Great Dane and Saint Bernard Mix: Size, Temperament & Care Guide
the Great Dane and Saint Bernard mix: size range, temperament variability, health risks, grooming, and costs for this giant designer breed.
What Is a Great Dane and Saint Bernard Mix?
The Great Dane and Saint Bernard mix — sometimes called a Saint Dane or Great Bernard — is a giant-breed cross between two of the world's largest companion dogs. This isn't a mainstream designer breed you'll find on waiting lists from established breeders. It's a rare, intentionally produced cross that occasionally appears in rescues when unplanned breedings occur. If you're researching the great dane and saint bernard mix because you've found one available or you're considering seeking one out, you need clear-eyed information about what life with a 120–180 lb dog actually looks like.
Both parent breeds belong to the working group and share some traits — gentle temperaments, deep loyalty, and a tendency toward drool — but they diverge significantly in energy level, trainability, and health profiles. A cross between them produces puppies that can land anywhere on that spectrum, which makes understanding both parent breeds essential before committing.
Because the great dane and saint bernard mix is so uncommon, nearly all examples you'll encounter are F1 crosses — meaning one purebred Great Dane parent and one purebred Saint Bernard parent. You are extremely unlikely to find F1B (backcrossed to one parent breed) or F2 (two mixed parents bred together) generations. This matters because F1 crosses show the widest trait variability: each puppy in a litter can inherit a different combination of physical and behavioral traits from each parent. There is no established "multigen" breeding program for this mix, which means you cannot predict outcomes based on prior litters.
Parent Breed Breakdown: Great Dane vs. Saint Bernard
To understand what a great dane and saint bernard mix might look and act like, you need to know what each parent brings to the table. The American Kennel Club's Great Dane standard describes a dog that is elegant, alert, and surprisingly athletic for its size. The AKC Saint Bernard standard describes a steadier, more laid-back working dog originally bred for Alpine rescue.
| Trait | Great Dane | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| AKC Weight Range | 110–175 lb (50–79 kg) | 120–180 lb (54–82 kg) |
| AKC Height Range | 28–32 in (71–81 cm) | 26–30 in (66–76 cm) |
| Coat | Short, smooth, single coat | Short smooth OR long rough; double coat |
| Energy Level | Moderate; bursts of activity | Low to moderate; steady pace |
| Trainability | Responsive but sensitive | Willing but slower to mature mentally |
| Drool Factor | Moderate to high | Very high |
| Shedding | Moderate year-round | Moderate (smooth) to heavy (rough coat) |
| Lifespan | 7–10 years | 8–10 years |
| Original Purpose | Boar hunting, estate guarding | Alpine rescue, draft work |
Both breeds are classified as giant breeds, meaning they grow slowly and don't reach full skeletal maturity until 18–24 months. Any great dane and saint bernard mix will follow this same extended growth timeline, which has implications for nutrition, exercise restriction during puppyhood, and orthopedic health monitoring.
Size Range: How Big Will a Great Dane and Saint Bernard Mix Get?
This is one of the largest crossbreeds that exists. Both parent breeds regularly exceed 120 lb, so there is no "small" version of this mix. Here's the realistic range based on parent breed data:
| Measurement | Low End | High End |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Weight (Male) | 130 lb (59 kg) | 190 lb (86 kg) |
| Adult Weight (Female) | 110 lb (50 kg) | 160 lb (73 kg) |
| Adult Height at Shoulder | 27 in (69 cm) | 33 in (84 cm) |
| Full Maturity Age | 18–24 months (skeletal), up to 3 years (muscular fill-out) | |
A puppy that inherits more Great Dane structure will tend toward taller and leaner — long legs, narrower chest, more athletic build. One that favors the Saint Bernard side will be stockier, broader through the chest and skull, and heavier overall. Most individuals land somewhere in between, but you won't know the final size until the dog is at least 18 months old.
Practical implications: You'll need an XXL crate (48–54 inches), a vehicle that accommodates a dog this size for vet trips, doorways wide enough for a 30+ inch shoulder height, and furniture built to handle 150+ lb of dog deciding your lap is available.
Coat, Shedding, and Grooming Expectations
The great dane and saint bernard mix is not hypoallergenic and is not low-shedding. Both parent breeds shed, and the mix will shed at least moderately year-round with seasonal increases.
Coat type depends entirely on which parent's genes dominate:
- Short/smooth coat (Great Dane–type): Single-layer, close-lying hair. Easier to maintain but sheds consistently. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush or bristle brush manages loose hair.
- Rough/long coat (Saint Bernard–type): Double coat with a dense undercoat and longer guard hairs. Requires brushing 3–4 times per week with an undercoat rake and slicker brush. Heavy seasonal shedding in spring and fall.
- Intermediate coat: Slightly longer than a Dane's but not full rough coat. Moderate maintenance with twice-weekly brushing.
Beyond coat care, budget time and supplies for:
- Ear cleaning: Both breeds have floppy or semi-floppy ears prone to moisture buildup. Clean weekly with a veterinarian-recommended ear cleanser.
