one in the family would relish their entire life.
Now that you are well-informed about its daily, monthly, and annual costs, it can help you make better choices. Ultimately, it promises to make the bonding happier and, of course, healthier till the day the breed lives with you. If you inquire from the past owners, no one would have a grudge against them. Such is the aura and affectionate nature of the Bernese. If you are craving for a large breed, and have the finances, just go for the Bernese Mountain Dog.