Login 
A Breed That Has It All
There are dog lovers who gravitate to cute little canines that want to be carried around all day, and there are ones who connect with dogs that are all about play instead. If you fall into the latter category, you might be interested in the Saint Berdoodle. The St. Berdoodle is an up-and-coming crossbreed that is beloved by many pet enthusiasts who appreciate the dog’s unique personality.
Blending the traits of the St. Bernard and the Poodle, this breed is known for its vigor and loyalty. The Saint Berdoodle isn’t known for being tiny and delicate like so many other newer breeds. Rather, this dog is almost always large thanks to its Saint Bernard lineage.
Let's take an in-depth look at the characteristics and peculiarities of the lovable Saint Berdoodle. This joyful pup is quickly amassing a huge number of fans, and you may find that you want to join in on the Saint Berdoodle craze!
Saint Berdoodle Physical Characteristics
As you might imagine, a St. Bernard-Poodle mix combines the physical attributes of both breeds. Since Saint Berdoodles are such a recent development in the canine world, they haven’t yet been accepted by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an official breed. With no strict regulations on appearance, the Saint Berdoodle comes in a range of forms.
One of the more uniform characteristics of the breed is its size. The Saint Bernard is known for being massive, and it passes on those gargantuan genes to its offspring, even when mixed with a Standard Poodle. A full-grown Saint Berdoodle can weigh up to 150 pounds or more, making it one of the biggest dogs out there. Not only are these pups large in size, but they’re strong and muscular. Both parent breeds were designed for working, with the Saint Bernard having roots in rescue work in the Alps, and the Poodle being bred for hunting waterfowl. This background gives Saint Berdoodles their robust appearance today.
In regard to coat type, the Saint Berdoodle may inherit either the smooth-to-wavy coat of the Saint Bernard or the impressively curly coat of the Poodle. Many feature a mix of the two coat types, resulting in thick, wavy fur. Although no animal is truly hypoallergenic, this breed is often cited as such because of its Poodle influence. Since Poodles shed minimally, some people find their allergies aren’t triggered as drastically as they would be when around a dog that sheds heavily. The hypoallergenic coat benefits aren’t limited to health. An owner of a Saint Berdoodle will likely spend less time vacuuming fur out of their living room carpet or cleaning it from their car!
In terms of coloring, Saint Berdoodles can inherit just about any combination of colors from the two original breeds. While never a sure thing, referencing the parents’ coloring can give insight into a future puppy’s possible coat. Colors such as red, black, white, and brown are commonly seen. A Saint Berdoodle’s coat can be one solid color, or it can feature two or even three colors.
The Charming Personality of a Saint Berdoodle
Besides their beautiful physical attributes, Saint Berdoodles are also renowned for their extraordinary temperaments. This breed owes its congeniality to its Saint Bernard roots. Saint Bernards have a reputation for being oversized cuddlebugs, and many Saint Berdoodles are the same.
Another perk of the breed is that they’ve got smarts to go along with their charm. These pups typically inherit the Poodle’s sharp intelligence, which makes for easier training, creative playtime, and occasional mischievous antics when they try to pull one over on you!
Because of these traits, a St. Bernard-Poodle mix can make a wonderful family dog. They’re large enough in size that they won’t get trampled on by boisterous children and their easy-going nature helps them form quick friendships with other pets around the house. If their prey instinct comes out around the housecat—an action which Poodle genetics can sometimes prompt—owners will likely be able to train the behavior out of them.
A Long Lifespan Doesn’t Mean Perfect Health
When you’re taking your energetic Saint Berdoodle on their fourth walk of the day, take a moment to appreciate that their boundless vigor has some key health advantages. Dogs that get enough exercise are more likely to be in better health. Those play sessions can help keep their joints and muscles strong while also reducing your dog’s anxiety.
Some Poodles can live as long as 16 years old or more, and thus, many Saint Berdoodles enjoy longer lifespans than the typical Saint Bernard, which can be as short as 8 years due to the breed’s huge frame. Unfortunately, just because a dog lives a long life doesn’t mean they won’t have health concerns.
Saint Berdoodles are prone to inheriting or developing certain conditions that afflict Poodles and Saint Bernards. Owners should make it a priority to familiarize themselves with the common symptoms of these health problems so that they can be treated as soon as possible.
A few conditions Saint Berdoodle owners should look out for include:
Bloat – While you might be inclined to think this condition is a simple matter that occurs after eating a little too much, in reality, bloat is a medical emergency and can even be fatal. Saint Bernards are at risk for this condition which causes the stomach’s blood vessels to become twisted. Signs include a swollen abdomen, drooling, and not being able to stand. Getting your dog to the vet immediately at the first sign of bloat is crucial to their survival.
Optic nerve hypoplasia – Poodles are prone to a myriad of eye problems, and therefore, so are Saint Berdoodles. Optic nerve hypoplasia occurs when a dog’s eye doesn’t form correctly. Some owners may not even realize their dog has limited sight until the veterinarian performs a routine eye exam. While no treatment is available for this condition, a dog that is partially or fully blind may need certain support. Creating a safe environment in your home and providing verbal cues around stairs and other obstacles can help.
