English Mastiff and St Bernard Mix: A Comprehensive Guide

Author

Posted Oct 22, 2024

Reads 1.1K

A Mastiff Dog on a Concrete Floor Near the Body of Water
Credit: pexels.com, A Mastiff Dog on a Concrete Floor Near the Body of Water

The English Mastiff and St Bernard mix is a giant of a dog, with adults weighing up to 230 pounds.

This massive size is due to the combination of the English Mastiff's massive build and the St Bernard's sturdy frame.

English Mastiff and St Bernard mixes are often referred to as "gentle giants" because of their calm and gentle nature, which makes them a great addition to families with children.

However, they do require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy, so be prepared for daily walks and playtime.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, but they do shed heavily, so be prepared for regular brushing and vacuuming.

Growth and Development

English Mastiff and St Bernard mix puppies grow at a rapid pace, and it's essential to monitor their development. At one month old, they can weigh anywhere from 5 to 20 pounds.

Their weight will increase significantly over the next few months, with males reaching up to 110 pounds by six months. Females, on the other hand, will weigh around 60 to 90 pounds at the same age.

Credit: youtube.com, Bear - St Bernard x English Mastiff - 2 Week Residential Dog Training at Adolescent Dogs

Here's a rough estimate of their growth:

Keep in mind that every puppy grows at its own pace, and some may weigh more or less than expected. If you notice any significant deviations, consult with your veterinarian to ensure your pup is growing properly.

Growth Chart

As you watch your English Mastiff puppy grow, it's natural to wonder how much they should weigh at different ages. A growth chart can be a helpful tool in tracking your pup's development.

At just one month old, English Mastiff puppies can weigh anywhere from 5 to 20 pounds, with males slightly heavier than females.

By two months, your puppy's weight should be increasing rapidly, with males weighing between 20 and 35 pounds and females weighing between 15 and 30 pounds.

As your puppy reaches three months, you can expect them to weigh between 35 and 55 pounds for males and 30 to 50 pounds for females.

A unique perspective: English Mastiff Brindle Puppy

Credit: youtube.com, Growth Chart Basics in 3 minutes

Here's a breakdown of the expected weight ranges for English Mastiff puppies at different ages:

By six months, your English Mastiff puppy should be weighing between 80 and 110 pounds for males and 60 to 90 pounds for females.

When Do They Reach Maturity

Mastiffs can take a while to reach full maturity, with most reaching their adult height around one year old.

English Mastiff puppies need two to three years to fill out and finish maturing, which is much longer than smaller breeds.

Care and Maintenance

The Saint Bermastiff is a gentle giant, but they do require regular grooming to stay clean and healthy. Regular brushing is a must, especially for those with long coats.

Daily brushing will help prevent matting, while shorter coats can get by with a quick brush once a week. If your Saint Bermastiff inherits the English Mastiff's coat, be prepared for more frequent baths to keep them smelling fresh.

Credit: youtube.com, English Mastiff service .. and saint Bernard service

Expect moderate shedding from your Saint Bermastiff, even if they don't inherit the St. Bernard's heavy shedding trait. Cleaning their ears regularly is crucial to prevent infections, and don't forget to trim their nails to prevent painful breaking and cracking.

Remember, neither parent breed is hypoallergenic, so this might not be the best choice for homes with allergy sufferers.

Food Requirements

The Saint Bermastiff needs a well-balanced diet every day, with a lot of food to satisfy their huge appetite.

You'll want to feed your Saint Bermastiff about 4-6 cups of food every day, depending on their size and activity levels.

It's essential to choose a high-protein, low-fat food to keep your Saint Bermastiff healthy and happy.

As a giant breed, your Saint Bermastiff needs a diet made specifically for their size, with around 1.5% calcium, 22% high-quality protein, and 8% fat on a dry matter basis.

Feeding your Saint Bermastiff puppy a diet too high in fat can make them grow faster than their bones can accommodate, potentially resulting in skeletal abnormalities.

Expand your knowledge: How Big Do Mastiffs Get

Big Tibetan Mastiff with thick dark fur looking at camera while lounging on pink blanket on stones under multi colored pieces of cloth on sticks in mountain valley
Credit: pexels.com, Big Tibetan Mastiff with thick dark fur looking at camera while lounging on pink blanket on stones under multi colored pieces of cloth on sticks in mountain valley

As your Saint Bermastiff grows, you'll want to switch to a diet that focuses on high-quality animal protein sources to maintain muscle tone, vitamins and minerals to support joints and cartilage, and less fat to keep an ideal body weight for less joint stress.

It's best to consult with your veterinarian about what to feed your Saint Bermastiff, how much, and how often, especially when bringing a new pup into your home.

To avoid gastric torsion or bloat, feed your Saint Bermastiff smaller meals multiple times a day rather than one large meal, and watch that they don’t drink too much water afterward.

Exercise

Exercise is a crucial part of your Saint Bermastiff's daily routine. They don't require a lot of activity, but they still need physical activity to stay healthy.

