Labernard
The Labernard is a cross between the Labrador 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 Labernard. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a medium-sized, powerfully built dog that exemplifies balance, athleticism, and functional working ability. Males typically stand between 22.5 to 24.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh 65 to 80 pounds, while females measure 21.5 to 23.5 inches and weigh 55 to 70 pounds. The breed possesses a strong, compact body described as short-coupled, with well-developed hindquarters, broad loins, and a deep, wide chest that reaches to the elbows with well-sprung ribs. The head is clean-cut and free from fleshy cheeks, featuring a broad skull, moderate stop accentuated by slightly pronounced brow ridges, and powerful jaws designed for carrying game with a soft mouth. The expression is kind, friendly, and intelligent, conveyed through medium-sized brown or hazel eyes that reflect the breed's gentle temperament and eager disposition. The coat is one of the Labrador's most distinctive and functional features, consisting of a short, straight, very dense outer layer that feels fairly hard to the touch, paired with a soft, weather-resistant undercoat that provides insulation. This double coat offers excellent protection from cold water, harsh weather conditions, and rough ground cover, enabling the breed to work effectively in demanding environments. The breed comes in three recognized colors: solid black, yellow ranging from light cream to rich fox-red with variations in shading on ears and underparts, and chocolate varying from light sedge to dark chocolate. A small white spot on the chest is permissible according to breed standards, though not desirable. The tail is another hallmark characteristic, often described as an otter tail due to its unique rounded shape. It is very thick and muscular at the base, gradually tapering toward the tip, and covered densely all around with the breed's characteristic short coat without any feathering. The tail extends no longer than to the hock and is carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve when alert, never curling over the back or carried between the legs. This distinctive tail serves as a rudder when swimming. Webbed feet further aid in swimming, making the Labrador an exceptional water retriever capable of working tirelessly in challenging aquatic conditions.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Trainability is a hallmark of the breed, as Labrador Retrievers respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement methods. Their desire to please their owners combined with food motivation makes them highly responsive to training from an early age. This adaptability has made them the preferred choice for guide dog work, search and rescue operations, detection work, and therapy services. Despite their working capabilities, Labs maintain a playful, puppy-like enthusiasm well into adulthood, bringing joy and energy to their households throughout their lives.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Labrador Retrievers have a well-documented genetic predisposition to obesity, with research identifying a mutation in the POMC gene that affects appetite regulation and satiety signals in many individuals. This makes weight management particularly challenging and critically important, as excess weight exacerbates joint problems and contributes to diabetes, heart disease, and shortened lifespan. The breed may also experience hypothyroidism, bloat or gastric torsion, and certain cancers including hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma at higher rates than some breeds. With proper care, regular veterinary checkups, appropriate nutrition, and adequate daily exercise, Labrador Retrievers typically enjoy a lifespan of 10 to 12 years.
Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is one of the largest and most imposing dog breeds, presenting a picture of massive power combined with dignified presence and noble bearing. Males stand at least 28 to 30 inches at the shoulder and typically weigh between 140 to 180 pounds, though some well-developed individuals may exceed 200 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, measuring at least 26 to 28 inches and weighing 120 to 140 pounds. The body is muscular and extremely powerful, built for strength and endurance rather than speed, with a broad back, well-developed chest, and substantial bone structure throughout the frame. The overall impression is of a giant breed possessing impressive substance, commanding physical presence, and remarkable power. The breed exists in two distinct coat varieties: smooth and rough. The smooth-coated variety has short, dense fur lying close to the body with a slightly bushy tail, while the rough-coated type displays longer hair that may be slightly wavy but never curly or shaggy, with more feathering on the thighs and legs. Both varieties possess a thick, weather-resistant double coat that provided essential protection during alpine rescue work in harsh mountain conditions. The coloring is distinctive and eye-catching, featuring white with red, red with white, or brindle patches in various configurations. White markings typically appear prominently on the chest, feet, tail tip, and as a blaze on the face. A dark mask extending over the eyes and covering the ears is highly valued in the breed standard. The head is massive and truly impressive, often considered the breed's most striking and recognizable feature. The skull is broad, slightly arched, and powerful with pronounced brow ridges and a well-defined stop. The muzzle is short and broad, with well-developed flews that contribute to the breed's characteristic droopy expression and notable drooling tendency. The eyes are medium-sized and dark brown, conveying a gentle, intelligent, and benevolent expression despite the breed's imposing size. The ears are medium-sized, set high, and hang close to the cheeks. The powerful, muscular neck supports the massive head and transitions smoothly into well-laid shoulders.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Training a Saint Bernard requires patience and consistency, as the breed can display stubborn tendencies despite its desire to please. Early training is absolutely essential due to their eventual massive size, as behaviors that seem manageable in a puppy become problematic in a dog exceeding 150 pounds. Positive reinforcement methods work best, as harsh corrections may damage the sensitive nature hiding beneath their imposing exterior. Exercise requirements are moderate compared to many breeds, with daily walks of about 30 minutes typically sufficient. The breed is notably heat-sensitive and thrives in cooler climates, a legacy of their alpine origins.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Other health concerns include osteochondritis dissecans affecting joint cartilage, wobbler syndrome causing spinal cord compression in the neck, and panosteitis causing shifting leg lameness in young growing dogs. Eye problems including entropion, where the eyelid rolls inward causing irritation, occur frequently. The breed also has elevated risk for certain cancers, particularly osteosarcoma affecting the bones. Epilepsy and degenerative myelopathy have been documented as well. With diligent veterinary care and attention to weight management, Saint Bernards typically live 8 to 10 years.
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 Labernard 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 Labrador Retriever and Saint Bernard to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.