Saint Bernard Mix With Great Dane: The Complete Giant Breed Guide
Everything you need to know about the Saint Bernard mix with Great Dane — size, temperament, health risks, costs.
If you've ever watched a dog walk by that looked like it could double as a small horse, you may have been looking at a Saint Bernard mix with Great Dane. This towering crossbreed — sometimes called the "Saint Dane" or "Great Saint" — combines two of the world's largest working breeds into one massive, often surprisingly gentle companion. But before you fall for those soulful eyes and tree-trunk legs, there's a lot to understand about what this mix actually brings to your home, your budget, and your daily routine.
Having worked with giant-breed owners for years, I can tell you that crosses like this one are both deeply rewarding and logistically demanding. This guide breaks down everything prospective owners need to know — from realistic size expectations to the health conditions that genuinely matter for this pairing.
The Parent Breeds: Saint Bernard and Great Dane at a Glance
Understanding any designer mix starts with understanding its foundation breeds. Both the Saint Bernard and the Great Dane belong to the Working Group according to the American Kennel Club, but they come from very different lineages and serve different historical purposes.
| Trait | Saint Bernard | Great Dane |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Swiss Alps (17th century, monastery dogs) | Germany (16th century, boar-hunting mastiffs) |
| AKC Weight Range | 120–180 lb (54–82 kg) | 110–175 lb (50–79 kg) |
| AKC Height Range | 26–30 in (66–76 cm) | 28–32 in (71–81 cm) |
| Coat Type | Short smooth or long rough; dense undercoat | Short, smooth, single coat |
| Typical Lifespan | 8–10 years | 7–10 years |
| Energy Level | Low to moderate | Moderate |
| Primary Temperament | Calm, watchful, patient | Friendly, outgoing, sometimes goofy |
| Shedding | Moderate to heavy (seasonal blow) | Moderate year-round |
| Drool Factor | Heavy | Moderate to heavy |
Both breeds share some traits: a protective instinct, strong bonding with family, and a tendency to lean against their people. But the Saint Bernard tends toward calm vigilance while the Great Dane leans more playful and sociable. Your mixed-breed puppy will land somewhere on that spectrum — and exactly where is the gamble inherent in any crossbreed.
Generation Types: F1, F1B, and Multigen Explained
- F1 (First Generation): One purebred Saint Bernard × one purebred Great Dane. Maximum genetic diversity. Traits are most unpredictable — puppies may strongly favor one parent or blend both.
- F1B (First Generation Backcross): An F1 Saint Dane crossed back to one of the parent breeds (usually the Great Dane for slightly leaner build, or the Saint Bernard for more substance). Results in a 75/25 genetic split.
- F2 (Second Generation): Two F1 Saint Danes bred together. Trait predictability increases somewhat, but genetic recombination can produce surprising variation in size, coat, and temperament.
- Multigen (F3+): Multiple generations of Saint Dane × Saint Dane breeding. Extremely rare for this specific cross — most breeders producing these mixes work at the F1 or F1B level. True multigen lines essentially don't exist yet for this pairing as of 2026.
Practical note: The vast majority of Saint Bernard mixes with Great Danes you'll encounter are F1 crosses, often unplanned. Intentional, documented multigen breeding programs for this mix are virtually nonexistent.
Because this cross lacks the established breeding infrastructure of something like the Labradoodle or Goldendoodle, you should approach any breeder claiming "multigen Saint Danes" with healthy skepticism. Ask for documented pedigrees of both parent dogs and verify registration with the AKC or a recognized registry.
Size Range: How Big Will a Saint Bernard Mix With Great Dane Get?
