Saint Berdoodle | Mixed Breed Info, Pictures, Traits & Facts (2024)

If you are a mixed breed dog enthusiast, the Saint Bernard Poodle mix, also known as Saint Berdoodle, is sure to be your next favorite dog breed. This is usually a giant dog, but a miniature version also exists.

St. Bernard Doodles, for starters, are sought-after in the United States due to their teddy bear-like appearances and calm personalities. They are friendly as well, with most of them being patient with kids and other pets.

However, there are vital things to consider before getting a St. Berdoodle for yourself. This guide will cover everything you need to know about this hybrid, including its history, traits, possible health problems, and more.

Breed Overview

What Is a Saint Berdoodle?

A Saint Berdoodle is a mixed-breed dog created by crossing a purebred Saint Bernard with a purebred Poodle. Also called Saint Berpoo, St. Bernard Poodle mix, or St. Berdoodle, this fluffy dog breed can vary in size from medium to large.

When you cross a Saint Bernard and Poodle, you can expect their offspring to get some of the noteworthy characteristics of both parent breeds.

For instance, a Saint Berdoodle puppy will usually display the gentle and sweet nature of Saint Bernards. It will also likely possess its Poodle parent’s high intelligence and trainability but will still depend on the individual dog.

Like Poodle mixes and other designer dogs, however, St. Berdoodles are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), Saint Bernard Club of America (SBCA), and the Poodle Club of America (PCA).

Despite this, the Saint Berdoodle remains popular with families and individuals who want to own a loyal pet, a dependable guard dog, or even a hard-working service animal.

Saint Berdoodle Origin and History

Similar to its Saint Pyrenees, Spitzpoo, and Saint Bernard Pitbull mix counterparts, the origin of the Saint Berdoodle dog breed remains a mystery to many.

Fortunately, by simply examining the records of their Saint Bernard and Poodle parent breeds, some valuable information about the history of this hybrid dog can be pieced together.

The St. Bernard has been considered one of the most beloved large dog breeds for centuries, and it is easy to see why.

These gentle giants combine a massive size with exceptional bravery and loyalty. In fact, they were originally bred to assist monks in their search for injured and lost travelers in the Swiss Alps.

Even today, some purebred Saint Bernards are still used for search and rescue missions, guarding duties, and therapy work — all of which require a strong personality as well as physical prowess.

Meanwhile, the Poodle parent breed of Saint Berdoodles originated from Germany, initially used as a water retriever for hunting ducks or recovering fallen prey in lakes and ponds.

Over time, however, the intelligence, agility, and athleticism of Poodles — whether it be a Toy or Standard Poodle — became widely known among dog lovers, leading to their increased popularity in dog shows and competitions.

Given the history of these two dog breeds, it is no surprise that the Saint Bernard Poodle mix is among the most in-demand designer dogs in the United States today.

Saint Berdoodle Appearance

The St. Berdoodle is a mixed dog breed that is hard to classify in terms of appearance. While it often inherits the build of a Saint Bernard, its Poodle genetics can be seen in its coat type, which is usually curly and wavy.

You should also keep in mind that their coloration can vary widely depending on which parent’s genes are more dominant.

For example, some St. Berdoodles may display the colors and markings of their Saint Bernard parent. Meanwhile, other dogs can possess the Poodle coat colors, including black, phantom, and even the parti-color ones.

When it comes to their facial features, the Saint Berdoodle breed can either have the long, densely-feathered ears of a Poodle or the floppy ears of its St. Bernard parent.

Moreover, you will notice that their eyes are typically brown or black with dark rims around them. Most St. Berdoodles have a broad head with a medium-length muzzle as well.

But if your Saint Berdoodle puppy retains the jawline of its Saint Bernard lineage, be prepared for an abundance of drool — the result of its extra-wide palate.

Saint Berdoodle Size and Weight

Depending on whether your dog has a Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle parent breed, a full-grown St. Berdoodle can weigh around 30 to 180 pounds and stand anywhere between 18 and 30 inches high.

To be specific, you should be aware that St. Berdoodles come in two size varieties: the miniature Saint Berdoodle and the standard or giant Saint Berdoodle.

