The Saint Berdoodle is a relatively new designer dog breed quickly gaining popularity due to its charming personality and adorable appearance. This breed is a cross between Saint Bernard, a gentle giant of the working dog group, and the Poodle, an intelligent and affectionate breed.
The resulting hybrid combines the best traits of both parent breeds, including loyalty, intelligence, and a loving disposition. With their hypoallergenic coat and gentle demeanor, Saint Berdoodles make excellent family pets and therapy dogs.
This article will delve deeper into this lovable breed’s history, characteristics, and care.
A Brief Overview of Saint Berdoodle
| Other Names | St Bernard Poodle Mix, Saint Berpoo, St. Berpoo, St. Berdoodle, St Bernard Doodles |
| Purity | Hybrid |
| Purpose | Companion dog |
| AKC Recognition | No |
| Size | Large |
| Weight Range | 40-220 pounds |
| Height Range | 15-30 inches |
| Coat Colors | White, Brown, Black |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Averange Puppy Costs | $1,500 to $2,500 |
What is a Saint Berdoodle?
The St Berdoodle, also known as the St Berpoo, is a hybrid breed that results from crossbreeding a Poodle with a St Bernard. This large and intelligent dog is known for its friendly and welcoming personality, which combines the gentle nature of St Bernard and the clever traits of the Poodle.
Due to the lack of an official name, this mixed breed goes by many monikers, including St Bernard Doodles or St Bernard Poodles. Some people even refer to them as St Berpoos, depending on their preference.
Parent Breeds of St Bernard Poodle Mix
The Saint Berdoodle is a fancy hybrid breed that results from the combination of the lovable Poodle and the mighty St Bernard. This designer breed intends to merge the desirable traits of both parent breeds, resulting in healthier and more resilient offspring.
The Saint Berdoodle’s charm derives from their massive and amiable presence without the mess of heavy coat shedding St Bernards are known for. The Poodle’s clever and lively disposition also evens out the relaxed temperament of St Bernard.
Origins and History of St Bernard
Back in 1050, a dude named Bernard had the idea of setting up a hospice to help people crossing the Western Alps between Switzerland and Italy. That was no joke, folks—the snowdrifts could get up to 40 feet tall at 8,000 feet above sea level.
Later, in the 1600s, the monks in the hospice started breeding some mighty dogs. These dogs were trained to sniff out and rescue people buried underneath all that snow. But get this—the monks didn’t even teach them! Nope, the young pups just followed the older dogs’ lead and learned how to save lives on their own.
Over time, the breed evolved, and other dogs, like the Newfoundland, got mixed in. That made St Bernard even more significant than before, with a focus on looks and personality rather than just rescuing ability. But don’t get it twisted—St Bernard still helps with rescue missions today. And if you’re looking for a sweet family pet, they’ve got you covered there too.
Origins and History of Poodle
The Poodle breed history is filled with surprising facts! Did you know the Poodle was originally bred as a duck hunter in Germany over 400 years ago? That’s right; their curly and weatherproof coat was perfect for retrieving waterfowl. The German word “puddling” refers to the splashing in the water that these dogs would do to get the job done.
But the Poodle didn’t stop there – it made its way to the lap of luxury as the breed of choice for French nobles and, eventually, royalty across Europe. No wonder it’s still the national dog of France today! The entertainment industry recognized the Poodle’s showy looks, intelligence, and trainability, making them a prominent feature in circus acts worldwide.
As the Poodle’s popularity grew, new variations emerged. The Toy Poodle, bred in the early 20th century in the United States, was explicitly designed to be a city-dwelling companion dog. And nowadays, Poodles are born with a wide range of other breeds to create the famous “doodles,” beloved by many for their hypoallergenic coat and positive personality traits.
What Does a Saint Berdoodle Mix Look Like?
The physical appearance of a St Bernard Poodle Mix is a thing of beauty, but there is always an element of unpredictability when it comes to their genes. Depending on which parent breed is more dominant, this designer breed can be a large or medium-sized dog.
