Labernard

98-215 lbs
23-25"
Canada
Labrador Retriever
Saint Bernard
The Labernard is a patient, friendly and affectionate dog much like the parent breeds that create him - the outgoing Labrador Retriever and gentle giant Saint Bernard - both bred as working dogs. They are large to giant sized dogs who need a firm hand because they can be quite willful so training is best started young. Common colors are white, yellow, brown, tan, black and red while their coats are short and dense, with a thick double-coat which can make them battle in the heat. They shed moderately so will need regular brushing to keep their coats healthy. The Labernard will need a lot of exercise so will be best suited to an active family who enjoy taking him out on excursions.
purpose Purpose
Companion, Working, Sporting
history Date of Origin
1990s
ancestry Ancestry
Saint Bernard, Labrador Retriever

Labernard Health

Average Size
Male Labernard size stats
Height: 25-27 inches Weight: 102-220 lbs
Female Labernard size stats
Height: 23-25 inches Weight: 98-215 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Gastric Torsion
  • Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Otitis Externa
  • Entropion
  • Cataracts
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Epilepsy
  • Heart Problems
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Ear Examination
  • Eye examination
  • Full Physical Examination

Labernard Breed History

The Labernard is a combination of a purebred Saint Bernard, which was bred for alpine rescue, and a Labrador Retriever, bred as working dogs by fishermen in Newfoundland. Saint Bernards, also called Alpine Mountain Dogs or Alpine Cattle Dogs, are recognized as one of the Molossoid breeds. Monks at the hospice of Saint Bernard, high in the Swiss Alps, used the dogs to rescue lost travellers. One Saint Bernard named Barry was credited with saving between 40 and 100 lives at the Great St. Bernard Pass. It is said the younger dogs picked up the skill in rescue from the older dogs and didn’t have any special training. Many were killed in avalanches while looking for people lost in the snow. They are often represented as having a keg of brandy around their necks to revive stranded travellers but this isn’t true. It is simply due to painter Edward Lanseer painting a keg around the dog’s neck in one of his paintings but it stuck.  Saint Bernards are believed to have been developed when dogs from the Alps were bred with Mastiff-type dogs that came with the Roman army during the time of the emperor Augustus. The Swiss Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1880 and in 1888, the Saint Bernard Club of America was founded. The English called Saint Bernards Sacred Dogs and many found their way there in an effort to reinvigorate the Mastiff breed. Today Saint Bernards excel at dog sports such as drafting, weight-pulling, and obedience trials. The Labrador Retriever originated on the island of Newfoundland, off the northeastern Atlantic coast of Canada where he worked with local fishermen hauling in nets and retrieving fish as far back as the 1700s. They were originally called St. John's dogs and are thought to have been interbred with the Newfoundland Dog and other small local water dogs. They arrived in England around 1830 where they were used as gundogs. It was the third Earl of Malmesbury who first referred to the dogs as Labradors. They died out in Newfoundland due to government restrictions and hefty taxes but have thrived in the US where they are regarded as the most popular breed.

Labernard Breed Appearance

The Labernard is a large to giant sized dog with parent breeds being the Labrador Retriever and the Saint Bernard. They have thick double coats which are short and dense and common colors are yellow, brown, tan, black and red with white markings. These are powerfully built muscular dogs with large heads and they often have wrinkles on their foreheads. They have a friendly, intelligent expression. They have dark brown eyes and the ears are set fairly high on the head but hang down onto the face. He is likely to have a long, thick and possibly bushy tail and a black nose.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Labernard eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Labernard nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
red Labernard coat
Red
white Labernard coat
White
black Labernard coat
Black
fawn Labernard coat
Fawn
brown Labernard coat
Brown
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Labernard straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Labernard Breed Maintenance

Your Labernard will need regular brushing with a pin brush to get rid of any loose hair and to prevent tangles. Grooming needs are not excessive but brushing every second day will keep your pet looking good. If the hair is a bit longer then daily brushing will be a good idea. These dogs are not hypoallergenic and do drool a fair bit which is something to keep in mind for owners. A shedding blade can be used during times of heavy shedding. Fortunately these large dogs don’t need to be bathed very often and only if they get themselves very dirty. Because they are prone to ear infections it is necessary to check the ears often for any signs of irritation. The nails should also be checked to see if they need clipping. Teeth should be brushed to prevent tartar buildup and help keep bad breath away.

