Husky mixes are undeniably famous among designer breeds today. You might have heard of every possible Husky mix anyone could think of, but in this article, it’s going to be all about the Saint Berhusky.
The Saint Bernard Husky mix is the product of crossbreeding between the Saint Bernard and the Siberian Husky.
Due to its size difference, it is more common that a male Siberian Husky and a female Saint Bernard are used for this mix.
If you are interested in owning a Saint Bernard Husky mix, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, you will learn about the Saint Berhusky’s appearance, size, temperament, health, puppy prices, and more.
What Is a Saint Bernard Husky Mix?
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The Saint Bernard Husky mix, also known as Saint Berhusky, is the cross between the Saint Bernard and the Siberian Husky. Unlike other Husky mixes, this hybrid with Saint Bernard is rather uncommon. Its large size comes with a big love for children, making it an excellent family dog.
It is not clear how the Saint Bernard Husky came about, but this unique mix is slowly rising in popularity due to its stunning looks and personality that anyone would fall in love with.
Saint Berhuskies do not have a breed standard, making it hard to predict their exact temperament and appearance. Mixes like Saint Bernard Husky could take more from one of their parent breeds than the other.
Saint Bernard Husky Mix Origin and History
Tracing the history of the St. Bernard Husky mix, like any hybrid dog, can be tough as there can be little to no record of their first intentional breeding.
We can, however, take a look at the Saint Berhusky’s parent breeds — the Saint Bernard and the Siberian Husky.
One of the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) popular breeds, Siberian Huskies originated from Siberia in Russia from the Spitz genetic family. The Siberian Husky is also a popular designer dog breed due to its appearance.
Huskies were initially bred to transport passengers and goods in cold temperatures across the icy terrain of Siberia. They are medium-sized sled dogs with double-coated fur.
Meanwhile, Saint Bernards may not be as popular as the Siberian Husky, but this giant breed is just as worth the spotlight.
Coming from the snowy pass in the Alps, St. Bernard also belongs to the working dog breed and an old breed known in history as great search and rescue dogs. They are large dogs with double-coated fur as well.
While there is not much history about the Saint Bernard Husky mix, the background of its parent breeds plays a considerable role in its appearance, temperament, and health.
We can base our assessment of their overall disposition based on the facts discussed above and make adjustments on how we will deal with this mixed breed.
Saint Bernard Husky Mix Appearance
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With it being a designer dog, it can be hard to predict what the Husky Saint Bernard mix would look like. There is no guarantee you’ll get an equal split of your pup’s parent breeds when it comes to physical features and personality.
However, with its parent breeds in mind, you might expect certain features to be present in a St. Bernard Husky mix. For instance, they will have thick, furry double coats that shed a lot.
They usually get their fur color from their Saint Bernard parent, but Siberian Husky markings may also be visible. Their eyes can be almond-shaped like the Saint Bernard’s and blue-colored, which Huskies are famous for.
Most Saint Berhuskies have fluffy coat-covered, muscular bodies. But they can also have longer guard hairs like that of a wooly Husky.
They have either black or brown noses and medium-sized muzzles. They are also most likely to inherit the curly tail of their Husky parent.
Take a look at this video to see the Saint Berhusky’s great appearance:
HARVEY MIX BREED Siberian Husky AND SAINT BERNARD #HUSKY #ST.BERNARD<a href="https://youtu.be/Rpm5G2UkavQ" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FRpm5G2UkavQ%2F0.jpg" alt="HARVEY MIX BREED Siberian Husky AND SAINT BERNARD #HUSKY #ST.BERNARD" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Saint Bernard Husky Mix Size and Weight
Saint Berhuskies are somewhat in-between the size of their parent breeds. They are smaller than a Saint Bernard but definitely larger than a Siberian Husky. It could take up to 3 years for a St. Berhusky to reach its full size.
The height of Saint Bernard Husky mixes could range from 22 to 25 inches, while their weight ranges between 70 and 90 pounds. Their size makes them appear intimidating, but their nature proves otherwise.
Large, active, and high-energy dogs like the St. Bernard Siberian Husky mix will thrive in a large yard and a roomy home. Apartment living, while less recommended, will work, provided that they get daily needed exercise.
Saint Bernard Husky Mix Temperament and Personality
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Temperament-wise, the St. Bernard Husky mix is a well-balanced dog. They may be large in size, but they are big cuddlers, so they make great family companions.
They are more energetic than their Saint Bernard parent but calmer than their Siberian Husky parent.
This designer dog is known to form bonds with families, whatever the size. They are also patient with children and are never aggressive, even if they can be aloof to strangers.
The St. Berhusky is known to be mischievous and an escape artist, thanks to their Husky genes. They can be a handful for first-time dog owners because of their smart and independent-thinking nature.
Due to their friendly nature, a St. Bernard Husky mix is definitely a better watchdog than a guard dog.
