Alaskan Malamute vs Bernese Mountain Dog: Full Cost Comparison
Side-by-side cost breakdown — first year, annual ongoing expenses, and lifetime totals.
Bottom line
The Alaskan Malamute is cheaper by $1,200 in the first year. Over a full lifetime, the difference is $5,600.
| Cost Factor | Alaskan Malamute | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Size | large | large |
| Lifespan | 9 yrs | 9 yrs |
| Adoption/Purchase fee | $325 | $860 |
| Initial vet costs | $750 | $765 |
| Annual food | $1,330 | $1,270 |
| Annual vet | $815 | $835 |
| Annual grooming | $480 | $1,020 |
| Annual insurance | $955 | $975 |
| First year total (est.) | $5,740 | $6,940 |
| Annual ongoing (est.) | $3,775 | $4,325 |
| Lifetime total (est.) | $35,940 | $41,540 |
Alaskan Malamute vs Bernese Mountain Dog: which costs more?
Over a typical lifespan, owning a Alaskan Malamute works out to roughly $35,940, while a Bernese Mountain Dog comes to about $41,540 — a difference of $5,600 (13%). The Alaskan Malamute is the more budget-friendly choice over the long run, though the gap is driven by a few specific expenses rather than across-the-board savings.
The biggest single difference is grooming: a Bernese Mountain Dog costs about $1,020 a year for grooming, versus $480 for the other breed. Both are large-sized breeds, so food and supply costs are broadly comparable.
Which should you choose? If upfront budget matters most, the Alaskan Malamute wins the first year by $1,200. If you're planning for the long haul, the Alaskan Malamute saves about $5,600 over its lifetime. Neither breed is cheap to own, so budget for an emergency fund of at least $3,000 either way, and use the cost calculator to tailor these figures to your city and lifestyle.
Key Differences
Alaskan Malamute
Bernese Mountain Dog
More large-breed comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is a Alaskan Malamute or a Bernese Mountain Dog cheaper to own?
The Alaskan Malamute is cheaper in the first year ($5,740 vs $6,940). Over a full lifetime the Alaskan Malamute works out cheaper overall — about $35,940 versus $41,540, a difference of roughly $5,600.
How much does a Alaskan Malamute cost per month compared to a Bernese Mountain Dog?
After the first year, a Alaskan Malamute costs about $315/month in ongoing expenses, while a Bernese Mountain Dog costs about $360/month. These figures cover food, routine vet care, grooming, insurance and supplies, based on US national averages.
What's the biggest cost difference between a Alaskan Malamute and a Bernese Mountain Dog?
The largest single difference is grooming: a Bernese Mountain Dog costs about $1,020 a year versus $480 for the other breed. Both breeds share a similar 9-year lifespan, so lifetime totals come down mainly to annual costs.
Do Alaskan Malamutes or Bernese Mountain Dogs cost more at the vet?
Routine annual vet care runs about $815 for a Alaskan Malamute and $835 for a Bernese Mountain Dog. Either way, we recommend an emergency fund of at least $3,000, since a single emergency procedure can cost several thousand dollars regardless of breed.