A Bernedoodle, also called Bernese Mountain Poo, is a cross between two gorgeous dog breeds: Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodles. This designer dog breed is much sought-after due to its endearing temperament and easy trainability.
If you’re considering getting one of these adorable pups with teddy bear curls, Bernedoodle cost may be one factor that’s got you on the fence.
We’ve broken down the average cost of getting a Bernedoodle pup, as well as monthly and yearly costs associated with the care of this sweet-natured dog.
Average Cost of a Bernedoodle Puppy & Subsequent Yearly Costs
The average cost of a Bernedoodle puppy is about $1,075. Some popular breeders in the United States charge upwards of $3,900 for their Bernedoodles as they come with all the health checks.
The annual cost of raising a Bernedoodle is about $2,000. Over the course of your Bernedoodle’s lifetime, you can expect to pay approximately $29,600. As you can see, they aren’t a cheap breed to raise!
Factors That Affect Bernedoodle Price
There are a number of potential things to consider regarding which factors affect Bernedoodles cost. The main considerations are size, geographic location, breeder, and coat color.
Size
You can get Bernedoodle puppies in three sizes: Standard, Mini or Medium, and Micro-mini.
Standard Bernedoodles grow up to 25 inches and 80 lbs. If the poodle parent is small, then you can expect a Mini Bernedoodle or a Toy Bernedoodle. The prices vary greatly for these.
Small or mini Bernedoodles generally cost more than standard-sized Bernedoodles. This is primarily due to the small litter sizes and greater demand.
Geographic Location
Bernedoodles, a mix between Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles, can vary in price based on their geographic location.
For example, a breeder in a rural area with a lower cost of living may be able to sell their Bernedoodles at a lower price compared to local breeders in a metropolitan area with higher costs.
Additionally, demand for Bernedoodles in a certain area may also affect the price. In areas where the breed is more popular, breeders may be able to increase their prices due to higher demand.
Ultimately, it is important for potential buyers to research and compare prices from different breeders in their area to ensure they are getting the best deal.
Coat Color
Coat color is one of the factors that can affect the price of Bernedoodles. The most sought-after and therefore, expensive coat colors are merle, solid black, phantom, and tri-color coat (black, white, and brown).
Solid black Bernedoodles may command a higher price due to their rarer gene combination and striking appearance.
A merle Bernedoodle commands a high price because of the intricacies in the breeding process when dealing with this gene.
On the other hand, Bernedoodles with less desired coat colors such as a sable or a particolored Bernedoodle may be priced lower.
However, it is important to remember that a dog’s worth should not be solely determined by its appearance. Ultimately, the love and companionship a Bernedoodle provides should be the most valuable aspect of ownership.
Breeder
The breeder’s reputation, experience, and breeding practices all play a role in determining the price of a Bernedoodle.
A reputable breeder with years of experience and ethical breeding practices is likely to have a higher price for their Bernedoodles because they are producing high-quality, healthy puppies. They may even offer a health guarantee.
Reputable breeders will generally also perform a standard health test and ensure your pup is up-to-date on vaccines and sterilization before you get the dog.
On the other hand, a less experienced or unethical breeder may have lower prices, but their puppies could potentially have health and behavioral issues.
It is important to do research on the breeder and visit their facilities before making a decision on purchasing a Bernedoodle. Ultimately, it is worth investing in a quality breeder to ensure you are getting a healthy, well-bred puppy.
Adoption
Many rescue homes and animal shelters also keep Bernedoodles. These dogs cost slightly less as the homes only charge an adoption fee. If you’re considering adoption, be sure to check out Doodle Rock Rescue and Pet Finder.
Basic Dog Supplies Cost in the USA
Before bringing home your puppy, be sure to prepare your home for it. By spending time getting everything in order, the first few days of your Cavalier will go much smoother.
Some supplies you’ll want to consider include a collar and leash, a crate, toys, a bed, water, food dishes, grooming supplies, and treats. The total initial cost for these supplies is approximately $200 – $300.