- Nail trims: Every 2–3 weeks. Giant breeds that don't wear nails down on pavement need regular trims to prevent splaying and joint stress.
- Drool management: Expect to keep drool rags in every room. Saint Bernards are among the heaviest drooling breeds, and the mix often inherits this trait.
- Dental care: Daily tooth brushing or at minimum dental chews approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Giant breeds are prone to periodontal disease, and dental issues can accelerate systemic health problems.
Temperament: What to Expect (and What Might Surprise You)
Both Great Danes and Saint Bernards are known as gentle giants, and the great dane and saint bernard mix typically inherits a friendly, people-oriented disposition. But "gentle giant" doesn't mean "easy dog," and the temperament range in this cross is wider than most buyers anticipate.
A well-socialized individual inherits the Great Dane's alertness and responsiveness to training combined with the Saint Bernard's steady, patient demeanor. This dog is calm indoors, playful in measured bursts, deeply bonded to family, friendly with visitors after initial assessment, and tolerant of children and other pets. Think: a 150 lb lap dog that greets guests politely and settles on its bed during dinner.
An under-socialized or under-exercised individual inherits the Great Dane's sensitivity and potential for anxiety combined with the Saint Bernard's stubbornness and slow mental maturation. This dog may be fearful of strangers, difficult to redirect when fixated, prone to jumping (a 150 lb dog jumping is a safety hazard), and slow to house-train. Giant-breed puppies can remain mentally immature until age 2–3, meaning you may manage puppy-level impulsivity in a dog that weighs more than most adults.
Training approach: Use positive reinforcement methods exclusively — food rewards, play motivation, and marker-based training. Force-free training is not just ethically preferable for giant breeds; it's practically necessary. A dog this size that has been trained with aversive methods (shock collars, prong collars, alpha rolls) becomes a genuine safety risk if it associates pain or fear with the handler or with specific triggers. Work with a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA or IAABC-certified) who has giant-breed experience. Plan for puppy socialization classes starting at 8–10 weeks (after initial vaccinations) and continued structured training through at least age 2.
Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor vs. Reality
Let's address a persistent myth: the idea that mixed-breed dogs automatically enjoy "hybrid vigor" that protects them from inherited diseases. The reality, as documented in veterinary genetics research, is more nuanced. Crossbreeding can reduce the risk of recessive conditions that are prevalent in one parent breed if the other parent doesn't carry those genes. But it does not eliminate conditions that both parent breeds share — and Great Danes and Saint Bernards share several serious health vulnerabilities.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, giant breeds as a category face elevated orthopedic, cardiac, and gastrointestinal risks regardless of whether they are purebred or mixed.
| Condition | Description | Prevalence in Parent Breeds | Screening Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | Malformation of the hip joint causing progressive arthritis | ~20–30% in both breeds (OFA data) | OFA or PennHIP evaluation of both parents |
| Elbow Dysplasia | Abnormal elbow joint development leading to lameness | ~12–15% in Saint Bernards; lower but present in Danes | OFA elbow radiographs of both parents |
| Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) | Progressive heart muscle weakness | Elevated in Great Danes (~10–15%); present in Saint Bernards | Cardiac evaluation by veterinary cardiologist |
| Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat/GDV) | Stomach twists, cutting off blood supply; life-threatening emergency | Great Danes are the #1 at-risk breed; Saint Bernards also high-risk | Discuss prophylactic gastropexy with your veterinarian |
| Osteosarcoma | Aggressive bone cancer | Great Danes have among the highest breed-specific rates | No screening test; monitor for limb lameness or swelling |
Additional conditions to watch for:
- Wobbler syndrome (cervical spondylomyelopathy): Spinal cord compression in the neck, more common in Great Danes. Causes progressive hind-limb incoordination.
- Entropion/Ectropion: Eyelid abnormalities seen in Saint Bernards that can cause corneal damage or chronic irritation.
- Hypothyroidism: Seen in Saint Bernards; manageable with daily medication but requires lifelong monitoring.
Plan for $800–$1,500 annually in routine veterinary care for a giant-breed dog (wellness exams, bloodwork, heartworm prevention sized for 140+ lb, flea/tick prevention). Emergency care for bloat alone can cost $3,000–$7,000 for surgery. Pet insurance premiums for giant breeds typically run $80–$150/month depending on deductible and coverage level. Discuss a preventive care plan with your veterinarian, including whether prophylactic gastropexy (stomach tacking) is appropriate during spay/neuter surgery.
Exercise, Nutrition, and Daily Care Requirements
A great dane and saint bernard mix needs 45–60 minutes of moderate exercise daily once fully grown. This typically breaks down as two 20–30 minute leash walks plus access to a secure yard. Avoid forced running or high-impact activity (jumping, agility, long-distance running on hard surfaces) until skeletal maturity at 18–24 months to protect developing joints.
Nutrition specifics:
- Feed a diet that meets AAFCO standards for giant-breed growth (for puppies) or adult maintenance. Giant-breed puppy formulas restrict calcium and phosphorus to slow growth rate and reduce orthopedic risk.