Their face is always adorable, with warm almond-shaped eyes that might droop slightly, giving them a charming and welcoming expression. Their ears are also floppy, triangular, and soft to the touch.
The head could be a little long and tapered, a classic St Bernard trait, or broad and rounded, which is more characteristic of the Poodle. The body could be muscular and robust, reflecting St Bernard’s strength, or square-shaped and cute, like the Poodle.
In some cases, the body could be a balance between the two, creating a unique and stunning appearance that is hard to resist.
Size, height, and weight
A multitude of factors determines the size of these furry friends. The Poodle in their lineage – whether standard, miniature, or toy – plays a huge role, but that’s not all. The gender of the puppy and the genes passed down from their parents also have a say in the matter.
You can forget about Saint Berdoodles bred from Toy Poodles because they’re as rare as a unicorn sighting.
- If you’re lucky enough to get a Miniature Saint Berdoodle, expect them to weigh anywhere between 35 to 70 pounds and stand around 18 to 22 inches tall.
- For those of you aiming for a giant furry companion, the Standard Saint Berdoodle will tip the scales at about 70 to 200 pounds and stand anywhere from 22 to 30 inches tall.
Coat colors and types
The coat of a Saint Berdoodle dog breed is a sight to see! It’s a funky mix of colors, with the most popular combo being red/white or brown/white.
And the texture of their fur is all over the place, ranging from wavy like a Saint Bernard’s to curly like a Poodle’s.
The length is usually medium, so that you can expect severe fluffiness. But listen up; how curly their fur will determine how much you need to groom them.
Temperament and Personality
The Saint Berdoodle dog breed is known for its gentle and loyal personality, making them perfect companions for families that can provide constant love and attention.
However, their affectionate nature can sometimes become too clingy, leading to separation anxiety. Therefore, there may be better matches for this breed than busy families, not home for extended periods.
Saint Berdoodles are great with other pets and children, but their size requires them to be supervised around small kids or elderly family members to avoid accidents.
Although not inherently aggressive, they can protect their family and make excellent guard dogs. However, this protectiveness can turn into territorial behavior, which should be addressed early in training.
The breed is generally easy to train due to their desire to please, but they are also sensitive and respond best to positive reinforcement. A harsh or loud tone of voice may hinder their training progress.
Is Saint Berdoodle Mix a good fit for families?
St Bernard and Poodle Mix dogs are top-notch family pets! They are super friendly and loving and stick by your side like glue.
But hold your horses because there’s one caveat: their size. Due to their massive size, it’s crucial to supervise their interactions with small children to avoid accidental bumps and bruises. But that’s not all! These pups are social butterflies and get along splendidly with other dogs and pets.
So, if you’re looking for a four-legged friend to add to your family, the St Bernard and Poodle Mix is an excellent choice!
Is Saint Berdoodle aggressive?
No, Saint Berdoodles are not aggressive. Despite their large size, they are known for being calm and gentle. They are typically friendly and affectionate dogs that are more akin to a fluffy bunny rabbit in terms of aggression, rather than being fearsome or hostile.
Training
When training a Saint Bernard mixed with Poodle, you’re lucky because they’re brilliant and always want to make their owners happy. Starting their training and socialization early is critical to efficiently managing this massive dog.
However, keep in mind that Saint Berdoodles can be sensitive, so make sure to use positive reinforcement methods.
Exercise Requirements
You might be surprised to learn that Saint Berdoodles don’t necessarily need much exercise, despite their large size.
Depending on how much they take after their Saint Bernard ancestry, they might be satisfied with a quick daily walk. So if you’re in an apartment worried about space, a Saint Berdoodle could still be a great companion!
That being said, it’s important to remember that all dogs need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
So even if they don’t need hours of exercise every day, it’s still a good idea to provide them with some opportunities for playtime and exploration. Consider incorporating training sessions or puzzle toys into their routine to engage their minds.
Living Conditions
The Poodle Saint Bernard is a breed that prefers living in a spacious house rather than a confined apartment. They need ample space to move around and choose a relaxed environment because of their thick double coats.
