Golden Saint
The Golden Saint is a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Saint Bernard. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Golden Saint. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a sturdy, medium to large sporting dog that combines athletic ability with balanced proportions and an appealing appearance. Males typically stand 23 to 24 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 65 and 75 pounds, while females measure 21.5 to 22.5 inches and weigh 55 to 65 pounds. The breed presents a symmetrical, powerful build with a broad head, friendly expression, and smooth, efficient movement that reflects its heritage as a working gun dog bred to retrieve waterfowl in challenging conditions. The overall outline should convey a dog capable of sustained activity in the field while maintaining elegance and balance. The Golden Retriever's coat is one of its most distinctive features, consisting of a dense, water-repellent double layer that provides protection in cold water and harsh weather. The outer coat is firm and resilient, lying close to the body with texture ranging from straight to moderately wavy but never curly. A soft, insulating undercoat provides additional protection from temperature extremes and sheds seasonally. The breed displays moderate feathering on the neck, backs of the thighs, underside of the tail, and back of the forelegs, with heavier feathering considered a fault. Coat color ranges from pale cream to rich, lustrous golden shades, with lighter feathering typically acceptable but excessive white markings undesirable. The head of the Golden Retriever is broad and well-defined, with a straight muzzle that blends smoothly into the skull without appearing blocky or narrow. The eyes are medium-large, set well apart, and display the friendly, intelligent expression characteristic of the breed. Eye color is preferably dark brown with dark, close-fitting rims that contribute to the appealing expression. The ears are relatively short, set at approximately eye level, and hang close to the cheeks with rounded tips. The neck is muscular and of medium length, merging into well-laid-back shoulders that enable efficient, reaching movement. The chest is deep, extending to the elbows, providing ample lung capacity for endurance. The back is strong and level from withers to croup, with a slight slope to the muscular hindquarters. The tail is carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve, never curled over the back.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Golden Retrievers excel in households with children, demonstrating patience and gentleness that makes them trusted companions for young family members. Their naturally soft mouth, developed for retrieving game birds without damage, translates to gentle play behavior. The breed typically adapts well to multi-pet households and shows little aggression toward other dogs when properly socialized. However, their strong social needs mean they do not tolerate extended periods of isolation well, potentially developing separation anxiety or destructive behaviors when left alone for long hours. These dogs genuinely need to be integrated into daily family life rather than relegated to outdoor kennels or isolated spaces.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Additional health concerns include hypothyroidism, various eye conditions such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, and heart disease including subvalvular aortic stenosis. Golden Retrievers are also prone to skin allergies and hot spots, particularly in warm, humid climates. The breed has a well-documented tendency toward obesity, which exacerbates joint problems and other health conditions. Recent research suggests that early spaying or neutering may increase the risk of certain cancers and joint disorders in this breed, leading many veterinarians to recommend waiting until physical maturity before performing these procedures. Regular veterinary care, appropriate weight management, and health screening of breeding stock remain essential for maintaining breed health.
Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a giant breed that presents an imposing yet benevolent appearance, combining massive size with a kind, intelligent expression. Males typically stand at least 28 to 30 inches at the shoulder, with many individuals exceeding these minimums, and weigh between 140 and 180 pounds or more. Females measure at least 26 to 28 inches and weigh 120 to 140 pounds or more. The breed possesses tremendous bone structure and muscular development, with a body that is slightly longer than it is tall. Despite their massive size, well-bred Saint Bernards should move with purpose and power, displaying balanced coordination. The breed comes in two distinct coat varieties, both equally acceptable under breed standards. The smooth or short-haired variety features a dense, close-lying coat that is slightly bushy on the thighs and heavily plumed on the tail. The rough or long-haired variety displays medium-length hair that may be slightly wavy but never curly or shaggy, with distinct feathering on the forelegs, thighs, and tail. Both coat types have a dense undercoat that provides insulation against cold weather. The Saint Bernard's coloring is white with red markings or red with white markings in various shades from light to dark, including brindle patches. The head of the Saint Bernard is massive and imposing, with a broad skull and powerful, short, deep muzzle. The stop, where the muzzle meets the skull, is abrupt and well-defined. The eyes are medium-sized, set forward and rather deeply, displaying a friendly and intelligent expression. The upper lids typically show some haw, or exposed inner lid tissue. The ears are medium-sized, set high, and drop close to the cheeks with a slightly rounded tip. Characteristic of the breed, the flews of the upper jaw are strongly developed and slightly overhanging, contributing to the breed's notable drooling. Required white markings include the chest, feet, tip of tail, nose band, and collar or spot on the nape.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Saint Bernards are intelligent and generally eager to please, responding well to patient, consistent training methods begun early in puppyhood before their size becomes unmanageable. While not aggressive, their imposing presence alone serves as an effective deterrent to unwanted visitors. They tend to be watchful rather than territorial, alerting their families to unusual situations without displaying excessive protectiveness. Prospective owners should be prepared for significant drooling, particularly after eating and drinking, as this is an inherent characteristic of the breed. These dogs thrive on human companionship and do best when included as full family members rather than relegated to outdoor or isolated living situations.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Gastric dilatation and volvulus, commonly known as bloat, poses a serious and potentially fatal risk for Saint Bernards due to their deep chest conformation. This emergency condition requires immediate veterinary intervention and can be fatal within minutes if the stomach twists on its axis. Preventive gastropexy surgery may be recommended for high-risk individuals. Heart disease occurs at elevated rates in Saint Bernards, with dilated cardiomyopathy documented at significantly higher rates than in mixed breed dogs. Eye conditions including entropion and ectropion require monitoring, as do skin conditions such as intertrigo in facial folds, hygromas on pressure points, and pyoderma. Osteosarcoma, a hereditary bone cancer, affects the breed more frequently than many others, and juvenile-onset polyneuropathy has been identified as a genetic condition through specific gene mutations.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Golden Saint may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Golden Retriever and Saint Bernard to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.