Bernedoodles, a cross between Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs, are easily some of the most popular dogs in the country. They join other “doodle” breeds, including Goldendoodles and Labradoodles, as some of the most loving, gentle, and playful dogs in the world.
Because of their many good qualities and few negative ones, Bernedoodles come at a high price tag. You can pay anywhere from $500 to $5,500 for a Bernedoodle, depending on the breeder, color pattern, type of coat, and a few other factors.
While Bernedoodles are among the most expensive dogs of 2024, many factors affect their price. This article will explore those factors, help you understand the ongoing costs of dog ownership, and explain why you get what you pay for when you purchase a dog.
What is the average price of a Bernedoodle in 2024?
As we said before, Bernedoodles are one of the more expensive family dogs on the market. On average, you can expect to pay in the neighborhood of $3,000 for a Bernedoodle from a reputable and high-quality dog breeder. However, prices among trustworthy breeders can range from $2,000 on the low end to $5,500 on the higher end. From low-quality breeders, they can be as low as $500. More on that later.
Why are Bernedoodles so expensive?
Even compared to other “doodles,” specifically Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles are quite expensive. The main reason is that raising high-quality Bernedoodles requires more genetic testing. Genetic testing helps ensure the perfect coat and color markings and reduces the risk of shedding and health issues.
The second main reason Bernedoodles are so expensive is that they’re in high demand in 2024, as has been the trend for the past several years. While a big reason for that is their beautiful colors and fluffy coat, it’s also because of their temperament.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are renowned for being “gentle giants,” and most Bernedoodles embody that temperament. They tend to be laid-back, mild-mannered, and loyal creatures who are also playful without getting going overboard.
Compared to other doodles, which can be high-strung and prone to anxiety, Bernedoodles are the perfect doodle. A recent customer summed up why they prefer Bernedoodles over other doodles perfectly by simply saying, “Goldendoodles are too hyper.” Check out my other article comparing Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles.
Why does the price of Bernedoodles vary so much?
Now that we know why Bernedoodles are so expensive, let’s examine why there is such a price disparity between breeders.
Breeder reputation
The breeder from whom you purchase your Bernedoodle plays the most significant factor in the puppies’ cost.
Breeder reputation is similar to branding in other industries. People are willing to pay more for a Carhartt or Patagonia coat than for a generic Walmart or Target one, and Bernedoodles are the same way. The more reputable the breeder is and the more experience they have in the industry, the higher price tag on their dogs.
Investment of time and money
Certain breeders have a better reputation than others because they spend significant time and money on their trade. Raising dogs isn’t simply a side gig or hobby—it’s their livelihood, and they treat it as such. Reputable breeders will perform genetic testing on parents, doing their best to ensure a quality coat and a clean bill of health. They will also follow the BAB program.
What is the BAB program?
BAB stands for (pardon my French) Badass Breeder Program. It refers to a program breeders use to train puppies to believe in themselves and gain self-confidence. The goal is to teach them self-coping mechanisms and develop emotional maturity at a young age. That way, they can better cope with the changes when they go to their new homes.
Why choose a puppy raised on BAB?
A puppy raised on BAB will have an easier time transitioning to its new home once its full-time owner purchases it. This will make life much easier on you, as it will be less prone to stress, anxiety, and all the unwanted behaviors that go with it.
What is temperament matching?
Every puppy is different and has a unique personality, just like people. Their temperament gels better with some people and families than it does with others. We perform temperament matching to ensure every puppy gets placed in a good home.
Temperament matching has the puppies’ best interest at heart, as well as yours. It’s bad for everyone when an owner and their new pup don’t get along; temperament matching helps prevent that.
Because of the time and effort BAB and temperament matching require, breeders that do these things charge a premium for their dogs. However, it’s worth the extra cost when you know you’re getting the perfect Bernedoodle for your needs.
Customer service
On a separate but no less important note, customer service is another factor that affects the cost of a Bernedoodle. Breeders that offer ongoing support and assistance typically charge more for their dogs. As with BAB and temperament matching, however, this service is well worth the money.
At Fawn River Doodles, for instance, you can schedule a FaceTime call or give us a phone call or text message with any questions or concerns for the lifetime of your puppy. You can also come to our property for a visit and a face-to-face if you’d prefer, and we’ll offer on-site education and assistance as needed!