Brushes for Labernard
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Flea Comb
Flea Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Labernard requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Labernard Temperament

The Labernard is a gentle, friendly dog that is loving to its family and very tolerant and patient with children. Because of their size, small children should be monitored around them to prevent any accidental injury. They are good with strangers because of their sweet personalities but will bark to alert the family of intruders. These dogs don’t do well being left by themselves and will thrive with large, active families where there is someone home most of the time. The Labernard will need a firm, confident hand when it comes to training as they do have a mind of their own. But being intelligent, they will respond to positive reinforcement and once trained are obedient dogs who are eager to please. The Labernard will always be up for an outing whether it is a long walk or hike in the mountains. But with their thick coats they are not good when it comes to hot weather and can suffer from heat exhaustion. Try to exercise them when it is cooler and make sure they have plenty of water.

Labernard Activity Requirements

A Labernard is an active energetic dog who will need daily exercise. It will depend on which parent breed your dog most takes after as Labrador Retrievers need a lot more intensive exercise compared to a Saint Bernard who does well with walks but not high-impact sports like running. Saint Bernards don’t cope well in the heat so take care in summer when exercising your pet. A Labernard will do better in a house with a fenced in yard than an apartment. Ball games will keep him happy and mentally stimulated and prevent any bad behavior from appearing. Your pup will love playing outside but is not an outside dog and will need to live inside with the family.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
15 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes
activity minutes

Labernard Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
4 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$2.75 - $3.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$80.00 - $90.00
food bag monthly cost

Labernard Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Labernard size stats at six months
Height: 19.0 inches Weight: 120.5 lbs
Female Labernard size stats at six months
Height: 17.5 inches Weight: 117.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Labernard size stats at 12 months
Height: 22.0 inches Weight: 140.5 lbs
Female Labernard size stats at 12 months
Height: 20.5 inches Weight: 137.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Labernard size stats at 18 months
Height: 26.0 inches Weight: 161.0 lbs
Female Labernard size stats at 18 months
Height: 24.0 inches Weight: 156.5 lbs

