How Much Do Bernedoodles Cost? A 2022 Complete Costs Breakdown

Bernedoodles are a relatively new hybrid breed as they were first intentionally bred in 2003. Over the last two decades, this breed has gained a lot of popularity among dog lovers due to its appearance as well as its nature.

If you’re looking to get a Bernedoodle, it might be a good idea to understand how much they cost first.

So, how much do Bernedoodles cost? Bernedoodles cost from $500 to $5000 on average. The cost will depend mainly on factors such as the dog’s size, coat type, color, and vaccinations status. It will also depend on the demand for the breed and whether you’re adopting the dog or purchasing it from a pet store or a reputable breeder.

Continue reading to learn more about Bernedoodles, the factors that affect their cost, and where you can get them.

Table of Contents

What Is a Bernedoodle?

bernedoodle dog to answer how much do bernedoodles cost

Bernedoodles are a mix between Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles. They were first intentionally bred in 2003. However, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles have been bred for many decades.

Although Bernedoodles are a relatively new hybrid breed, they are in high demand as they combine many of the desirable traits of Bernese Mountain Dogs combined with those of Poodles which makes them perfect as companion pets for all kinds of families.

What Are the Factors That Affect the Cost of Bernedoodles?

The cost of getting a dog depends on various factors. If you’re going to get a Bernedoodle, you need to have a good understanding of these factors.

So, let’s take a closer look at the factors that affect the cost of Bernedoodles:

The Dog’s Size.

The dog’s size is one of the main factors that affect its cost.

Bernedoodles come in three main sizes which are:

Standard Bernedoodles – They stand at 23 to 27 inches in height, and their weight ranges from 70 to 115 pounds.
Medium Bernedoodles – They stand at 18 to 22 inches in height, and their weight ranges from 25 to 49 pounds.
Mini Bernedoodles – They stand at 12 to 17 inches in height, and their weight ranges from 10 to 24 pounds.

The size Bernedoodles will reach when they’re at full growth depends mainly on the dog’s genetics. It can also depend on the dog’s gender, as male Bernedoodles tend to be 10% larger than female Bernedoodles.

By the way, you can learn about all the differences between male and female bernedoodles here.

Mini Bernedoodles tend to be more expensive than standard Bernedoodles and Medium Bernedoodles as they can only be bred using artificial insemination, which is more complicated than normal breeding.

The Dog’s Coat

Physical characteristics such as the dog’s coat type and color can make them more desirable which in turn affects their cost.

When it comes to the coat type, Bernedoodles have three main types of coats which are straight coats, wavy coats, and curly coats. These coats have different characteristics, such as the texture of the coat and how often it sheds.

Bernedoodles with curlier coats will be more expensive as they tend to shed less than those with straighter coats which makes them more desirable, especially among dog owners with allergies.

When it comes to the coat color, Bernedoodles come in traditional colors such as black, brown, white, or a mix of two of these colors. They also come in rare colors such as tri-color, sable, brindle, chocolate, phantom, and merle.

Bernedoodles with less traditional colors will be more expensive as they’re more desirable and more difficult to breed.

The Place of Purchase and the Breeder’s Reputation

You can get Bernedoodles from shelters, pet stores, or directly from the breeder.

The cost will vary depending on where you get the dog, as adopting a Bernedoodle from a shelter will a lot be less expensive than purchasing it from a pet store or directly from the breeder.

The breeder’s reputation will also affect the cost, as purchasing dogs from reputable breeders is more expensive than purchasing them from backyard breeders.

Health Screenings and Vaccination Status

Some shelters and breeders will conduct health screenings for dogs to detect if they have any hereditary diseases. They will also provide the dog with the first round of vaccinations that it needs at birth.

Bernedoodles that were screened and vaccinated will often be more expensive than those that weren’t.

How Much Do Bernedoodles Cost on Average?

The cost of Bernedoodles ranges from $500 to $5,000 on average.

Now that you are aware of the factors that affect the cost of Bernedoodles, let’s take a look at how much they would cost based on some of these factors. However, keep in mind that the numbers listed are rough estimates, and the actual cost might vary.

Based on Size

Size	Average Cost
Standard	$500 to $1500
Medium	$1000 to $2500
Mini	$2500 to $5,000

Based on Coat Color

Color	Average Cost
Traditional Colors, Bi-color	$500 to $1500
Tricolor	$1000 to $2000
Rare Colors	$2500 to $5,000

Speaking of colors, make sure to check out the truly unique Sable Bernedoodle here.

Based on Place of Purchase and Breeder’s Reputation

Place of Purchase and Breeder’s Reputation	Average Cost
Purchased from an adoption or rescue shelter	$500 or less
Purchased from a pet store	$750 to $1000
Purchased from a backyard breeder	$500 to $1500
Purchased from a reputable breeder	$2000 to $5,000

Why Do Bernedoodles Cost That Much?

Bernedoodles are considered relatively expensive for a hybrid dog breed, which leads various dog lovers to wonder about why and whether they’re worth the high cost.

The main reason why Bernedoodles cost that much is that they’re in high demand as they’re the third most popular hybrid designer breed after Goldendoodles and Labradoodles.