Grooming and Cleaning
Grooming and cleaning a St. Bernard mixed with a Poodle can be quite a task, but it can be managed easily with regular care.
- Daily brushing is highly recommended to prevent matting and to control shedding.
- These cute and fluffy pups have water-resistant coats that do not need frequent washing. However, when the need arises, good dog shampoo will keep their skin and coat healthy and moisturized.
- Trimming nails is often a dreaded task for both dogs and owners.
- Keeping an eye on their ears is essential too. Regular check-ups are necessary to prevent infections caused by fungus and wax buildup.
Is Saint Berdoodle Hypoallergenic?
No, Saint Berdoodles are not guaranteed to be hypoallergenic.
While they may inherit the Poodle’s non-shedding qualities, making them a better option for allergy sufferers, there is no certainty that a Saint Berdoodle will be completely hypoallergenic.
The mix of Saint Bernard and Poodle traits can vary widely in individual dogs, and therefore, so can their impact on people with allergies.
Food and Diet
When it comes to feeding your St. Bernard and Poodle Mix, you want to ensure they have a well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Large dogs need to eat a lot to fuel their energy levels, but you don’t want to overfeed them and risk becoming overweight or obese.
To ensure that your St. Berdoodle gets all the nutrients they need, look for high-quality dog food formulated for its size and activity level. You want to ensure the food is high in protein to support their muscle growth and development but low in fat to prevent weight gain.
Staying to the 90/10 rule when feeding your St. Bernard Poodle Mix is also essential. That means 90% of their daily calories should come from their regular, healthy, and nutritious dog food, while the other 10% can come from treats.
When choosing treats for your furry friend, make sure they are made with high-quality ingredients and are low in calories to avoid overfeeding. Consider using treats as a reward during training sessions to keep your St. Berdoodle motivated and engaged.
Common Health Issues
The Saint Bernard Poodle Mix breed may be considered healthier than their purebred parents due to gene pool strengthening, but that doesn’t mean they are immune to health problems. They know what health issues your dog is predisposed to be crucial, whether you have a mixed breed or purebred dog.
If you got your furry companion from a breeder, it’s always a good idea to ask them about the health problems that the pup’s parents are most prone to. On the other hand, if you don’t have access to the breeder, it’s best to consult your dog’s veterinarian.
1. Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a widespread health issue affecting large dogs whose hip bones get misaligned or displaced. This condition can occur in dogs of all ages, whether puppies or seniors.
2. Wobbler Syndrome
Have you ever heard of Wobbler Syndrome? It’s a condition that affects some dogs, especially the larger breeds. Wobbler Syndrome is when the vertebrae in the neck region become compressed, leading to nerve pain and other problems.
This condition can cause various symptoms, including a wobbly gait, leg weakness, and neck pain. It can affect dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors, and is more common in larger breeds like the Great Dane and the Doberman Pinscher.
If you suspect your dog may be suffering from Wobbler Syndrome, it’s essential to seek veterinary care immediately. Treatment options can include surgery, medication, and physical therapy, depending on the severity of the condition.
With proper care and management, many dogs with Wobbler Syndrome can live happy and healthy lives.
3. Willebrand’s Disease
Willebrand’s disease is a complex condition that affects dogs’ blood clotting abilities. Specifically, dogs with this disease suffer from a deficiency in a specific protein, which makes their blood clotting process slower and less effective than usual. This can lead to excessive bleeding, even from minor injuries or surgeries.
Not all dogs with Willebrand’s disease show symptoms, and the severity of the condition can vary greatly from dog to dog. Therefore, dog owners must be aware of this disease and regularly monitor their furry friends’ health to catch any signs of bleeding disorders early on.
4. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
Bloating, also known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), is a severe condition that affects many dogs and giant breeds. This condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas, causing it to expand and twist.
The twisting of the stomach can be life-threatening because it can cut off blood flow to the stomach and other organs, leading to tissue death and shock. Common signs of bloating in dogs include restlessness, drooling, vomiting, and a distended abdomen.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from bloating, it’s essential to seek veterinary attention immediately. Treatment usually involves:
- Relieving the pressure in the stomach.
