BreedCost

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Shetland Sheepdog Cost Comparison 2026

Bernese Mountain Dog costs $3,090/yr vs $1,650/yr for Shetland Sheepdog. Over a lifetime: $29,070 vs $23,850. Here's where the money goes.

Bernese Mountain Dog

$29,070

lifetime (8 yrs)

Lifetime Difference

$5,220

Shetland Sheepdog costs less

Shetland Sheepdog

$23,850

lifetime (13 yrs)

Cost Breakdown

Category Bernese Mountain Dog Shetland Sheepdog Winner
Purchase Price $1,500–$4,000 $800–$2,000 Shetland Sheepdog
Annual Food $960 $320 Shetland Sheepdog
Routine Vet Care $750 $450 Shetland Sheepdog
Grooming $180 $240 Bernese Mountain Dog
Pet Insurance $55–$110/mo $25–$52/mo Shetland Sheepdog
Supplies & Training $480 $280 Shetland Sheepdog
Total Annual Cost $3,090 $1,650 Shetland Sheepdog
Lifetime Cost $29,070 $23,850 Shetland Sheepdog

Bernese Mountain Dog Cost Profile

Size
giant
Lifespan
8 years
Purchase Price
$1,500–$4,000
Annual Cost
$3,090/yr
Lifetime Total
$29,070
Full Bernese Mountain Dog Cost Breakdown →

Shetland Sheepdog Cost Profile

Size
small
Lifespan
13 years
Purchase Price
$800–$2,000
Annual Cost
$1,650/yr
Lifetime Total
$23,850
Full Shetland Sheepdog Cost Breakdown →

Bottom Line

Shetland Sheepdog costs $1,440/yr less than Bernese Mountain Dog ($1,650 vs $3,090). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $5,220 difference.