Sometimes there aren’t enough breeders to meet the demand for the dog, and breeders cannot simply breed more dogs because it risks the health of their dogs as well as the reputation of their business.

So, to put it simply, the more in demand Bernedoodles are, the less available they will be, and the higher their cost will be.

Are There Other Expenses to Raising a Bernedoodles?

Raising a Bernedoodle is a big responsibility that requires a lot of budgeting, especially if you’re a first-time dog owner, as there’s a wide range of expenses that come with raising a Bernedoodle other than the initial cost of purchasing the dog.

You need to be aware of these expenses in order to adjust your budget accordingly and ensure that you’re providing your dog with the best living conditions.

So, here’s a complete breakdown of some of the potential expenses of raising a Bernedoodle. However, keep in mind that the numbers listed are rough estimates, and your actual spending might vary.

Licensing

In some states, owners are required to get their dogs licensed as it helps animal control identify dogs and bring them back to their owners if they get lost.

The average cost of a dog license ranges from $20 to $60, depending on whether the dog is fully vaccinated and sterilized. In some states, you can get a license for free if your dog is trained to be a service dog or a guide dog.

The license comes with an identification number for your dog and a tag with its info as well the contact info for its owner.

It needs to be renewed once every year or once every few years unless your state offers a “lifetime license,” which is a one-time payment that covers a dog at a discounted rate throughout its lifetime.

You will notice that we have not mentioned the possible costs of registration, and that’s because Bernedoodles are not an AKC-recognized breed and can’t be registered.

You can learn more about why can’t Bernedoodles be registered here.

Insurance

It’s highly recommended for dog owners to set up an insurance policy for their dogs as it will help cover the bill in case of any accidents, injuries, or illnesses.

The cost of insurance policies for Bernedoodles ranges from $42 to $73 per month. It will vary depending on what the insurance plan you chose covers and the age of your dog.

Food and Supplements

Bernedoodles need to consume dog food that contains enough calories and all the nutrients that their body needs to grow at a normal rate and remain healthy.

The average cost of good dog food ranges from $300 to $500 yearly, depending on the quality of the dog food.

You might also want to add some supplements to the dog’s diet to increase its nutritional value. The cost of these supplements will range from $15 to $50, depending on the quality of the supplements as well as the size of the bottle.

You can cut down on the costs of dog food and supplements by preparing homemade meals and treats for your dog using natural ingredients or leftovers every once in a while.

Dog Supplies

There are many dog supplies that you need to ensure your dog’s comfort and improve the overall quality of its life.

Here’s a list of some of the essential dog supplies and their average costs:

Items	Cost
Crate	$50 to $500
Bed	$30 to $100
Blanket	$15 to $20
Collar and Leash	$20 to $50
Toys	$10 to $50
Food and Water Bowls	$15 to $70
Clothes	$20 to $45
Microchip	$45 to $50
Grooming Tools	$30 to $65

To cut down on the costs of dog supplies, it’s recommended to invest in higher-quality supplies so that they would last a long time and save you the cost of needing to replace them too often.

As a life-long dog owner, I have purchased all kinds of items from all kinds of brands for my dogs over the years, and to make things easier for my readers, I’ve compiled all of this experience in my recommendation guides which you can find here.

You can browse by category and find the best items that provide the absolute best value for your money for your dog, so make sure to check it out.

Veterinary care and Medical Treatments

As Bernedoodle grow older; they will be prone to developing some health problems, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart diseases, Von Willebrand’s disease, eye problems, allergies, and various skin conditions.

It’s recommended to take your dog to the vet for regular tests and checkups to ensure that it’s perfectly healthy.

The average cost of vet visits can range from $45 to $55. There’s also the cost of any treatments, prescribed medications, or surgical procedures which can range from $250 to $5000 or more, depending on the dog’s health issue and its severity.

Sterilization Procedures

Sterilization procedures, spaying, and neutering are surgical procedures that the dog undergoes to have its reproductive organs removed in order to prevent them from reproducing or going into heat permanently.

The average cost of spaying or neutering Bernedoodles ranges from $130 to $500, depending on the dog’s gender, as it usually costs more to spay a female dog than it does to neuter a male dog.

The cost will also depend on the dog’s age at the time it undergoes the procedure and the quality of the clinic where you’re getting the procedure done.

Grooming Services

Bernedoodles can have three kinds of coats that vary in length, texture, and shedding frequency.

It’s recommended to have your dog groomed by a professional from time to time to ensure that its coat remains healthy and in good shape.

The average cost of professional grooming services can range from $55 to $90, depending on the dog’s size and the kind of coat it has.

You can cut down on the cost of professional grooming by learning how to groom your dog by yourself. This typically involves learning how to brush it, bathe it, and trim its hair when needed.

Daycare or Dog Sitting Services

All dogs, Bernedoodles included, tend to crave company and cannot tolerate being left alone. They might start exhibiting destructive and aggressive behaviors if they were left on their own for too long.

So, it’s recommended to take your dog to daycare or hire a dog sitter to watch over your dog while you’re gone. The cost for daycares or dog sitting services ranges from $15 to $20 per hour.