Bernedoodle Training Costs
Dog training can be of different types and each type is priced differently. You can choose from basic puppy training, dog aggression training, advanced training, obedience training, and even service or therapy dog training depending on how you envision your dog’s behavior.
All these training sessions are priced differently and depend upon the dog trainer as well as the area you live in.
A basic one-on-one or private dog training session for Bernedoodles can cost between $25 and $50. Group training sessions are slightly cheaper and cost about $10 to $30 per session. The advantage of group sessions is that your Bernese Mountain Poo will get to interact with other dogs.
However, some puppies tend to get distracted in group sessions which can be a deterrent to training. They may also not get along with other dogs if they haven’t yet been properly socialized.
Some dog owners even go the extra mile and enroll their fur babies in doggy boot camps for exceptionally well-behaved dogs. These include boarding for several weeks and can cost between $500 and $1,250 per week.
Experienced dog owners may not need to invest in training, particularly if they know the basics of obedience training. New dog owners, on the other hand, may lack the experience to train their dog on their own.
Food Costs for Bernedoodles in the USA
Before you buy your puppy food, find out what it was eating in its previous home. A sudden change in diet can cause stomach upset and might even cause your dog to turn up its nose at the new food.
You can feed dry food/kibble, wet/canned food, or freeze-dried food. Some Bernedoodle pups also do well on raw food. Always discuss with your vet the best food for your pet.
Depending on the quality of the dog food you purchase and the size of your pup, you can expect to pay between $66 and $240 per month on dog food for your Bernedoodle.
Medical Costs for Bernedoodles in the USA
In your puppy’s first year, it will need many vaccinations to protect against several canine diseases such as distemper, hepatitis, etc. It may also need some non-core or optional vaccines like Lyme Disease, Kennel Cough, and so on as advised by your vet and depending on risk factors.
In addition to vaccinations, you must also have your Bernedoodle neutered/spayed.
Deworming is another health precaution to take that can help prevent parasitical infestations like giardia, hookworm, tapeworm, etc. Deworming begins when the pup is a few weeks old and continues throughout adulthood. Most vets recommend a deworming schedule which you must follow strictly.
In addition to deworming, your Bernedoodle will also need protection against fleas, ticks, and mites. These tiny external parasites can cause health problems that include intense itching, hair loss, blisters, secondary skin infections, and even diseases like Lyme disease in dogs.
Vaccines
The core vaccines for dogs include those against rabies, canine parvovirus, canine distemper, and canine adenovirus (also known as hepatitis). These diseases can be highly contagious and potentially fatal, making it crucial for all dogs to be properly vaccinated.
Non-core or optional vaccines may also be recommended based on a dog’s individual risk factors and lifestyle. These can include vaccines for Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and kennel cough.
It is important to discuss your dog’s vaccination needs with your veterinarian to ensure they are fully protected against preventable diseases.
You can expect to spend $170 on your pup’s first-year vaccines. The total cost may decrease year after year as boosters may or may not be required depending on the vaccine.
Sterilization
Depending on the age at which you get your Bernedoodle, your pup may already have been spayed or neutered, especially if purchased from a reputable breeder.
In the event that this responsibility is left to you, you can expect to pay between $100 – $500. Spaying a dog is more expensive than neutering as it is a more invasive and involved procedure.
Deworming
The cost of deworming will depend on your vet as well as the type of parasite being treated, in addition to the size of your dog. Given the fact that Bernedoodle puppies vary in size, the cost will also vary. Expect to pay in the $50 – $150 range which includes a fecal test.
Common Health Problems in Bernedoodles
When you buy your Bernedoodle from quality breeders who conduct all necessary health checks on the parent dogs, then your chances of getting a healthy puppy are higher.
Being hybrid or designer dogs, Bernese Mountain Poos are relatively hardy since cross-breeding prevents genetic diseases from being passed down to the pups.
However, Bernedoodles are prone to some health concerns including the following:
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Dogs with hip and elbow dysplasia have a bunny-hopping-like gait. Some lose muscle mass in the thigh region. Others refuse to exercise. Surgery and physical therapies are the only lines of treatment for these painful conditions.
