St Bernard mix dogs have one Saint Bernard parent and another from a different dog breed. These hybrid designer dogs are usually affectionate, loyal and gentle companions. They tend to be large to giant sized, and as such have a relatively short lifespan of 8 – 10 years. There are many different St Bernard mixes out there with a wide variety of instincts and characters. Some make better watch dogs and others wonderful pets. But most will be affectionate, loyal and loving dogs, best suited to big homes.
Contents
- How big are St Bernard mixes?
- St Bernard mix temperament
- Shedding, grooming and health
- Popular St Bernard mixes
The St Bernard breed name comes from the Saint Bernard Hospice along the Saint Bernard Pass on the Swiss-Italian border, where these dogs were used as rescue dogs. At one time in history, these mighty canines performed essential tasks such as drafting, herding and guarding as well as rescuing stranded Swiss Alps travelers.
How Big Are They?
Today’s Saint Bernard stands anywhere from 26 to 30 inches tall. While the general acknowledged weight range is 120 to 180 pounds, one St Bernard named Benedictine earned himself a place in the 1981 Guinness Book of World Records for weighing 357 pounds!
Even if your mix is combined with a much smaller breed, they are unlikely to be a dainty little dog. The likelihood is they will be at least a large if not giant dog themselves.
Are They Friendly?
A well-bred, well-socialized and well-trained Saint Bernard makes an excellent companion canine for family members of all ages. These dogs are full of fun, and patient protectors of their family. But because of their sheer size, it is important to ensure your Saint Bernard is socialized and trained from an early age.
St Bernard Mix Coat Care
The Saint Bernard’s famously thick, double-layer coat evolved to protect these dogs in truly frigid temperature extremes. To this end, they don’t need a lot of bathing – too much will destroy the natural waterproofing provided by skin oils. In addition to their lovely temperament and canine skills, Saint Bernards have become famous for two other things: shedding and drooling.
Your mix will probably also be a high shedding breed. Even when mixed with a low shedding dog like a Poodle, you aren’t likely to get a hypoallergenic St Bernard mix breed either. They just spread too much dander!
Health and Longevity
Like all purebred dogs, these large canines have some inheritable genetic disorders which they are more than averagely predisposed to. That’s because breeding within a closed register can fix the genes for diseases in a population, as well as the gene for desirable traits. The Saint Bernard Club of America states that Saint Bernard breeding stock should be pre-tested for
- hip and elbow dysplasia
- eye disorders
- heart issues
- and degenerative myelopathy.
In addition, this breed can suffer from idiopathic epilepsy and thyroid issues. These dogs generally live just 8 to 10 years, which is typical of such large breeds.
St Bernard Mixes
Hybrid breeding, or crossbreeding, is not a new breeding strategy. Many of today’s purebred breeds have undergone periods of strategic crossbreeding to infuse desirable traits (appearance and/or personality) and limit undesirable traits.
Today, hybrid breeding is still done for these reasons. A new reason includes strengthening the gene pool for certain purebred dogs who have developed known health issues stemming from a limited genetic line.
Many dog owners also enjoy the prospect of combining two of their favorite breeds, and finding out which traits of each their puppy inherits. Bear in mind though, there’s no guarantee that they’ll only take on the best qualities! Now, let’s take a look at the most popular Saint Bernard dog mixes!
Saint Bernkita
Like the Saint Bernard, the Akita is a sizable pup, putting this dog’s adult weight range between 70 and 180 pounds. The life expectancy for a Saint Bernkita is 8 to 13 years.
This dog will be affectionate towards “her” people but wary with strangers. Early training and socialization will be key to successful integration into family life. Akitas and their mixes are not permitted in all areas – be sure to check your state’s dog laws for guidance.
American Pit Bull Terrier St Bernard Mix
A.K.A. Saint Bullnard
A Saint Bullnard will be smaller in size than some of the other hybrid dogs you will meet here. The weight range is 30 to 180 pounds and the life expectancy will range from 8 to 15 years.
This is a pup with exceptional guard dog instincts and a highly protective nature. American Pit Bull Terriers and their mixes are very strong, so excellent socialisation and training from an eraly age are vital. Your Saint Bullnard will shed seasonally and somewhat year-round.
St Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog Mix
A.K.A. Saint Bernese
The Bernese Mountain dog and St Bernard have very complementary backgrounds – both bred to work in the extreme winter temperatures of the Swiss Alps alongside their people. Expect an adult weight range of 70 to 180 pounds with a life expectancy of 7 to 10 years.
The Saint Bernese is going to inherit a calm, affectionate, brave temperament from both parent dogs. This dog – despite his large size – makes an excellent family pet and is quite gentle with children. You will have plenty of shedding to cope with year-round and seasonally, when brushing can help keep the “snowstorm” in check.
Border Collie St Bernard Mix
A.K.A. Border Bernard
The Border Bernard will be a smaller dog compared to many you will meet here, weighing between 30 and 180 pounds. There is a happy possibility for a longer life expectancy with the Collie influence – 8 to 15 years is the range.
The Saint Bernard has a medium energy level and the Border Collie is definitely high energy, so your pup is likely to fall somewhere in between. This pup will benefit from having a regular job. Your dog will definitely go through a seasonal shed as well as shedding moderately year-round.
St Bernard Boxer Mixes
A.K.A. Saint Berxer
The Saint Berxer will weigh between 50 and 180 pounds with a life expectancy ranging from 8 to 12 years. This dog will inherit an affectionate, playful nature and strong protective instincts from both parent dogs.
While the Boxer has no undercoat like the Saint Bernard, unfortunately, this Saint Bernard mix won’t reduce the shedding. In fact, it may increase. Happily, coat maintenance is pretty easy otherwise.
Chow Chow St Bernard Mixes
A.K.A. Saint Chownard
A Saint Chownard will weigh 45 to 180 pounds and live 8 to 12 years. These dogs may tend towards the serious in personality and can also be stubborn. This is probably not the best choice for a family pet.
Be sure to consult your state’s dog laws and talk with your insurer before inviting a Chow Chow mix into your family – these dogs are banned in some areas.
St Bernard Cocker Spaniel Mix
A.K.A. Mini Saint
The Mini Saint will be one of the smallest Saint Bernard mix dogs you meet here, weighing 20 to 180 pounds with a life expectancy of 8 to 14 years.
The Mini Saint will inherit a gentle, affectionate personality from both parents and will likely make an excellent pet for families with children. This pup will need plenty of brushing and grooming to control tangles and shedding.
German Shepherd St Bernard Mix
A.K.A. Saint Shepherd
A Saint Shepherd will weigh 50 to 180 pounds with a lifespan of 7 to 10 years. This dog inherits a strong protective instinct from both parent dogs and will definitely benefit from early and ongoing training and socialization.
German Shepherd dogs are naturally cautious of strangers and often take time to warm up to people. You can expect year-round and seasonal shedding.
St Bernard Golden Retriever Mix
A.K.A. Golden Saint
The Golden Saint can weigh anywhere from 55 to 180 pounds. This dog’s average life expectancy is 8 to 12 years. Your Golden Saint inherits a lovely temperament and affectionate personality from each parent dog but may not make a very good guard dog if the Golden Retriever influence predominates.
You can count on plenty of shedding and brushing duties if you introduce a Golden Saint to the home.
St Bernard Great Dane Mixes
A.K.A. Saint Dane
The Saint Bernard Great Dane mix is going to be a big pup! Expect an adult weight range of 110 to 180 pounds with a life expectancy of 7 to 10 years.
This dog will receive a friendly, patient, people-centric temperament as well as strong guard dog instincts, making early socialization and training a must. This dog will shed somewhat year-round and seasonally.
Great Pyrenees St Bernard Mix
A.K.A. Saint Pyrenees
The Saint Pyrenees can weigh 85 to 180 pounds with a lifespan of 8 to 12 years. This dog will have the placid, patient and brave temperament of so many mountain dog breeds.
The Great Pyrenees influence may increase seasonal shedding to blizzard levels, so be prepared!
St Bernard Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Mix
A.K.A. Swiss Saint
The Swiss Saint is a very compatible pairing of two Swiss mountain dog breeds with faithful, gentle temperaments.
Size-wise, expect a weight range of 85 to 180 pounds and a lifespan of 8 to 11 years. This dog will definitely shed year-round and seasonally.
St Bernard Irish Terrier Mixes
A.K.A. Irish Saint Terrier
The Irish Saint Terrier will be a smaller dog weighing between 25 and 180 pounds. This dog’s life expectancy ranges from 8 to 15 years.
Here, the fiery Terrier temperament and the placid Saint Bernard nature come together, which can make for an interesting mix. You may need to hand-strip this dog to control shedding as per Terrier grooming needs.
Labrador Retriever St Bernard Mix
A.K.A. Labernard
The Labernard brings together top traits from the number one companion canine in America, the Labrador Retriever, with the well-known gentleness and affectionate nature of the Saint Bernard.
This dog will weigh 55 to 180 pounds with a lifespan of 8 to 12 years.
St Bernard Mastiff Mixes
A.K.A. Saint Bermastiff
Owing to their giant Mastiff influence, the Saint Bermastiff may be the largest pup on this list, weighing anywhere from 120 to 230 pounds and up! The typical lifespan is an all-too-short 6 to 10 years.
This hybrid dog brings together two truly ancient dog breeds, each contributing a calm, brave, loving temperament, which makes for a good family pet and a fabulous watchdog. Be on the lookout for shedding and drool – both should be plentiful with this mix!
(paid link) Newfoundland St Bernard Mix
A.K.A. Saint Bernewfie
Crossing the Saint Bernard and the Newfoundland is not a new idea. Swiss Monks did so in an attempt to give their famous rescue dogs more protection from the elements. This is why some Saint Bernards still have long coats today.
Your Saint Bernewfie will weigh 100 to 180 pounds and live 8 to 10 years. This pup will inherit a sweet, patient nature from both parents – as well as lots of seasonal shedding.
St Bernard Poodle Mixes
A.K.A. Saint Berdoodle
A Saint Berdoodle combines the famously non-shedding standard Poodle with the equally famous shedding Saint Bernard – an interesting mix.
