Discover all you need to know about the Saint Berdoodle to see how well they’ll fit in your home.
The Saint Berdoodle is a mix of two incredible breeds: the gentle giant Saint Bernard and the highly intelligent Poodle. With roots going back to the 1880s in the U.S., breeders aimed to combine the nurturing, protective traits of the Saint Bernard with the trainable, intelligent qualities of the Poodle, making the Saint Berdoodle a fantastic family companion.
Saint Bernards, known for their lifesaving history—rescuing over 2,000 people between 1700 and 1900—earned their title as “nanny dogs.” This hybrid reflects the best of both breeds, blending a loving nature with high intelligence and adaptability.
The Saint Berdoodle combines some of the best personality traits of both Saint Bernards and Poodles, resulting in a friendly, affectionate, and highly social dog who loves being involved in family activities. These dogs are happiest when surrounded by people and don’t enjoy being left alone for long. With the Saint Bernard’s curiosity and the Poodle’s intelligence, the Saint Berdoodle is clever and adaptable.
Thanks to the Poodle’s trainability, they’re easy to guide and socialize from a young age, which also helps manage any potential mischief. Known as “nanny dogs,” Saint Bernards bring a gentle and protective spirit to this mix, making the Saint Berdoodle a loving, loyal family companion.
Due to their large size, Saint Berdoodles require supervision around very young children, as accidental bumps or steps can happen. The Poodle’s adventurous, higher-energy side and Saint Bernard’s inquisitiveness means these dogs need daily outdoor exercise and appreciate a good nap afterward. Overall, they’re eager to please and quite easygoing, but their social nature and energy levels mean they thrive with regular attention and activity.
Saint Berdoodles have a robust and sturdy build, combining the strong physique of Saint Bernard with the elegant features of the Poodle. They typically have warm, friendly expressions with medium-sized ears that may hang down or have a slight wave. Their dark, expressive eyes reflect intelligence and loving nature, giving them an inviting charm that makes them visually appealing companions.
Saint Berdoodles generally come in larger sizes, as breeding typically involves a Saint Bernard with a Standard Poodle rather than a Miniature or Toy Poodle. Saint Bernards are naturally large, while Standard Poodles range from medium to large.
In terms of weight, Saint Berdoodles usually start at around 40 pounds on the smaller end for females, with males beginning at 50 pounds. The upper limit can reach up to 180 pounds, similar to a large Saint Bernard.
Height for this breed ranges between 15 and 30 inches. While there have been efforts to create a Miniature Saint Berdoodle weighing 20 to 50 pounds and standing 14 to 18 inches tall, this version typically involves a third breed, often a Cocker Spaniel, to achieve a smaller size.
Saint Berdoodles can inherit a range of coat types from their parent breeds, with textures that may be wiry and curly like a Poodle’s or longer and smooth or rough like a Saint Bernard’s. They also exhibit a variety of colors, often influenced by their parentage. Common combinations include white-and-brown and white-and-black, as well as red with white accents or white with red accents.
There are very few differences between male and female Saint Berdoodles aside from size. Males are generally larger than females, but both are still considered massive dogs, so the size difference isn't significant. Most experts advise spaying females and neutering males, as this helps reduce any hormonal differences between the sexes.
An ideal diet for a Saint Berdoodle should be tailored for a large breed with medium energy levels, typically requiring about 3.5 cups of food per day. You'll need to assess your dog's energy level based on which parent it resembles more—the higher-energy Poodle or the lower-energy Saint Bernard.
Like all dogs, a Saint Berdoodle’s dietary needs will evolve from puppyhood to adulthood and into their senior years. It's important to consult your veterinarian for personalized dietary recommendations, as individual factors such as weight, energy, and health can vary significantly.
Saint Berdoodles are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can inherit health issues from their parent breeds. Regular care and annual veterinary check-ups are essential for maintaining optimal health. Some common health problems associated with Saint Berdoodles include:
Saint Berdoodles have varied energy levels; they may be high-energy like a Poodle or lower-energy like a Saint Bernard. Daily exercise, including multiple shorter walks, is essential, as they also benefit from naps throughout the day.
While Saint Berdoodles have long ears, they are not particularly prone to ear infections. Regularly check their ears for debris, and your vet may recommend cleaning with a vet-approved solution. Additionally, inspect their eyes to ensure they remain free of infection or debris.
Nail trims should occur about once a month. A good indicator that it's time for a trim is the sound of clicking nails on the floor. You can do this yourself with special trimmers or have a groomer assist. It's also important to brush your dog’s teeth two to three times a week.
Saint Berdoodles are generally low-maintenance. If they have the Poodle's curly coat, they will need regular trims, while those with the Saint Bernard's shaggier coat should be brushed weekly, particularly during "shedding season." They are not heavy shedders.
Bathing should happen once a month or as needed. They are typically well-suited for cold weather, but caution is needed in high heat—avoid prolonged outdoor exposure when temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
For exercise, aim for at least 30 to 60 minutes daily of activities like walks and playtime to keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated.
While Saint Berdoodles can sometimes be found in shelters, it's essential to remember that being a hybrid breed means they are more commonly located through breed-specific rescues for their parent breeds, St Bernard and Poodle. Many rescue organizations dedicated to these breeds may occasionally take in Saint Berdoodles and help find them loving homes. If you’re considering adopting a Saint Berdoodle, check with these rescues to increase your chances of finding one in need of a family.
When looking to purchase a St Berdoodle, it’s crucial to seek reputable breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs. As a hybrid breed, prices can vary significantly based on factors such as lineage, location, and breeder reputation. Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 for a Saint Berdoodle. Ensure you do thorough research, ask for health clearances, and visit the breeder’s facilities to meet the puppies and their parents before making a decision.
Saint Berdoodles are best suited for families and individuals who can provide plenty of love and attention. Their friendly and affectionate nature makes them ideal companions for those looking for a loyal and gentle pet. Additionally, they thrive in homes with ample space for exercise and play, making them great for active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities.
Male Saint Berdoodle Names |
Female Saint Berdoodle Names |
Max |
Bella |
Charlie |
Daisy |
Finn |
Luna |
Oliver |
Ruby |
Cooper |
Sadie |
Affectionate Companions: Saint Berdoodles are friendly and loving, making them wonderful family pets. They thrive on social interaction and bond closely with children and adults, enjoying time spent in family activities.
Size and Exercise Needs: As large dogs, Saint Berdoodles need regular exercise and space to move, making them ideal for homes with yards. Daily outdoor activities, like walks or park playtime, are essential to keep them healthy and mentally stimulated.
Health Considerations: Saint Berdoodles are generally healthy but can inherit health issues like hip dysplasia or ear infections. Routine vet visits are crucial to ensure a long, happy life by catching any health concerns early.
Grooming Requirements: Their grooming needs depend on coat type—either curly like a Poodle or shaggier like a Saint Bernard. Regular trims, brushing, and occasional baths help keep their coat manageable and minimize shedding.
Harper Jefcoat
Harper Jefcoat is a dedicated pet enthusiast and expert author at ThePetWorld.org. With a deep-seated passion for animals, Harper brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to his writings. Specializing in canine behavior and wellness, he aims to help pet owners understand and care for their furry friends better.
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