This is the question every prospective owner asks first, and the honest answer is: very big, but the exact number is a moving target. Because both parent breeds are giants, you're not dealing with the wild size swings you see in, say, a Chihuahua-Poodle mix. But there's still a meaningful range.
| Measurement | Low End (Favoring Smaller Parent Traits) | Typical Range | High End (Favoring Larger Parent Traits) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Weight (Males) | 120 lb (54 kg) | 140–170 lb (64–77 kg) | 190+ lb (86+ kg) |
| Adult Weight (Females) | 100 lb (45 kg) | 115–145 lb (52–66 kg) | 160+ lb (73+ kg) |
| Height at Shoulder (Males) | 27 in (69 cm) | 29–32 in (74–81 cm) | 34 in (86 cm) |
| Height at Shoulder (Females) | 26 in (66 cm) | 27–30 in (69–76 cm) | 32 in (81 cm) |
Most Saint Bernard mixes with Great Danes reach their full height by 12–14 months but continue filling out in chest and muscle mass until 24–30 months. Giant breeds mature slowly, and rushing growth with overfeeding can damage developing joints — a point I'll return to in the health section.
Practical implication: You need a vehicle that can accommodate a 150+ lb dog. Standard sedans won't work. Think SUV with a fold-flat cargo area or a full-size wagon. Your doorways, staircase, and furniture also need to handle a dog this size comfortably.
Coat, Shedding, and Grooming: What to Expect
The coat your Saint Dane inherits depends heavily on which parent's genes dominate — and this is one of the more variable traits in the cross.
Possible Coat Outcomes
- Short and smooth (Great Dane–dominant): Single-layer coat, sleek, minimal undercoat. Easiest to maintain. Moderate year-round shedding.
- Short but dense (blended): Short outer coat with a thicker undercoat inherited from the Saint Bernard side. Seasonal shedding spikes in spring and fall. More grooming required.
- Long or rough-coated (Saint Bernard–dominant): Less common in F1 crosses but possible. Longer fur around the neck, chest, legs, and tail. Requires brushing 3–4 times weekly. Heaviest shedding.
Is this mix hypoallergenic or low-shedding? No. Neither parent breed carries the low-shedding, "hypoallergenic" coat genes found in Poodles or Bichon Frises. If anyone tells you a Saint Dane is hypoallergenic, they're either misinformed or misleading you. Expect regular shedding, and if you get a dog with a dense undercoat, expect seasonal "coat blow" events where you'll pull out tufts of loose fur for weeks.
Grooming Routine by Coat Type
| Coat Type | Brushing Frequency | Recommended Tools | Bathing Interval | Professional Grooming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short/smooth | 1–2× per week | Rubber curry brush, bristle brush | Every 6–8 weeks | Rarely needed |
| Short/dense undercoat | 3× per week (daily during blow) | Undercoat rake, slicker brush, deshedding tool (e.g., Furminator Giant Short Hair) | Every 4–6 weeks | Optional during heavy shed |
| Long/rough | 4–5× per week | Pin brush, wide-tooth comb, undercoat rake | Every 4–6 weeks | Recommended quarterly |
Regardless of coat type, budget for drool management. Both parent breeds are known for slobber, and the Saint Dane often inherits prominent flews (lip folds) that trap saliva. Keep absorbent cloths around your home, and wipe your dog's face after meals and water drinking to prevent skin fold dermatitis.
Temperament: Best-Case and Challenging Scenarios
Temperament is where the unpredictability of mixed breeds becomes most apparent. Even puppies from the same litter can have markedly different personalities. That said, we can map out a likely range based on the parent breeds' established behavioral profiles.
Best-Case Temperament Profile
A well-socialized Saint Dane from stable parent lines typically displays:
- Calm, steady demeanor indoors — often described as a "couch potato" despite their size
- Strong family bonding and gentle behavior with children they've been raised alongside
- Moderate alertness to strangers without aggression — a natural watchdog, not a guard dog
- Tolerance of other household pets when properly introduced during the socialization window (3–14 weeks of age)
- Willingness to train with positive reinforcement methods — food motivation is typically strong
Challenging Scenarios to Prepare For
- Size-related clumsiness: Young Saint Danes (6–24 months) are often unaware of their own bulk. Tail-whipping, leaning, and stepping on feet are standard. Small children can be accidentally knocked over.
