Saint Bernard Price Range – What Is the Cost and Types of Breeders?
Termed as gentle giants, Saint Bernards are often misjudged as dangerous dogs. Agreed that their physical appearance makes them seem intimidating but then haven’t you heard of the phrase appearances can be deceptive?
In that case, these dogs are sweet, friendly, and just plain, simple gentle. So what is the Saint Bernard price range? Let’s find out right away!
Saint Bernard Price Range – Cost of Puppies
So what is the average price of a pup belonging to the Saint Bernard dog breed? The majority of the time, the cost is anywhere between $550 and $2,000. With the average being around $1,000. In the case of a purebred, the price can be as high as even $3,500.
Now it’s pretty obvious that these numbers are quite high. And more often than not, you don’t even know where your pup is coming from. Meaning are you buying from a trusted source or is it one of those backyard breeders who don’t seem to care about anything else other than the huge profits they make. At the cost of the health and well-being of the animal of course.
So the best, or should I say ethical or moral, thing to do here would be to Adopt A Pet. After all, adoption has no such unscrupulous nature attached to it. Plus, adopting is WAY cheaper than you can imagine. For example, the re-homing charges at rescue shelters and adoption centers are between $50 and $500.
Whatever it is, shelter or breeder, do proper research, ask around, find something or someone trustworthy, and then decide. All the while keeping nothing but the well-being and health of dogs in mind.
Saint Bernard Price Range – Factors That Determine Cost
The Size of Saint Bernard
Not every puppy or adult dog looks the same in terms of size, which means the cost may vary depending on how small or big the creature is.
Generally speaking though, the average height of Saint Bernards is 25 inches to 28 inches. And the average weight is 60 kg. But it can reach 136 kg as well if it’s a large canine, thus a much, much higher cost.
The body of a Saint Bernard is marked by a visibly large head. Along with large upper lips, large feet, short and deep muzzle, wrinkled forehead, muscular legs, flat back, and a low, broad tail.
The Coat Color of Saint Bernard
In terms of how the coat feels, it can be smooth or rough. As for the color of the coat, this list includes tan, brindle, red, black, or a blend of all colors. Typically, the ears are black.
It’s only natural to assume that different colored Saint Bernards are priced differently. For example, show dogs have a white blaze, collar, chest, legs, and tail tip. So they’re more expensive.
The Age of Saint Bernard
Even age is a very strong determinant of price. That’s because most want to make sure the pup is well-trained by them and then grows up to be a well-behaved pet in the house. Not that you can’t train a full-grown, adult dog. Nevertheless, they desire puppies. But puppies are higher priced in comparison to their adult version.
But then this also means that an older Saint Bernard is comparatively more inexpensive, which sweetens the deal for you even more. Older dogs are often price-tagged cheap and affordable so more people can adopt these homeless creatures and provide them with a safe living environment.
The Registration Papers of Saint Bernard
Many breeders are associated with famous kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs from reputable breeders are registered with AKC. And this registration and the AKC certification are granted after paying a certain amount as fees. So the breeders add that particular cost to the selling price.
The Basic Medical Expenses of Saint Bernard
Health screenings of breeding dogs are a must. Along with basic medical evaluation or tests of newborn, growing puppies. Then comes the cost of vaccinations, deworming, and other such non-optional procedures. Needless to say, this increases the price range but then it minimizes the possibility of a potential disease or problem passing unchecked.
Different Types of Breeders – Beware of the Cruel Ones!
- Puppy Mills
Dogs are the cheapest at puppy mills – between $400 and $600 only. And you know why that is? Because they have no ethical standards when it comes to breeding or caring for animals.
Puppy mills are often masquerading as “reputable” sellers BUT THAT IS NOT THE CASE. So you should never support such organizations, no matter how tempting the affordability factor may be.
- Backyard Breeders
When unplanned pregnancies happen or when proper care cannot be taken in the case of extra dogs – that’s the scenario of backyard breeders. They simply cannot be compared with reputable, trustworthy breeders. Because the former doesn’t follow any specific or safety standards. Hence, are pretty much like puppy mills.
Maybe he/she is a first-time dog breeder and hasn’t figured out all that needs to be taken care of. So it’s best to steer clear from backyard breeders, especially if your choice of breed is the gentle, giant Saint Bernard.
As for the average price, since it’s supposed to “tempt” you, it’s anywhere between $700 and $1,000.
- Reputable Breeders
These, by far, are the ones who know and care about what they’re doing. In most cases at least. The majority of reputable breeders dedicate time and effort to preserving ethical breeding standards and also for raising their pups in the right manner.
In that case, there is a waiting list. Also, another drawback is the higher price. And the cost of buying is even higher if the dog comes from a champion bloodline.
But the advantages, in a way, make up for the setbacks. You get an entire medical history of your pup’s lineage and where he/she comes from. Along with other things taken care of – such as deworming, vaccinations, etc. So that pretty much explains the higher price range.
The average Saint Bernard puppy cost from a trusted, ethical breeder is between $1,000 and $2,000. But champion dogs can cost as much as $3,000 to $4,000. Now you may not want to purchase a show or championship dog but then, at the same time, that doesn’t mean buying your to-be pet from a puppy mill where they treat animals poorly.
Conclusion
Saint Bernards are loyal, endearing, lighthearted, and HUGE dogs. They’re pretty popular for their large size itself. This breed is plenty amusing to be around, which makes them even more desirable as family pets.
So how much do you have to spend to get one? On average, around $1,000. You can even adopt if you’re against “buying” dogs or if you just don’t have that kind of money.