Bernese mountain dog at a glance
| Adult weight | 35 to 50kg |
|---|---|
| Size | Giant |
| Typical lifespan | About 8 years |
| Grooming | Brushing at home; no regular groomer |
| Health | Well-known breed health problems |
A short life for the breed, and a high risk of cancer, so the vet fee limit matters.
What a Bernese mountain dog costs
| First yearIncluding a £1,000 puppy, kit, vaccinations, spaying and training | £4,372 |
|---|---|
| Each year after | £2,452 |
| A month, after year one | £204 |
| Over about 8 years | £21,536 |
| With a dog sitter 3 days a weekAt £90 a week | +£4,680 a year |
These assume a girl puppy, about £76 a month of mid-range dry food for a 42.5kg adult, a week of kennels a year and no daycare. The calculator above shows every line.
Health problems to know about
Bernese mountain dogs are known to be prone to:
- Cancer
- Hip and elbow problems
- Bloat (a twisted stomach)
Ask the breeder for health test results for both parents. Not every Bernese mountain dog will have these problems, but they’re why insurance matters: a long-term condition can cost hundreds or thousands of pounds a year.
Insuring a Bernese mountain dog?
Look for lifetime cover with at least £9,000 a year for vet fees, and check what it says about cancer.
Compare dog insuranceWe may be paid if you use this link. It never changes our sums.
Next steps
- Check which insurance a Bernese mountain dog needs
- See how big your Bernese mountain dog puppy will get
- Work out how much to feed a Bernese mountain dog puppy
- Check a Bernese mountain dog breeder before you pay a deposit
Questions
How much does a Bernese mountain dog cost a month?
About £204 a month after the first year, for insurance, food, flea treatment, grooming, boosters and small vet bills. Daycare or a dog sitter is extra.
How much does a Bernese mountain dog cost in the first year?
About £4,372, including a £1,000 puppy price, kit, vaccinations, spaying, training, insurance and food. Breeders’ prices vary a lot, so put in yours.
How much is insurance for a Bernese mountain dog?
Our starting figure is £75 a month for lifetime cover for a young Bernese mountain dog, but quotes vary with where you live and the policy. Look for a vet fee limit of at least £9,000 a year.
How long do Bernese mountain dogs live?
About 8 years on average.
Rottweiler £2,548 a year
Great Dane £2,752 a year