Miniature Saint Bernard

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 8-11 years
The Mini Saint Bernard is a hybrid breed of the Cocker Spaniel and the Saint Bernard. This breed has some major and secondary health concerns that you need to keep an eye out for. To help ensure that you have a healthy and happy pup, you should always work with a reputable breeder. Some of the health conditions to keep an eye on include epilepsy, eye problems, bloat, heart problems, skin problems, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, joint dysplasia, allergies, and AIHA.

Epilepsy may occur in your Mini Saint Bernard. This condition is represented by seizures and they may be violent or mild. Your veterinarian will explain to you how to handle the seizure appropriately and sometimes, medication is needed.

Bloat is a serious condition that can be fatal when it is not treated in time. Your pup will develop bloat if he or she has too much air trapped within his or her stomach. As the air is unable to release, the stomach expands and places pressure on the surrounding organs. This pressure can cause a loss of blood flow throughout the body.

Heart problems are common in a number of dog breeds and you may run into heart issues with your Mini Saint Bernard. The specific problem that your pup has can range from heart disease to heart failure or even a murmur.

Skin problems are another concern and need to be monitored as your pup may develop a rash, irritation, or have inflamed skin.

Hypothyroidism affects the thyroid gland in your Mini Saint Bernard and can lead to obesity or a problem with your pup gaining weight. Hypothyroidism can be managed and your pup may need to take medication for the condition.

Knee dislocation or patellar luxation can occur in your pup and is painful. When the knee displacement occurs, your pup may experience lameness in the affected limb. It is not uncommon for your pup to keep his or her leg elevated off of the ground.

Joint dysplasia can occur in either the elbow or the hip and will affect the front or back set of limbs on your pup.

Your Mini Saint Bernard may have allergies and these allergies can be related to outside environmental factors or even the food they eat.

Lastly, your Mini Saint Bernard may have AIHA, which is known as autoimmune hemolytic anemia. This condition can be fatal and will destroy the immune system.

The Mini Saint Bernard’s life expectancy is 8 to 11 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

The Mini Saint Bernard is known to be a dog that is very social, loveable, and friendly. When it comes to aggression, you have nothing to worry about with this breed. With that being said, you can expect your pup to be very nice and civil with children of all ages and other pets in the home.

This breed is considered to be intelligent and you need to assert yourself as the pack leader in order for this pup to submit and listen to you.

Your Mini Saint Bernard will like to play, which is great for you and if you have kids in your home. Since this pup is energetic, you will need to make sure that he or she does get the opportunity to run around outside. Your pup will also need a walk twice per day for 30 minutes or so.

The Mini Saint Bernard is also a good watchdog and will alert you to danger that may be around. When it comes to strangers, a proper introduction is needed to ensure your pup is not wary of them.

Training is considered easy and your pup will listen to you when you give commands, but you may notice that your pup is stubborn now and again. When this happens, remain positive and do not get harsh, as this will only create a hostile environment and your pup will ignore you.

Grooming

Your Mini Saint Bernard has some moderate grooming needs and you will need to brush your pup at least once per day. A comb often helps because of the mats and tangles that may form in your pup’s hair. It is often recommended that you take your pup to the groomer, especially if you find grooming to be a difficult task for you.

Bathing does not need to be done on any special schedule and can be done when needed. You need to make sure that you clean out your pup’s ears once per week to remove any buildup of dirt and wax.

You also need to trim your pup’s nails once per month to ensure that they do not grow too long. If they do, this can be painful for your pup.

Diet

Your Mini Saint Bernard will consume anywhere between 1 1/2 cups and 3 cups of food per day. It is important that you feed him or her a hearty and wholesome brand of dry kibble. You want to avoid any food that has chemicals and by products in them. Look for foods with whole grains and proteins.
 

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Adopt A Miniature Saint Bernard

Cost

A Mini Saint Bernard puppy will cost you anywhere from $750 to $1,600 and the price will depend on the breeder you work with. In addition to the cost to purchase your pup, you also need to make sure that you factor in the costs for food, supplies, vet checkups, and any preventative medicine for your puppy.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. The Mini Saint Bernard will make a great addition to your home and you will find that he or she is wonderful with your children and other pets. Your pup will require a lot of brushing, but trains easily and is an amazing pup overall. This breed ranks a 2.

 

Saint Bernard

Cocker Spaniel

English Cocker Spaniel

Newfoundland