Joint issues – That bulky Saint Bernard build comes at a cost. These dogs often have problems with their joints. These can range from osteochondrosis of the shoulder (characterized by defective cartilage) to hip and elbow dysplasia. Your Saint Berdoodle could also experience a cruciate ligament injury, which is when a knee ligament tears or completely ruptures.
Saint Berdoodle Care Requirements
Although Saint Berdoodles are typically great family pets, they may not be the best fit for a first-time dog owner. That’s because some can be high maintenance when it comes to coat care and their energy levels.
Grooming needs
What sort of grooming your pup needs depends on its coat. If your Saint Berdoodle has inherited the typical Poodle coat, you’ll need to brush out its fur (actually a type of hair) daily. Poodle coats can easily get matted and tangled. While you might think it’s a matter of cosmetics, a poorly managed coat can lead to pain and infection. Your dog’s coat will also need to be trimmed every few weeks since this type of coat just keeps growing, much like human hair.
Dogs that have the Saint Bernard-type coat will require less grooming. They’ll still need to be brushed regularly, especially when the weather changes from hot to cold and vice versa, as this is their peak shedding time.
Exercise and activity levels
If you’re having trouble getting your dog enough exercise, think beyond the average walk around the block. Your dog wants to experience new sights and smells, so consider scheduling playdates with your friends’ and family’s pooches who are of similar build and temperament.
You can also visit multiple dog parks throughout the week, introducing your dog to other dogs who can run and chase them to their heart’s content. Additionally, doggy daycare isn’t only an option when you’re out of town for the day. Consider enrolling your Saint Berdoodle in a daycare for a half-day once or twice a week. Doggy daycares often have agility course equipment (and, of course, a large gathering of fellow canines!) to get those jitters out!
Socialization and training tips
Knowing how to socialize your dog is especially important when you own a large dog. While Saint Berdoodles are typically friendly and playful around other dogs, it’s still necessary to introduce them cautiously to other pets as early as possible. A misbehaving (even well-intentioned) Saint Berdoodle can easily harm a smaller creature in the blink of an eye, so make sure they are adequately trained. Because these dogs are so intelligent, training is often a non-issue, with the pups picking up on commands easily.
What to Know About Adopting Saint Berdoodle Puppies
As with most Poodle crossbreeds, the Saint Berdoodle has only gained popularity in the past few decades. That means finding this type of dog will likely take a bit of research and quite a bit of money. You’re not likely to find many Saint Berdoodles in the local animal shelter, but it’s always worth a try. You can also check around at dog rescues nearby.
Most likely, you’ll need to visit a breeder, especially if you’re interested in Saint Berdoodle puppies rather than adult dogs. If you choose to go this route, it’s imperative that you visit a reputable breeder. Puppy mills are a widespread problem not only in the United States but around the world. Conduct thorough research into a breeder’s reviews and facility before supporting them.
Preparing for a Full-Grown Saint Berdoodle
Bringing home a new pet is a joyful occasion. When you watch that squirming little puppy chase after its new toys, you may not be thinking about all the hard work that’s involved with pet ownership. The fact is, however, that sweet little puppy is going to quickly become a gigantic dog that needs special care.
A full-grown Saint Berdoodle won’t be happy in a small apartment, for instance. These dogs need plenty of room to run and play, so be sure to plan accordingly. It could take up to three years for your dog to stop growing, and you don’t want to be surprised when your dog outgrows their bed, toys, and harness!
Pet Insurance for Saint Berdoodles
Did you know that, on average, a pet visits the vet between two and three times a year? From routine checkups to vaccination schedules, your dog needs a lot of care. And that’s if they’re in perfect health. If your furry friend catches kennel cough, ingests something they shouldn’t, or sprains a paw at the park, you’ll need to pay even more visits to the vet clinic.
Investing in pet insurance for dogs is a great way to help prepare for all those unexpected issues. Life is known for throwing curveballs, and you never want to have to worry about checking your bank account before getting your pup’s medication or saying yes to a life-saving surgery. Coupling an insurance policy with an optional non-insurance Wellness Rewards Plan for your dog can make medical bills less of a headache and help you focus on getting your pup back to playing fetch ASAP.
Pet Ownership Involves Many Responsibilities
Saint Berdoodles aren’t just adorable Poodle mixes. They’re surprisingly large dogs that require frequent grooming and a whole lot of physical activity! Before you bring a member of this breed into your family, make sure that you have the time, energy, and space to properly care for a Saint Berdoodle.
While many of these dogs will be in relatively good health, their genetic makeup puts them at increased risk for developing certain conditions, some which are even life-threatening. Pet insurance can be the ideal way to deal with the financial side of these medical issues. When you’re able to get your dog the medical care they need, you can get back to the fun part of dog ownership: playing tug-of-war in the backyard!