Puppy environment
In the same way that you wouldn’t want your child raised in an unhealthy environment, you also don’t want your puppy born and raised in one. To ensure a healthy and nurturing environment, reputable breeders go above and beyond to create a clean, comforting atmosphere for their puppies.
Size and coat type
Although size and coat type aren’t factors in our pricing at Fawn River Doodles, they can be for some breeders. Bernedoodles with soft, straight or wavy coats often cost more than doodles with curly ones.
Color, color, color
Aside from the breeder’s reputation, the color of a Bernedoodle’s coat is the biggest factor that affects its cost. It’s also one of the main reasons reputable breeders perform genetic testing. The goal is to match a male and female that will produce puppies with the perfect Bernedoodle markings and colors, to produce tri-color offspring as they are in higher demand and cost more.
What do people on Reddit think about the cost of Bernedoodles?
If you’re anything like me, then you like to get the opinion of others when you have questions about something. And when it comes to public opinion, few resources are as useful as Reddit. Here’s what they have to say about the cost of buying and owning Bernedoodles.
The initial cost
As we’ve explained in this article, Bernedoodles have a wide price range and Reddit is no exception. People report paying anywhere from $1,500 to $5,500, with most people being on the high end.
However, it’s worth noting that the person who reported paying just $1,500 for their dog ended up costing close to $15,000 when everything was said and done. Why? The dog had Parvo, which likely wouldn’t have happened had they purchased it from a reputable breeder.
Cost of ownership
In addition to the upfront cost of purchasing a Bernedoodle, there are also a lot of ongoing monthly expenses to consider. Bernedoodles have unique coats and require regular baths and groomings that cost anywhere from $75 to $150. You also need to remember food, treats, vaccinations, health checks, and any medical issues that may arise in the future. When it’s all said and done, you should plan to spend roughly $200 to $300 monthly on your Bernedoodle.
Realistic expectation for expenses
At the end of the day, it’s essential to consider what you’re paying for when you buy a Bernedoodle from a trustworthy breeder. A Reddit user brought this to light when they made several important points about why people are willing to spend upwards of $4,000 to $5,000 for a dog.
Here’s what Aemonn9 had to say, “We spend a whole lot more on a whole lot less in my opinion. You could have spent countless more hours scouring for a deal, then vetting that deal to make sure it wasn’t a scumbag breeder, etc. That time adds up to money or lost opportunity somewhere.”
Later in the post he continued, “I drive a modest car but spent several thousand on my dog. My friend would never spend more than $500 on a puppy but drives a car that costs 3-4x as much as mine up front.”
In other words, we all have different priorities, and if a high-quality puppy is at the top of your priority list, then there’s nothing wrong with paying top dollar.
Why is obtaining a dog from other less expensive sources a bad idea?
While $2,000 to $5,500 is the average Bernedoodle price from a reputable breeder, you may find one for as little as $500. Although that’s much cheaper than $3,000, buying a Bernedoodle, or any type of dog, from a less expensive source can be risky, and here’s why.
Puppy mills
The term “puppy mill” is used way too often in the dog-breeding and puppy-raising industry. Some people think anyone raising puppies for a living is running a puppy mill, but that simply isn’t true. Responsible dog breeders raise dogs humanely and lovingly and give them all the care and attention they need to thrive until they find their fur-ever home.
A true puppy mill, on the other hand, is the dog equivalent of a sweatshop that employs underaged and underpaid workers. They use dogs specifically to birth and raise puppies and have little to no care or respect for them. Several signs of a puppy mill include:
- Neglected dogs
- Dirty dogs (ask to see the parents of your puppy)
- Poor living conditions
- Skinny dogs (a sign of being underfed)
- No health or vaccination records
- A general lack of care or affection for dogs and their puppies
Adoption from rescue
Another cheap option for purchasing a Bernedoodle is to adopt one from a pet shelter. However, you’ll likely be waiting for a Bernedoodle to come around for quite a while, as they rarely require rescuing. Additionally, even if there is a Bernedoodle at the shelter, you never really know what you’re getting regarding health, behavior, and temperament.
Backyard breeders
Lastly, you can also purchase a Bernedoodle from a “backyard breeder.” This term often refers to someone who owns a Bernedoodle and decides to have a litter of puppies, but it isn’t their full-time business.