Labernard Owner Experiences

Bear
2 Years
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
toys
Fetch
Fast Cat
Random tricks
Confidence training
TikTok
rough house
Hiking
Walking
Bear is such a friendly yet loyal and protective dog. He's always alert to strangers but never towards his people, as soon as he sees someone he knows it's full helicopter tail! He's so gentle and caring with our daughter and has so much patience with her as she climbs all over him and he'll even run and jump around playing with her. He is so independent but when he's tired and calm he's so clingy and affectionate. We recently introduced a new puppy and he's been doing amazing with her, since day one he basically adopted her and has been helping us teach her how to be a dog.
9 months, 1 week ago
Shadow
11 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Shadow is the best dog Ive ever had. He is my best friend. He is completely loyal and caring. He is patient and kind. He is a gentle giant and also a good protector as well. He is incredibly intelligent. He does drool a lot, but thats not his fault.
1 year, 10 months ago
Tuffer
8 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He was friendly and intelligent, but very physically strong and could be stubborn. Definitely his own dog. Was trained to verbal and hand commands. Had to be discouraged from counter surfing, plus I had to invest in a locking trash can. Was on a gluten-free diet, since he would get terribly itchy otherwise. Also, would get yeasty ears, so I had to pay close attention to cleaning them. He loved children, cats, and other dogs, although domineering at times. Not a barker usually. Did like to get in the middle of any shenanigans going on, especially at the dog park. Would only howl when anyone would blow on a harmonica, which he loved. The only two games he liked to play were a little tug of war and chasing the laser dot. His absolute favorite was going outside at night to chase that dot. He was healthy and active, but showing his age after he turned about 6 1/2. Passed away at barely 8 years due to a bolla with complications.
2 years, 9 months ago
Kush
8 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
toys
Walks
Chasing tail
Jumping
Run
Walking
The most loving dog I've had. He learns fast, he's super energetic loves loves water. He's very playful and gentle with my chuwinnie. Never aggressive he's the sweetest boy.
3 years ago
Raven
8 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We picked her up at the shelter and she fit right in. She was already trained which was a plus. She’s VERY independent and would run if we didn’t have her on an invisible fence. She gets separation anxiety and needs to be with us always. She is spoiled rotten. Best dog ever!
3 years, 3 months ago
Luna
7 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Ours is just a puppy right now but I can already tell you this. She is the friendliest dog to all people and other dogs, she really wants to see everyone. After a walk in the morning and a walk in the evening she is pretty good. Sleeps and lazes all day, which is crazy since she’s only a pup. of course she still has her moments of energy and craziness but overall a very laid back dog. for training, shes way more people motivated than treats, ours is actually quite picky to food because she has a sensitive stomach. this can make training hard sometimes because she doesn’t care much for food and can be stubborn. she still knows a good amount of commands though. overall a very big teddy bear that loves everyone and everything.
3 years, 3 months ago
Birch
6 Years
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
An amazing friendly dog with a willingness to do whatever with you
6 years, 7 months ago
Haku
15 Years
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is the most loving, well- behaved dog I have ever owned. He gets very lonely when I'm at work. He used to love running in big open fields and hiking in the forest but he's too old now. He enjoys long walks around the neighborhood and parks where there's flat ground. He doesn't play with toys anymore and likes to lay outside in the sun. He's developed congestive heart failure and hip dysplasia, but with medication he does well. He looks a bit more lab than St. Bernard.
6 years, 7 months ago
Charlie
3 Years
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She's a good dog she's just very hyper. We tried training her as a pup but she always wanted to rebel and do the opposite of what we said. She constantly barks at everything. Our neighbors have 2 three year olds and because Charlie is so big and so hyperactive, they get scared of her easily. She runs off a lot so we often keep her on a chain but that seems very wrong to me. She would never hurt a fly she's just very big and intimidating. We love her to bits though. I am nervous though, that when she does run off, because she doesn't listen, that she'll end up getting hurt or shot by someone down the street because she barks so much and because she basically looks like a lil bear. We live in a rural area so it's not unlikely really. On top of all that, we want to move but no one will accept a dog that big so we had to get her listed as a therapy dog and even still people won't take us. Regardless, we love her so much and she's absolutely harmless.
6 years, 5 months ago
Rio
12 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Rio was abused & abandoned as a pup. I rescued him when he was 1yr.He was beautiful and so loving dispite his history. Obedient & a quick learner, he's always up for a 'go'! The early abuse and age have taken its toll with the onset of hip deterioration causing a wobble in his gait. Though he's 102 lbs, daily swims, meds and all the love in the world he's the most devoted, goofy, big lug who never complains & I would never trade him for anything in the world!%
6 years, 4 months ago
Swiss
9 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
SweET. Gentle. Loving smart dog
6 years, 3 months ago
Ruger
4 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing toys
Playing with kids
Hide & Seek
Cuddling
Running
Playing in the snow
My husband and I tell everyone we have 4 kids instead of 3, Ruger is our 4th child! He is so lovable and we'll behaved,in the almost 3 yrs we have had him he has become a part of our family easily! I will never own another breed of dog after Ruger passes, when we eventually do get another dog,it will be another labranard!!!
6 years, 1 month ago
Mela (Moo-Moo)
1 Year
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We have 3 other dogs: a 4yo male American Staffordshire Terrier, a 2yo female American Pitbull Terrier, and a 4 month old male American Pitbull Terrier...and also 2 cats. Mela keeps ALL of them busy. She is a big, gentle, cuddly goofball. Was easy to house train and teach basic commands. Not really stubborn, but has TONS of energy. She is surprisingly nervous around small children. Not scared, and she has never given any indication that would make US nervous, but she avoids them and is clearly uncomfortable around them. She thinks she is a lap dog with us, and will regularly lay ON TOP of the pile of putbulls we have in the household.
5 years, 4 months ago
Tigger
7 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Road trip
Swim
Fetch
Brushing
Tag
Laying in the sun
Very playful and affectionate, yet aggressively protective of his home and pack. He doesn't like to get dirty and hates baths and the pool but loves swimming in the lake. He gets most excited when he's going for a ride. He has a pit bull sister and German Shepard brother he watches over. He doesn't play with them but isn't aggressive in any way towards them... Aside from keeping them away from his food with a warning growl. He's definitely respected by them.
5 years, 3 months ago
Charley
8 Weeks
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
first time with labernard I do have a two year old lab
4 years, 11 months ago
Shane
2 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Play
Sleeping
He is a kid now but very intellegent and highly energetic but when he is not playing he is sleeping on AC vents
4 years, 3 months ago
Cleo
7 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Run
Go Camping
Labernard is a very very good dog with children. He’s very patient and friendly with everyone. He loves playing as much as he loves sleeping. He will never be agressif with people. Mine is now 7 years old and he never been agressif or nasty. She’s the love of my life
4 years, 3 months ago
Milo
1 Month
8 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Climbing
running,
He's adorable. He sleeps on my lap, licks my face and doesn't urinate on us. He's already half trained when it comes to defaecation, so that's a bonus. He's a little young when we got him from his mother. He's fawn-coloured and is cute as heck!
3 years, 10 months ago
Galveston
10 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He has been a great addition to our family we love him so much I couldn't think of not having him now he is a very special dog that's for sure
3 years, 10 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Other
Question

Hi. I am looking for a registered Labernard (St Bernard x Labrador) breeder in NSW, Australia but having difficulty. Would you happen to have any contacts that I could contact by chance? Thank you

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd