The St. Bernard Lab mix, a captivating blend of the affectionate Labrador and the robust St. Bernard, emerges as a unique and powerful crossbreed.
Possessing a combination of the Labrador’s friendly and outgoing demeanor and the St. Bernard’s strength and sturdiness, this hybrid breed demands an experienced owner who can cater to its distinct needs.
However, owing to their large size and strength, proper training and early socialization are paramount to ensure a well-behaved and manageable pet.
Without the right guidance, a Saintador may exhibit challenges in behavior that can be prevented with consistent training and positive reinforcement.
In this comprehensive article, we will embark on a journey through the histories of both the Labrador and the St. Bernard, providing you with insights into the lineage that shapes the temperament of this unique mix.
By understanding the backgrounds of the parent breeds, you’ll gain valuable context for the traits exhibited by your St. Bernard Lab mix.
The Labrador Retreiver
- Weight – 55 – 80 pounds
- Height – 22 – 24 inches
- Lifespan – 10 – 12 years
- Major Health Concerns – hip & elbow dysplasia, retinal atrophy, obesity, & cold tail
- Grooming – 4x weekly during shedding season 2x weekly during non-shedding season
- Fur or Hair? – fur
- Coat Colors – black, tan, white, yellow, & chocolate
- Eye Color – brown
- Exercise – they need long walks and runs and playtime in the yard several times a day.
- Training – Labrador is very easy and very eager to train
- Socialization – positive exposure to other people and dogs daily for best socialization.
- Temperament – playful, loyal, even-tempered, outgoing, agile, trusting, gentle & smart
- Good in apartments? – no they need a house with a fenced in yard
America’s most popular dog breed, is the Labrador Retriever, they are an agreeable and friendly companion. This breed holds the crown as the ever-popular choice for the family pets award.
Why is that? It is because Labs, Labradors, or Labrador Retrievers are highly social and love all people, children, and animals alike, which explains their worldwide popularity.
The Labrador was created and bred in Canada. They worked to help fishermen and hunters retrieve their catches. The hunters needed a friendly dog that loved fetching and being in the water at any temperature all day if necessary. They also needed the dog to be very soft in the mouth when retrieving a catch.
The Labrador was sent over to England in the 1800s by some English noblemen who had discovered the breed while visiting Canada. Those breeds began the line that is now the English Labrador Retriever, bred more for show, companionship, and conformation.
The English Labrador is shorter, stockier, thicker necked, and more mellow than their American cousins. We have an article about the difference if you would like to know more about the American Labrador VS the English Labrador.
The St. Bernard
- Weight – 140 – 180 pounds
- Height – 25 – 30 inches
- Lifespan – 8 – 10 years
- Health Issues – Cataracts, hip dysplasia, arthritis, bloat, bone cancer, VWD
- Grooming – 2x Brush Weekly, 4-6x weekly during shedding season
- Colors – Black and tan
- Eye Color – Brown
- Exercise – A moderate amount of exercise, including an hour of walking, playing, or fetching daily
- Training – Positive reinforcement is highly effective in training
- Socialization – Encourage taking your St. Bernard everywhere you go
- Temperament – Kind, Gentle, Watchful, Funny, Playful with family, very protective
- Good in an apartment? – No, St. Bernards need a spacious house and yard to play around in
A sturdy and powerful mountain dog bred to assist in various tasks, they are a rancher’s invaluable companion! Their names might suggest an origin in Switzerland, but that is quite the opposite of their true heritage.
They actually hail from the Swiss Alps, originally bred by monks at the Saint Bernard Hospice. The St. Bernard is at its happiest when engaged in meaningful work, so if you decide to welcome a St. Bernard into your home, be sure to provide them with a purpose!
St. Bernard Temperament:
- Gentle
- Kind
- Watchful
- Funny
- Playful
- Protective
St. Bernards are known for their intelligence and diligence, using their deep bark, gentle mouth, and watchful eyes to guide and protect.
Interestingly, their herding instincts might extend beyond livestock; without proper leadership, they may attempt to guide and protect the family, even playfully herding young children.
The St. Bernard Lab Mix
- Weight: 90 – 150 pounds
- Height: 24 – 30 inches
- Lifespan: 10 – 12 years
- Health Issues: While generally robust, Labernard may be prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis.
- Grooming: Regular brushing is advised, 2-3 times a week, with increased frequency during shedding season.
- Colors: Coat colors can vary, including black, brown, and tan combinations.
- Eye Color: Typically brown, reflecting their warm and expressive nature.
- Exercise: Moderate exercise is essential, including daily walks and interactive playtime.
- Training: Positive reinforcement works well due to their eager-to-please nature.
- Socialization: Socialize early and consistently to ensure a well-mannered and adaptable companion.
- Temperament: St. Bernard Lab mix’s are known for their kindness, gentleness, and playful demeanor. They tend to be protective of their family.
- Good in an apartment? No, they thrive in a spacious environment with access to a yard for play and exercise.
The St. Bernard Lab mix, often referred to as a “Saintador,” is a captivating blend of two distinctive breeds—the St. Bernard and the Labrador Retriever.
This hybrid inherits a combination of physical traits and temperamental characteristics from both parent breeds, resulting in a unique and imposing presence.
Typically large in size, with a strong build and a distinctive coat, the Saintador is known for its loyalty, intelligence, and friendly demeanor.
Training of the St. Bernard Lab mix
Training the Saintador requires commitment, consistency, and patience. Given their intelligence, positive reinforcement methods work effectively during training sessions.