Saint Bernard Husky Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
Generally, the St. Bernard Husky mix is a fairly healthy pup that can live for 9 to 12 years. Their lifespan is longer than the Saint Bernard and a bit shorter than the Siberian Husky.
Husky St. Bernards, much like other mixed breed dogs, are still likely to inherit their parents’ health issues.
Even though they can be significantly healthier than purebred pups, they can potentially develop these health problems:
Hip Dysplasia: The Husky St. Bernard mix is prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, a common disorder in large dogs. Hip dysplasia happens when the ball and socket of the hip joints do not fit or develop properly. It is often genetically caused.
Gastric Torsion: Also known as dog bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GSV), gastric torsion happens when a pup’s stomach fills with gas and eventually twists upon itself. The Saint Berhusky is prone to this life-threatening condition due to its size and deep chest. Stress is also believed to be a cause of gastric torsion.
Epilepsy: Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in dogs. It affects 0.75% of the canine population. Epilepsy is characterized by repeated episodes of seizures. Seizures are temporary uncontrollable shaking or twitching due to disturbance of normal brain function.
Apart from the list above, the St. Bernard Husky mix is also likely to have skin issues and allergies. If you plan to own a Saint Berhusky, you need to be aware of these health concerns.
Visiting your vet regularly is your best option for the early detection of any potential health issues your dog may encounter in the future.
How to Take Care of Your Saint Bernard Husky Mix
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Saint Berhusky is a high-maintenance pup. Before deciding to own one, it is important to gather basic knowledge on their nutritional needs, grooming essentials, and exercise requirements.
Here’s a guide you can follow to keep your St. Bernard Husky in tip-top shape:
Food and Diet
For the St. Bernard Husky mix, a high-quality diet with enough protein is required. Apart from protein, there must be a balance in the number of carbs, fats, vitamins, and mineral salts to help boost their immune system.
It is also recommended that the Saint Berhusky are fed a dry diet formulated for large dogs.
Occasionally, you can also feed them canned meals combined with a homemade and raw diet. Thankfully, this mix is not a picky eater like their Siberian Husky parent.
The daily diet requirement for a Saint Berhusky is between 1,500 and 2,000 calories. To determine your dog’s daily calorie needs, take their weight in pounds and multiply it by 30 calories.
Ideally, a St. Bernard Siberian Husky mix has a daily kibble consumption of three to four cups.
To lessen the risk of gastric torsion or bloat, you must divide this into two to three servings. You can also pair up their dry food with healthy fruits and vegetables.
Cleaning and Grooming
Being the offspring of Saint Bernards and Siberian Huskies, the Saint Berhusky unsurprisingly has thick coats. To keep their luscious coats look great and healthy, frequent brushing and regular grooming are needed.
Expect coat-blowing periods twice a year where they will shed heavier than they usually do. This might trigger allergies caused by dog dander, making them a treat for people with allergies.
Moreover, this mixed breed needs brushing using a slicker brush or pin brush at least three times a week if they inherited their Saint Bernard parent’s shedding tendencies.
Meanwhile, it is recommended to bathe them with a neutral dog shampoo once every six weeks.
Tooth brushing the Saint Berhusky four times a week and giving them dental sticks are recommended to ensure clean and strong teeth. Their nails would also need trimming when you hear them clicking on the floor.
Lastly, clean their ears to get rid of dirt and moisture that could cause ear infections.
Training and Exercise
The Saint Berhusky is an intelligent dog; however, they also tend to think independently. As soon as they are old enough to learn basic commands, they should be enrolled in obedience training.
Due to their stubborn streak, they have a short attention span. Training them could be a challenge, especially for a first-time dog owner. They don’t always learn on the first command, so you need to be patient with them.
Training should also be kept short, consistent, and entertaining. Trainers should use positive reinforcement and rewards-based approaches.
For their exercise requirement, a Saint Berhusky puppy requires up to 60 minutes per day. As they get older, this requirement decreases to 30 minutes per day.
Some fun exercises for the Saint Bernard Siberian Husky mix may include going on hikes, running, practicing agility, retrieving, interactive playing, and more.
How Much Does a Saint Bernard Husky Mix Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
The price of a Saint Berhusky puppy from a reputable breeder is between $1,000 and $1,300 depending on location, demand, breeder, and other factors.
Meanwhile, if you are considering adoption, you can expect to pay between $250 and $500. This covers most of the services provided to your dog while in the rescue center’s care.
Aside from the purchasing and adoption fees, you will also have to invest in some items that your dog will be using.
Here is a list of the initial expenses for a Saint Bernard Husky mix:
Note that the table above shows only the average initial cost of owning a Saint Berhusky. This does not include other expenses that may occur in the long run. Thus, the values may vary depending on your actual expenditures.
Places to Find Saint Bernard Husky Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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If you’re all set to buy a Saint Bernard Siberian Husky mix, the next responsible step would be finding a reputable breeder you can get your pup from.
