Bernese Mountain Dogs can cost between $800 and $2,000 as they are a rare dog breed. They have a mild temperament, making them popular dog companions and high in demand. However, they require a lot of food and regular grooming, which means their monthly costs can easily reach $200 to $400.
How Much Does A Bernese Mountain Dog Cost Per Year?
Bernese Mountain Dogs cost about $800 to $2,000.
This makes Bernese Mountain Dogs some of the most expensive dogs out there. Due to their rarity and niche demand, some can sell for as high as $10,000.
Here are a few of the main reasons why Bernese Mountain Dogs are so expensive.
Bernese Mountain Dogs Are Rare
While mountain dogs like the Bernese breed have become more and more common in the United States and Europe, they are still relatively rare. It is challenging to find purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs without placing special orders with breeders. The harder they are to find in your area, the more you are likely to pay to have one of these beauties in your home.
Gentle Giant Vibe
For a long time, tiny dogs have been trendy in dog lover circles. However, the tide changes with more people showing interest in gentle giant breeds. The Bernese Mountain Dog has benefited from this growing trend. Their steadily increasing demand is another primary reason why they are so popular.
Versatility
Bernese Mountain Dogs are great for many things. They can be good at being guard dogs, herding dogs, and general outdoor companions. They are also good family pets. This versatility makes them high in demand and, therefore, pricey.
Good-Natured Personality
Bernese Mountain Dogs are good family pets mainly due to their good-natured personalities. With early socialization, they are very friendly and affectionate. They are also quite gentle and tolerant of handling by children and other smaller pets.
How Long Does A Bernese Mountain Dog Live?
Like most large and giant dog breeds, the Bernese Mountain Dog has quite a short lifespan of only 6 to 9 years.
By providing them with a good diet, plenty of exercises, and regular grooming, you can help extend their lifespan.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are happiest in cold weather and do not physically or mentally well in hot weather. It is also vital to invest in their health by taking them for regular vet visits. In this case, there are some conditions you need to be aware of.
Cancers
These are the leading causes of death in Bernese Mountain Dogs. They include skin tumors, cancers of the blood cells, and other diseases. Unfortunately, most of these diseases occur in old age and lead to a long and happy life for the dog.
Hip Dysplasia
Some Bernese Mountain Dogs suffer from hip dysplasia, a disease where the hip socket does not develop normally. Hip dysplasia can lead to arthritis, making the dog’s life harder.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive Retinal Atrophy can lead to blindness over time. However, some supplements and medications can help slow down the progression of the disease and give your dog a good quality of life.
Hypoadrenocorticism
Hypoadrenocorticism is a condition that is caused by low levels of hormones in the adrenal gland. Such a lack of hormones affects electrolyte levels, which can cause problems with the kidneys, muscles, and overall health of dogs. Regular vet visits can help you catch early symptoms of this condition to get your dog the treatment they need before it gets too bad.
How To Take Care Of Bernese Mountain Dogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs are not too hard to take care of. You have to understand their needs and meet them as best you can. To help you out, here is a list of some of the most critical care aspects when it comes to giving a Bernese Mountain Dog a good home.
Get The Right Quality And Quantity Of Food
The best dog food to feed a Bernese Mountain Dog is anything that is rich in calories and nutrients and comes from natural ingredients. We strongly recommend Pet Plate meal plans for this.
The best part of the Pet Plate meal plan is that each meal plan is customized specifically for your dog based on its breed, age, weight, and any health issues.
Supplement The Diet With Multivitamins
These are big dogs that need good food. But even good food may not be enough. You should also give them multivitamin supplements to make sure they are healthy in all ways.
Watch Their Portions
Bernese Mountain Dogs are massive, active dogs, so they have quite an appetite. They should eat between 3 and 6 cups of food every day. But it is always best to talk to your vet about how much your dog should eat, especially if your dog is sick or has weight problems.
Keep The Doggy Cool
Bernese Mountain Dogs have very thick coats, which help keep them warm in cold weather. However, when it gets too hot, they can become uncomfortable. During these hot summer seasons, it is vital to keep them cool. One way to do this is by setting up a shady dog house for them to lounge in outdoors. Another way is to teach them how to swim.
Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Good With Cats? Temperament Of Bernese Mountain Dogs
Many people are afraid of big dogs like the Bernese Mountain Dog. They think the dog will be too big and scary. But don’t worry! These dogs are gentle giants. They are known for being good with other pets and very friendly.
Obedient
Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and obedient, making them easy to train. If you want to have a professional train your dog, it will cost about $400. However, there are less expensive options that can be just as effective. The Brain Training for Dogs system is a great way to train your dog independently, and it is very affordable.
Affectionate
These furry balls are as loving as it gets. They love to cuddle and be around their favorite human companions. With socialization, they may also be affectionate and clingy with strangers.
Social
Bernese Mountain Dogs were initially bred to scare away predators. But now they have a really friendly personality. They are good with other pets and strangers, too, especially if they start socializing when they are young.
Gentle
They don’t call Bernese Mountain Dogs gentle giants without a good reason. These dogs are quite tolerant of handling by young children. This makes them ideal family pets in homes with little ones.
Protective
Bernese Mountain Dogs are called gentle giants for a reason. They are very tolerant of being handled by young children, making them perfect family pets for homes with little ones.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Shed? Grooming Tips For Bernese Mountain Dogs
The average yearly maintenance cost for a Bernese Mountain Dog is about $825. This cost mainly goes towards grooming, ranging from $85 to $100 per session.
Grooming is necessary for this dog breed because they have a thick coat that sheds a lot and can be challenging to manage without the right tools. However, you can quickly do much of this grooming at home with simple steps and tips.
Brushing On A Regular Basis
Bernese Mountain Dogs shed a lot of fur. Long fur can get tangled, so it’s important to brush them 3 to 4 times a week. This helps remove loose fur and also prevents mats from forming.
Bathing Once A Month
Despite their very thick coats, Bernese Mountain Dogs do not stink any more or less than your regular dog. However, if they are not cleaned regularly, they can start to smell bad. It is good to shower them once every month or two, especially if they have fleas.
Dental Hygiene
You can keep your dog’s teeth clean by investing in hard chew toys. Dogs will chew on the toy, and their teeth will be cleaned and prevent tartar from building up.
Related Questions
What kind of dog is a Bernese Mountain Dog? Bernese Mountain Dogs come from the Sennenhund family of dogs from the Swiss Alps. They were primarily used as cattle dogs to guard and guide herds in the Swiss Alps.
Should I Get A Male Or Female Bernese Mountain Dog? Male Bernese Mountain Dogs are more popular, but it ultimately comes down to what you prefer. Male Bernese Mountain Dogs are friendlier and more clingy towards their family and strangers when socialized. They are also more loyal. Female Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to be more independent and reserved but need early socialization to get used to even family members.
Is A Bernese Mountain Dog A Good Family Dog? The Bernese Mountain Dog is a good family dog. They are intelligent, social, and very loyal, making them easily fit into any family dynamic. They also get along very well with children and other pets and are, therefore, fantastic for such homes.
