With their fluffy, teddy-bear-like appearance and playful nature, a Bernedoodle might be the perfect pet for your home. But are you financially prepared to take on the responsibility of owning one? From the purchase price to vet bills, food, grooming, and more, Bernedoodles come with a big annual bill, and to help you decide whether or not you’re able to cover it, we’ve put together everything you need to know about the costs of Bernedoodle ownership.
The first cost you’ll need to think about is actually paying for your pup, and the price of this will vary depending on where you buy them from. For instance, Bernedoodles from registered breeders can cost between $3,000 and $5,000, while adopting a Bernedoodle through a shelter will come at a much lower price of around $150 – $500 in fees.
Occasionally, you might see Bernedoodle puppies listed for a lot less, but if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. These puppies are usually being sold by unregistered breeders and puppy farms, who often cut corners on health testing and breeding standards, which can lead to issues later in life. So, stick with a registered breeder or a trusted rescue group.
If you’ve decided buying a Bernedoodle from a registered breeder is the route you want to take, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,000. There are several things that determine the price, which we’ll explore in more detail later, but these include lineage, coat colour, and even the breeder’s reputation.
Adopting a Bernedoodle is a more budget-friendly option, with fees usually ranging from $150 to $500, and this covers the costs of vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing, potentially saving you more money. However, since Bernedoodles aren’t very commonly found in shelters, there is the added challenge of finding one in the first place, but you can increase your chances by registering with breed-specific shelters like Bernedoodle Rescue Rehoming Shelter.
From what we’ve detailed above, it’s clear that Bernedoodle prices aren’t a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. But why is that? Well, there are actually a few factors that influence the cost, including:
One of the biggest factors affecting the price of a Bernedoodle puppy is its lineage. If the parents come from strong, healthy bloodlines, especially if they have a history of showing or therapy dog use, the cost will be higher. Likewise, multigenerational Bernedoodles that have been bred for coat consistency, temperament, and health are also usually more expensive.
Not all Bernedoodle coats are the same, and some have straight fur, while others have way or curly coats. Curlier coats are the most sought-after as they have hypoallergenic properties, but this demand means higher prices, and you can expect to pay towards the higher end of the $3,000 – $5,000 price range for this coat type. Then, there’s the colour of the coat, and tri-coloured Bernedoodles (black, white, and rust) usually come with a higher price tag. This, much like the type of coat, is because they’re more in demand than solid or two-tone colours.
Bernedoodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Size also affects the price, and the smaller the Bernedoodle, the more expensive it tends to be, as breeding requires careful selection to maintain good health and proportions. And, as always, demand affects the price, as Toy and Miniature Bernedoodles are more sought after than their Standard counterparts, pushing the price towards the $5,000 mark.
It’s not just the Bernedoodle’s size, coat, and lineage that make up the price – the role the breeder plays will also affect it. Experienced breeders who prioritise the health of their puppies and parent dogs by conducting health screening and following ethical breeding practices will charge more. This is because the costs of these things need to be picked up in the price of the puppies, and the more health screenings and care the puppies have received in their early years, the higher the price will be. What this does mean, however, is that you can rest assured your pup has had the best start in life and is unlikely to suffer from genetic disorders further down the line.
That’s the purchase price covered. But what about the costs of the essential items your Bernedoodle needs to live a happy, comfortable life in your home? Here’s what you’ll need to pick up before they arrive and the average prices:
There are also ongoing maintenance costs you’ll need to cover when you own a Bernedoodle, which is something else to consider before deciding if this is the right breed for your home and budget.
Bernedoodles love their food, and the amount they need to eat each day depends on their size and weight. For example, adult Toy Bernadoodles should weigh around 5kg – 10kg and eat 100g – 250g per day, while a Standard Bernadoodle should weigh about 35kg and eat 400g – 600g per day. With this in mind, the cost of feeding them can vary quite a bit, so we’ll use a Standard Bernadoodle as an example, and across the diets listed below, you can expect to spend between $60 and $360 each month on dog food.
It is important to note here that these prices are very much estimates, and the amount you’ll actually spend will vary depending on the brand you choose and your dog’s personal feeding needs. Speak to your vet for the best advice.
It’s easy to think that you only need to take your Bernadoodle to the vet if they become ill, but there are necessary routine procedures they need to stay healthy all year round. Here’s what you can expect to pay for preventative care:
Even though you’ll need to invest in a good set of grooming tools and brush regularly at home, Bernadoodles have thick coats that need regular professional maintenance to stay healthy. The cost of this varies between services as such:
You want your Bernedoodle to be as well-behaved as possible, and this means taking them to training classes where they’ll learn all they need to know to be an upstanding member of society! However, this also comes with a cost, and you can expect to pay:
There’s no denying that Bernedoodles are an investment, both financially and in terms of time and care. So, before you commit to bringing this lovable breed into your home, make sure you’re able to meet their needs throughout the course of their 10 to 12-year lifespan. If you feel you’re able to, you’ll be getting a devoted and affectionate companion who will bring you endless amounts of joy for years to come.
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