Bernese Mountain Dogs, also known as Berners, are indeed wonderful family pets. However, they do come with some hefty costs that contribute to their overall expense. In this detailed answer, I will explain why Bernese Mountain Dogs can be quite expensive to own.
1. Breeding and Health Screening: Responsible breeders put a lot of effort into breeding healthy Berners. They ensure that both the sire and dam are healthy, have good temperaments, and meet breed standards. This involves conducting various health screenings, such as hip and elbow evaluations, eye tests, and genetic testing for common breed-specific health issues. These screenings and certifications often come at a significant cost, which is reflected in the price of Bernese Mountain Dogs.
2. Limited Availability: Bernese Mountain Dogs are not as common as some other dog breeds. They have a relatively small gene pool, which means that finding a reputable breeder who is actively breeding Berners can be challenging. The limited availability of these dogs can drive up the price due to the high demand and low supply.
3. Size and Nutritional Needs: Bernese Mountain Dogs are large dogs and require a considerable amount of food to maintain their health and well-being. Feeding a Berner can be expensive, especially if you opt for high-quality dog food. Additionally, their size also means that they may require larger crates, beds, and other accessories, which can add to the overall cost of owning a Bernese Mountain Dog.
4. Grooming Requirements: Berners have a beautiful, thick double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and free from mats. They shed moderately year-round, with heavier shedding during seasonal coat changes. Professional grooming may be necessary to maintain their coat, which can be costly. Brushing their coat at home is also time-consuming due to its thickness and density.
5. Training and Socialization: While Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and easy to train, they still require proper training and socialization to become well-behaved family pets. Investing in obedience classes or hiring a professional dog trainer can be beneficial in shaping their behavior. These training costs should be considered when calculating the overall expense of owning a Bernese Mountain Dog.
6. Veterinary Care: Like any other dog, Berners require routine veterinary care, including vaccinations, regular check-ups, spaying/neutering, and preventive medications. The cost of veterinary care can add up over the lifetime of the dog, especially considering their potential susceptibility to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, cancer, and bloat.
7. Lifespan and Maintenance: Bernese Mountain Dogs have a shorter lifespan compared to some other breeds, typically around 6 to 8 years. Despite their relatively shorter lifespans, they often require extensive medical care as they age, which can be costly. This includes managing age-related conditions like arthritis, joint problems, and various other health issues associated with larger breeds.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are expensive due to factors such as breeding and health screenings, limited availability, their size and nutritional needs, grooming requirements, training and socialization, veterinary care, and their shorter lifespan. While the initial cost of acquiring a Bernese Mountain Dog may be high, the love, loyalty, and joy they bring to a family can make it all worthwhile for those who are dedicated to their care.