Bernese Mountain Dog vs Saint Bernard: cost, health and care compared
The Bernese Mountain Dog and the Saint Bernard side by side: size, care needs, health issues and what each costs to keep.
Last updated: October 2026 · 6 sources · see sources
Side by side
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Saint Bernard | |
|---|---|---|
| AKC group | Working Group [2] | Working Group [3] |
| Weight | 80-115 pounds (male), 70-95 pounds (female) [2] | 140-180 pounds (male), 120-140 pounds (female) [3] |
| Height | 25-27.5 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female) [2] | 28-30 inches (males), 26-28 inches (female) [3] |
| Life expectancy | 7–10+ years [2] | 8–10+ years [3] |
| Energy (AKC rating) | 4 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Shedding (AKC rating) | 5 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Grooming needs (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 2 of 5 [3] |
| Good with young kids (AKC rating) | 5 of 5 [2] | 5 of 5 [3] |
| Barking (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 1 of 5 [3] |
| AKC popularity, 2025 | No. 20 [4] | No. 63 [4] |
| Health issues to know | Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Heart disease… See health costs | Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Inherited eye disease, Heart disease… See health costs |
| Typical vet bill | $308 – $1,224 (large dogs, median $640) [5] | $350 – $1,373 (giant dogs, median $607) [5] |
| Yearly cost estimate | $880–$1,500 [1] | $880–$1,500 [1] |
| Rough lifetime cost | $6,100–$15,200 | $7,000–$14,800 |
About the cost numbers
The yearly estimate starts with the ASPCA's yearly cost of care and, at the high end, adds one typical vet bill for the breed's size. [1] The lifetime figure is that yearly range times the life expectancy. It is simple math on sourced numbers, before inflation and before any major illness, not a quote.
For each breed's health risks and what they cost to treat, see Bernese Mountain Dog health problems and costs and Saint Bernard health problems and costs.
Insurance and savings
Breed matters less than timing for insurance. The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in 2025. [6] Conditions found before you enroll are usually excluded, so many owners sign up while their pet is young. Some prefer a savings fund instead; see insurance vs savings.
Common questions
Which costs more, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Saint Bernard?
Expect to spend a bit more each year on the Bernese Mountain Dog ($880–$1,500 vs $880–$1,500), mostly because bigger dogs have bigger vet bills.
Which lives longer, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Saint Bernard?
The AKC gives the Bernese Mountain Dog a life expectancy of 7–10+ years and the Saint Bernard 8–10+ years. Individual pets vary a lot.
What health problems do the Bernese Mountain Dog and Saint Bernard have?
Bernese Mountain Dog: Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy and Heart disease. Saint Bernard: Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Inherited eye disease and Heart disease.
Which is better with kids, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Saint Bernard?
The AKC rates the Bernese Mountain Dog 5 of 5 and the Saint Bernard 5 of 5 for being good with young children. Training, supervision and the individual dog matter more than the breed average.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.