Home » Dog Breeds » Saint Bernard Husky Mix (AKA The St Berhusky): Breed Guide

Saint Bernard Husky Mix (AKA The St Berhusky): Breed Guide

Pawscessories is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.


The Saint Berhusky is a mixture of two popular dog breeds – Saint Bernards and Siberian Huskies. This makes for a wonderful dog that is often described as being friendly, intelligent, and having a great temperament.

If you are thinking about adding one of these dogs to your family, there are some important things to consider first.

In this post, we take a closer look at the Saint Bernard Husky mix breed and provide you with all the information you need to know about these dogs before making a decision.

Let’s jump right in.

Saint Bernard Husky Mix

What Is a Saint Berhusky?

The Saint Berhusky is a mix of two iconic dog breeds – the Saint Bernard and the Siberian Husky. 

These breeds are some of the most popular dogs in the world and for good reason! They make great family pets and are incredibly beautiful to look at.

While their temperament can be difficult to predict due to the nature of crossbreeding, in general, Saint Berhuskys are gentle dogs that love spending time with their families. 

They can be a little bit shy around strangers but are otherwise very friendly dogs.

What Was The Saint Bernard Husky Mix Bred For?

The exact origins of the Saint Bernard Husky mix are relatively unknown. 

But, we do know that the primary goal for these dogs to be bred was to be family pets. These dogs make great companions and are known for their loyalty to their families.

However, since they are a rather new mixed breed and don’t have a long history, it’s best to look at their parent breed’s past to better understand them.

Brief Siberian Husky History

Though they are now popular family pets, Siberian Huskies were originally bred for work in cold climates. 

These strong and resilient dogs are thought to have originated in Siberia, where they were used by the Chukchi people for pulling sleds and herding reindeer. 

In order to survive in the harsh Arctic conditions, Siberian Huskies developed a thick coat of fur that protected them from the cold. They also have a higher than average pain tolerance, making them well-suited for long days of sledding. 

In 1908, a team of Siberian Huskies was brought to Alaska for the Nome Gold Rush, and their reputation as hardworking and reliable dogs quickly grew. 

In 1930, the first Siberian Husky was registered with the American Kennel Club. Today, these dogs are beloved pets worldwide.

Brief Saint Bernard History

The history of the Saint Bernard breed is shrouded in mystery. 

The breed is named for the Hospice Saint-Bernard, a hospice located in the Swiss Alps that was founded by St. Bernard de Menthon in 1049. 

The hospice provided shelter and care for travelers passing through the dangerous mountain passes. Legend has it that Saint Bernards were used to help find and rescue stranded travelers.

The first written record of the breed dates back to 1707 when Swiss naturalist Conrad Gesner wrote about a “brave dog” that had been used to rescue a traveler from an avalanche.

However, it is not clear whether Gesner was referring to a Saint Bernard or another type of mountain dog. In any case, the breed became well-known for its rescue work in the following centuries. 

Many tales of heroic Saint Bernards saving people from avalanches and other dangers in the mountains were told.

The first documented shipment of purebred Saint Bernards to America took place in 1856 when seven dogs were imported from Switzerland by Dr. Henry Schachtelhuber.

These dogs were then bred with Newfoundlands and other mastiff-type breeds to create the modern American St. Bernard Standard.

Today, there are two different types of St. Bernard: the American Standard variety and the European Continental Giant variety. 

The American Standard variety is larger than its European counterpart, weighing in at 140-180 pounds compared to 120-140 pounds for the Continental Giant variety.

Both varieties are loving and intelligent dogs that make great family pets.

Saint Bernard Husky Mix Appearance & Traits

Saint Bernard Husky Mix outside
PC: @alanarose26

Size (Weight & Height)

The Saint Bernard Husky mix generally weighs between 60 and 90 pounds and stands between 23 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder.

If they take after their Saint Bernard parent more, it’s not impossible for them to reach as much as 100 pounds.

Of course, as with other dogs, females are typically shorter and weigh less than males.

Coat Colors & Texture

The Saint Bernard Husky mix can have a coat that is typically medium in length and is straight to slightly wavy. Common coat colors include black, white, brown, red, and gray.

Their undercoat is dense and soft, while their outer coat is dense and thick.

Shedding & Grooming

The Saint Bernard Husky mix is a relatively heavy shedder. They shed consistently throughout the year and more heavily during shedding season (twice a year).

