How long does a German Shepherd Saint Bernard Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 8–10 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Saint Bernard (8–10 years).

Is a German Shepherd Saint Bernard Mix easy to train?

Trainability is moderate to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Home › German Shepherd › German Shepherd Saint Bernard Mix

German Shepherd Saint Bernard Mix

A German Shepherd Saint Bernard mix is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Saint Bernard. Most grow into giant dogs of 85–135 lb and live 8–10 years.

German Shepherd, a purebred dog — German ShepherdPhoto: Erick Drumss Hernández, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Saint Bernard, a purebred dog — Saint BernardPhoto: Rafael Dominguez Rodriguez, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight85–135 lbcan be 50–180 lb

Height24–28 inat the shoulder

Lifespan8–10 years

SizeGiant

How big does a German Shepherd Saint Bernard Mix get?

German Shepherd50–90 lb

The mix85–135 lb

Saint Bernard120–180 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most German Shepherd Saint Bernard Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 24–28 inches at the shoulder, against 22–26 in for the German Shepherd and 26–30 in for the Saint Bernard.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

High

Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.

Energy

Moderate

Daily walks and some play are enough for most of these dogs.

Trainability

Moderate to very high

The German Shepherd rates very high and the Saint Bernard moderate; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low

A weekly brush and the odd bath keep the coat in shape.

Temperament

The German Shepherd is usually described as confident, courageous, smart. The Saint Bernard as playful, charming, inquisitive. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

German Shepherd vs Saint Bernard vs the mix

Trait	German Shepherd	German Shepherd Saint Bernard Mix	Saint Bernard
Weight	50–90 lb	85–135 lb	120–180 lb
Height	22–26 in	24–28 in	26–30 in
Lifespan	7–10 yr	8–10 yr	8–10 yr
Shedding	high	high	moderate
Energy	moderate	moderate	moderate
Group	Herding	mixed	Working

Questions about the German Shepherd Saint Bernard Mix

How big does a German Shepherd Saint Bernard Mix get?: Most grow to 85–135 pounds and 24–28 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 50–180 pounds.
How long does a German Shepherd Saint Bernard Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 8–10 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Saint Bernard (8–10 years).
Does a German Shepherd Saint Bernard Mix shed?: Shedding is high. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a German Shepherd Saint Bernard Mix easy to train?: Trainability is moderate to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other German Shepherd mixes

Other Saint Bernard mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.