Mini Saint Berdoodles, to begin with, are comparable to the co*cker Spaniel breed as they have an average height ranging from 18 to 22 inches tall and usually weigh between 30 and 70 pounds.

On the other hand, giant-sized Saint Berdoodles can grow up to 30 inches in height, with a weight range of about 80 to 180 pounds.

Aspiring dog parents should also know that St. Berdoodles, on average, reach maturity at approximately 18 to 24 months old.

However, note that aside from genetics, the adult size of your Saint Bernard Poodle mix pup can be affected by other factors as well. These factors include their gender, health status, and dietary requirements.

Saint Berdoodle Temperament and Personality

When it comes to the temperament and personality of the Saint Berdoodle dog breed, you can expect that they make great family dogs. They’re gentle and very affectionate but can also be protective of the people in their lives.

Although large dog breeds are generally associated with a bit more aggressive behavior than smaller ones, Saint Berdoodles are actually known for being quite docile and easygoing.

In reality, if you are looking for a couch potato, this crossbreed dog is a good choice. St. Berdoodle mixes love to relax with their family members, but they also have enough energy to play with other dogs occasionally.

However, like their Poodle parent, the Saint Bernard Poodle mix is often attached to only one person, making them prone to separation anxiety.

So for those who want to snag a Saint Berdoodle dog breed, be mindful that these dogs do not appreciate being left alone for long periods. Nonetheless, early socialization and crate training can help minimize this behavior.

Saint Berdoodle Lifespan and Health Issues

Similar to the life expectancy of Poodles and Saint Bernards, the Saint Bernard Poodle dog breed can live anywhere between 8 and 15 years, with some dogs living up to 18 years old.

However, their full-grown size, combined with their body weight and activity level, makes them more susceptible to certain alarming conditions than other breeds of dogs. They can inherit health problems as well.

For your reference, here are some of the most common health issues that a St. Berdoodle may encounter:

• Ear Infections: The Saint Berdoodle breed can be prone to ear infections, such as otitis externa, media, and interna, as a result of their long, floppy ears. Moreover, reasons for such a condition include, but are not limited to, ear wax buildup, tick infestation, and yeast infection.
• Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD): A St. Bernard Poodle mix, specifically a large-sized dog, may be at a higher risk for developing hip dysplasia. While the common cause of this condition is obesity, it can also be prompted by genetics and injury. If left untreated, CHD can result in severe pain and lameness.
• Osteosarcoma (OSA): Also referred to as bone cancer, osteosarcoma is another health problem that affects St. Bernard Doodles. The presence of tumors and lumps, limping, lethargy, and seizures are all warning signs of this condition.

By familiarizing yourself with all these possible health problems that might affect your Saint Berdoodle, you will be able to take the appropriate steps to ensure its overall health.

Similarly, getting pet insurance is also suggested, as it can help cover medical expenses in case of an emergency.

How to Take Care of Your Saint Bernard Poodle Mix

Since the Saint Bernard Poodle mix is such a unique dog breed, you need to be sure that you know how to take care of them properly. This section will provide information about their diet, grooming, and exercise needs.

Food and Diet

On average, the feeding requirement of the Saint Bernard Poodle breed should consist of about one to four cups of food per day. However, this will vary depending on the size variety, activity level, and age of your dog.

It should also be noted that if it takes after its Poodle parent in being a picky eater, you may have to experiment with different brands and types of dog food until you find something that your St. Berdoodle enjoys eating.

According to the American Kennel Club, incorporating supplements such as probiotics, antioxidants, glucosamine, and fish oil in a canine’s food is strongly recommended as well.

Cleaning and Grooming

While the Poodle breed is known for its non-shedding coat, Saint Bernards, on the other hand, are not. In fact, they shed heavy amounts of fur, especially during spring and fall.

Consequently, this makes most Saint Bernard Poodles require regular brushing to prevent them from shedding all over your home.

You can watch this clip to see how to brush a St. Berdoodle effectively:

In terms of bathing, once every two months is ideal for this breed, as they are more couch potatoes than active dogs.