- Correcting any fluid imbalances.
- Surgically untwisting the stomach if necessary.
To help prevent bloating in your furry companion, you can feed them smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, avoid exercise before and after meals, and consider using a slow feeder bowl.
5. Ear infections
Ear infections can be a painful and annoying problem for dogs. Floppy-eared dogs, in particular, are more susceptible to this condition because their ear canals tend to be darker and more humid than those of dogs with upright ears. This moisture can lead to the growth of yeast or bacteria, which can cause infection.
Another factor contributing to ear infections in dogs is thick hair in the inner ear canal, which can trap moisture and prevent proper airflow. Keeping your dog’s ears clean and dry is essential, especially after swimming or bathing. If your dog shows signs of an ear infection, such as scratching or shaking their head, it’s vital to seek veterinary care to prevent the disease from worsening.
6. Skin issue
The fur of Poodles can sometimes lead to skin allergies or skin dryness, which can cause them to itch and develop red sores.
7. Bone cancer
Bone cancer is a severe ailment affecting aging dogs and is more prevalent in large dog breeds. It’s a type of tumor that commonly affects the bones of the limbs but can also be found in other parts of the body.
The most common form of bone cancer in dogs is osteosarcoma. If you notice that your furry friend is experiencing bone-related discomfort or limping, it’s best to get them checked by a veterinarian. Early detection can lead to better treatment options and outcomes.
How Long Does a Saint Berdoodle Live?
The lifespan of a Saint Berdoodle dog breed is dependent on several factors. While the average life expectancy is 10-12 years, some Saint Berdoodles have been known to live longer, while others may live shorter due to genetics, diet, exercise, and medical care.
Therefore, ensuring proper care and regular check-ups with a veterinarian is crucial for a Saint Berdoodle to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
How much does a Saint Berdoodle cost?
Various aspects affect the price of a St. Bernard Poodle Mix, including the breed’s pedigree. If the pup is from an exceptional bloodline, you should shell out a whopping $2,500. Otherwise, Saint Berdoodle’s price ranges from $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the coat color.
Remember that owning a Saint Berdoodle can be pricey due to the breed’s substantial food consumption. So, if you’re considering getting a Saint Berdoodle, discussing the St Berdoodle cost of maintenance with a vet or other Saint Berdoodle owners is wise.
Is Saint Berdoodle Right For Me?
To ascertain whether the Saint Berdoodle is the perfect dog for you, there are certain things to consider.
- If you desire a puppy with moderate energy levels, the Saint Berdoodle is suitable. However, if you have a tight schedule and can’t spare some time for grooming, you should reconsider.
- But, if you’re looking for a pup that can fit in a small space, like an apartment, then the Saint Berdoodle is not recommended.
List of dogs that are similar to Saint Berdoodle
- Poodle-French Bulldog Mix
- Poodle-Dalmatian Mix
- Poodle-German Shepherd Mix
- Poodle-Shiba Inu Mix
- Poodle-Corgi Mix
- Poodle-Pitbull Mix
- Cavapoo
- Saint Bernard-Corgi Mix
- Saint Bernard-Husky Mix
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Saint Berdoodle Shed A Lot?
No, Saint Berdoodles do not typically shed a lot. They are considered low to moderate shedders due to the influence of their Poodle heritage, which is known for being a low-shedding breed.
The coat of a Saint Berdoodle can vary, with some inheriting the Poodle’s curly, low-shedding coat and others having a coat that is more like that of a Saint Bernard, which can shed more.
Regular grooming and brushing can help manage any shedding that does occur and keep their coat in good condition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Saint Berdoodle is a beautiful breed that combines the best qualities of both parent breeds. They make great pets for families and individuals with their affectionate, gentle nature, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coat.
It is important to note that owning a Saint Berdoodle requires a level of commitment and responsibility, including regular grooming, exercise, and training.
However, for those willing to put in the effort, the Saint Berdoodle can provide a lifetime of love and companionship. Whether as a family pet or a therapy dog, the Saint Berdoodle is a breed that will surely capture your heart.