Looking for a lovable, sweet family dog? Then a large fluffball such as the Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard mix will be a perfect fit for you. This pooch is an amazing dog that is devoted, smart, and sociable.
If this got you interested, read through this article and find out more about the Saint Pyrenees mix.
I have detailed everything there is to know about them, including their appearance, temperament, health issues, and more.
What Is a Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard Mix?
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The Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard mix is a large crossbreed that combines two intimidating breeds — the Great Pyrenees and Saint Bernard. Also known as Saint Pyrenees, they are intelligent, attentive, and loving dogs. They also have a great sense of smell and strong protective instincts.
Saint Pyrenees came from a lineage of 17th-century guard dogs. Both its parents are mountain-bred and have heroic reputations.
Hence, there is no surprise that their crossbreed is a great companion and is accustomed to protecting its family.
This designer dog may have varying temperaments and appearances due to its parentage. But one thing is for sure, they are pretty large!
Unfortunately, the American Kennel Club (AKC) nor other major canine clubs in the United States does not recognize mixed breeds such as the Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard mix.
Good thing, you can register your Saint Pyrenees to other clubs such as the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and the Designer Breed Registry.
Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard Mix Origin and History: Where Does the Saint Pyrenees Come From?
Saint Pyrenees is a hybrid of two mountain dogs with heroic backgrounds. However, this designer dog has not been around for long; they do not have a documented history yet.
To learn more about Saint Pyrenees and understand its background, let’s take a closer look at the origin of its parents.
Since the 17th century, there has been a documented existence of the Great Pyrenees.
The breed originated in Europe, located on the borderline of Spain and France. They were originally used by farmers as watchdogs for their livestock.
During the 17th century, Great Pyrenees became the royal dog of France. The breed was assigned to be guard dogs for the royal estates. From then on, it started to gain popularity in England and the United States.
The Saint Bernard, on the other hand, is a native of the Alps in Switzerland. They mainly support search and rescue and challenging missions in deep snow.
Later, they also helped travelers going through the rough Alpine pass from Switzerland to Italy. Today, the Saint Bernard is a well-loved family dog, and it is the 49th most common dog in the United States.
Sharing a common history of companionship and heroism, the Great Pyrenees and Saint Bernards are two large but dependable breeds.
When these two are combined, you get a loyal, intelligent, and gentle giant Saint Pyrenees.
Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard Mix Appearance: What Does a Saint Pyrenees Look Like?
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What does Saint Pyrenees actually look like? Considering it’s a giant dog, Saint Pyrenees have towering features compared to other breeds.
The Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard mix has an elongated body and chunky limbs. They also have deep chests and thick fur that runs up to their tails.
With their enormous size, their head is relatively wide with a broad forehead. Their ears flap down to almost half of their face.
Their eyes are almond-shaped, and they seem to have eyebrows. Moreover, they sport large mouths that can easily fit an adult’s fist.
Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard mixes have very dense, medium to long thick fur that almost looks like a lion mane.
Their fur can either be colored black, brown, gray, or any combination of these colors. They can also exhibit any of the 17 colors of the Saint Bernard and the white coat of the Great Pyrenees.
The Saint Pyrenees’ legs and body are muscular. Hence, making their stance appear intimidating and strong compared to other dogs.
Here’s a cute video of the Saint Pyrenees in action:
Grooming a Saint Benard Mixed w Great Pyrenees<a href="https://youtu.be/mXkfIZmbJew" 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%2FmXkfIZmbJew%2F0.jpg" alt="Grooming a Saint Benard Mixed w Great Pyrenees" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Saint Pyrenees Get?
It is not surprising that the Saint Pyrenees is gigantic because their parents, the Great Pyrenees and Saint Bernard, are massive. Typically, this mix stands at 25 to 32 inches and weighs between 155 and 180 pounds.
Moreover, a Saint Pyrenees can be considered fully grown around 12 months to 18 months, but it may still gain more body mass depending on its diet and trained lifestyle.
Since the Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard mix is a large dog, prepare an ample space that encourages movement. It is not ideal to cramp this pooch in a small area as it may become lethargic and stressed.
Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard Mix Temperament: Do Saint Pyrenees Make Good Family Dogs?
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Despite their giant size, Saint Pyrenees is an amazing family dog. Because of its heritage, this pooch is naturally protective over its family, especially children. They love children and think of them as their own.
Although very laid-back, supervision is still required when they’re with small kids. Ensure to keep an eye on them since they are huge, and their activities and play-bite may still be dangerous.
While the Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard mix is devoted to its family, it may still need training for appropriate behavior to strangers. They may perceive strangers as a potential danger and be aggressive towards them.
Also, they may exhibit aloofness towards other dogs and pets. You must socialize them together when they are young.
