The Saint Berdoodle, a mixed-breed pup with a Poodle and St. Bernard parent, is the perfect family dog. Incredibly loyal and intelligent, these dogs are easy to train and make a great addition to any loving home. The Saint Berdoodle loves playtime and is a curious breed, with the ideal home for this dog having access to open spaces like yards or parks, giving them enough space to run around and have fun.
Origin & History ofSaint Berdoodles
It can’t be said for sure exactly when the Saint Berdoodle arrived on the scene. The Poodle had been around since the 1600s, with the St Bernard gaining popularity amongst breeders in the 1770s. A rough estimate of the time of the Saint Berdoodle’s origin is somewhere in the 1880s in North America. The desire to cross the Poodle with the St Bernard likely originated because of the intelligent and trainable nature of the Poodle and the rescue nature of the St Bernard. Breeders wished to get a pup with the trainability of the Poodle and the rescue and protective nature of the St Bernard, leading to the breeding of the loveable Whoodle.
Personality and Temperament
When it comes to the mixed-breed Saint Berdoodle, it truly is the best of both worlds. This pup combines the most desirable traits of both its parents, making the Saint Berdoodle an ideal pet. They have the intelligence of the Poodle, mixed with the affectionate and curious nature of the St. Bernard. They love to love and be loved, preferring to spend time with their families, not appreciating being left alone too much. They are loyal dogs and incredibly social. They will be jumping for joy at any opportunity to play with the people that they love. The Saint Berdoodle combines the high-energy nature of the Poodle with the laid back and relaxed nature of the St Bernard, so you can expect to take your pup outdoors for playtime and then allow them to take a well-deserved nap afterward. Due to the St Bernard’s rescue dog nature, these pups are great for families with kids, often being called a “nanny dog.” However, due to the large nature of the dog, it’s best not to leave them unattended with very small children and babies as accidents may occur.
Saint Berdoodle Size
Due to the large nature of the St Bernard and the medium to the large size of the Standard Poodle, the Saint Berdoodle is almost always either a large or a medium-sized dog. It is incredibly rare for a Toy or Miniature Poodle to mate with the rather large St Bernard, so most Saint Berdoodles are on the bigger side. You can expect your Saint Berdoodle to grow anywhere between 15 to 30 inches tall and have a weight of around 40 to 180 pounds, with males being slightly larger than females.
Saint Berdoodle Health
Thanks to their mixed breed nature, Saint Berdoodles get to benefit from some level of hybrid vigor, as opposed to more purebred dogs resulting from decades of inbreeding. Inbreeding causes the gene pool to become limited, allowing genetic illnesses to rear their ugly heads more often. While it is not necessary that your Saint Berdoodle will suffer from a genetic illness, it is best to stay vigilant and be prepared in case any such disease decides to show symptoms. Make sure your pup is checked out by a veterinarian regularly so that you can rest assured that your dog is in good health. Some issues that the Saint Berdoodle may have to deal with include hip dysplasia, ear infections, Wobbler syndrome, bloat, skin-related issues, as well as a disease of the blood called Willebrand’s disease.
Saint Berdoodle Care and Training
When it comes to the Saint Berdoodle, their exercise needs can vary depending on whether they take after the high-energy and active Poodle or the more calm and laid-back Saint Bernard. Some Saint Berdoodles may need more exercise than others, and it is a good idea to introduce a few shorter play sessions and walk throughout the day as opposed to one long walk as this may tire them out. They will enjoy playtime outdoors, and you can expect them to need a nap during the day as well. When it comes to training, this dog is an easy one. They want nothing more than to please their owners, so you can expect them to pick up tricks and desired behaviors fairly quickly and with ease. You should make it a point to brush your Saint Berdoodle’s teeth at least twice a week to prevent any buildup and maintain good oral hygiene. Also, regularly check your dog’s eyes and ears for any debris or possible signs of an infection, such as a foul odor.
Feeding
The amount of food that your Saint Berdoodle will need is highly dependant on your dog’s individual traits. Their energy level, age, and size will be the main deciding factors in how much dog food your should give your Saint Berdoodle in a day. Since there is so much variation from one dog to the next, there really isn’t a standard diet that all Saint Berdoodles can follow. To get a good idea of your dog’s nutritional needs, it is best to speak to a veterinarian and devise a feeding plan accordingly to ensure your dog is getting a healthy and balanced diet. Give these pups high-quality dog food and keep an eye on their weight. Do not introduce any drastic changes into your Saint Berdoodle’s diet before consulting a veterinarian first.
Coat Color, Types, Shedding
On average, the Saint Berdoodle’s coat is either a combination of white and black or white and brown, depending on which parent they take after. There is a lot of variation when it comes to coat type, which can be either curly or wavy, smooth or rough, or long or medium length. While The Saint Berdoodle does not shed much on average, the exact level of shedding is highly dependent on whether the dog has a dominant Poodle gene or Saint Bernard gene. If it takes after the Poodle parent, you can expect a low-shedding coat, better suited to allergy sufferers. If the dog takes after the Saint Bernard parent, you can expect moderate levels of shedding.
Saint Berdoodle Grooming
The grooming needs of the Saint Berdoodle are dependent on their coat type. If they have a curlier coat like the Poodle parent, they will not need as much brushing. However, if they have a shaggier coat like their Saint Bernard parent, you can expect to brush them frequently to avoid any tangles or matted fur. They should be bather when necessary, preferably no more than once a month.
Deciding on aSaint Berdoodle
The Saint Berdoodle is a right fit for you if:
The Saint Berdoodle is not a right fit for you if:
Getting a Saint Berdoodle
How Much is aSaint Berdoodle Puppy?
Depending on the breeder and the traits of the puppy you are interested in, you can expect your Saint Berdoodle pup to come with a price tag of anywhere between $700 to $5000.
Saint Berdoodle Breeders
Rescue and Adoption
It is always a good idea to search your local shelters for a rescue option before opting to buy from a breeder when it comes to animals. Remember, it is always better to adopt than to shop! Here is a list of rescue organizations that shelter Saint Berdoodles (among other breeds):
