Golden Retriever vs Bernese Mountain Dog: cost, health and care compared
The Golden Retriever and the Bernese Mountain Dog 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
| Golden Retriever | Bernese Mountain Dog | |
|---|---|---|
| AKC group | Sporting Group [2] | Working Group [3] |
| Weight | 65-75 pounds (male), 55-65 pounds (female) [2] | 80-115 pounds (male), 70-95 pounds (female) [3] |
| Height | 23-24 inches (male), 21.5-22.5 inches (female) [2] | 25-27.5 inches (male), 23-26 inches (female) [3] |
| Life expectancy | 10–12+ years [2] | 7–10+ years [3] |
| Energy (AKC rating) | 3 of 5 [2] | 4 of 5 [3] |
| Shedding (AKC rating) | 4 of 5 [2] | 5 of 5 [3] |
| Grooming needs (AKC rating) | 2 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| Good with young kids (AKC rating) | 5 of 5 [2] | 5 of 5 [3] |
| Barking (AKC rating) | 1 of 5 [2] | 3 of 5 [3] |
| AKC popularity, 2025 | No. 3 [4] | No. 20 [4] |
| Health issues to know | Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Cataracts… See health costs | Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Heart disease… See health costs |
| Typical vet bill | $308 – $1,224 (large dogs, median $640) [5] | $308 – $1,224 (large dogs, median $640) [5] |
| Yearly cost estimate | $880–$1,500 [1] | $880–$1,500 [1] |
| Rough lifetime cost | $8,800–$18,200 | $6,100–$15,200 |
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 Golden Retriever health problems and costs and Bernese Mountain Dog 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 Golden Retriever or the Bernese Mountain Dog?
Our yearly cost estimate is the same for both: $880–$1,500.
Which lives longer, the Golden Retriever or the Bernese Mountain Dog?
The AKC gives the Golden Retriever a life expectancy of 10–12+ years and the Bernese Mountain Dog 7–10+ years. Individual pets vary a lot.
What health problems do the Golden Retriever and Bernese Mountain Dog have?
Golden Retriever: Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy and Cataracts. Bernese Mountain Dog: Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy and Heart disease.
Which is better with kids, the Golden Retriever or the Bernese Mountain Dog?
The AKC rates the Golden Retriever 5 of 5 and the Bernese Mountain Dog 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.