Bernese Mountain Dog vs Great Dane Vet Costs
Bernese Mountain Dog owners spend $650-$1,800/yr at the vet. Great Dane: $600-$1,500/yr. That's a $175/yr gap in average costs. Here's where the money goes.
Bernese Mountain Dog
$7,000-$19,000
lifetime vet costs (8 yrs)
very high health risk
Lifetime Gap
$1,750
Great Dane costs less
Great Dane
$6,500-$16,000
lifetime vet costs (8 yrs)
high health risk
Vet Cost Breakdown
| Category | Bernese Mountain Dog | Great Dane | Lower Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Vet Cost (avg) | $1,225/yr | $1,050/yr | Great Dane |
| Annual Range | $650-$1,800 | $600-$1,500 | - |
| Preventive Care | $425/yr | $425/yr | Bernese Mountain Dog |
| Emergency Risk Budget | $800/yr | $650/yr | Great Dane |
| Pet Insurance | $55-$110/mo | $50-$100/mo | Great Dane |
| Spay/Neuter | $300-$650 | $300-$650 | Bernese Mountain Dog |
| Lifetime Vet Cost | $7,000-$19,000 | $6,500-$16,000 | Great Dane |
Bernese Mountain Dog Health Risks
very high risk · large, 70-115 lbs · 8-year lifespan · 3-5 visits/year average
- Cancer (histiocytic sarcoma) (40-50%) $5,000-$15,000
- Hip and elbow dysplasia (15-20%) $2,000-$7,000
- Bloat (GDV) (8-12%) $2,000-$7,500
- Cruciate ligament tears (8-12%) $3,000-$7,000
- Von Willebrand's disease (5-10%) $200-$2,000
Great Dane Health Risks
high risk · large, 110-175 lbs · 8-year lifespan · 3-4 visits/year average
- Bloat (GDV) (25-40%) $2,000-$7,500
- Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) (15-25%) $500-$5,000
- Hip dysplasia (12-15%) $2,000-$7,000
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) (5-10%) $5,000-$15,000
- Wobbler syndrome (3-5%) $3,000-$10,000
Breed-Specific Procedures
Bernese Mountain Dog
- Cancer screening $200-$600
- Hip/elbow screening $200-$500
- Bloat prevention (gastropexy) $400-$1,200
- Cardiac screening $200-$500
- Comprehensive blood panel $175-$400
Great Dane
- Bloat prevention (gastropexy) $400-$1,200
- Echocardiogram $300-$600
- Hip screening X-rays $200-$400
- Wellness exam + vaccines $175-$350
- Senior blood panel $175-$400
Insurance: Is It Worth It?
Bernese Mountain Dog
$55-$110/mo ($660-$1,320/yr)
very high risk. Insurance is close to mandatory for this breed. One surgery can exceed years of premiums.
Great Dane
$50-$100/mo ($600-$1,200/yr)
high risk. Insurance is close to mandatory for this breed. One surgery can exceed years of premiums.
Premiums from Nationwide, ASPCA, and Embrace. Accident + illness plans, $500 deductible, 80% reimbursement.