The St. Bernard Rottweiler mix is a powerful loving dog breed, they need an experienced owner. They also need exercise and training from an early age, or else face an out of control St. Bernard Rottweiler mix.
The St. Bernard Rottweiler Mix Traits:
- Protective
- Loyalty
- Playful
- Eager to please
In this article, we will dive into both the Rottweiler and the St. Bernard history so that you will have a complete understanding of the parents. Then we will get into the nuances of the St. Bernard Rottweiler mix, and there you will learn everything about how to have a successful new four-legged family member.
The Rottweiler
- Weight – 110 – 130 pounds
- Height – 17 – 22 inches
- Lifespan – 10 – 12 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 – An hour of running, playing, walking, or fetching daily
- Training – Use positive reinforcement in training
- Socialization – Take he/she everywhere you go
- Temperament – Kind, Gentle, Watchful, Funny, Playful with family, very protective
- Good in an apartment? – No, the Rottweiler needs a house, and a yard to play around in
Did you know that Rottweilers are one of the oldest herding breeds in the world? In 70 AD, the ancient Romans took the Rottweiler from the Germans to use them as cattle herders and war dogs.
Rottweiler Temperament
- aware
- loyal
- obedient
- protective
- loving
- playful
Family Dogs
Rottweilers love the family and are calm and even. They are always on the lookout for people who do not belong in or around the house. They need to be socialized and trained at an early age. This is not a matter of “Oh, I’ll train and socialize him/her later.” situation.
When training the Rottweiler, always make sure that he/she knows that you are the alpha of the pack and not her/him. Be firm yet gentle in your training, and Rottweilers do not react kindly to harsh treatment. If push comes to shove, the Rottweiler will not be afraid to stand up for him/herself.
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 Rottweiler Mix
- Weight – 100 – 180 pounds
- Height – 22 – 28 inches
- Lifespan – 10 – 15 years (But most only live to around 13)
- Major Health Concerns – Hip dysplasia, PRA, Bloat, Bone Cancer, Cataracts, VWD, and arthritis
- Grooming – Brush four to five times a day throughout the spring and fall
- Colors – Black, grey, brown, red, cream, white, and sable.
- Eye Color – Most often blue
- Exercise – They need medium to long walks or even jogging
- Training – The St. Bernard Rottweiler mix defiantly needs training from a young age.
- Socialization – Positive exposure to other people and dogs daily for best socialization.
- Temperament – Loving, caring, playful, clumsy, protective, curious
The St. Bernard Rottweiler mix, affectionately known as the Saint Weiler, is a captivating blend of two distinguished breeds—the St. Bernard and the Rottweiler.
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 Saint Weiler is known for its loyalty, protective instincts, and gentle demeanor.
Training of the Saint Weiler
Training the Saint Weiler is a rewarding journey that demands commitment, consistency, and patience. Leveraging their intelligence, which is a trait inherited from both parent breeds, 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 Saint Weiler’s natural protective instincts can be channeled through training, resulting in a well-mannered companion that understands boundaries and commands.
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.
Given their inclination for challenges, incorporating puzzle toys and interactive games into their routine is a great way to keep them mentally sharp and engaged.
Socialization of the Saint Weiler
Socialization is paramount in shaping the Saint Weiler’s 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 protective instincts, a well-socialized Saint Weiler will differentiate between friend and foe, ensuring they are friendly and approachable in appropriate situations. Consistent and positive socialization lays the foundation for a sociable and confident adult dog.
Exercise of The Rottweiler St. Bernard
Given their size and energy levels, regular exercise is vital for the Saint Weiler. 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 hiking, swimming, or even pulling a cart (a nod to the St. Bernard’s historical role as a working dog) 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 Saint Weiler.
Temperament of the Saint Weiler
The Saint Weiler typically exhibits a balanced temperament, combining the protective nature of the Rottweiler 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 protective instincts make them watchful and discerning, making them great guardians for the home.
Understanding their individual personality and providing consistent positive reinforcement helps in nurturing their loving and loyal nature.
The Grooming Needs of the Saint Weiler
Moderate grooming is necessary for the Saint Weiler. 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.
The Health Issues of the Saint Weiler:
Keeping an eye on and understanding the potential genetic predispositions of each parent breed can help in early detection and management of any health concerns.
- Hip Dysplasia: Both parent breeds are prone to hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and mobility issues.
- Elbow dysplasia: can be a concern, especially considering the large size of the parent breeds. It is a developmental disorder affecting the elbow joint.
- Bloat: St. Bernards and Rottweiler are 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 Rottweilers and St. Bernards can be prone to certain heart conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for monitoring cardiac health.
- Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer): Rottweilers have a higher susceptibility to osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Regular veterinary screenings can aid in early detection.
- Obesity: Given their size, Saint Weilers may be prone to obesity, which can exacerbate other health issues. Monitoring their diet and providing regular exercise is crucial.
- Heat Sensitivity: St. Bernards, in particular, can be sensitive to heat due to their thick coats. Ensuring they stay cool and hydrated in warmer weather is important.
Conclusion of the St.Bernard Rottweiler Mix
In summary, the St. Bernard Rottweiler mix, affectionately known as the Saint Weiler, stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of the St. Bernard’s gentle nature and the Rottweiler’s protective instincts. This unique crossbreed, characterized by its imposing size and distinctive coat, has the potential to be an extraordinary companion in the right environment.
Investing time and effort into the Saint Weiler’s training, socialization, exercise, grooming, and healthcare is not just a responsibility but a rewarding journey. A conscientious owner who embraces the distinct qualities of this breed will find themselves with a loyal, loving, and well-adjusted family member.
The Saint Weiler, when provided with the right care and attention, can thrive as a cherished member of the household. Their unwavering loyalty, protective nature, and gentle demeanor make them not just a pet but a true companion, bringing joy and an enduring presence to those fortunate enough to share their lives with this remarkable and unique crossbreed.
Do You Have a Saint Weiler or Other Dog Breed?
If you have a Rottweiler St. Bernard 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!
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Happy Tails!
The Labrottie Nation Team