Buying from a backyard breeder has several pros and cons. The cons are that they typically don’t perform genetic or temperament testing, which means there’s no guarantee how the puppies will turn out. They also typically don’t offer health guarantees or refunds for dogs with health issues.
The upside, however, is that Bernedoodles from backyard breeders are typically cheaper than those from a professional and reputable breeder. This is due in large part to the lack of genetic and temperament testing, as well as no health guarantee. You can also assume backyard breeders offer a more caring and nurturing environment for their puppies since their pet is the mother.
Health concerns
Don’t get me wrong. At Fawn River Doodles, we love all dogs and believe they have a right to a safe and loving home. However, suppose you’re looking for a high-quality Bernedoodle from a reputable breeder. In that case, you will be frustrated if your dog has health issues, sheds profusely, and isn’t up to date on their vaccinations.
Unfortunately, that’s often what you get when you buy a dog from a low-quality breeder. While it’s certainly not the dogs’ fault, low-quality dog breeders often cut corners that high-quality breeders don’t. They’re less likely to perform genetic testing and vaccinations, which means their dogs are more likely to shed and have health problems.
High-quality breeders, on the other hand, take puppy care to the next level. In addition to genetic testing and outstanding healthcare, reputable breeders often offer health guarantees, a take-home kit, and ongoing support for the puppies they sell. As such, you’re much more likely to get the puppy of your dreams when you buy a Bernedoodle from a trustworthy breeder.
What is the typical short-term cost of owning a Bernedoodle?
We touched briefly on the short-term cost and investment of owning a Bernedoodle. To give you a better idea of why it’s so expensive, here’s a rundown of purchases and things to consider:
- Food and water bowls
- A dog bed and/or dog house
- ID tag
- Leash and collar
- Pet carrier
- Blankets and mats
- An above-ground or underground fence
- Bark collar (if necessary)
- Toys and accessories
- Food and treats
- Shampoo, conditioner, and detangler
- Vaccinations and health visits
- Baths and groomings
- Chew toys
- Poop bags and containers
- Spaying or neutering (at the 5-month mark)
- Medications and pet health insurance
- Microchip if necessary
You may also need to invest in dog training if you can’t teach your puppy on your own. Therefore, when it’s all said and done, you could spend hundreds or thousands of dollars within the first year of owning a Bernedoodle.
Budgeting for a Bernedoodle
Because of the considerable cost of buying and owning a Bernedoodle, it’s important to budget for one. Here’s a general guideline to use when budgeting for your doodle:
- Save $250 – $300 per month for one year so that you can easily afford to buy a Bernedoodle.
- Budget $100 – $400 per month for ongoing expenses and make adjustments as needed.
- Set aside $3,000 to $5,000 as a pet emergency fund to pay for unexpected surgeries and medical procedures. A single surgery can easily cost this much, not to mention ongoing therapy and recovery services.
- Consider purchasing pet health insurance, which can cost as little as $500 annually.
- If you plan to travel without your dog, you’ll need to budget money for boarding, which can cost anywhere from $25 to $75 per night. Most Airbnbs charge a $50 to $100 pet fee if you plan to travel with your pet.
Even though I’m sure you want your puppy right now, that isn’t always the smartest option financially. It’s important to save and budget so that you can easily afford the Bernedoodle of your dreams and give it the life and care it deserves.
Consider the story of one of our former clients. She was a 13-year-old girl with aspirations of buying her very own Bernedoodle. Over time, she saved up enough money so that she could purchase it on her own without anyone’s assistance. If a young teenager has the discipline and determination to budget and save up for a Bernedoodle, then you can do it too!
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the only way you’ll be able to find a “cheap” Bernedoodle is at a pet shelter or by going through a low-quality breeder. Unfortunately, you’ll need to be extremely lucky to find one at a shelter, and we’ve discussed at length the downsides of purchasing a dog from a “cheap” breeder.
As such, the best and safest way to purchase a Bernedoodle is by going through a high-quality breeder with a spotless reputation. Even though it will cost more upfront and you may need to save up for a while, there’s a higher likelihood that you’ll get a beautiful dog with the right personality for you.
If you’re ready to purchase a Bernedoodle puppy or are strongly considering it, contact us to schedule a visit to Fawn River Doodles. You can tour our farm and interact with some of the cutest Bernedoodle puppies in the midwest. We’ll also be happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have about dog care and ownership.