The Saint Berdoodle is a cross between a Saint Bernard and standard poodle. They are one of the older cross-breeds in the U.S. that dates all the way back to the 1880s, when breeders sought a dog with the protective nature of the Saint Bernard with the intelligence and trainability of the poodle. The resulting breed is a nanny dog with a heart of gold. While it's considered a designer dog, which can be costly, there are rescue foundations and shelters that may have these dogs available. If you are considering this breed, be sure to look into all of these options.
Perfect for families, these dogs are extremely loyal, friendly, and intelligent. Not only are they one of the more affectionate breeds, but they also have a laid-back easiness. These dogs are fantastic with kids and other dogs. Saint Berdoodles are a larger breed, so you may want to keep an eye on them around small children; they sometimes don't realize how big they are.
The Saint Berdoodle does best if it can be with its people most of the time. Because of the curious nature of their parent breeds, they can be quite inquisitive and find themselves in mischief. Spending time with them, socializing them, and training them early on can nip this problem in the bud.
The Saint Berdoodle's coat is usually either white and brown or white and black. The breed's coat can resemble that of either of their parent: they can be coarse and curly like the poodle, or longer and smooth like the Saint Bernard. Regardless of the style, this breed tends to have thicker fur, making them suitable for colder weather. They do not fare well in high heat.
Saint Berdoodles vary in size, depending on their specific breeding. In general, they are a larger breed because of the substantial size of the Saint Bernard. In height, they can range from 15 to 30 inches tall to their shoulders, and weigh between 40 and 80 pounds.
These dogs are fairly low maintenance; their thick, curly coats require little brushing. However, their coats do need regular trimming, usually every 6 to 8 weeks. If your dog has a longer Saint Bernard-style coat, weekly brushing will help to minimize shedding. When bathing these dogs, don't overdo it because their skin can dry out easily. Monthly baths should do the trick unless your pup finds a mud puddle or dust pile. Bathing as necessary is best.
Similar to the poodle, these dogs are relatively hypoallergenic. The allergy-causing dander gets caught in their curly hair. Longer-haired variations may release more dander and skin cells, increasing the risk for allergic reactions.
This breed is also a low shedding mixed-breed, which means less hair to deal with. While this may not help with allergy relief, it definitely helps with vacuum relief. To decrease dander release in these dogs, brush them regularly and bathe them with a de-shedding and moisturizing shampoo.
The energy levels of Saint Berdoodles vary depending on the breeding mix and which parent that this specific trait comes from. Poodles are a high-energy dog, while the Saint Bernard is typically a little more laid back.
Regardless of your Saint Berdoodle's energy level, regular exercise and play will serve them well. They also enjoy exploratory outdoor time to serve their curious nature. When taking these dogs out for a walk, opt for multiple shorter walks throughout the day rather than one long one, because these guys like their naps.
Because of their larger size, the Saint Berdoodle has an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years. In that time, they are typically healthy dogs with few genetic disorders. They can still inherit issues from their parent breeds.
Common health problems that can arise with these dogs include hip dysplasia, ear infections, bloat, and skin problems. The best course of action to prevent and manage these issues is to have your dog checked by a vet regularly.
Depending on the size of the dog, this breed can eat between 4 and 10 cups of food per day. Dogs on the larger side will obviously eat more. The amount you feed your pup will also depend on the quality of food, as higher-quality dog foods will fill your dog up longer, meaning they will require less.
It is good practice to feed these dogs twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, rather than keeping their bowls full throughout the day. This helps to maintain their weight and keep them from overeating.
Because of the size of these dogs, they are not well-suited to apartment living. They love outdoor space and thrive when they have room to roam and grow. For that reason, they are better suited to life in a house with a fenced yard.
These dogs prefer to be surrounded by people, so are better off if they won't' be home alone for long periods of time. They are much happier when surrounded by the people they love. They are an excellent breed for novice dog owners due to their even temperament and easy trainability.
Because Saint Berdoodles are highly-intelligent pups, they train best praise and rewards. They will quickly learn that the correct action receives praise, while the wrong one doesn't. Consistency and timing are also key with these dogs as they may not remember an incorrect behavior or lesson for long periods of time. Be sure to repeat lessons regularly until they have firmly grasped the concept.
These are intelligent dogs who aim to please. Be patient and they will do their best.
Get your paws on the latest animal news and information
By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.
You may unsubscribe at any time.