Generally, the Saint Bernard Pyrenees mix is friendly and gentle. But they can also knock off humans due to their size.
Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Saint Pyrenees Healthy Dogs?
As a designer dog that exhibits hybrid vigor, the Saint Pyrenees generally have fewer health issues than some purebred dogs. However, as a giant breed, they only live for 8 to 10 years, similar to the Saint Bernard lifespan.
One thing to note is that there is a chance they’ll inherit their parent’s health issues. Thus, it pays to know the full health history of their parents before buying or adopting one of these pooches.
Listed below are some of the most common health problems of the Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard mix:
Hip Dysplasia: As a large dog, this pooch is vulnerable to developing hip dysplasia. This is caused by an inaccuracy in hip formation. It is best to subject them to a screening program that assesses their hip health.
Bloat: Bloat happens when a dog’s stomach fills up with excessive air and liquid. This can make their abdomen look tense and larger than usual. In some cases, the vet will give them intravenous fluids or perform surgery if necessary.
Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD): Prevalent in most large breed dogs such as the Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard mix, OCD is an abnormality of the cartilage within the joint. If left undiagnosed and unattended, this may lead to lameness and arthritis.
Luxating Patella: Also referred to as “slip knee,” this is a common problem with dogs of all sizes. Luxating patella can cause more severe issues such as cartilage damage, inflammation, or ligament tears.
If you are planning to get a Saint Pyrenees or any other dog, in that case, pay close to any signs or symptoms of a severe illness in the future.
Furthermore, a regular trip to the vet can prevent any diseases that may develop.
How to Take Care of Your Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard Mix
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As a responsible owner, your dog’s vital needs must be considered. Saint Pyrenees requires bare essentials like any other dog. All they need is a nutritional diet, comfortable shelter, exercise, and grooming.
Food and Diet
Dogs like St Pyrenees are omnivores that require a balanced diet for the best nutritional benefits. Due to their size and large muscle mass, their kibble must be high-quality and loaded up with at least 20% protein.
Moreover, Saint Pyrenees need fat content from chicken or fish oil for better bone growth and eyesight. Add fruits and vegetables as well to supply your pooch with the essential vitamins and minerals.
On average, this pooch can consume five cups of kibbles per day. Since they are prone to becoming overweight, controlling their meal times is suggested.
In order to ensure that your Saint Pyrenees is getting enough healthy food, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
Cleaning and Grooming
The Saint Pyrenees has a medium-length coat, but it is pretty dense. Surprisingly, even when that’s the case, their fur requires low maintenance.
Of course, thick fur equates to frequent shedding similar to their Great Pyrenees and Saint Bernard parents.
In order to avoid this, ensure to brush the coat of your pooch once a day. It is highly recommended to use a stiff bristle brush or pin brush to comb their fur.
In addition, it is also best if you can bathe your Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard mix not too often, so the natural oils are not stripped off. Use a shampoo formulated for dogs to help their fur stay soft and unmatted.
Training and Exercise
Saint Pyrenees is an intelligent and independent breed. They love working around people too. However, they are not the easiest to train as they are stubborn and lazy.
For the Saint Pyrenees, it is recommended that training should begin as early as puppyhood.
Despite their trainable characteristics, the intervention of an expert trainer is suggested, especially if you’re a new dog owner.
Aside from their intimidating muscular build, they might easily assume dominance if not appropriately addressed.
At a minimum, this pooch needs at least an hour of exercise or a good 90 minutes of walking. A big playground that will encourage constant movement is essential to set up for this mix.
This is to avoid the possibility of being overweight and acquiring other behavioral anxieties that may develop due to boredom in a cramped space.
How Much Does a Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The Saint Pyrenees will likely cost you around $450 to $1,500, depending on the breeder. This does not fall far from the price of a purebred Saint Bernard and the Great Pyrenees.
When buying a designer breed, it pays to be meticulous and careful as they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Hence, they don’t have pedigree paperwork.
Aside from the cost of the puppy itself, its basic necessities will incur charges too. Ensure to add dog food, treats, leash, and grooming essentials to your budget.
Below is the list of other expenses associated with owning a Saint Pyrenees mix:
Note that the above table is just a reference and may vary according to your pooch’s needs.
Also, remember that owning a dog is a big financial responsibility. Take into account the monthly, yearly, and lifetime expenses of a Saint Pyrenees.
Places to Find Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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One thing to define before getting a puppy is where to source one. The best choice would always be from a reputable breeder since they have certifications and want the best environment for their puppies.
Below are some reputable sources where you can find Saint Pyrenees for sale:
Lancaster Puppies – This is a respected puppy listing site where you can find Great Pyrenees mixes up for sale, including the Saint Pyrenees. They provide high-quality and healthy pups. Vaccines and health records are indicated, so you have a better background on the pup you’re eyeing for.