Taking your dog for a brisk walk two times a day should be enough for some Saint Bermastiffs, but others may be more active and need more walking. You should keep your dog in good form because they can gain weight quickly if inactive.

Credit: youtube.com, Basic Exercises to Maintain Health and Fitness| Physiotherapy treatment |Mr. Arun Sagar - Manipal

Your Saint Bermastiff will need around 60 to 90 minutes of exercise daily, but avoid activities that require them to jump or run too much, as this can put stress on their ligaments and joints.

It's essential to monitor your dog's exercise levels, especially as a puppy. Avoid activities that involve excessive running and jumping, as this can cause strain and unnecessary problems later in life.

Grooming

Grooming your Saint Bermastiff will depend on the coat texture they inherit from their parent breeds. Regular brushing is a must to keep their coat looking fresh, especially for those with a St. Bernard coat.

Daily brushing is needed to prevent matting in dogs with long coats. A simple pet grooming glove can work wonders for shorter coats, requiring only a weekly brush.

Expect moderate shedding from your Saint Bermastiff, even if they don't inherit the heavy shedding trait from the St. Bernard parent. This means regular vacuuming and tidying up loose hair.

Credit: youtube.com, Proper Blade Maintenance: How to Clean & Oil Clipper Blades

Both parent breeds are prone to ear infections, so it's essential to clean their ears regularly. This will help prevent infections and keep your dog's ears healthy.

Trimming your Saint Bermastiff's nails regularly is crucial to prevent painful breaking and cracking. Keep their nails short to avoid any discomfort.

Don't forget to consult your vet about the best method for keeping your dog's teeth clean and in good condition. This is especially important for mastiffs with heavy jowls that can lead to a lot of drool.

Health and Wellbeing

English Mastiff and St Bernard mixes are generally healthy dogs, but they can inherit some health issues from their parent breeds.

Hip dysplasia is a common health concern in these large dogs, which can lead to arthritis and mobility problems.

Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect potential health issues early on.

Gastric torsion, also known as bloat, is a life-threatening condition that can occur in deep-chested breeds like the English Mastiff and St Bernard mix.

Credit: youtube.com, this is Beorn a 5-month young Saint Bernard mastiff mix here for puppy training

Cancer is a risk for these dogs, with various types such as osteosarcoma and lymphoma being possible.

Here are some potential health issues to be aware of:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Degenerative myelopathy
  • Cancer
  • Gastric dilatation and volvulus
  • Epilepsy
  • Lymphoma
  • Osteosarcoma

Dental disease, ear infections, and allergies are also possible health concerns in English Mastiff and St Bernard mixes.

Heart conditions and diabetes are other potential health issues to be aware of.

Regular veterinary care and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or manage these health concerns.

Temperament and Training

The Saint Bermastiff is a laid-back and affectionate breed that thrives on human interaction. They're not high-maintenance dogs, but they do need plenty of rest to conserve energy for their massive size.

Their easy-going nature makes them a great choice for families with children, but it's essential to remember that they can be lazy and might not always want to play. They'll never turn down a nap, though!

These dogs are naturally protective and make excellent watchdogs due to their imposing size and deep barks. They'll keep a close eye on their family and property, but they're not aggressive by nature.

For more insights, see: English Mastiff Size Comparison

Credit: youtube.com, St. Bernard Who Doesn't Know his Own Strength is Hurting Guests! | It's Me or The Dog

The Saint Bermastiff is highly intelligent and responds well to positive reinforcement training. They're eager to please their owners and can learn many tricks with the right methods. However, they can be stubborn at times, so training sessions should be kept short and brief.

Reward-based training is the key to success with this breed, as they're highly motivated by food and praise. Be sure to use treats sparingly to avoid obesity, and get them started on proper socialization at a young age.

The Saint Bermastiff's size and gentle nature make them a great choice for families with other pets, but proper training and socialization are still essential to ensure harmony. They can get along with cats, but may be naturally territorial and protective at times.

Owning Essentials

Owning a Saint Bermastiff requires careful consideration of their needs and temperament. They need proper training and socialization from a young age to prevent territorial behavior.

Credit: youtube.com, Owning a Saint Bernard?!? | What you need to know!!!

Saint Bermastiffs are fantastic family dogs, suitable for any age or household size. However, they do need supervision when interacting with children to prevent accidental knockovers.

A reasonably sized yard is essential for your Saint Bermastiff to stroll about in. Although they're not high-energy dogs, they still need some space to move around.

Saint Bermastiffs have a strong affinity for their human pack, so they'll do best indoors with their family. They're not ideal for hot areas, as they don't tolerate heat well.

If you live in a colder climate, your Saint Bermastiff will thrive. But if you live in a hot area, make sure to take special care to keep them cool and comfortable.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when owning a Saint Bermastiff:

  • Proper training and socialization from a young age
  • Supervision when interacting with children
  • A reasonably sized yard for exercise
  • Indoor living with their human pack
  • Colder climates are ideal, but special care is needed in hot areas

Appearance and Size

Your Saint Bernard English Mastiff mix will likely have large ears, a square face, and a medium-length coat or longer hair.

These big dogs will weigh anywhere from 100 to 180 pounds and stand between 24 inches to 35 inches tall.

Credit: youtube.com, Living With The Worlds BIGGEST Dog

Their faces will express kindness, matching their personality and energy.

You can expect your Saint Bernard English Mastiff mix to be a heavy shedder, with a short yet dense or wavy but long-haired coat type.

They can come in a combination of white and mahogany brindle, or white and red colors.

The mother Saint Bernard typically plays a more significant role in puppy size, so a larger mum is likely to breed a bigger dog.

You'll probably need to invest in an extra-large dog harness when your puppy is full-grown.

Their coat types can be either dense and short-haired or wavy and long-haired, both being heavy shedders.

They can inherit any combination of red and white or mahogany brindle and white colors from their parents.

Readers also liked: Black English Mastiff Puppy

General Information

The Saint Bermastiff is a large but very affectionate breed, made by crossing the Saint Bernard and English Mastiff. They inherit their physical traits from both parent breeds almost equally.

Credit: youtube.com, Saint Bernard VS English Mastiff

They usually have a medium-length coat and broad faces with large ears, and many people say that their face expresses kindness and understanding. This is not far from the truth, as they have huge hearts and protective, affectionate personalities.

This giant dog breed may look intimidating, but they are actually sweet and well-mannered dogs. They are suitable for experienced dog owners, families with older children, and homes with plenty of space.

Here are some key characteristics of the Saint Bermastiff:

Breed History

The Saint Bermastiff has a rich history that's worth exploring. The breed was created by crossing the Saint Bernard and English Mastiff.

The Saint Bernard is a working dog breed that's often used as a rescue dog, and they also make excellent guard dogs. They originated in Switzerland and were bred to help rescue people stranded in the Alps.

English Mastiffs, on the other hand, are large dogs that first appeared in Britain and were known to fight beside British soldiers in many wars. They're a powerful breed that commands respect.

Consider reading: St Bernard Boxer Mix Breed

Credit: youtube.com, GENERAL HISTORY OF DOGS

The Saint Bermastiff inherits its physical traits from both parent breeds almost equally, resulting in a huge dog with a medium-length coat and broad face. Their large ears and broad face give them a distinctive look that's hard to forget.

Their face is often described as expressing kindness and understanding, which is a testament to their gentle nature. Despite their size, they're a loving and affectionate breed that makes a great companion.

What Is The?

The Saint Bernard English Mastiff Mix is a giant breed known for its large size and imposing appearance, but it's actually a sweet and well-mannered dog. These mixed-breed dogs were developed by crossing the English Mastiff with Saint Bernard, and are often used in rescue work.

As guard dogs, they also serve as livestock guardians but these gentle giants are surprisingly affectionate companions that can become your personal bodyguard. They will inherit behavioral traits from both parents and will often look more like either one of their parent breeds.

A different take: English Pointer Mix Dog

Impact Dog Crates Impact Dog Bed: Perfect Comfort for Your Large Breed Burmese Mountain Dog
Credit: pexels.com, Impact Dog Crates Impact Dog Bed: Perfect Comfort for Your Large Breed Burmese Mountain Dog

Here are some other mixed-breed dogs that are similar to the Saint Bernard English Mastiff Mix:

  • Saint Shepherd: a cross between the German Shepherd and the Saint Bernard
  • Golden Saint: a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Saint Bernard
  • Saint Berxer: a cross between the Boxer and the Saint Bernard
  • Saint Bullnard: a cross between the American Pit Bull Terrier and Saint Bernard
  • Labernard: a cross between the Labrador Retriever and Saint Bernard
  • Saint Bernese: a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and Saint Bernard
  • Saint Dane: a cross between the Great Dane and Saint Bernard
  • Saint Berhusky: a cross between the Siberian Husky and Saint Bernard
  • Saint Charnard: a cross between the Chow Chow and Saint Bernard

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lifespan of a Saint Bernard mastiff mix?

The lifespan of a Saint Bernard mastiff mix is typically 8-10 years, similar to other giant breeds. However, their lifespan may vary depending on individual factors and potential health conditions.

Is the Saint Bernard a mastiff?

Yes, the Saint Bernard is a member of the Mastiff family, characterized by its large head and powerful body.

Which is bigger Saint Bernard or English mastiff?

Mastiffs are generally larger than St. Bernards. The English Mastiff is often considered the largest breed of dog.

Bertha Hauck

Senior Writer

Bertha Hauck is a writer with a passion for sharing knowledge about canine companions. With a focus on Dutch Shepherds and other breeds originating in the Netherlands, Bertha's articles provide in-depth information for dog enthusiasts. Her expertise in herding dogs and FCI breeds has earned her a reputation as a trusted authority in the field.