Saint Bernard Mix Dogs: History, Health, and Training Essentials

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Posted Nov 7, 2024

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Saint Bernard Mix Dogs are a unique breed that combines the gentle giant traits of the Saint Bernard with the characteristics of other dog breeds. They can make wonderful family pets.

Their ancestors, the Saint Bernard, have a rich history dating back to the 17th century as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps.

Saint Bernard Mix Dogs are generally large to giant-sized dogs, weighing between 80 to 180 pounds.

They are known for their thick coats, which require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Physical Characteristics

Saint Bernard mix dogs are large and muscular, with a powerful overall appearance. They have wide heads and a sturdy build.

Males should be at least 27.5 inches tall at the shoulder, while females are slightly shorter, standing at least 25.5 inches tall.

Saint Bernards are a combination of red and white, with the chest, feet, tail tip, and areas along the nose and neck nape typically being white. They can have either short or long fur, but the coloring and markings remain the same.

Mini

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The Mini breeds are quite adorable, don't you think? They can look exactly like miniature versions of their larger counterparts.

They're fantastic family dogs, getting along very well with children and other pets. They're also wary of strangers, which makes them good watchdogs.

They're easy to train, devoted, affectionate, but stubborn. This mix of traits makes them a great companion, but also requires some patience and consistency from their owners.

What Do They Look Like?

Saint Bernards are large dogs with a powerful appearance, standing at least 25.5 inches tall for females and 27.5 inches for males.

Their heads are wide and muscular, giving them a distinctive look. They have a combination of red and white coloring, with white markings on the chest, feet, tail tip, and areas along the nose and neck nape.

Saint Bernards can have either short or long fur, but their coloring and markings remain the same.

Average Weight

At 8 months old, a St. Bernard puppy's weight can vary significantly, with males weighing between 100-120 pounds and females weighing between 85-110 pounds.

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As they grow, both male and female St. Bernards will reach about 75% of their mature height, putting them at around 21-23 inches tall and 19-21 inches tall at the shoulders.

On average, a male St. Bernard should weigh between 140-180 pounds, while a female should weigh around 120-140 pounds.

A St. Bernard's muscular figure and wide skull are defining characteristics, with a short muzzle that can sometimes give them a stern appearance.

Australian Puppies

Australian Puppies can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 to buy from a breeder.

If you're looking for a Saint Bernard Australian Shepherd Mix puppy, be prepared for a significant upfront cost. These puppies are relatively rare, so you may have to pay a premium to get one.

Australian Shepherd mix puppies, in general, tend to fall within the same price range as Saint Bernard mixes.

Adopting a mixed breed from a rescue organization is a more affordable option, and you'll be giving a loving home to a dog in need.

Recommended read: Black Mouth Cur Mix Puppies

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Keep in mind that large dogs like Saint Bernards require a lot of care and attention, including regular feeding and training.

Australian Shepherds, on the other hand, are highly energetic and intelligent dogs that need plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

By adopting from a rescue organization, you can find a dog that's already been socialized and trained, saving you time and effort in the long run.

Health and Wellness

Saint Bernards are known to be prone to certain health issues, and as a Saint Bernard mix owner, it's essential to be aware of these potential problems. They're at risk for hip dysplasia, heart disease, and bone cancer, among other issues.

As a giant-breed dog, a Saint Bernard mix needs more room, food, and attention to their breed-specific needs. This means providing a spacious living area and a diet that meets their nutritional requirements.

Hip dysplasia is a common issue in giant breeds, and it occurs when the hip joints form improperly. This can lead to hind-limb pain, limited mobility, and even lameness. Large and giant dog breeds are at a heightened risk of hip dysplasia due to their fast growth rates as puppies.

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A Saint Bernard mix is also at risk for bloat, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention. Bloat can occur when a dog eats too quickly or drinks too much water before or after eating.

Here are some common health issues that can affect a Saint Bernard mix:

  • Bloat and gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV)
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Eye conditions
  • Epilepsy
  • Cancer, especially lymphoma and bone cancer
  • Heart conditions

Temperament and Training

Saint Bernard mix dogs are known for being loyal and patient, making them a great fit for families with children. They can inherit the gentle nature of their Saint Bernard parent.