Valley Ranch Kennel – Valley Ranch Kennel specializes in giant dogs such as Saint Pyrenees. They are dedicated to finding a great family for each dog they’re selling. The dogs are raised in a loving and healthy environment.
Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies assures that their listings comply with strict guidelines and state laws. They condone any puppy mills and guarantee healthy puppies. You can easily find a Saint Pyrenees using their search filters.
Other than the sources listed above, you may check out our list of Saint Bernard and Great Pyrenees breeders, as they may also offer this mix from time to time.
You can also inquire around rescue centers and adopt a Saint Pyrenees. Just bear in mind that there are accompanying risks when getting a dog from rescue shelters.
Here are some Great Pyrenees or Saint Bernard rescues you can check out:
Great Pyrenees Rescue Society – GPRS is a foster-based shelter run by volunteers. This shelter is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of Great Pyrenees, both purebred and mixed breeds. In GRPS, Pyrs and Pyr-mixes learn to be house dogs and family companions.
Colorado Saint Bernard Rescue – Founded in 1997, this rescue has been committed to rehoming abandoned and abused Saint Bernards and Saint Bernard mixes such as the Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard mix. Their adoption fee starts at $500 unless otherwise stated on their site.
Appalachian Great Pyrenees Rescue – Appalachian Great Pyrenees Rescue rehomes Great Pyrenees dogs and mixes within Virginia, Maryland, D.C., and parts of West Virginia. They don’t just rehome their rescue dogs but also seek to educate their future owners.
Saint Pyrenees dogs in rescue centers need extra attention and care. If you feel like you’re ready for a commitment, then saving a life and giving a dog a second chance is a great way to go.
Check out our ultimate dog adoption guide for tips on how you can effectively ace your adoption application.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard Mix
Owning a designer hybrid dog like the Saint Pyrenees comes with advantages and disadvantages.
In this section, we will highlight the pros and cons of having a Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard mix. As a first-time owner of a giant dog, it is important to understand the highs and lows of this commitment.
Here are the advantages of owning a Saint Bernard Pyrenees mix:
Great choice as a family dog: The Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard mix is an excellent family dog due to its nature. This pooch is patient and amazing around children. They are also calm, playful, and loving dogs that bring joy to everyone.
Fast learner: As mentioned above, the hybrid of Great Pyrenees and Saint Bernard produces a highly intelligent dog. They can easily learn whatever tricks or behavioral patterns you want them to. However, if you’re a first-time owner, you may want to seek help from professional trainers.
Quiet, laid-back, and doesn’t require heavy activities: For most of the time, this pooch is quiet and just loves to lay around with its owner. They only need an hour of exercise, so you won’t have difficulty tending to them.
On the contrary, the Saint Bernard Pyrenees mix also has a list of disadvantages:
Takes too much space: Coming from mountain dog heritage, this pooch is considered a giant in size. They will require a large room to roam around, and they also take too much space in the car and bed.
Heavy shedding: Due to its thick topcoat and undercoat, Saint Bernard Pyrenees mixes sheds a lot. Following this, frequent cleaning around your house is needed.
Heavy eater: Naturally, a giant dog like the Saint Pyrenees has a large appetite. They eat at least five cups of dog food a day, excluding treats. This is why you have to be financially ready when buying this breed.
These are just some of the pros and cons of owning a Saint Pyrenees. However, its overall behavior still relies on the lifestyle and environment of its owner.
Nevertheless, the pros and cons above will greatly help you define whether this dog is the right choice for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do Saint Pyrenees Drool a Lot?
No. Unlike its parent breed, Saint Pyrenees’ drool is minimal. However, it tends to drool more than usual due to hunger. Ensure to pay a visit to a vet if excessive drooling is observed.
Are Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No. Because both their parent breeds, Saint Bernards and Great Pyrenees, are not considered to be hypoallergenic. Also, the Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard mix sheds hair that forms dander and may flare up allergies.
Do Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard Mixes Shed?
Yes. Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard mixes have dense fur that sheds frequently. Its undercoat and topcoat are thick since both parent breeds are mountain dogs.
To keep the shedding to a minimum, brush their coat at least once a day and use appropriate dog shampoo.
Final Thoughts: Is a Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard Mix the Right Dog for You?
The Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard mix is a gentle giant that loves human company. Needless to say, they are excellent family dogs.
Due to its size, it may require lots of space to move around. This breed is not suitable for apartment living and a busy lifestyle. Hence, you need to rethink before owning one.
All in all, the Great Pyrenees Saint Bernard mix is a sweet and loyal giant that makes a great addition to the family.
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