- Expect to spend $120–$200/month on food. A 150 lb dog typically eats 6–9 cups of high-quality kibble daily, depending on caloric density and activity level.
- Use a slow-feeder bowl and feed 2–3 smaller meals rather than one large meal to reduce bloat risk.
- Avoid elevated food bowls — research has linked raised feeders to increased bloat risk in giant breeds.
- Maintain a lean body condition score (BCS 4–5 on the 9-point scale). Every extra pound of body fat increases stress on hips, elbows, and the heart.
Cost, Availability, and Finding a Great Dane and Saint Bernard Mix
Because this is not an established designer breed with dedicated breeding programs, availability is limited and pricing varies widely depending on source:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Purchase from casual breeder | $500–$1,500 |
| Purchase from intentional crossbreeder (health-tested parents) | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Adoption from rescue or shelter | $200–$600 |
| Initial veterinary (vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip) | $600–$1,200 |
| Supplies (XXL crate, bed, harness, bowls, gates) | $400–$900 |
| First-year food | $1,400–$2,400 |
| First-year veterinary (routine + preventive medications) | $800–$1,500 |
| Total first-year estimate | $3,900–$10,500+ |
Finding one responsibly: Check giant-breed-specific rescues such as Great Dane Rescue or Saint Bernard rescue networks — mixed-breed dogs from these breeds do appear in rescue, often surrendered by owners who underestimated the size or cost. If seeking a puppy from a breeder, insist on seeing OFA health clearances for both parents (hips, elbows, cardiac), ask about the breeder's rationale for this specific cross, and avoid anyone who markets "rare" or "designer" pricing without providing health documentation.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Consider This Mix
The great dane and saint bernard mix is not a beginner-friendly dog, but it can be an outstanding companion for the right household.
This mix suits you best if:
- You have prior experience with giant or large breeds and understand the training, socialization, and health monitoring they require
- You have a home with ground-floor access (apartment living with stairs is impractical for a 150 lb dog with potential joint issues)
- You can allocate $4,000–$8,000+ annually for food, veterinary care, and supplies
- You have a securely fenced yard (minimum 5-foot fence; some Dane-influenced individuals can clear lower fencing)
- Your household includes older children or adults — a dog this size can accidentally knock over toddlers
- You're prepared for a 7–10 year lifespan and the emotional and financial weight of giant-breed senior care
Consider a different breed or mix if:
- This would be your first dog
- You rent and face breed or size restrictions
- You travel frequently and cannot arrange giant-breed-compatible pet care
- Your budget cannot absorb a potential $5,000+ emergency veterinary bill
- You want a low-shedding or hypoallergenic dog
Frequently Asked Questions
What two breeds make up the Great Dane and Saint Bernard mix?
This mix is a cross between a purebred Great Dane and a purebred Saint Bernard. Both are AKC-recognized giant breeds from the working group. The Great Dane originated in Germany as a boar-hunting dog, while the Saint Bernard was developed in the Swiss Alps for rescue work.
How big will a Great Dane and Saint Bernard mix get?
Adult males typically weigh 130–190 lb (59–86 kg) and stand 27–33 inches (69–84 cm) at the shoulder. Females are somewhat smaller at 110–160 lb (50–73 kg). Individual size depends on which parent breed's genes are more dominant, and you won't know the final size until 18–24 months of age.
What will the temperament be like?
Most individuals are friendly, loyal, and calm indoors with moderate outdoor energy. However, temperament varies between individuals. Some inherit the Great Dane's alertness and trainability; others lean toward the Saint Bernard's slower maturation and independent streak. Early socialization (8–16 weeks) and consistent positive reinforcement training through age 2 are essential regardless of temperament leaning.
Is the Great Dane and Saint Bernard mix hypoallergenic or low-shedding?
No. Neither parent breed is hypoallergenic. The mix will shed moderately to heavily depending on coat type. Dogs inheriting the Saint Bernard's rough (long) double coat will shed the most, with significant seasonal blowing of the undercoat. Allergy sufferers should not choose this mix.
What health issues might this mix inherit?
The most serious shared risks are hip dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat/GDV) — a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate surgery. Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is elevated in Great Danes. Always consult your veterinarian about a breed-appropriate screening and prevention plan, and discuss prophylactic gastropexy to reduce bloat risk.
How much does a Great Dane and Saint Bernard mix cost?
Puppies typically range from $500 to $3,000 depending on the breeder and whether parents were health-tested. Adoption fees through rescues run $200–$600. First-year total costs (acquisition, supplies, food, veterinary care) typically fall between $3,900 and $10,500. Ongoing annual costs after the first year are approximately $3,000–$5,000.
How long do Great Dane and Saint Bernard mixes live?
Expect a lifespan of 7–10 years, consistent with giant-breed averages. Some individuals may live slightly longer with excellent genetics, lean body condition, and proactive veterinary care, but giant breeds age faster than smaller dogs. Plan for senior care considerations (joint supplements, orthopedic beds, modified exercise) starting around age 5–6.
Marcus Aldridge
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