You can cut down on the cost by asking a friend or neighbor to watch over your dog instead. However, make sure that the person you’re asking has some experience with taking care of dogs.

Dog Walking Services

All dogs, Bernedoodles included, need to be walked every day so they can get the exercise they need and healthily release their energy.

It’s recommended to hire a dog walker to take your dog on walks if you’re ever unable to do it yourself. The cost for dog walkers ranges from $10 to $15, depending on how long the walk is.

Where to Get a Bernedoodles?

You can get Bernedoodles from adoption shelters, pet stores, or directly from the breeder. The cost of the dog will vary depending on where you get it from.

You need to consider all your options carefully to ensure you’ll get a healthy dog for a suitable price. So, here’s a more detailed breakdown of these options:

Adopting from rescue shelters

Adopting your Bernedoodle from a rescue shelter will cost significantly less than purchasing it from a pet store or directly from the breeder as these shelters are mostly non-profit.

You’ll only need to pay an adoption fee of $500 or less, depending on the dog’s age and general state. This fee is meant to cover rescue and care costs, including any vet visits, health screenings, vaccinations, or flea treatment.

However, keep in mind that dogs that come from rescue shelters aren’t always in the best condition, and they may have a history of violence and abuse.

This could have a negative impact on their health and behavior in the future, so make sure you’re aware of the state of your dog before adopting from a shelter.

Purchasing it from a pet store

Purchasing your Bernedoodle from a pet store will cost less than purchasing it directly from a reputable breeder but more than adopting it from a shelter.

The cost will range from $750 to $1000, depending on factors such as the dog’s size, coat type, and color.

However, keep in mind that dogs that come from pet stores are not always in the best condition as they come from mass-breeding mills where they’re not provided with enough food, water, or exercise.

This could have a negative impact on their health and behavior in the future, so make sure you’re fully aware of the state of your dog before purchasing it from a pet store.

Purchasing it directly from the breeder

There are two options when it comes to purchasing directly from breeders, which are backyard breeders and reputable breeders.

Purchasing your Bernedoodle from a backyard breeder will cost less than purchasing it from a more reputable breeder. The cost will range from $500 to $1500, depending on factors such as the dog’s size, coat type, and color.

Backyard breeders don’t aim to breed dogs as a source of income and they mostly sell dogs that come from accidental pregnancies. So, they don’t have much experience and won’t always follow the standard practices for ethical breeding.

They tend to post online advertisements for the dogs they’re looking to sell on social media sites or forums. So, make sure that you’re fully aware of the state of the dog and confirm the legitimacy of the breeder before purchasing.

Purchasing your Bernedoodle from a reputable breeder, on the other hand, will cost the most compared to all the other options. The cost will range from $2000 to $2000, depending on factors such as the dog’s size, coat type, and color.

Reputable breeders specialize in breeding dogs for profit so they will definitely follow the standard practices for ethical breeding to maintain the health of their dogs and the reputation of their practices.

They will also keep detailed records of all the dogs they breed to ensure they’re in good condition. So, make sure to confirm the legitimacy of the breeder before purchasing by reviewing all their records and asking for references from previous buyers.

How to Find a Reputable Bernedoodle Breeder?

Finding a reputable breeder that follows ethical practice is important to ensure that you’ll get a healthy Bernedoodle.

So, here are some tips you can follow in order to find a reputable, ethical breeder:

Take the time to research everything you need to know about the breeding practice and look into multiple breeders and how they conduct their business to ensure they’re ethical.

Make sure that the breeder has a website you can check for information about their dogs and breeding practice as well as all of their contact information. You need to be wary of any breeders who don’t have a website or easily accessible contact info.

Try to contact the breeder directly to ask questions about their practice or any other concerns you might have. Most reputable breeders will provide their potential buyers with quick responses to any questions they might have to ensure a positive buyer experience.

Take the time to talk to the breeder to gauge their nature as well as knowledge. The breeder is likely also interview you to ensure you’re qualified and responsible enough to take care of one of its dogs.

Try to visit the dogs in person to confirm that they’re completely healthy. Most reputable breeders will encourage potential buyers to come to visit the dogs and check their living conditions.

Make sure to ask the breeder for records of information and medical history on the dogs to ensure that they’re healthy. Avoid breeders who don’t keep records of their dogs or won’t provide you with them.

Make sure to ask the breeder for references or testimonials from previous buyers to confirm the legitimacy of its practice. Avoid breeders who are not able to provide references or make up fake references.

Ask the breeder whether they offer short-term guarantees or health exams for the dogs before releasing them to their new owners. Even if the breeder follows the standard practices for ethical breeding, genetic problems might occur which puts the dog at a health risk.

Do Breeders Require a Deposit for Bernedoodles?

Some breeders might require a deposit for Bernedoodles before paying the full cost of purchasing them.

Since Bernedoodles are in high demand, breeders will ask interested buyers to pay a deposit as a way to reserve one of the puppies in the litter.

This deposit can range from $300 to $600, depending on the reputation of the breeder as well as the characteristics of the dog.