These gentle and very loyal large-breed dogs are the perfect furry friend and a family pet for any Aussie family looking for a cuddle buddy as well as a watchdog. Due to their soft temperament and their high level of obedience, Bernese Mountain dogs, who are originally from Switzerland, are popular all over the world. But how much is this loveable giant going to set you back in price?
If you’re interested in purchasing one of these dogs, here is all you need to know about Bernese Mountain dog prices in Australia.
You can expect to buy Bernese Mountain Dog puppies in Australia from Bernese Mountain Dog breeders for approximately $2,800 to $4,500. However, the cost may vary depending on whether you purchase from an ethical, registered breeder, an unregistered breeder, or adopt from a rescue centre.
We strongly advise against buying from unregistered breeders, as they may not follow responsible breeding practices, which can impact the health and well-being of the puppies. Adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog could cost as little as $200 – $400, which is obviously much cheaper, as well as being a more compassionate option (although it’s rare to find many that are up for adoption).
The price of a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy from a registered breeder in Australia ranges from $2,800 – $4,500. Naturally, prices can vary based on factors such as the breeder’s reputation, the dog’s lineage and bloodline, and current demand. Puppies from imported parents or champion lines may also be priced higher, while puppies registered with official breed clubs (such as the ANKC) may cost more than those without registration.
Adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog from a shelter or rescue organisation in Australia is usually much more affordable than purchasing from a breeder. Adoption fees range from $300 – $400 from a breed-specific rescue, while other non-breed-specific shelters might charge as little as $200 for their adoption fees.
However, it is important to note that Bernese Mountain Dogs are relatively rare in Australian shelters, but organisations like the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Western Australia run rescue and rehoming programs specifically for this breed. So, if you’re unable to find a Bernese Mountain Dog at your local shelter, it’s definitely worth giving this some thought, and while they may request a donation to help cover associated costs, it’s likely to be more affordable than purchasing from a breeder.
The cost of a Bernese Mountain Dog can vary across different factors, including:
You can expect to pay between $2,800 and $4,500 when buying a Bernese Mountain Dog from a registered breeder, while adoption shelters may charge an adoption fee of between $200 and $400. For both, there are other considerations that add to the cost, which we’ll detail below.
Ethical breeders will invest in health testing, proper breeding practices, and high-quality care for their dogs, which, in turn, increases the cost. Likewise, breeders with champion bloodlines or imported dogs tend to charge higher fees, with prices often exceeding $4,000.
Members of reputable breed clubs usually price their puppies at the higher end due to strict breeding standards and health guarantees. For instance, puppies with official ANKC registration often cost $3,500+. Some breeders may also sell puppies as “pet only” with desexing agreements, which may lower the price by $500 – $1,000 compared to dogs with full breeding rights.
A responsible breeder will perform health screening for hereditary diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and degenerative myelopathy. In total, these can add up to $1,000 to the cost.
These costs add to the standard veterinary care costs, which usually include vaccinations, microchipping, and worming, which collectively can come to $300+.
Believe it or not, prices for Bernese Mountain Dogs can also vary based on location and regional availability. For example, more remote locations may have higher prices due to limited availability and transport costs. Likewise, popular breeds tend to be priced higher in cities, especially if demand is strong.
The age of the dog will also play a part in how much it costs, with younger puppies between 8 – 12 weeks usually costing the most, and older puppies or adult dogs of 6 months+ priced lower.
It isn’t only the initial cost of purchase or adoption you need to think about when buying a Bernese Mountain Dog, but also the ongoing expenses of caring for them. Large breeds like this require products that are often more expensive than those for smaller dogs, including:
Dog crate: $150 – $400 for a large breed crate made from strong materials with adjustable dividers.
Dog bed: $80 – $250 for a heavy-duty or orthopaedic giant breed bed.
Dog collar/lead: $30 – $80 for a strong, adjustable collar and lead.
Feeding bowl: $20 – $50 for a heavy-duty stainless steel or ceramic bowl that won’t tip over and break easily.
Dog toothbrush: $15 – $40 for the toothbrush and toothpaste, both of which large breeds need for good dental health.
Dog car harness: $50 + $150 for a crash-tested safety harness suitable for car travel.
Puppy treats: $10 – $40 per month, keeping in mind that treats will be the reward for ongoing training and good behaviour.
Puppy training pads: $25 – $40 per pack for early house training.
Dog shampoo & conditioner: $20 – $60 for a quality product specially formulated for thick, double coats.