The cost of surgery can be $3,500 per hip to $7,000 or more depending on your dog’s age and overall condition.
Skin issues
Bernedoodles are susceptible to skin issues like allergies and hot spots. The most common allergens in Bernedoodles are wheat, soy, dairy, egg, beef, flea allergy dermatitis, dust, mold, and pollen.
The cost of allergy testing varies from vet to vet.
Additional Costs of Raising Your Bernedoodle
In addition to Bernedoodle food, proper veterinary care, and training costs, there are several miscellaneous costs Bernedoodle parents may incur while raising their pets. These include:
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance can cover most costs and provide you with peace of mind. If your Cavalier is not too old and does not have any pre-existing conditions, then the right plan can cover many unexpected costs.
Some pet parents choose to set aside a small amount of money each month for their Bernedoodle’s old age. However, this may not always be sufficient.
Many good pet insurances cover several unexpected costs and can help you save thousands of dollars on vet bills and unexpected medical expenses.
Pet insurance usually ranges between $15 and $50 per month depending on what is covered.
Boarding costs
In case you decide to leave your pet behind while you travel, you can choose to board it in a pet hostel or hire a dog sitter for it.
Charges for pet hostels are between $30 and $75 per night. Pet sitters charge around $50 per visit depending on the tasks they perform dog walking, litter box cleaning, changing the water, etc.
Dog grooming
Your Bernedoodle dog has a beautiful curly coat type that is prone to tangles and mats. Therefore, regular grooming is a must. You must brush your pet daily and shampoo it monthly.
If you choose to get it professionally groomed, you can expect to pay between $50-$75 for basic grooming packages which include services like nail trimming, bathing, ear cleaning, anal gland expression, etc.
Professional dog grooming is often a monthly expense.
Pet walking
All dogs need daily exercise to stay mentally and physically fit, so you need to exercise your dog three times a day (at least) for 30 – 60 minutes each. Without exercise, this energetic dog can get restless or even destructive with its hybrid vigor.
If you do not have the time to walk your pet every day, you can hire a dog walker. This service costs between $20 to $50 per walk at 30-60 minutes depending on your city and whether you prefer private or group walks for your Bernedoodle.
Many dog walking services offer discounts for weekly or monthly walking bundles.
Summing Up – How Much Does a Bernedoodle Cost?
Owning a Bernedoodle is a huge commitment. As a pet parent, you must be committed to being able to cover the cost of keeping your pet healthy and happy.
First-year cost
For a large dog like Bernedoodle, the cost of ownership in the first year is about $2,975. This includes medical costs like vaccinations, deworming, health tests, and supplies such as dog toys, dog beds, bowls, etc. It also includes food costs.
We did not include sterilization in the first year costs, as this is usually included depending on the quality breeder or adoption agency.
We also did not include dog training in the initial cost, as this is strictly optional. Your first-year costs will increase if you need these services for your Bernedoodle puppy as well.
Annual costs
Yearly bills of keeping a Bernedoodle include medical costs of about $600. If you purchase your pet from a good breeder, it might run into fewer health issues. However, it will still need vaccinations and routine checks.
Annual costs also include dog food and treats which can cost as little as $790 per year and up to $2,880 per year depending on the quality of food you purchase. Thus, the annual cost of raising a Bernedoodle average out to approximately $2,000 per year if you get middle-of-the-road dog food.
Lifetime
Depending on all the choices you make for your pet, costs can add up quickly. If you bring home your Bernese Mountain poo at puppyhood, then expect to pay between $20,000 and $40,000 over its lifetime. This estimate is based on the 12 – 18 year lifespan of Bernedoodles.
Don’t fret! You can always avoid certain expenses like professional grooming, pet boarding, dog-walking, etc. if you opt to do these things yourself.
Remember – once you hold this ball of fur in your arms, you’d want to pay any amount to keep it happy and healthy!