- Stubbornness streaks: Both parent breeds can be independent thinkers. The Saint Bernard especially has a "what's in it for me?" attitude toward training. Short, engaging sessions work better than long drills.
- Separation distress: These dogs bond deeply and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods (6+ hours daily). This manifests as destructive chewing, vocalization, or door-scratching — and at 150 lb, destructive capacity is significant.
- Prey drive variability: Some individuals inherit higher prey drive from the Great Dane's hunting ancestry. Early exposure to cats, small dogs, and livestock is critical.
- Same-sex dog reactivity: Male Great Danes in particular can show dog-aggression toward other intact males. Neutering and early socialization help but don't guarantee compatibility.
Training approach: Use only positive reinforcement and force-free methods. At this size, aversive tools like prong collars or shock collars are not only inhumane but counterproductive — a frightened 150 lb dog is a dangerous 150 lb dog. Look for trainers certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) who use reward-based methods.
Health Considerations: Inherited Risks From Both Parent Breeds
Let's address the hybrid vigor myth directly. The idea that crossbreeding automatically eliminates health problems is an oversimplification. Hybrid vigor (heterosis) can reduce the risk of recessive genetic conditions that are concentrated within a single breed's gene pool. But it does nothing to protect against conditions that both parent breeds share — and the Saint Bernard and Great Dane share several serious ones.
Always consult your veterinarian to develop a breed-appropriate health screening and prevention plan for your individual dog.
High-Priority Health Risks
| Condition | What It Is | Shared by Both Breeds? | Screening/Prevention | Estimated Treatment Cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV/Bloat) | Stomach fills with gas and twists; life-threatening emergency | Yes — both breeds are among the highest-risk | Prophylactic gastropexy during spay/neuter; slow-feed bowls; no exercise 1 hour before/after meals | $3,000–$7,000 emergency surgery |
| Hip Dysplasia | Malformation of the hip joint leading to arthritis | Yes — high prevalence in both breeds | OFA or PennHIP screening of parent dogs; weight management; joint supplements | $3,500–$8,000 per hip (total replacement) |
| Elbow Dysplasia | Abnormal elbow joint development causing lameness | Yes — moderate prevalence | OFA elbow screening of parents; controlled exercise during growth | $2,000–$5,000 surgical intervention |
| Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) | Heart muscle weakens and enlarges; progressive heart failure | Yes — Great Danes especially prone; Saints also affected | Annual cardiac exam; echocardiogram if symptoms appear; taurine level check | $500–$2,000 diagnostic; $150–$400/month medications |
| Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer) | Aggressive malignant bone tumor | Yes — Great Danes have among the highest breed incidence; Saints also elevated | No reliable screening; watch for persistent lameness, swelling on limbs | $5,000–$12,000 (amputation + chemotherapy) |
| Wobbler Syndrome (Cervical Spondylomyelopathy) | Spinal cord compression in the neck causing unsteady gait | Primarily Great Dane–associated but possible in mix | MRI diagnosis; avoid neck-pulling on leash (use harness) | $3,000–$8,000 surgical treatment |
If your Saint Dane shows any of these signs, go to an emergency vet immediately — minutes matter:
- Distended, hard abdomen
- Unproductive retching (trying to vomit but nothing comes up)
- Excessive drooling with signs of distress
- Restlessness, pacing, inability to settle
- Pale gums, rapid heart rate, collapse
GDV can kill within hours. Discuss prophylactic gastropexy (stomach tacking) with your veterinarian, ideally performed during your dog's spay or neuter procedure. This preventive surgery typically costs $300–$800 when done alongside another procedure and dramatically reduces the risk of fatal gastric torsion.
Additional Conditions to Monitor
- Entropion/Ectropion: Eyelid abnormalities common in Saints — eyelids roll inward or outward, causing irritation or exposure. Surgical correction costs $500–$1,500 per eye.