Dog nail clippers, brushes & combs: $30 – $100 for specialist grooming tools designed for long-haired breeds.
A Bernese Mountain dog costs about $1500 on average per year to maintain. Here are the costs split up into each part of their lives:
Making sure your puppy comes into a loving family environment also means purchasing some supplies, such as a dog bed, bowls, and toys. Therefore, you can expect to pay anything between $300 and $650 for buying initial goods to make your pup happy.
Since these are big dogs, you can expect to pay quite a bit per year for their food supply. Generally, owners state that they pay between $450 and $650 per year for their dog food and snacks.
Healthcare does vary quite a bit, as the initial year of owning your dog might weigh a bit heavier on your pocket as there are a lot of necessary vaccinations that need to be had. In addition, you might want to get your dog spayed or neutered, which can total about $1000 in the first year and anything between $100 to $800 every following year.
Grooming is definitely where you will be able to save the most money. Naturally, Bernese Mountain dogs do not need to be groomed by a professional, so if you give your dog a little trim at home, you will surely save a lot of money.
Feeding a Bernese Mountain Dog can be a big ongoing expense as their larger size naturally means they need more food. On average, an adult Bernese Mountain Dog needs to eat 10-15kg of food per month (puppies will usually need less), and the daily cost of this will vary depending on the type of diet they’re on:
It is important to note here that the cost of feeding your Bernese Mountain Dog will vary on the quality of food, brand, portion size, and any specific dietary needs. Always consult with your vet or breeder to determine which is the best diet for your dog’s healthy and lifestyle.
Bernese Mountain Dogs often require year-round veterinary care to help maintain and prevent certain issues. The annual cost of this care can range from $800 – $2,500 for routine vet expenses, as detailed below. However, this does not include the costs of treating unexpected health issues or emergencies.
Annual vet checkups: $90 – $150 per visit for a general health assessment, weight check, and advice.
Vaccinations: $100 – $200 per year for core vaccinations, including C5 for parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis, and kennel cough.
Worming and parasite protection: $20 – $50 per month to prevent fleas, ticks, and heartworm.
Dental cleaning (every 1-2 years): $300 – $800 for professional scaling and cleaning under anaesthetic.
Pet insurance: $60 – $150 per month, depending on coverage level, age, breed-specific conditions, and provider.
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a thick, double-layered coat that requires regular brushing and maintenance to prevent matting and excess shedding. Brushing at home 2-3 times per week and bathing every 6-8 weeks can help keep this in check, but you’ll likely also need to use a professional grooming service to manage your dog’s coat, especially during seasonal shedding.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for grooming a large breed like the Bernese Mountain Dog:
Hydrobath prices: $25 – $50 per session for a basic bath, shampoo, and towel or blow dry.
Full groom prices: $100 – $200 per session for a bath, brush-out, nail trim, ear cleaning, and coat trimming.
Face, feet & tail groom prices: $60 – $100 for a light trim around these areas to maintain hygiene and appearance.
Training is important for any breed of dog, but because Bernese Mountain Dogs are highly intelligent, strong, and eager to please, it’s especially important to prevent stubbornness and bad behaviour. Some basic training can be done at home, but it’s also a good idea to enrol your Bernese in a professional training class so they develop good manners and responsiveness.
Here’s an idea of the costs:
Basic obedience training prices: $150 – $300 for a 4-6 week course, which covers basic commands like sit, stay, recall, and leash manners.
Puppy training class prices: $100 – $250 for a 4-6 week course that focuses on socialisation, toilet training, and early obedience.
Specialised training prices (i.e. anxiety, aggression): $100 – $250 per session for one-on-one behaviour modification with a professional trainer.
Before bringing a Bernese Mountain Dog into your home, it’s important you understand the full financial commitment involved in owning this loveable but large breed! It’s easy to think it’s just the initial cost of buying or adoption you’ll need to cover, but you’ll also need to budget for food, veterinary care, grooming, training, and all other ongoing expenses we’ve detailed above to give your dog the best life possible. If you’re ready for the commitment, a Bernese Mountain Dog will be a loyal and loving companion for years to come, but just remember, they have needs that you’ll need to be financially responsible for.
Bernese Mountain dogs are not the cheapest of breeds, but this is mainly due to their size and the amount of food they will munch on throughout one year.
If you feel purchasing a pup is too expensive, you could visit your local animal shelter and consider adopting instead of buying from a newly bred litter, as this might be the better option!
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