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Are you looking for the perfect blend of adorable and adventurous in a furry companion? Well, this may be the dog breed for you. This unique hybrid breed combines the lovable traits of the St. Bernard and the playful personality of the Corgi, resulting in a dog that is both charming and full of life. So, if you’re considering adding a St. Bernard Corgi mix to your family or you’re simply curious about this delightful crossbreed, we’ll give you everything you need to know about caring for a St. Bernard Corgi mix.
Breed Overview
Height:
12–15 inches
Weight:
28–41 pounds
Lifespan:
9–13 years
Colors:
Sable and white, black, brown and white, rust and white, black and white
Suitable for:
Active families looking for active dogs that are good with children
Temperament:
Affectionate, loyal, and friendly dogs that love pleasing their owners
One of the most interesting things about this mix is its appearance. The St. Bernard Corgi Mix has a long, sturdy body and short legs, with a head that is often more reminiscent of the St. Bernard than the Corgi.
Beyond its appearance, the St. Bernard Corgi Mix also has a friendly personality and a loyal nature. These dogs are known for their intelligence and their ability to learn new skills quickly, making them great companions for families or individuals looking for a trainable pet.
Saint Bernard Corgi Mix Characteristics
St. Bernard Corgi Mix Puppies
If you’re looking for a St. Bernard Corgi mix puppy, there are several options available to you. One of the most common ways to find this mixed breed is through good reputable breeders. You can research online and contact breeders who specialize in St. Bernard Corgi mix puppies. Another option is to visit your local animal shelter or rescue organization as they may have a mixed-breed dog available for adoption. You can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to about $700 for these mixed puppies, depending on where you live.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Saint Bernard Corgi Mix
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
These dogs are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, and they work well with families that are active or single people who want a gentle companion. They’re super loyal and devoted to their owners, and they love spending time with their human family members.
St. Bernard Corgi mixes are generally good with children, although supervision is always recommended when introducing them to younger (and smaller) kids – especially adult dogs due to their large size. They have a really patient and gentle demeanor, which makes them suitable for households with kids and other pets, such as cats. However, early socialization and sufficient obedience training are essential to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved and obedient dogs.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets
As with any mixed breed, it can be difficult to predict the temperament of the St. Bernard Corgi Mix. However, in general, this breed is known to be friendly and affectionate towards cats. And when it comes to getting along with other pets, the St. Bernard Corgi Mix tends to be good-natured and sociable.
However, it’s important to remember that every dog is an individual, and some may have a higher prey drive than others. That being stated, it’s important to socialize your St. Bernard Corgi Mix from an early age to ensure they’re comfortable around other animals. Just note that each dog is unique and may have their own personality quirks.
Things to Know When Owning a St. Bernard Corgi Mix
Food & Diet Requirements
These large breed dogs require a special diet plan that supports their growth, energy needs, and overall health. So, it’s best to give them high-quality dog food that’s specifically formulated for large breeds, like Purina ONE Natural Large Breed or IAMS Lamb & Rice Recipe Large Breed dog food meals. These dry dog food meals contain the right balance of proteins and carbohydrates (and some fats) that help maintain healthy bone and muscle development.
St. Bernard mixed dogs also need enough calories to support their size and activity levels. However, overfeeding can lead to obesity which puts unnecessary stress on their joints and organs (and they’re actually prone to obesity as they age). So, it’s crucial to monitor their food intake and feed them only the recommended portion sizes. It’s also advisable to divide their meals into two or three smaller portions to aid digestion and prevent bloat, a common health issue in large breeds.
But, in addition to commercial dog food, these dogs can also benefit from vegetables like celery, carrots, green beans, and broccoli, as well as cooked cuts of lean meats such as chicken or turkey.
However, it’s important to avoid giving them table scraps or human foods that are high in fat, salt, or sugar. These can upset their stomach and cause health problems in the long run. Consulting with a vet or even a canine nutritionist can help determine the best diet plan for this mixed breed dog based on their specific age (younger and older dogs will eat less), weight, and health condition.
Exercise
This mix is known to be a fairly active and energetic breed that requires daily exercise to maintain good health and overall happiness. In general, the St. Bernard Corgi Mix should get at least 30–60 minutes of exercise every day to keep them in tip-top shape.
This can include a combination of activities such as walking, running, playing fetch, hiking, or swimming. As mentioned previously, it’s essential to note that these dogs do have a tendency to gain weight quickly, so regular exercise is crucial to prevent obesity-related health issues.
Puppies of this breed should be given moderate exercise to avoid putting too much stress on their developing bones and joints. Short walks or playtime in a fenced yard can be an excellent option for young puppies. As they grow older and their bones become stronger, they can gradually increase their exercise time and intensity.
Senior dogs may have some mobility issues due to aging and may need lighter exercise such as gentle walks or swimming. However, it’s still good to keep them active to some degree to prevent muscle loss and keep them in good physical condition.
Training
Generally speaking, these dogs are intelligent and eager to please their owners, which can make them relatively easy to train. However, they can also be independent and sort of stubborn, which can make training more challenging.
Start Young
As with any breed, you’ll want to start training the dog from a young age to establish good habits and prevent bad behavior. One of the first things you should focus on is everyday socialization. What exactly does this look like? This can be simply taking your dog to a dog park once or two times a week to get used to seeing other people and other dogs and animals.
Reward Good Behavior
This breed can be prone to anxiety and shyness, so expose them to new people, animals, and environments as early as possible to help them become well-adjusted adults. When training this mix, you’ll want to always reward good behavior with praise and treats instead of simply punishing bad behavior – something that you actually want to stay away from.
Instead, simply ignore bad behavior or redirect your dog toward desired behavior. The key to training this mix, like many canines, is to stay consistent and limit training to a few sessions a day. It’s best to keep these sessions short, so that the dog will remember the training and they won’t become bored (10- to 15-minute increments are ideal).
Provide Basic Obedience Training
You’ll also want to ensure that you have trained your dog well in terms of basic obedience commands before taking it to the dog park or other areas where it will come in contact with other people and other animals. Another important aspect of obedience training your Bernard Corgi mix is exercise.
These dogs have high energy levels and require daily exercise to keep them happy and to prevent them from becoming too anxious – i.e., destructive. Take them for regular walks or runs, play fetch with them, or enroll them in obedience classes or agility training. Not only will this help them burn off excess energy, but it will also reinforce your authority and teach them to tame their excitement.
Grooming ✂️
While this hybrid breed may have inherited some of the St. Bernard’s thick fur, they typically have a shorter coat that is easier to maintain. So, grooming and maintaining a St. Bernard Corgi mix is generally considered to be relatively easy. One of the most important things to keep in mind when grooming this mix is to brush their coat regularly – which is about every other day or once a week.
This will help to remove any loose fur and prevent matting and flea/tick infestations. Generally, daily brushing is recommended, but this can be adjusted depending on the individual dog’s coat.
While the St. Bernard Corgi mix may not require extensive grooming, it’s important to keep up with routine care in order to prevent any potential health issues. For example, this breed may be prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears, so it’s crucial to clean their ears every other week to avoid any buildup of wax or debris.
It’s also helpful to take a dry towel or cloth and physically dry out your dog’s ears if it’s been swimming. Though they may do this on their own with the head shake, you can help prevent ear infections, something that’s common with both parent breeds.
Reducing Shedding
St. Bernards have a rather thick, double coat that sheds heavily all year round. Unfortunately, this means that your mix breed may have inherited this shedding characteristic. However, there are some things that you can do to help manage the shedding and keep your home clean.
One of the most effective ways to manage shedding is through regular grooming. As mentioned earlier, brushing your dog’s coat regularly will help remove loose hair and prevent it from ending up on your furniture and floors. A slicker brush or undercoat rake will be especially useful for removing loose fur from a thick coat. You may also want to consider taking your dog to a professional groomer who can give them a trim (which’ll help keep them cool in the summer) or a deshedding treatment.
Regular exercise is also important for managing shedding in dogs. Exercise helps improve overall health and reduces stress, which can contribute to excessive shedding. Make sure that your dog gets plenty of opportunities for physical activity such as walks, runs, or playtime in the backyard.
Nail Trimming
Another important aspect of grooming this breed is nail trimming. This is crucial to prevent discomfort and pain for your pet, as well as potential damage to your floors and furniture. You should aim to trim your dog’s nails at least once a month, or more frequently if necessary. Keep in mind that the nails can be trimmed or shaved using a dog nail grinder.
Health and Conditions
- Obesity
- Skin allergies
- Heart disease
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Eye issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
Serious Conditions
- Heart Disease: Another health concern in St. Bernard Corgi mixes is heart disease as a result of having the St. Bernard parent. They’re prone to conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which is a condition where the heart becomes enlarged and weakened, leading to heart failure. Signs of DCM in these dogs include weakness, coughing, and difficulty breathing. It’s important to have regular veterinary check-ups and to monitor your dog’s heart health.
- Degenerative Myelopathy: This is a progressive disease that affects the spinal cord in dogs. It’s more common in older dogs but can also affect younger Corgis (and other shorter dogs). Signs of degenerative myelopathy include difficulty walking, dragging of the feet, and weakness in the hind legs. There is no cure for degenerative myelopathy, but there are treatments available that can help manage and slow down the progression of the disease.