Early training is crucial to instill good behavior, and basic commands should be introduced in a positive and engaging manner.
The Saintador’s natural intelligence can be channeled through training, resulting in a well-mannered companion that understands commands and boundaries.
Advanced training, such as obedience and agility, can be highly beneficial for mental stimulation and building a strong bond between the owner and the dog. Incorporating puzzle toys and interactive games into their routine helps keep them mentally sharp and engaged.
Socialization of the Saintador
Socialization is paramount in shaping the Labernard behavior. Exposing them to various environments, people, and animals from a young age is crucial.
Positive interactions with strangers, children, and other pets contribute to reducing any potential fear or aggression issues. Regular outings to parks, walks in different neighborhoods, and supervised playdates can help build their confidence and social skills.
While they naturally possess a friendly demeanor, a well-socialized Saintador will differentiate between friend and stranger, ensuring they are approachable in various situations. Consistent and positive socialization lays the foundation for a sociable and confident adult dog.
Exercise Needs of the St. Bernard Lab mix
Given their size and energy levels, regular exercise is vital for the Labernard. Daily walks, playtime, and interactive activities help burn off excess energy, prevent boredom, and maintain a healthy weight.
While they may not require as much exercise as some working breeds, providing them with a variety of physical and mental stimulation is key to their well-being.
Engaging in activities like swimming, fetching, or even participating in canine sports can be enjoyable for them.
Monitoring their energy levels and adjusting the intensity of exercise based on age and health is important for a happy and contented Saintador.
Temperament of the Saintador
The Saintador typically exhibits a balanced temperament, combining the friendly nature of the Labrador with the gentle demeanor of the St. Bernard.
They are known for being affectionate, loyal, and good with families. Early training and socialization play a pivotal role in shaping their behavior.
While they may be reserved around strangers, their overall temperament makes them excellent family pets.
Their friendly disposition makes them well-suited for households with children, and their intelligence allows them to adapt to various situations.
Understanding their individual personality and providing consistent positive reinforcement helps in nurturing their loving and loyal nature.
The St. Bernard Lab Mix Grooming Needs
Moderate grooming is necessary for the Saintador. Their short to medium-length coat requires regular brushing to control shedding and prevent matting.
Brushing two to three times a week helps maintain a healthy coat and minimizes loose hair around the house.
Routine grooming tasks, such as cleaning ears, brushing teeth, and trimming nails, should be part of a regular schedule.
Paying attention to these aspects not only ensures the dog’s physical comfort but also helps in early detection of any potential health issues.
Regular grooming sessions also provide an opportunity for bonding between the owner and the dog.
Health Issues of the Saintador
- Hip Dysplasia: Both Labrador and St. Bernard breeds are prone to hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and mobility issues.
- Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia can be a concern, particularly due to the large size of Labradors and St. Bernards. It is a developmental disorder affecting the elbow joint.
- Bloat (Gastric Torsion): Labradors and St. Bernards may be predisposed to bloat, a potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach twists on itself. This can lead to a rapid onset of symptoms and requires immediate veterinary attention.
- Heart Issues: Both Labradors and St. Bernards can be prone to certain heart conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for monitoring cardiac health.
- Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer): Labradors have a susceptibility to osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Regular veterinary screenings can aid in early detection.
- Obesity: Given their size, Saintweilers may be prone to obesity, which can exacerbate other health issues. Monitoring their diet and providing regular exercise is crucial.
- Heat Sensitivity: Bernards, in particular, can be sensitive to heat due to their thick coats. Ensuring they stay cool and hydrated in warmer weather is important.
Being aware of the potential health issues associated with each parent breed is crucial for responsible ownership. Labradors may be prone to hip dysplasia, certain heart conditions, and obesity. St. Bernards, being a giant breed, may face issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, and cardiac issues.
The Saintador may inherit traits from both parent breeds, so it’s essential to be vigilant about their health. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and preventive care, including appropriate vaccinations, are vital for their overall well-being.
Keeping an eye on signs of joint issues, maintaining a healthy weight to alleviate strain on the joints, and being cautious about their diet to prevent obesity are important considerations. Additionally, understanding the potential genetic predispositions of each parent breed can help in early detection and management of any health concerns.
Conclusion of the St. Bernard Lab mix
In conclusion, the St. Bernard Labrador mix, with its unique blend of traits from two iconic breeds, has the potential to be an extraordinary companion.
Proper training, socialization, exercise, grooming, and health care are paramount for their well-being. A responsible owner who invests time and effort into understanding and meeting the needs of this distinctive crossbreed will be rewarded with a loyal, loving, and well-adjusted family member.
The Saintador, when provided with the right care and environment, can thrive as a cherished member of the household, bringing joy, companionship, and unwavering loyalty to those fortunate enough to share their lives with this remarkable breed.
Do You Have a St. Bernard Lab Mix or Other Dog Breed?
If you have a Saintador and you would like to send us information, and/or a photo with your dog’s info we can post it onto our Mixed Dog Breed Photo Gallery!
More For You
If you found the article on the St. Bernard Labrador mix interesting but over all to much either in power or size, we have multiple other article on other types of dog breeds that you might find interesting.
- The St. Bernard Rottweiler mix
- The Springer Spaniel Labrador mix
- Weiler Dane
- Rottsky
- Labrottie
- Rottweiler American Bulldog
Happy Tails!
The Labrottie Nation Team