Bernese Mountain Dog Saint Bernard

Height: 26-35 inches
Weight: 100-120 pounds
Lifespan: 6-10 years
Colors: White, brown, black
Suitable for: Active families with children of any age and plenty of room
Temperament: Loyal & Loving, Friendly, Gentle, Protective

The Saint Bernese is a giant hybrid dog bred from a cross of St Bernard and the Bernese Mountain dog. Both of these breeds are considered giant dogs, and the designer Saint Bernese will be of similarly huge stature. Their size means that dogs of this breed are not well suited to life in an apartment, and they will need plenty of exercise.

Despite their size, however, they are considered excellent family pets because they are very gentle, incredibly patient, and they will form a close bond with young children. Both parent breeds are efficient working dogs, which means that they can be easy to train, although you may have to show patience, utilize positive reinforcement techniques, and aim for short training sessions to get the most out of them.

Unfortunately, this breed does have quite a short lifespan of between 6 and 10 years and may be prone to a range of conditions including hip dysplasia, cancer, and bloat. Their size means that they are also prone to some spinal conditions.

St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog: Weight

Bernese Mountain Dog Saint Bernard

The Bernese mountain dog is far lighter than St. Bernard despite its size. Bernese males weigh between 85 to 115 pounds, while females weigh 80 to 106 pounds. Saint Bernard males weigh between 140 and 200 pounds, while females weigh between 120 and 140 pounds.

St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog: Trainability

Both breeds are bright and willing to satisfy their owners when it comes to training. Both are receptive to training, which explains why they have historically performed well in human-related vocations. And with a treat in hand, you may be confident that positive reinforcement training will be the most effective method of training them.

However, it is critical to begin teaching your St. Bernard immediately, especially if it will spend most of its time indoors. While it is a puppy, professional training is best to ensure it properly understands social cues and commands. Bernese mountain dogs are easy to train and respond well to positive reinforcement and rewards.

Food & Diet Requirements

Giant breeds have giant appetites, and you should expect to feed between 3 and 4 cups of good quality dog food every day. You should feed two or three meals a day and, to avoid bloat, do not provide a constant supply of food. You should also avoid giving your dog exercise immediately after eating.

  • Related read: Best Dog Foods for Saint Bernards
  • FAQ

    Is a Saint Bernard bigger than a Bernese Mountain Dog?

    The key differences between Saint Bernard and the Bernese Mountain Dog (a.k.a. Berner) are size, appearance, lifespan, origin, and temperament. Saint Bernards are frequently larger and heavier than Bernese mountain dogs. Additionally, while Saint Bernard and Bernese mountain dogs are related, their origin is distinct.

    What is a St. Bernard and Bernese Mountain Dog mix?

    As giant dog breeds sharing the traditional Swiss colors, they look very similar to one another. The smaller Berner weighs between 70 and 115 pounds, and he measures between 23 and 27 ½ inches tall. The Saint Bernard weighs much more, between 120 and 180 pounds, and he measures 26 to 30 inches tall.