But if your St. Berdoodle inherits its Saint Bernard parent’s jaw type, be prepared for excessive drooling. You may need to invest in a bib, dog towel, or some other type of protection against slobber.

Fortunately, you can still save money by performing other grooming procedures at home. These procedures include frequent nail trimming, daily ear cleaning, and twice-a-day tooth brushing.

Training and Exercise

Despite their very affectionate and calm disposition, the Saint Berdoodle still needs to be regularly trained to improve their obedience and socialization skills.

This can be done through the use of positive reinforcement techniques. For instance, when your St. Berdoodle learns a new command, you can reward them with treats, toys, or affection.

But you should note that even if your dog has been properly trained, it is still a good idea to supervise them when small children are around. This way, your kid and St. Berdoodle will feel comfortable playing together.

Regarding their exercise needs, Saint Bernard Poodles are not precisely lazy dogs, but they do need some time to run around. Be ready to spend 45 minutes to an hour a day playing with them and walking them outdoors.

How Much Does a Saint Berdoodle Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

Compared to the costs of its Poodle and Saint Bernard parents, a St. Berdoodle puppy can set you back anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000. But since they are rare dogs, expect that some breeders may charge more.

Luckily, for an adoption fee of between $200 and $800, you can adopt a Saint Berdoodle from a shelter or rescue organization instead.

You should note, however, that the numbers mentioned above are just the average costs of getting one of these puppies. You will still have to pay for dog food and treats, as well as a sturdy bed and pet insurance.

Here’s an overview of the estimated initial expenses involved in owning a Saint Berdoodle:

In addition to these costs, if you are planning to get a larger dog rather than a miniature-sized St. Berdoodle, you need to set aside funds for potential expenses, including those related to grooming services and veterinary care.

Places to Find Saint Berdoodle Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Due to the high number of puppy mills and unreliable breeders today, it is becoming more difficult to find Saint Berdoodle puppies for sale and adoption. Luckily, there are still a few places where you can look for one.

The following is a list of some reputable St. Berdoodle breeders you can contact:

• Mason Creek Saint Berdoodles (MCSB) – Located in Idaho, MCSB takes pride in producing Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) hip-certified, dewormed, and vet-checked St. Berdoodle puppies. They also offer a one-year health guarantee on every pup that leaves their home, so you can rest assured that your new friend will grow up healthy and free from any genetic defects.
• Darling St. Berdoodles (DSB) – While the DSB’s Saint Berdoodle pups do not come with a health guarantee, all their sires and dams are tested for genetic diseases and are cleared to reproduce. However, expect to pay a waitlist deposit fee of $500 if you are interested in buying from this breeder.
• Prize Poodles and Doodles (PPD) – As one of the top breeders in the United States, PPD is another St. Berdoodle seller for you to consider. Their Saint Berdoodle puppy comes with a full health guarantee, initial vaccinations, and health certification.

While the dog adoption process is long and often tedious, the rewards at the end are worth the effort. Thus, if you want to adopt a St. Berdoodle dog, it is recommended that you check out rescues and shelters.

Below are some Saint Bernard Poodle mix rescues and shelters you might want to check out:

• Michigan Doodle Rescue Connect (MDRC) – Unlike other typical rescue organizations, MDRC is more of a matching service. They match their St. Berdoodles with fosters and potential adopters based on the dog’s actual needs and personality.
• Doodle Rock Rescue (DRR) – Founded in 2017, DRR specializes in rescuing hybrid dogs, such as St. Berdoodles, Sheepadoodles, and Newfypoos, from overcrowded animal shelters. Their adoption fee ranges between $150 and $750.
• Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue (SCPR) – SCPR has adoptable St. Berdoodles, which are already vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, and heartworm-tested. However, keep in mind that this rescue does not place dogs in homes with children under ten years of age.

If the places above did not work for you, consider checking out Facebook groups dedicated to the breed or getting in touch with AKC associated breeders.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Saint Berdoodle

Before you consider purchasing or adopting a Saint Berdoodle, it is recommended that you weigh the pros and cons of having this particular dog breed in your household.