Before looking elsewhere, consider these breeders that are offering Saint Berhusky puppies:
Lancaster Puppies – With its downloadable mobile app, Lancaster Puppies provides a more convenient way of advertising and finding puppies for sale in Pennsylvania and surrounding areas. As they also advertise Saint Bernard mixes and Siberian Husky mixes, you might want to check if they also have Saint Berhusky puppies available on their site.
Greenfield Puppies – Presenting only the best puppies for sale as their tagline goes, Greenfield Puppies is committed to connecting healthy puppies to caring families. They also advertise mixed breeds on their site, which may include Saint Berhusky puppies from time to time.
Keystone Puppies – An online advertising source for many reputable breeders, Keystone Puppies was created for potential caring pet owners to have a safe place to find puppies. Keystone Puppies have both purebred and designer breed puppies up for sale on their website. These could occasionally include Saint Bernard Husky mixes.
Alternatively, you can choose to adopt a Saint Bernard Husky mix. There are quite a few mixes that end up in shelters, and your chances of getting a Saint Berhusky are high.
Here are some rescue organizations you can check out:
Saint Bernard Rescue Foundation, Inc. – Even though they are established to primarily provide services to the Saint Bernard breed, Saint Bernard Rescue Foundation, Inc. will not refuse any dog that needs help. The foundation can be found in Cowboy Lane, Bertram in Texas.
Husky House – Although they are called as such, Husky House does not only take in Siberian Huskies but other breeds and mixes as well. Their goal is to find permanent loving homes for the orphaned pups in their care. Check out their website to see if they have Saint Berhuskies available for adoption.
Colorado Saint Bernard Rescue – A non-profit organization founded in 1997, Colorado Saint Bernard Rescue is dedicated to the rehoming of abandoned, unwanted, and abused Saint Bernards and Saint Bernard mixes. Ever since their foundation, they have rehomed more than 800 Saint Bernards, pure and mixed alike.
Need help deciding whether you want to buy or adopt a Saint Berhusky? Read our puppy-buying guide and our ultimate guide to dog adoption articles as they offer handy tips.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Saint Bernard Husky Mix
Now that you’ve seen almost every aspect of getting a Saint Berhusky, it’s time to move on to the next step. Owning a Saint Bernard Husky mix, or any dog for that matter, has its pros and cons.
Let’s start with the pros of owning a St. Bernard Husky mix:
Excellent dogs for large families: The Saint Bernard Husky mix is a great family companion. They don’t mind cuddles and would happily chill with you. While they may be aloof with strangers and other pets, they are generally social if properly introduced.
Fluffy, cuddle-loving dogs: Saint Berhuskies are big teddy bears. At a glance, they look intimidating because of their size and appearance. But in reality, their fluffy bodies are perfectly made for cuddling.
Get along well with children: The reason why the St. Bernard Husky mix is a fantastic family pet is that they are extremely patient with children. However, they tend to forget how big they are and could knock over small children anytime. It is best to supervise their playtime with your kids.
Now that we’ve gone through the pros, let’s look into the cons of owning a Saint Berhusky:
Can be very vocal and tend to bark a lot: With Husky as their parent, Saint Berhuskies tend to bark a lot. They howl and whine as well. While this is their way of communicating, it could sometimes get too much.
Not hypoallergenic: Coming from parent breeds with double-coated fur, it is not a surprise that this mixed breed is a heavy shedder. They are also not hypoallergenic as dog dander triggers allergic reactions.
Can be challenging to train: This is where obedience training comes to play. It is important to have this designer breed trained at an early age due to its independent-thinking nature. They are stubborn, and training could be a challenge if you are a first-time dog owner.
It is up to you to decide whether the pros outweigh the cons. This is a crucial point to look at in making the ultimate decision of owning a Saint Bernard Husky mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do Saint Bernard Husky Mixes Bark a Lot?
Yes, Saint Bernard Husky mixes are barkers especially when bored or left alone. Unlike their Saint Bernard parents who only bark when needed, their Siberian Husky genes make them bark a lot even for no reason.
Are Saint Bernard Husky Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No. Saint Berhuskies are non-hypoallergenic. They are heavy-shedders, and dog dander comes with shedding, which triggers allergic reactions. For this reason, Saint Bernard Husky mixes are not suitable for allergy sufferers.
Do Saint Bernard Husky Mixes Shed a Lot?
Yes. Saint Bernard Huskies shed a lot. The Husky Saint Bernard mix probably translates as “dog hair everywhere.” As both its Saint Bernard and Husky parents have double-coated fur, this pooch will also have a thick double coat.
For this same reason, their thick coats will need to be groomed regularly.
Final Thoughts: Is a Saint Berhusky the Right Dog for You?
Owning a Saint Bernard Husky is not for everyone. Their size, coat, temperament, and health require a lot of care and patience. This is why they will be more fit for experienced dog owners.
There are a few questions you need to answer before ultimately deciding on owning this breed. Do they fit your lifestyle? Will you be able to give them the care they need? Can you provide them comfort in their old age?
Your answers to these questions will determine whether or not the Saint Berhusky is the right dog for you.
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