- Hypothyroidism: Autoimmune thyroid disease. Managed with daily levothyroxine ($15–$30/month).
- Skin fold dermatitis: Infection in facial folds or tail pocket. Regular cleaning with veterinary-recommended wipes prevents most cases.
Recommended Health Screening Checklist
If you're evaluating a puppy from a breeder, request documentation of the following tests on both parent dogs:
- OFA or PennHIP hip evaluation (score: Excellent, Good, or Fair acceptable)
- OFA elbow evaluation (Normal rating)
- OFA cardiac evaluation (echocardiogram, normal result)
- OFA thyroid panel (normal autoimmune thyroid levels)
- CERF/OFA eye examination (within past 12 months)
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) database allows you to verify test results independently using the parent dogs' registered names or numbers.
Exercise, Nutrition, and Daily Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Despite their imposing size, Saint Bernard mixes with Great Danes are not endurance athletes. Plan for:
- Adults: 45–75 minutes of daily activity, split into 2–3 sessions. Leash walks, gentle hiking, and supervised yard time are ideal.
- Puppies (under 18 months): Follow the 5-minutes-per-month-of-age rule for structured exercise. A 4-month-old puppy gets roughly 20 minutes of guided activity per session. Overexercising growing joints increases dysplasia risk.
- Senior dogs (7+ years): Reduce intensity, increase frequency of shorter walks. Swimming is excellent low-impact exercise if your dog tolerates water.
Nutrition Guidelines
Feeding a giant-breed mix requires attention to growth rate and joint support:
- Puppy food: Use a large-breed or giant-breed puppy formula (AAFCO-approved) that controls calcium and phosphorus ratios to prevent rapid bone growth. Brands like Royal Canin Giant Puppy, Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy, or Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Puppy are formulated for this.
- Adult food: Transition to adult giant-breed formula at 12–18 months. Look for a food with glucosamine and chondroitin or supplement separately (typically 1,000–1,500 mg glucosamine daily for a 150 lb dog — confirm with your vet).
- Daily food volume: Expect to feed 6–10 cups of high-quality kibble daily for an active adult, depending on caloric density. At current 2026 pricing, budget $120–$220/month for food alone.
- Bloat prevention feeding protocol: Feed 2–3 smaller meals rather than one large meal. Use a slow-feed bowl (e.g., Outward Hound Fun Feeder, ~$12–$18). No vigorous exercise for 60 minutes before or after eating. Elevating food bowls is controversial — some veterinary sources suggest it may actually increase bloat risk in certain dogs, so discuss with your vet.
Cost Breakdown: Purchase Price and Lifetime Ownership
Owning a Saint Bernard mix with Great Dane is a significant financial commitment. Here's a realistic breakdown based on 2026 market data:
Acquisition Costs
| Source | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Intentional breeder (F1, health-tested parents) | $1,200–$3,500 | Verify OFA health clearances, meet both parents, request take-back clause in contract |
| Backyard breeder / online listing (no health testing) | $500–$1,500 | Higher risk of undisclosed health issues, poor early socialization, no genetic screening |
| Breed-specific rescue or shelter | $150–$500 | Check Great Dane Rescue networks, Saint Bernard rescue organizations, and general giant-breed rescues. Adult dogs more commonly available than puppies. |
First-Year Estimated Costs
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Food (12 months) | $1,440–$2,640 |
| Veterinary care (initial exams, vaccines, spay/neuter, heartworm prevention) | $1,200–$2,800 |
| Supplies (XXL crate, giant-size bed, heavy-duty leash/harness, bowls, grooming tools) | $500–$1,200 |
| Training (puppy socialization class + basic obedience, positive reinforcement) | $300–$800 |
| Pet insurance (monthly premium, giant-breed rate) | $720–$1,440/year |
| First-year total (excluding purchase price) | $4,160–$8,880 |
Annual ongoing costs after the first year typically run $3,000–$6,000, assuming no major health emergencies. A single GDV surgery or hip replacement can add $5,000–$10,000 in one event. Pet insurance with a high annual limit ($15,000–$30,000) is strongly recommended for giant breeds. Companies like Trupanion, Healthy Paws, and Fetch offer plans that cover hereditary conditions — read the fine print carefully, as some insurers impose breed-specific exclusions or waiting periods for orthopedic conditions.
Who Is This Mix Best Suited For?
- Experienced dog owners who have handled large or giant breeds before
- Homes with ground-floor access or minimal stairs (giant breeds and staircases are a bad combination for joint health)
- Families with older children (10+) who understand how to interact calmly with a very large dog
- Owners with a fenced yard (minimum 6-foot fence, though these dogs are not typically escape artists)
- People who work from home or can arrange midday visits — these dogs don't tolerate long isolation well
- Owners prepared for the emotional and financial reality of a shorter lifespan (7–10 years is typical)
- First-time dog owners — the combination of giant size and potential stubbornness requires confident handling
- Apartment living without elevator access or with strict weight limits (many apartments cap at 50–75 lb)
- Households with toddlers or very small children — the accidental knockdown risk is real and significant
- Owners on a tight budget — the food, medical, and supply costs are 2–3× those of a medium-breed dog
- Anyone looking for a low-shedding or hypoallergenic dog
- People who travel frequently and cannot arrange giant-breed-compatible pet sitting or boarding
Frequently Asked Questions
What two breeds make up the Saint Bernard mix with Great Dane?
This cross combines the Saint Bernard (Swiss Alpine rescue dog) and the Great Dane (German mastiff-type breed). Both are Working Group breeds recognized by the AKC, and both rank among the largest dog breeds in the world by weight and height.
How big will my Saint Bernard and Great Dane mix get?
Most adults land between 120–190 lb (54–86 kg) and 27–34 inches (69–86 cm) at the shoulder. Males tend to be larger. Final size isn't predictable until the dog reaches 24–30 months of age, as giant breeds continue filling out well past their first birthday.
Are Saint Bernard mixes with Great Danes good with children?
They can be excellent family dogs when raised with children and properly socialized. However, their sheer size makes them a poor match for toddlers — an enthusiastic tail wag or casual lean can send a 30 lb child sprawling. Supervision is non-negotiable with young kids. Teach children never to climb on, ride, or startle the dog.
Is this mix hypoallergenic or low-shedding?
No. Neither the Saint Bernard nor the Great Dane carries low-shedding genes. Expect moderate to heavy shedding depending on which parent's coat type your dog inherits. This mix is not suitable for allergy sufferers.
What health issues might this mix inherit?
The most serious shared risks are gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), hip and elbow dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and osteosarcoma (bone cancer). Both parent breeds also carry elevated risk for these conditions, meaning the cross does not benefit from hybrid vigor for these particular diseases. Prophylactic gastropexy and regular veterinary screening are essential.
How much does a Saint Bernard mix with Great Dane cost?
From a breeder, expect $1,200–$3,500 for a puppy with health-tested parents. Rescue adoption fees range from $150–$500. First-year total ownership costs (food, vet care, supplies, insurance) typically run $4,160–$8,880 on top of the purchase price. Lifetime care for a giant breed over 8–10 years can total $35,000–$70,000+ when factoring in routine care and potential emergencies.
How long do Saint Bernard Great Dane mixes live?
The typical lifespan is 7–10 years, consistent with both parent breeds. Some individuals reach 11–12 years, but this is above average for giant breeds. Regular veterinary care, weight management, and preventive health screening give your dog the best chance at the longer end of that range.
Can I find this mix in a rescue?
Yes, though it requires patience. Check breed-specific rescues like Great Dane Club of America Rescue and Saint Bernard rescue networks, as well as general giant-breed rescues. Adult dogs and young adults (1–3 years) appear more frequently than puppies. Mixed-breed giant dogs also show up in municipal shelters, particularly in areas with high surrender rates for large dogs.
Dr. Hannah Wickes
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