This dog can weigh 60 to 180 pounds with a life expectancy of 8 to 18 years.
Saint Weiler
The Saint Weiler can weigh anywhere from 70 to 180 pounds with a typical life expectancy of 8 to 10 years.
A well-trained and socialized Saint Weiler can make a good family pet and an excellent watch dog. Like a Rottweiler, this pup will shed year-round and seasonally.
Rhodesian Bernard
The Rhodesian Bernard can weigh anywhere from 70 to 180 pounds with an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years.
This dog may not be the best pick for a first-time dog owner or a family with young children due to the Rhodesian Ridgeback’s independent, stubborn nature and strong prey drive. This dog will shed somewhat year-round as well as seasonally.
Saint Bernusky
A Saint Bernusky will weigh between 30 and 180 pounds with a lifespan of 8 to 14 years.
This dog will definitely be playful and loyal. Siberian Huskies are naturally more outgoing and extrovert than Saint Bernard. Your Saint Bernusky could fall anywhere in between these two temperaments. The Saint Bernusky will have a double layer coat that sheds year-round and seasonally.
Sherri says
I have rescued a 10 month old Saint Bernard Heeler mix hes big and a good dog but he barks when i leave him even when i leave him in my daughters yard with her dog i dont know what to do in affraid he will get out and come look for me someone could take him or he could be hit by a car what can i do?
Keshia says
I have a St. Bernard/Mastiff/Rottweiler male. He is marked like a Rottie and is almost 8 mts old and about 80 pounds. He is a big baby Huey! lol His name is Charlie and he is the most loving baby. A little goofy, food oriented – he will do most anything for a cookie! – and just sweet. He is very vocal. High pitch when playing. Low and deep bark when it’s “stranger-danger” or he’s scared. Separation anxiety somewhat. Not near as bad as what it could be since he has an older “brother” with him. (I have a male shepherd mix that’s almost 2) Likes to tear stuff up now – I think it may be because of his age. Overall, he is a loyal and loving family member.
Mike Zeinstra says
Our boy Rocky who passed in 2014 is the exact duplicate of the one pictured in this article.
I am curious as to what this dog in the pictures was mixed with.
Paula Heller says
My dog is shelti/st bernard mix.very loving.never growls or bites
Lots of white fur.no drooling
Weighs about 80 lbs.12 yes old
Stephanie Bauer says
I have a St bernard and blue healer mix we think hes 9 months old and weighs over 50lbs hes beautiful and protective but be likes chasing cars
Scott says
At the park today an older couple had three gorgeous mix and said they are aspecific breed from Germany … Medium Brown medium length coat with black faces aprox. 140 pounds. They said they are a mix between Great Perinase / Saint Bernard / New Finlander mix. Further said they are from Germany and specifically created for serving Troops during WWII ….AND I FORGOT THE DANG NAME. Any idea ?
Meg Austwick says
Hi Scott, you might find the name of the breed in this guide: German Dog Breeds.
Scott says
YEP ! THANKS SO MUCH … They were LEONBERGER …Wonderful dogs
Jacey says
I think I have a Saint Red Heeler mix. She is playful, affectionate, and gorgeous. She’s almost 60 lbs at just over a year old. She sheds like no other. I’d love to find out what her real mix might be, but I know she’s a Saint mix for sure. If anyone would like to take a look at a pic and give me their opinion on what’s she’s mixed with, feel free!! Thanks in advance!
Dimitra says
It’s someone that has a Saint Bernard mixed with Black Russian terrie ? If yes please text me a picture !
Aline Nishihara says
We have a 100 lb St/Husky male who we love like no other. He has been an absolute joy. Super affectionate, playful, goofy. Just happy all the time, enthusiastic, gentle and loving.
June says
I have a Beagle -St. Bernard mix. What is the life expectancy? And what kind of traits will this dog have? As far as I can tell, she is a very sweet dog. She does shed a lot. She has a stout body but she’s not but probably 24 inches tall. She is white with the brown beagle mix on her.
Ryan says
Has there ever been a Bouvier/St Bernard mix? St Bouvier, perhaps.
The non-shedding component with the big bone working breed could make for a beautiful dog. After our Dogue De Bordeaux died we wanted a big dog … that didn’t shed. Would have loved a St Bernard but we are super happy with male Bouvier!
Thanks
Jessica Bohn says
Do you know which breed mix is in the photos for this article? I couldn’t find if it was listed somewhere in the article, but my puppy looks like that dog and I’m trying to figure out his breeds! Any information would be helpful. Thank you!
Johanne says
Looks like a st.bernard and Border Collie mix to me
Candace says
Hi I recently got a puppy and they said he’s St. Bernard and Akita I was hoping maybe I could show a pic and maybe someone would know ..?
Mike says
Our boy Rocky looks exactly like the one pictured! He passed in 2014 but is the spitting image!
Bill sidwell says
Mike we also have a dog that looks just like that one ,what mix was Rocky . Also the way our dog behaves I’m almost certain she has herding instinct in her . She’s good with our cattle but likes to get behind and try to herd things around including us when she’s playful . Extremely cuddly loving dog .