Is a Portuguese Water Dog or St. Bernard more expensive to own?

Portuguese Water Dog is less expensive over a lifetime. Portuguese Water Dog costs approximately $31,680 over its 12-year lifespan vs $31,910 for a St. Bernard over 9 years. Annual costs: $2,290/yr for Portuguese Water Dog vs $3,140/yr for St. Bernard.

How much does a Portuguese Water Dog cost per year?

A Portuguese Water Dog costs $2,290/year on average. This includes food ($540), routine vet care ($500), grooming ($480), pet insurance ($420), supplies ($200), and training ($150).

How much does a St. Bernard cost per year?

A St. Bernard costs $3,140/year on average. This includes food ($1,140), routine vet care ($700), grooming ($120), pet insurance ($680), supplies ($300), and training ($200).

What is the purchase price difference between Portuguese Water Dog and St. Bernard?

Portuguese Water Dog purchase price from a reputable breeder: $2,000–$4,000. St. Bernard: $1,000–$3,000. St. Bernard costs less upfront by roughly $1,000.

Portuguese Water Dog vs St. Bernard Cost Comparison 2026

Portuguese Water Dog costs $2,290/yr vs $3,140/yr for St. Bernard. Over a lifetime: $31,680 vs $31,910. Here's where the money goes.

Portuguese Water Dog

$31,680

lifetime (12 yrs)

Lifetime Difference

$230

Portuguese Water Dog costs less

St. Bernard

$31,910

lifetime (9 yrs)

Cost Breakdown

Category	Portuguese Water Dog	St. Bernard	Winner
Purchase Price	$2,000–$4,000	$1,000–$3,000	St. Bernard
Annual Food	$540	$1,140	Portuguese Water Dog
Routine Vet Care	$500	$700	Portuguese Water Dog
Grooming	$480	$120	St. Bernard
Pet Insurance	$30–$60/mo	$50–$100/mo	Portuguese Water Dog
Supplies & Training	$350	$500	Portuguese Water Dog
Total Annual Cost	$2,290	$3,140	Portuguese Water Dog
Lifetime Cost	$31,680	$31,910	Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dog Cost Profile

Size: medium
Lifespan: 12 years
Purchase Price: $2,000–$4,000
Annual Cost: $2,290/yr
Lifetime Total: $31,680

Full Portuguese Water Dog Cost Breakdown →

St. Bernard Cost Profile

Size: giant
Lifespan: 9 years
Purchase Price: $1,000–$3,000
Annual Cost: $3,140/yr
Lifetime Total: $31,910

Full St. Bernard Cost Breakdown →

Bottom Line

Portuguese Water Dog costs $850/yr less than St. Bernard ($2,290 vs $3,140). Over a lifetime, that gap compounds to a $230 difference.

Compare With Other Breeds

Portuguese Water Dog vs Akita Portuguese Water Dog vs Alaskan Malamute Portuguese Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd Portuguese Water Dog vs Basset Hound Portuguese Water Dog vs Bernese Mountain Dog Portuguese Water Dog vs Border Collie Portuguese Water Dog vs Brittany Portuguese Water Dog vs Bull Terrier

St. Bernard vs Cane Corso St. Bernard vs Great Dane St. Bernard vs Great Pyrenees St. Bernard vs Irish Wolfhound

← All Breed Costs · Portuguese Water Dog Full Breakdown · St. Bernard Full Breakdown