The following are the pros of owning a Saint Berdoodle:

• Hybrid vigor: Generally, hybrid vigor refers to the improved health and vitality that is found in a crossbred dog. This trait does not apply to all St. Berdoodle mixes; however, most resulting pups are reported to have longer lifespans than purebred dogs.
• Friendly with other animals: Due to the easygoing and sweet disposition of the St. Berdoodle dog, they will likely get along well with other animals in your household.
• Responsive, trainable, and eager to please: Despite its tendency to be clumsy and stubborn, a Saint Berpoo is very responsive to training sessions. This means it will learn new tricks quickly and easily from its human counterpart.

In contrast, here are some of the cons of owning a Saint Berdoodle:

• May develop separation anxiety: The St. Berdoodle breed is known for being extremely attached to its favorite family member. If not given adequate mental stimulation, it may become depressed and develop an intense fear of being left alone.
• Prone to multiple infections and skin problems: Unfortunately, St. Berdoodles are known to develop several types of infections, including those characterized by alarming symptoms such as red paws or crusty scabs on the back or mouth.
• Giant-sized dogs are predisposed to many joint problems: Because the Saint Bernard Poodle mix is usually a heavy, big dog, it is likely to suffer from elbow and hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and other similar disorders.

Given the benefits and drawbacks of owning a Saint Berdoodle dog, you will be able to make an informed decision about whether this is a suitable hybrid breed for you or not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Saint Berdoodles Shed a Lot?

Despite their Poodle parent’s low-shedding coat, Saint Berdoodles shed moderate amounts of fur. This is because their St. Bernard parent has a thick, shaggy coat that sheds heavily, especially during shedding season.

Fortunately, proper grooming and frequent brushing can help keep the amount of shedding to a minimum.

Are Saint Berdoodles Hypoallergenic?

Because no pooches are truly non-shedding, you can expect that Saint Berdoodles are not hypoallergenic.

Furthermore, you should keep in mind that these canines’ coats are not the only source of dog dander. The saliva and urine of a Saint Bernard Poodle mix can also be an issue for people who have allergies to dogs.

Do Saint Berdoodles Bark a Lot?

While both of its parent breeds are known for their gentle and loving nature, Saint Berdoodles can be a bit barky. The reasons for this barking behavior can vary, but the most likely culprits are a lack of mental stimulation and separation anxiety.

So to keep your St. Berdoodle from developing such bad habits like excessive barking, it is best to give them enough exercise and some kind of activity that engages their mind daily.

Do Saint Berdoodles Like to Swim?

Saint Berdoodles, as with other dogs, enjoy and like swimming; however, if not properly trained at a young age, they may not be comfortable around water.

Luckily, the Saint Berdoodle breed is known for being intelligent and trainable. Once they are accustomed to swimming as puppies, they will probably enjoy it as grown-ups.

Are Saint Berdoodles Easy to Train?

Although Saint Berdoodles are relatively easy to train, individual dogs may vary in their training abilities. This is due to several factors, including the canine’s gender, environment, well-being, and overall health.

In addition, the Saint Berdoodle’s age can also affect its learning capacity. Remember that younger dogs are typically more eager to learn and less resistant to change than older pooches.

Are Saint Berdoodles Smart?

Aside from their reputation as friendly dogs on top of their teddy bear-like fluffiness and cheerful personality, one of the most appealing things about Saint Berdoodles is their intelligence.

Therefore, if you love dogs that are smart enough to do tricks, are easy to train, and can keep up with you, the Saint Berdoodle breed may be an excellent pet choice.

Final Thoughts

When contemplating whether to acquire a Saint Berdoodle or not, note that these dogs can fill many different roles in your life. Aside from being reliable companions, they can be service dogs or guard dogs, to name a few.

St. Berdoodle mixes also make excellent family pets and work well with older children and other pets. In fact, with constant training and socialization, they can learn how to get along with just about anyone.

However, it should be noted that their adult size can be challenging to predict.

Therefore, potential fur parents should ensure that they have sufficient space before buying this mixed dog breed. Be mindful that larger dogs also tend to require more exercise and attention.

So now that you’re more familiar with the Saint Berdoodle dog, tell us what you think of this sought-after breed in the comments below!