- Eye Issues: Eye problems are also common in these dogs. They’re prone to conditions such as entropion (where the eyelid rolls inward) and ectropion (where the eyelid rolls outward). These conditions can cause irritation, infection, and even vision loss if left untreated. Regular eye exams and proper grooming can help prevent these conditions in this breed.
- Hip Dysplasia: One of the most common health concerns of the St. Bernard mix is hip dysplasia – which is likely due to their weight, as it’s more common in larger dog breeds. This is a genetic issue and it’s caused when the hip joint doesn’t fully develop. As a result, it’ll lead to pain, trouble walking and standing, and other mobility issues like arthritis. But it can be caused by factors such as improper nutrition, obesity, and overexertion at a young age. To prevent hip dysplasia in these mixes, it’s important to feed them a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid overexertion during their growth period.
- Bloat: Another common health concern in St. Bernard mixes is bloat or gastric torsion. This is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood supply to the organs. This can be caused by factors such as overeating, eating too fast, or exercising after eating. Signs of bloat in these mixes include restlessness, excessive drooling, and a distended abdomen.
Minor Conditions
- Obesity: Due to their large size and love for food, these mixes (like both St. Bernards and Corgis) are prone to becoming overweight or obese. Obesity can lead to a variety of health problems such as joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease. It’s important to feed your St. Bernard Corgi a healthy diet and provides them with regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
- Skin Allergies: Another minor health concern with this mix is skin allergies – something common in Corgis. Corgis can be prone to developing allergies to certain foods or environmental factors such as pollen or dust mites. This can cause itching, redness, and irritation on their skin. So, if you own one of these mixes you should be on the lookout for any signs of skin irritation and take their dog to the veterinarian for treatment if necessary. Avoiding triggers such as certain foods or allergens can help prevent skin allergies in this mixed breed. Vets can also prescribe medicine and offer over-the-counter solutions to help minimize these issues with your dog.
Male vs Female
You’ll find that there are temperamental and physical differences between your male and female St. Bernard Corgi mix. Here are a few of the most noticeable ones.
Size
One of the most noticeable differences between male and female St. Bernards is their size. Male St. Bernard Corgi can grow up to 18 inches tall and weigh between 30 to 40 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, typically growing up to 13 inches tall and weighing between 25 to 30 pounds. This difference in size can also affect their strength and agility. Male St. Bernards tend to be stronger and more muscular than females, which can make them better suited for activities such as pulling carts or sleds.
Personality
You’ll also find subtle or more noticeable differences in the personality of these dogs in terms of gender. So, while both genders are known for being friendly and loyal, males may be more protective of their owners and territory. They may also be more stubborn and independent than females. On the other hand, female St. Bernards tend to be more affectionate and nurturing towards their owners. They may also be more obedient and easier to train than males.
The behavior of male and female St. Bernards can also be affected by their reproductive hormones. Unneutered males may exhibit more aggressive or dominant behavior, particularly towards other dogs, while unspayed females may become more territorial or vocal during their heat cycles. However, these behaviors can usually be managed through proper training and socialization.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Saint Bernard Corgi Mix
1. Their St. Bernard parents were originally bred for rescue work in the Swiss Alps.
Their keen sense of smell and ability to navigate treacherous terrain made them invaluable for finding lost travelers in the snow. They were also used to haul supplies and pull carts.
2. Their Corgi parents are a favorite among royalty.
Corgi dogs were known as the favorite breed of Queen Elizabeth II and are actually one of the most famous breeds in the world. The Queen owned more than 30 corgis over the years, and they were often seen accompanying her on official engagements.
3. Their Corgi parents were originally bred to work as herding dogs in Wales.
Corgi dogs are known for their short legs and adorable faces. But these dogs also served a purpose when they were originally bred. Originally, Corgis were bred to work as herding dogs in Wales. Their small size and agility made them perfect for herding cattle and sheep.
Conclusion
So as you can see, the St. Bernard Corgi mix is a delightful crossbreed that combines the best of both worlds. With their lovable personality, unique appearance, and playful nature, these dogs make wonderful companions for families and individuals alike. However, it’s important to note that each individual dog is different, and their personality and traits can vary.
If you’re considering adding a St. Bernard Corgi mix to your family, ensure that you have the time, resources, and commitment to meet their care and exercise needs. Whether you decide to adopt a St. Bernard Corgi mix or get a puppy from a reputable breeder, you’re sure to be rewarded with a loving and loyal companion.
See Also:
- Akita Corgi Mixed Dog Breed: Care, Pictures, Info & More
- Corillon (Corgi Papillon Mix): Care, Pictures, Info, & More
Featured Image Credit: (L) Annabell Gsoedl, Shutterstock | (R) Ivana La, Unsplash