Some Saint Bernard mixes, like the Saint Berdoodle, are fairly energetic and require daily exercise. This breed enjoys hanging out with their family and can be protective, but they're not aggressive. They'll bark when they sense a potential threat, but will usually be more bark than bite.

As for training, Saint Bernard mixes are generally smart and easy to train, especially if they inherit the Poodle's intelligence. The Golden Saint, for example, is a great breed for beginner dog owners due to its intelligence and calm nature.

Bullnard: Pitbull

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The Bullnard is a powerful mix between a Saint Bernard and a Pitbull, weighing anywhere between 70 to 180 pounds.

They're eager to please their owner, making them fairly easy to train. Consistency is key, so establishing a regular routine can help prevent erratic behavior.

A Bullnard needs moderate exercise and a stable environment with plenty of stimulation to thrive.

Temperament & Intelligence

Saint Bernard mixes are known for being gentle giants, but that doesn't mean they don't require proper training and socialization.

They can inherit their Saint Bernard parent's patient nature, making them wonderful with children. However, as with any breed, it's essential to supervise interactions between kids and dogs to ensure everyone's safety.

Some Saint Bernard mixes, like the Golden Saint, can be prone to separation anxiety if not properly trained from a young age. This means owners need to invest time in teaching their dogs to be calm and relaxed when left alone.

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The Saint Bermastiff, on the other hand, can be quite stubborn when it comes to training, so dog owners with prior experience with stubborn breeds will do best. They don't respond well to harsh criticism, so positive reinforcement is key.

Despite their size, many Saint Bernard mixes are extremely affectionate and loving, making them wonderful family companions. The Saint Pyrenees, for example, is a perfect family companion and doubles as a fantastic working dog.

However, some Saint Bernard mixes, like the Saint Pyrenees, can exhibit willfulness, which can make training and handling more challenging. They require patient and experienced owners who can provide the necessary guidance and structure.

Saint Bernard mixes are intelligent dogs and can thrive with proper training and exercise. They just need owners who are willing to invest time and effort into their development.

As with any breed, it's essential to research and understand the specific needs and characteristics of a Saint Bernard mix before bringing one home. With the right training and care, they can become loyal and loving companions.

Curious to learn more? Check out: All about Dogs Dog Training

Labrador Retriever

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Labrador Retrievers are known for being friendly and loving by nature, making them a great addition to many families. They are even-tempered, playful, and very sweet, enjoying family time and engaging in playful activities.

Labrador Retrievers are also excellent with children, exhibiting significant patience and making them a great breed for families with kids. They can be willful by nature, but with proper training and care, they can become docile and sweet pups.

Labrador Retrievers are moderate shedders, requiring brushing every other day to keep their coat looking its best. They are also active dogs, requiring regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

Kita: Akita

The Akita is a sturdy breed that can weigh over 100 pounds. They're known for their intelligence and devotion, making them a capable guard dog.

Akita owners need to be aware of their somewhat anxious nature, which can lead to problems if left unattended for long periods. A larger home and yard can help alleviate some of these issues.

A unique perspective: Akita Mix Dog

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These dogs tend to bond closely with the person who spends the most time with them, making them a great fit for families who can devote time and attention. They do best when surrounded by their family.

Akita mixes, like the Saintkita, also require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A larger yard to roam in can be a big benefit for these breeds.

Border Collie

The Border Collie is a breed known for being intelligent and protective.

They can be wary of strangers until they've been introduced.

With proper training, they can make great family pets.

However, they do require careful supervision around young children.

Grooming can also be a challenge due to their thick coats.

Top 13 Dog Breeds

The Labrador Retriever is one of the friendliest dog breeds around, known for its gentle and outgoing personality.

Labradors are highly intelligent, which makes them a breeze to train. They're often used as guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and therapy dogs.

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The Golden Retriever is another popular breed that's known for its loyalty and affectionate nature. They're great with families and are often used as therapy dogs.

Golden Retrievers are also highly intelligent and relatively easy to train. They're one of the top breeds for obedience training.

The Beagle is a small but energetic breed that's great with children. They're relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, but they do need regular training to prevent barking and howling.

Beagles are relatively small in size, but they have big personalities. They're often used for hunting and tracking.

The Poodle is a highly intelligent breed that's known for its trainability. They come in a variety of sizes, from Toy to Standard.