Daily brushing is recommended for these dogs, but you can get away with 3-4 times a week if you don’t mind a little extra fur around your home.

Something else owners of heavy shedding dogs do is get themselves a robot vacuum. These help keep the floors of your home looking half-decent throughout the week while you’re busy.

Another great trick to help during the heavy shedding seasons of the year is to blow out their coat. Take them outside, bring a blow dryer, and give their coat a good blowout. You’ll be surprised how much loose fur comes out.

When it comes to the rest of their grooming, they require a similar amount of work as other breeds. This includes regular nail trims, teeth brushing, and ear cleanings.

Are Saint Bernard Husky Mixes Hypoallergenic?

No, the Saint Bernard Husky mix is not a hypoallergenic breed. They are considered to be heavy shedders and are not recommended for people with allergies.

Ears & Tail

The Saint Bernard Husky mix typically has pointy ears that are medium in size and floppy. They also have a long, thick tail that is often carried low.

Their ears and tails require regular cleaning to prevent infection. This can be done with a cotton ball soaked in dog ear cleaner or warm water (for their ears) and a dog-safe shampoo (for their tail).

Eye Color

The Saint Bernard Husky mix typically has brown eyes. However, some may have blue, hazel, or one brown and one blue eye (heterochromia).

Lifespan

saint berhusky dog

The Saint Bernard Husky mix has a lifespan of between 10 and 13 years.

If they take after their Saint Bernard parent more and are larger, they’re likely to have a slightly shorter lifespan. Not because Saint Bernards are unhealthy but because bigger dogs typically don’t live as long as smaller ones.

Common Health Issues

The Saint Bernard Husky mix is generally a healthy breed. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health conditions. These include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, heart disease, and bloat.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are genetic conditions that cause the joints to develop abnormally. This can lead to pain, lameness, and arthritis.

Eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma are also relatively common in this breed.

Heart disease is another condition to be aware of. The most common form of heart disease in dogs is called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This is a condition where the heart muscle weakens and doesn’t pump blood as efficiently.

Bloat is a condition that can affect all dogs, but it’s especially common in deep-chested, large dog breeds. Bloat occurs when the stomach twists on itself and cuts off blood flow. This is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated immediately.

The best way to prevent hereditary healthy issues in a Saint Bernard Husky mix is to buy from a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs.

It’s also a good idea to understand their more common health issues. This way, you can create a lifestyle/living environment that gives them the best chance of avoiding them.

Trainability & Intelligence

saint berhusky

The Saint Bernard Husky mix is a smart breed. They are typically easy to train and can pick up new commands quickly.

Like all dogs, they require patience, positive reinforcement training methods, and consistency.

They do best with short, daily training sessions as opposed to longer ones a few times a week.

Housebreaking may take a little longer with this breed as they can be stubborn. However, if you’re consistent, they can catch on quickly.

Early socialization is also important for training them to behave in unfamiliar situations and around new people/animals. Without it, they can become a little overprotective and possibly anxious.

Activity Level & Exercise Needs

The Saint Bernard Husky mix is a relatively active breed. They need daily walks and plenty of playtime to stay healthy and happy.

If they take after their Saint Bernard parent more, they may not require as much exercise. However, if they inherit the Husky’s high energy levels, they’ll need plenty of opportunities to run and play.

A backyard is ideal for this breed as they love to run and explore. However, regular trips to the park will suffice if you don’t have a backyard.

Just be sure to give them enough exercise to tire them out, so they’re not left bored and destructive.

Mental stimulation is also important for this breed as they can become anxious if left alone for too long. Interactive dog toys, such as Kongs and puzzle feeders, are a great way to keep their minds challenged.

They also love to have their minds challenged by learning new tricks or behaviors.

Overall, a nice mix of daily physical and mental stimulation is ideal for these dogs.

Temperament & Behavior

Saint Bernard Husky Mix camping
PC: @makayla_glidden

Do Saint Bernard Husky Mixes Bark A Lot?

The Saint Bernard Husky mix is generally a quiet breed. However, they may bark and be more vocal in general if they take after their Husky parent more.

Huskies are known for being talkative and having a wide range of vocalizations, from howls to barks to yips.

So, if your Saint Bernard Husky mix takes after their Husky parent in this regard, expect them to be a little more vocal.

Do Saint Bernard Husky Mixes Like To Cuddle?

