This article will teach you all about the Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog mix!
If you have recently adopted a “Saint Bernese,” or if you are thinking about adopting one, you have come to the right place!
Keep reading to find more information below about this interesting mix.
What is a Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog Mix?
The Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog mix is a cross between two giant breeds—the Saint Bernard and the Bernese Mountain Dog.
This mix is also sometimes known as the Saint Bernese or the Saint Berner.
The Saint Bernese is a mixed breed dog, so it is not recognized by any major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) or United Kennel Club (UKC).
Saint Bernese puppies might be the result of an accidental litter or intentional breeding.
When people intentionally create a hybrid dog, it is called a designer dog.
Saint Bernese History Personality Traits
The Saint Bernese is a fairly new designer breed, so there is not much written history about this dog.
On the other hand, there is plenty of information about the history of the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Saint Bernard.
Learning about the parent breeds will give you some insights into the mix.
Saint Bernard
The iconic Saint Bernard is one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world.
This gentle giant originated in the European Alps in the year 1050.
These large, hairy dogs were bred and trained by Monks to help locate and rescue travelers that were lost in the snowy mountains.
The Saint Bernard dog breed was officially recognized by the AKC in 1885.
The Saint Bernard temperament is known for being gentle and calm. They are usually good with kids and they are very loyal to their families.
Check out this article for even more information about the Saint Bernard temperament.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is also a large, furry working dog from the mountains.
The Bernese Mountain Dog originated in Switzerland. The breed was created as an all-around working farm dog. Berners were used to pull carts, guard flocks and protect the homestead.
Over the years, Berners have evolved into very popular companions.
Owners adore the breed for their sweet natures and goofy personalities.
However, Bernese Mountain Dogs are not for everyone. They are very large dogs that require a big investment of time and money. They need plenty of daily exercise and mental enrichment.
Check out this article for more information about the Bernese Mountain Dog Temperament.
Saint Bernese Size and Appearance
What does a Saint Bernese look like?
Good question!
Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog mixes are really cute, especially as puppies!
They are very fluffy and they have gorgeous markings.
A full-grown Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog mix is a very big dog!
The average height for a Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog mix is around 26 to 32 inches at the withers.
They typical Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog weight is between 110 and 150 lbs.
If you adopt one, you need to be prepared for a giant dog!
Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog mix colors are usually some combination of brown, black, and white. Although other color combinations are possible.
Saint Bernese have very long, thick coats that need diligent maintenance. We will talk more about Saint Bernese grooming and shedding in the next section.
Grooming and Maintenence
How do you groom a Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog Mix?
These dogs have long, thick coats that need daily brushing and combing.
You will want to invest in a couple of good brushes, including a deshedding tool.
Brush your Saint Berner’s coat once per day to remove loose hairs and prevent matting.
Bathing such a large dog can be tough. Your Saint Bernese will need a bath every few weeks to every few months.
You will probably also need to bring your Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog mix to a professional groomer a few times per year for a haircut, or at least a sanitary clip.
This is important to keep your pet clean and healthy, but it can be pricey. Groomers will often charge an extra fee for dogs over 100 lbs., so just be prepared for a hefty grooming bill.
Do not forget to trim your dog’s toenails on a regular basis, as well as clean his ears and brush his teeth.
If you are not able to do these things, you can hire your groomer or vet to do them for a small fee.
How Much Does a Saint Bernese Shed?
Do Saint Bernese dogs shed?
Yes, these dogs are major shedders. They also have a tendency to drool.
Most owners feel that their good qualities far outweigh these negative elements.
However, if you are a person who could not handle dog fur or dog saliva in your home, this is not the dog for you.
Is the Saint Bernese Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, this mix is not considered hypoallergenic.
Therefore, if somebody in the household suffers from allergies, this type of dog is probably not the best choice.
If you are looking for a breed that is hypoallergenic, check out this article for a list of hypoallergenic dog breeds.
Saint Bernese Training
Training your Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog mix is very important.
Keep in mind that this dog will be over 100 lbs., so it is vital that you have it under control at all times in public.
Saint Berners are intelligent and they enjoy learning new things and working with their owners.
How Can You Train Your Saint Bernese?
Like most dogs, your Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog mix will learn best through positive reinforcement training.
If possible, sign up for a puppy kindergarten class or a basic obedience class with a positive reinforcement trainer in your community.
Steer clear of trainers that use force, punishment or “dominance” to train dogs.
Avoid trainers that use painful training tools like shock collars or pinch collars.
Positive reinforcement training, or reward-based training, is more humane, effective and enjoyable for you and your furry friend.
Once you have gone through basic training, you and your Saint Bernese could even get involved in more advanced activities such as rally obedience, nosework, weight pull, therapy work, agility, or search and rescue.
Helpful Online Dog Training Resource:
The Online Dog Trainer by Doggy Dan a world-class Dog Trainer from New Zealand is worth taking a look at. This online resource has hundreds of fun informative dog training videos that can help you learn the basics and more.
Staying Healthy: Saint Bernese Health Issues
Before you bring home any new pet, talk with your veterinarian about what to expect in terms of medical care, veterinary expenses, and possible health issues.
All dog breeds are prone to certain genetic conditions.
Luckily, mixed-breed dogs tend to be healthier than their purebred counterparts since they come from a wider gene pool.
However, all dogs will need veterinary care, so it is best to be prepared.
Saint Bernese Health Problems
Below you will find a list of health issues that can be common in either the Saint Bernard or the Bernese Mountain Dog (or both).
Talk with your vet about these conditions so that you can be prepared for them if they arise in your Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog mix:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Arthritis/ Joint Issues
- Obesity
- Allergies
- Cancer
Helpful Dog Health Resource:
Note: Our Health is #1 Priority. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. Help your friend make it to 14 yrs+ without pain and suffering.
Preventative Care
You can keep your Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog mix as healthy as possible by bringing him to the veterinarian on a regular basis—at least once per year is the recommended schedule.
At this annual checkup, your dog will receive a thorough physical exam as well as yearly vaccinations for diseases such as parvo, distemper, rabies and kennel cough.
As your dog gets older, you will probably want to yearly bloodwork as well.
Make sure that you get your pet spayed or neutered at the appropriate age.
Also, make sure to keep your Saint Bernese up to date on flea and heartworm prevention at all times. Talk with your vet about the best brand for your dog.
Keep in mind that these medications are dosed by weight, so buying medicine for a giant dog will be more expensive than buying prevention for a smaller pet.
Saint Bernese Nutrition
Feed your dog a healthy, high-quality diet.
Your veterinarian can give you suggestions about the best brands on the market for your dog.
Feed your dog a few small meals per day rather than one large meal. This type of feeding schedule will reduce the likelihood of bloat which can be a life-threatening emergency that require immediate surgery.
Saint Bernese Lifespan
How long will your Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog mix live?
Sadly, large breed dogs do not live as long as smaller breeds.
The lifespan for this breed is between 6 and 10 years.
Even though it seems short, Saint Bernese owners feel like it is worth it because these dogs bring so much joy to their owners’ lives.
Rescue and Adoption
If you think this might be the right dog for you, check out your local animal shelter or humane society to see if you can find a Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog mix available for adoption.
If the shelter does not have one available at the time of your visit, ask if you can leave an application on file for the future.
Also ask the shelter staff if they can refer you to any rescue groups that specialize in Saint Bernards, Bernese Mountain Dogs, or mixes.
You can also search online by using websites such as petfinder.com, adoptapet.com, getyourpet.com and Facebook.
Adoption is a very rewarding way to add a pet to your family. You get to provide a loving home for a dog that needs a second chance in life.
Finding a Saint Bernese For Sale From a Reputable Breeder
Since the Saint Bernese is a mixed breed dog, you probably will not find too many Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog Mix breeders.
Your best bet for acquiring one of these dogs is through adoption or rescue.
If you do end up working with a breeder, make sure you do some research to make sure that you find a legitimate, ethical breeder.
The only way to know for sure if you are working with a good breeder is to visit the breeder’s property in person and meet the breeding dogs.
Never buy Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog mix puppies over the internet or from a pet store.
Always insist on visiting the premises yourself and assessing the situation. Ask to see medical records and the results of any genetic testing or hip evaluations.
If a breeder does not want you to visit, this is a major red flag. You might be working with an unscrupulous breeder such as a backyard breeder or a puppy mill.
Checkout our Complete Guide to Breeders:
We wrote the definitive guide on finding, selecting, and dealing with dog breeders. This will give you the smarts and confidence to save you money, time and heartache. Read On…
The Saint Bernese Price
How much does a Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog mix cost?
If you adopt from an animal shelter, humane society or rescue group, the price will be much more reasonable than if you buy a purebred dog or a designer dog from a breeder.
Adoption fees are generally between $75 and $300 depending on the organization.
Your adoption fee almost always includes basic veterinary care such as spay or neuter, the first round of vaccinations, dewormer, heartworm test, and sometimes a microchip.
If you buy a purebred puppy from a breeder, the cost can easily be over $1000, so adoption is definitely the more ethical and the more affordable option.
We hope that you have enjoyed learning a little bit about the Saint Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog mix. We hope that this article has answered your questions and given you an insight into what life would be like with this gentle giant.
Allie has worked in the field of animal welfare for over ten years and as a freelance writer the space for many years. She has had many different kinds of dogs (and cats) throughout her life—all adopted. She currently shares her home with a lovable pit bull mix named Huckleberry.