Poodles are often considered one of the easiest breeds to train, due to their high intelligence and willingness to please.

The Rottweiler is a powerful breed that's often misunderstood. Despite its tough exterior, it has a loving and loyal personality.

Rottweilers are highly trainable, but they do require consistent and positive reinforcement. They're often used as guard dogs and police dogs.

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The Boxer is a playful and energetic breed that's great with families. They're relatively easy to train and are often used as therapy dogs.

Boxers are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them great watchdogs.

The Dachshund is a small but lively breed that's great for apartment living. They're relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise.

Dachshunds are known for their independence and can be stubborn at times, making training a bit more challenging.

The Shih Tzu is a friendly and outgoing breed that's great for families with children. They're relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise.

Shih Tzus are highly trainable, but they do require consistent and positive reinforcement. They're often used as therapy dogs.

The Corgi is a small but intelligent breed that's great for families. They're relatively easy to train and are often used as herding dogs.

Corgis are known for their loyalty and protective nature, making them great watchdogs.

The Chihuahua is a small but lively breed that's great for apartment living. They're relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise.

A unique perspective: Shih Tzu Mix Dogs

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Chihuahuas are known for their independence and can be stubborn at times, making training a bit more challenging.

The German Shepherd is a highly intelligent breed that's often used as a police dog or guide dog. They're highly trainable and are known for their loyalty and protective nature.

German Shepherds are often considered one of the top breeds for obedience training, due to their high intelligence and willingness to please.

Grooming

Grooming is essential for a Saint Bernard mix dog, as they inherit a double coat from their parent breeds.

They will shed moderately throughout the year, and heavily during shedding seasons.

You'll need a decent de-shedding tool to tackle this, especially when the undercoat starts to fall out.

A thorough weekly brush should do the trick outside of shedding seasons.

Don't forget to trim your Saint Bernard mix's nails or get them trimmed by a groomer when needed.

Diet and Exercise

Diet and Exercise are two crucial aspects of caring for your Saint Bernard mix dog.

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You'll need to feed your dog a formula designed for large dogs, as they tend to be medium-large in size, which means they eat more than small dogs.

Larger dogs require at least one long walk and several play sessions per day, with highly energetic dogs needing around 2 hours of physical exercise per day.

Avoid strenuously exercising puppies, as this can be very damaging to their developing joints.

Consider reading: Saint Bernard Large Dogs

8-Month-Old Baby Weight

At 8-months-old, an average St. Bernard male should weigh between 100-120 pounds, while females of the same age should weigh 85-110 pounds.

The weight range for an 8-month-old St. Bernard is quite broad, but it's essential to keep in mind that both male and female puppies will be about 75% of their mature height at this stage.

Male St. Bernard puppies will be about 21-23 inches tall, while females will be slightly shorter, at 19-21 inches tall at the shoulders.

For another approach, see: Yellow Lab Golden Retriever Mix Puppy

Food & Diet

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Australian Shepherd Saint Bernard mixes can be medium to large in size, so they'll need to eat more than smaller dogs. You'll likely need to spend more on food, possibly even multiple bags.

Larger dogs require a formula designed for their size, but it's essential to consult your vet or the food packaging to ensure it's suitable for your dog's weight.

Some mixes might be medium-sized, like the Australian Shepherd, so you'll need to consider their individual needs when choosing a food formula.

Check this out: Mix Dog Food Brands

ercise

Your dog needs regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Australian Shepherds are always on the go, making great running partners as adults.

A daily routine should include at least one long walk and a few play sessions.

Saint Bernards, on the other hand, tend to be a little more chilled out than Aussies.

Highly energetic dogs need around 2 hours of physical exercise per day as adults.

Avoid strenuously exercising puppies, though—this can be very damaging to their developing joints.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do the Saint Pyrenees get?

A mature Saint Pyrenees typically weighs between 100-180 pounds, making them a large breed of dog. Their size is due to their mixed heritage from Saint Bernard and Great Pyrenees parentage.

Becky Murray

Writer

Becky Murray is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content on a wide range of topics. Her expertise lies in the realm of animal-related subjects, where she has developed a unique voice and perspective. With a keen interest in canine herding breeds, Becky has produced a series of informative articles that delve into the characteristics, behaviors, and histories of these fascinating dogs.

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