The Saint Bernard Husky mix can be a cuddly breed. They typically enjoy being close to their family and may even sit on your lap if they’re feeling particularly affectionate.

However, it really varies from dog to dog, so you’ll just have to get to know your particular pup’s personality.

If you want to help them enjoy cuddling, simply give them plenty of positive experiences cuddling when they’re young. This way, they will undoubtedly continue to enjoy cuddling as they get older.

Are Saint Bernard Husky Mixes Good With Kids?

The Saint Bernard Husky mix can be a good breed for families with kids. They typically have a gentle, loving nature and enjoy being around people.

Of course, every dog is different, and some may be more tolerant of kids than others. However, as long as you socialize them early and often, they should do fine around kids of all ages.

Are Saint Bernard Husky Mixes Good With Other Dogs?

Saint Bernard Husky mixes can be good with other dogs. This is because they typically inherit a calm and gentle demeanor from their Saint Bernard parent.

However, if they take after their Husky parent more, they may be more independent and less likely to enjoy the company of other dogs.

Overall, it just depends on the individual dog. Some Saint Bernard Husky mixes may enjoy the company of other dogs, while others may prefer to be the only dog in the family.

But, if they are well socialized as young puppies, they are very likely to enjoy playing and being around other dogs.

Are Saint Bernard Husky Mixes Good With Strangers?

The Saint Bernard Husky mix is generally a very friendly breed. They are typically outgoing and enjoy meeting new people.

However, they still need plenty of opportunities to meet new people when young to help them learn how to behave around unfamiliar people.

Otherwise, they may become standoffish and reserved around strangers if they are too isolated when young.

Are Saint Bernard Husky Mixes Good Apartment Dogs?

Saint Bernard Husky mixes are not the best for apartment living. They are a fairly active breed and need plenty of space due to their larger size.

While they can live in an apartment with the right owner, it’s not ideal for them.

Food & Diet

The amount of food a Saint Bernard Husky mix needs can vary depending on their size, age, activity level, and metabolism.

Generally speaking, they will need around three cups of food per day, divided into two meals.

Of course, it’s always best to speak with a veterinarian about how much food your particular dog needs.

When it comes to what type of food to feed them, it’s important to choose a high-quality food that is appropriate for their age and activity level.

Puppies, for example, will need a food with higher calories and protein to help them grow.

On the other hand, adult dogs will need a food that is lower in calories to help them maintain their weight. And finally, senior dogs will need a food that is easy to digest and full of nutrients to help them stay healthy as they age.

You should avoid feeding them table scraps as this can lead to obesity. They are not picky eaters and will eat just about anything you offer them.

In general, vets recommend a diet high in protein and healthy fats for these dogs. This is because they are highly active and need food to meet their needs.

Saint Bernard Husky Mix Puppy Price

puppy being held
PC: @austinflynn42

The price of a Saint Bernard Husky mix puppy can vary depending on the breeder, their location, whether they have a unique coat and the dog’s parentage.

Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1250 for a Saint Berhusky puppy.

Remember, always make sure you are working with a reputable breeder.

Unfortunately, there are unethical breeders out there who are looking to make a quick buck by selling sick or unhealthy puppies.

Where Can You Find Saint Bernard Husky Mix Puppies For Sale?

Saint Bernard Husky Mix puppy
PC: @alanarose26

Unfortunately, you might run into some difficulty finding a Saint Bernard Husky mix for sale.

This is because they are not very popular quite yet, and there are not many breeders that focus on producing them.

With that being said, there are a few well-known breeder directory websites that could have one available.

Ones you might want to look at are AKC’s MarketplaceGreenfield Puppies, or Lancaster Puppies.

While these websites do their best to ensure all breeders on their platform are reputable, it’s still important for you to look into the breeders you contact.

You can also check your local animal shelters or rescue groups, as they may have Saint Bernard Husky mix puppies up for adoption.

Similar Breeds To The Saint Bernard Husky Mix

Final Thoughts

The Saint Bernard Husky mix is a large, friendly dog that makes a great companion for active families.

While they are not very popular yet, they are starting to gain popularity due to their unique appearance and loving personalities.

In terms of maintenance, they do require frequent brushing to manage their shedding. But outside of that, they are a relatively low-maintenance breed.

If you are considering getting a Saint Bernard Husky mix, make sure to do your research and purchase from a reputable breeder. This will ensure you get a healthy and properly socialized puppy to add to your family.

Other posts you might find interesting: