Saint Berdoodle dogs are known for their intelligence and adoring nature, so it’s no wonder you might be considering investing in this darling dog. But these pups are also very large hybrids with a number of unique health issues and needs that a potential owner should be aware of.
Are you considering investing in a Saint Berdoodle dog? Join us today as we learn more about this adorable hybrid.
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A Brief Overview Of The Saint Berdoodle
The Saint Berdoodle is an intelligent and active dog.
Height: 24 to 30 Inches
Weight: 70 to 160 Pounds
Coat Type: Thick, Curly, Potentially Hypoallergenic
Temperament: Inteillegent, Gentle, Affectionate, Friendly, People-oriented
Best Suited For: Dedicated Dog Owners, Families
Life Span: 8 to 12 Years
Health Issues: Ear infections, Bloat, Wobbler Syndrome, Hip Dysplasia, Skin Issues, Allergies, And Von Willebrand’s Disease
Saint Berdoodle Breed Overview:
The Saint Berdoodle is a cross between the Saint Berdoodle and the Standard Poodle. He is a large breed dog weighing between 70 to 160 pounds and standing up to 30 inches tall.
While many Saint Berdoodle dogs can be hypoallergenic, this trait is not always guaranteed. The Saint Berdoodle is an energetic dog that needs daily exercise to keep him healthy and fit.
For this reason, the best owner for a Saint Berdoodle is going to be an active dog owner who is dedicated and prepared for what this large breed of dog entails. Are you the right owner for a Saint Berdoodle dog?
And does it matter that the Saint Berdoodle is a crossbreed as opposed to a purebred? Keep reading to find out!
What Is A Crossbreed And What You Should Know About Hybrid Vigor
Crossbreed dogs like the Saint Berdoodle are incredibly popular, but they are also controversial.
Crossbreed dogs are nothing new. In fact, the practice of crossbreeding has been ongoing for centuries. Still, it is considered a controversial practice these days as more and more breeders begin breeding and selling early generation crossbreed dogs for profit.
But what exactly is a crossbreed?
Also known as a hybrid, mixed breed, or designer dog, a crossbreed dog is a dog that is mixed with two purebred parent breeds. In the Saint Berdoodle dog’s case, he is the offspring of the purebred Standard Poodle and the purebred Saint Bernard.
Meet The Poodle
The Standard Poodle is a large breed dog famous for its incredible intelligence, athleticism, and hypoallergenic coat. The Poodle originated in Germany during the 17th century, where it was used as a water retriever. Today, this intelligent dog is also used as a service dog, therapy dog and show dog.
The Standard Poodle is playful, energetic and extremely intelligent. They are very easy to train and can be trained to do almost anything if you take the time to do it right. They are fun to play with and make excellent companions for families with children as they are patient, gentle, and social.
Meet The Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a large, muscular dog that has been used as a rescue dog for centuries. The breed was first bred by monks from North Italy who wanted to create large dogs that were capable of rescuing travelers lost in avalanches or snowstorms which were common during winter.
Saint Bernards are incredibly intelligent dogs that need plenty of mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. If they don’t get enough mental stimulation they will become bored and destructive – chewing through furniture, digging holes in your yard, and more. They are quite trainable, though they can also be stubborn, and they can pass this trait on to their crossbreed offspring.
And Speaking of their crossbreed offspring, let’s talk about the crossbreed controversy.
What Is Hybrid Vigor And The Crossbreed Controversy?
Hybrid dogs like the Saint Berdoodle could have the added benefit of hybrid vigor, which is the idea that crossbreed dogs are potentially healthier than their purebred parents.
This is due to their widened genepool, which could make them less likely to inherit certain genetic health issues.
While this theory does sound promising, it is not always widely accepted by everyone. In fact, many people point out that genetics are genetics and therefore they are difficult to predict.
This is one of the aspects of the designer dog debate, but there are other reasons crossbreed dogs are considered controversial.
Crossbreed dogs are less predictable than their purebred counterparts when it comes to their health, temperament, and appearance, especially if they are newer generation crossbreed dogs.
If you do have your heart set on a Saint Berdoodle with certain characteristics like a hypoallergenic coat, we suggest going through breeders who have a history with these dogs and who understand the importance of responsible breeding practices.
Now, with all that noted, let’s take a look at the Saint Berdoodle dog’s temperament.
Is The Saint Berdoodle A Good Family Dog?
The Saint Berdoodle makes an excellent family dog when properly raised, trained, and socialized.
The Saint Berdoodle makes a wonderful family dog for the right owner. This hybrid is a gentle, affectionate, and intelligent dog who will enjoy spending time with a dedicated owner.
Saint Berdoodles are generally friendly toward other dogs and pets if they have been properly raised and socialized. These dogs are also famous for their love of people and they enjoy being around them as often as possible.
This means they are going to need plenty of attention from their owners and will thrive when given the chance to be with their families. As such, these are not outdoor only dogs, in spite of what you might think due to their larger size.
Saint Berdoodles can be great with children. They are also very tolerant of rowdy behavior from toddlers and preschoolers, which makes them great playmates for youngsters. Of course, as with all dogs, it’s incredibly important to monitor young children around the family dog and to work with age appropriate children on the safest ways to interact with their Saint Berdoodle.
Saint Berdoodles also love to play outside in all types of weather conditions, so they’re ideal pets for active families who enjoy taking their dogs on hikes or jogs through the woods or fields on weekends or after work. They are not the ideal dogs for apartment living, as they can grow to be very large and energetic.
Does The Saint Berdoodle Have Any Serious Health Issues?
As with all dogs, the Saint Berdoodle can be prone to some genetic health issues.
Although crossbreed dogs can have the added benefit of hybrid vigor when it comes to their health, it is not always guaranteed. This means that your Saint Berdoodle could be susceptible to any of the same genetic health issues as his purebred parent breeds.
The Saint Bernard and the Poodle are both known for being fairly healthy dogs with few serious health problems. However, they do have some common conditions that they are susceptible to and which they can pass on to their hybrid offspring, including:
- Ear infections
- Bloat
- Wobbler Syndrome
- Hip Dysplasia
- Skin Issues
- Allergies
- And Von Willebrand’s Disease
Ear Infections – Saint Bernards are prone to ear infections, especially if they have been swimming or playing in water. This can cause their ears to become filled with water and debris. If you notice your dog shaking its head or scratching at its ears, take him to the vet so that it can be treated before it becomes a serious problem.
Bloat – Also known as Gastric dilatation-volvulus, Bloat is a serious health issue that affects many different types of dogs, including the Saint Berdoodle. This condition occurs when the stomach becomes distended with gas or fluid and can potentially twist around, cutting off blood supply and causing death if not treated immediately. It’s important to know the signs of Bloat and to seek veterinary care immediately if your dog shows any signs of this condition.
Wobbler Syndrome – Wobbler syndrome is a condition caused by damage to the cervical vertebrae in dogs. This damage can occur from trauma or from abnormalities present at birth. It results in instability of the neck which can lead to paralysis of one or more limbs if left untreated.
Hip Dysplasia – Hip dysplasia is a genetic disorder that affects the hip joints causing them to become unstable and painful over time. The condition may be present at birth or develop later in life. Dogs with this condition should be checked by a veterinarian regularly to ensure that their joints are healthy and pain-free as much as possible.
Skin Issues And Allergies – Allergies can affect many parts of your dog’s body including their skin and digestive system as well as their respiratory tract. Allergies can cause discomfort for your dog and may require medication or other treatments to relieve symptoms such as itching or inflammation.
Von Willebrand’s Disease – Von Willebrand disease is a genetic disorder that affects the ability of blood to clot properly. This can cause excessive bleeding from minor cuts or injuries, bruising, nosebleeds and bleeding gums. Some dogs may have mild symptoms while others may experience severe bleeding episodes requiring emergency care.
Tips On Keeping Your Saint Berdoodle Healthy And Happy
Although the Saint Berdoodle can be susceptible to health issues, there are steps you can take to keep your dog healthy.
The above list of health issues can sound frightening, but the good news is that there are plenty of steps you can take to help keep your Saint Berdoodle healthy and happy.
First, Get Your Saint Berdoodle Puppy Or Rescue Dog From A Reputable Source
The Saint Berdoodle is a cross between the Saint Bernard and the Poodle. These dogs are very popular in their own right, but the popularity of Saint Berdoodles has been increasing in recent years. This makes it all the more important that you make sure you get your new puppy from a reputable source. We will talk more about this further down.
Keep Your Saint Berdoodle On A Healthy Diet
Another important part of keeping your Saint Berdoodle healthy is to make sure he is eating a healthy diet. This means that you should feed your dog high-quality dog food that meets all of their nutritional needs and is made with real meat protein, fatty acids, carbs, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
It’s also best to feed your Saint Berdoodle a dog food that is also specified for his age, weight, and activity level.
If you are looking for a high quality dog food for your Saint Berdoodle, we recommend Blue Buffalo Dog Food for large breed dogs, listed below.
Blue Buffalo Dog Food For Large Breed Dogs
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Blue Buffalo dog food is a high-quality brand we trust because it is made with natural ingredients that are healthy and beneficial for large breed dogs like the Saint Berdoodle hybrid.
This dog food is made with natural ingredients that are healthy. It contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to help support your dog’s immune system and improve digestive health.
The kibble is even designed to help reduce tartar buildup on teeth, which can lead to dental disease and other issues as your Saint Berdoodle ages. We also like that the recipe contains Omega fatty acids from fish oils, which can help maintain healthy skin and coat.
Take Your Saint Berdoodle To Routine Vet Checkups
Like people, your Saint Berdoodle should visit his veterinarian at least once a year for routine checkups. Once your dog reaches between five and seven, we suggest he is seen at least twice a year.
Consider Investing In A Puzzle Feeder
A puzzle feeder is a great way to keep your dog mentally stimulated while also helping them avoid overeating, gaining weight, or developing Bloat.
Outward Hound Fun Feeder
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The Outward Hound Fun Feeder above is a unique dog bowl that allows your dog to have some fun while he eats and can even help improve digestion in your dog. The Fun Feeder Slo Bowl has a patented design that makes it easy for your dog to eat slowly, which can be especially helpful for older dogs or dogs with digestive issues.
How Much Exercise Does A Saint Bernedoodle Require?
Saint Berdoodle dogs come from athletic and active parent breeds.
Like all dogs, the Saint Berdoodle is going to require routine exercise and mental stimulation each and every day in order to stay happy and healthy. The Poodle side of this crossbreed means he could be active and athletic, while the Saint Bernard side of the Saint Berdoodle is a bit more laid back.
Still, the best exercise for the Saint Berdoodle will include at least an hour of dedicated exercise each and every day, along with backyard playtime.
Along with keeping up with physical exercise for your Saint Berdoodle, it’s also important to make sure your dog is properly mentally stimulated.
Mental stimulation is incredibly important for intelligent dogs like the Saint Berdoodle because it helps reduce anxiety, stress, boredom, and destructive behaviors like chewing, barking, and marking.
Some great ways to keep your Saint Berdoodle mentally stimulated include playing games with your Saint Berdoodle like hide-and-seek with treats or fetch, or investing in puzzle toys or interactive toys like KONGS.
How To Train And Socialize A Saint Berdoodle
Training your Saint Berdoodle should be done using positive reinforcement training techniques.
Training and socialization for your Saint Berdoodle should begin as early as possible, ideally during puppyhood, and it should continue on throughout your Saint Berdoodle dog’s lifetime.
Training your Saint Berdoodle can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your dog when it is done correctly. It’s important to remember that every dog is different, so you’ll want to adjust training methods as needed.
Training Your Saint Berdoodle Puppy
Training a puppy takes time, patience and consistency. Start early by using lots of praise when your puppy does something right (like sitting when asked or walking nicely on the leash) so that he knows what behaviors are rewarded.
As he gets older and more mature, you’ll want to start working on basic obedience commands like sit, stay and come — all very useful skills in any dog’s life! You can also teach him tricks like shaking hands or rolling over that will help build trust between you two while having fun at the same time. As with all training methods, be sure to reward good behavior with treats so that it becomes part of his routine.
When you are training your Saint Berdoodle, be sure you are using positive reinforcement training techniques like treats and praise. Avoid aversive training techniques like punishment or fear as this can hinder your relationship with your dog.
Instead, use high-value training treats to encourage your dog’s positive behaviors. High value training treats include treats that are small, smelly, and highly palatable, like the Blue Buffalo Training Treats below.
Blue Buffalo Training Treats
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Blue Buffalo training treats are not only a healthy training treat option for your dog, but they are also considered high-value training treats because they are small, smelly, and chewy.
We like that Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Natural Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats are made from real chicken and contain no artificial colors or flavors.
How To Properly Socialize A Saint Berdoodle
Proper socialization at an early age will help your Saint Berdoodle learn how to interact with other people and animals in a positive way. This is important because it can help prevent fear and aggression problems from developing later on in life.
If you’re thinking about getting a Saint Berdoodle, it’s important that you properly socialize him with other dogs, people, sounds, sights, environments, and situations as often as possible and as early as possible beginning during puppyhood. Provide your dog with treats and praise during socialization, and never force your dog into a situation you can see is clearly frightening for him.
Doing so can make his anxiety worse and can actually lead to worsened behavioral issues down the road.
What Are The Grooming Requirements Of A Saint Berdoodle?
Grooming your Saint Berdoodle is important to help keep him looking and feeling his best.
If you are considering a Saint Berdoodle dog, then it’s time to prepare for some grooming!
You should also be aware that the Saint Berdoodle may or may not have a hypoallergenic coat. Instead, his coat will depend on the genetics he inherits from his parent breeds. Remember that Saint Bernard is a shedding dog while the Poodle is a curly-coated pup with a hypoallergenic coat.
Either way, grooming for this hybrid dog will be important to help ensure your dog not only looks his best, but also feels his best.
Grooming a Saint Berdoodle will include focusing on the following:
Occasional Bathing
A bath will be needed once every six weeks or so, unless your Saint Berdoodle gets especially dirty. You want to be careful not to overbathe your Saint Berdoodle as this can actually harm his coat.
When you are bathing your Saint Berdoodle, use a quality shampoo specified for canine use, and avoid dog shampoos that contain dyes, paribines, or alcohols.
Brushing Your Saint Berdoodle
Brushing your Saint Berdoodle with a quality dematting comb every day will help remove loose hair from your pup’s coat and keep it looking shiny and healthy. It can also help reduce matting and tangles.
Nail trimming
Your veterinarian can teach you how to trim your Saint Berdoodle’s nails properly so that they don’t scratch up floors or furniture. You should also check your dog’s toe pads regularly for any redness or sores that could indicate infection.
We recommend using canine nail clippers or a canine nail grinder to help keep your dog’s nails trimmed and healthy. Be sure you use clippers with rounded edges so they don’t harm your dog’s paws and that you don’t trim your dog’s nails too short or they could bleed and be painful to your dog.
If you aren’t comfortable trimming your dog’s nails yourself, a good groomer should be able to do this for you.
Dental Care
Like all dogs, the Saint Berdoodle needs regular dental care, and it’s also important that you brush your dog’s teeth every day at home as well. The best way to do this is to use a dog toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for dogs — not human toothpaste. Use short, soft strokes and make sure not to brush too hard, since this can damage the gums and cause bleeding.
Ear Care
An ear infection can be painful for your Saint Berdoodle, so it’s important to keep an eye on his ears for any signs of redness or odor. Keep your dog’s ears clean and free of excess moisture or debris, and clean your dog’s ears using a quality ear solution your veterinarian or a trusted groomer recommends.
How To Decide If The Saint Berdoodle is The Right Dog For You
Saint Berdoodle dogs are adorable, but they are not right for everyone.
Are you trying to decide if the Saint Berdoodle is the right dog for you? This dog is undeniably cute and his personality is certainly infectious. Still, The Saint Berdoodle is a very large breed of dog that is not necessarily considered low maintenance.
Remember, he will need a good amount of exercise each and every day and is best suited for those who have homes with yards where he can run and play freely. The Saint Berdoodle is a great family dog, but he can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long during the day.
With all of these things in mind, let’s take a look at some questions you can ask yourself if you’re struggling to decide if this is the right dog for you.
Is Your Schedule Busy?
The Saint Berdoodle requires plenty of exercise each day so it’s important that you consider your schedule when making this decision.
Will you be able to give your Saint Berdoodle the exercise that he needs? If not then another breed might be better suited for your lifestyle. Remember, these dogs require lots of attention and affection so if you don’t have time for that then maybe this isn’t the right breed for you.
Do You Mind Sharing Your Space?
The Saint Berdoodle is an affectionate and family oriented dog, and he will want to be where you are. Be prepared to share your space with your dog. This is not an outdoor only dog, and he will do best living alongside his human family members.
Do You Have Enough Space For A Large Breed?
These dogs are large in size so they require plenty of space in their homes and yards to play around freely. They need room to run around and explore outside as well as room in their homes to stretch out and relax.
Where Can You Find A Healthy Saint Berdoodle Dog?
If you are looking for a Saint Berdoodle, it’s important to go through reputable sources.
Have you decided that the Saint Berdoodle is the ideal dog for you and your family? If so, prepare to pay a pretty penny.
On average, the Saint Berdoodle puppy through a reputable source can cost owners upwards of $1,500 and more.
While this is a good amount of money to pay for a Saint Berdoodle, it’s important not to cut corners. Avoid going through backyard breeders, online sellers, or sources who cannot provide you with paperwork proving their puppies have been screened and cleared of any serious health issues.
If you do decide to go through a breeder, be sure to ask them about the health of their dogs and what they do to ensure their puppies are healthy. If breeders don’t seem knowledgeable on the subject, you might want to look elsewhere for a breeder.
You can also check out local shelters and rescue organizations for Saint Berdoodles. Many of these dogs come from homes that can no longer keep them and often have very good temperaments. You may find yourself saving a life while saving money at the same time!
So, have you decided if the Saint Berdoodle is the right dog for you? Why or why not? Tell us what you think in the comment section.
Thanks for reading!
Jen Jones is a professional dog trainer and behavior specialist with more than 25 years of experience. As the founder of ‘Your Dog Advisor’ and the ‘Canine Connection’ rehabilitation center, she applies a holistic, empathetic approach, aiming to address root causes rather than merely treating symptoms.
Well known for her intuitive and compassionate approach, Jen adopts scientifically-proven, reward-based methods, encouraging positive reinforcement over punishment. Jen specializes in obedience training, behavior modification, and puppy socialization. Her innovative methods, particularly in addressing anxiety and aggression issues, have been widely recognized. Jen has worked with many of the world’s leading dog behaviorists and in her free time volunteers with local animal shelters and rescue groups.