The Adorable Nanny Dog: The Saint Berdoodle

Last Updated on April 23, 2023

Whether you call them Saint Berpoo, St. Berpoo, or St. Berdoodle, the Saint Bernard Poodle mix is one giant fido of the canine world that’s worth your attention.

They’re loyal, friendly, intelligent, and sometimes mischievous, making Saint Berdoodles excellent family pets.

Want to know more? Keep scrolling and meet this fluffy designer dog!

Where did the Saint Berdoodle originate?

It is said that the Saint Bernard & Poodle mix has been in the U.S. since the 1880s, but they may have existed earlier than that.

Combining the Poodle and Saint Bernard creates the perfect combination of protectiveness, intelligence, and trainability.

The Saint Bernard alone is famous for their life-saving work, but the Poodle parent makes the Saint Berdoodle an unstoppable force.

Due to the Saint Berdoodles title as a hybrid dog, the American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn’t give this breed recognition. 

However, the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR), the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), and the Designer Breed Registry (DBR) all recognize this pup as an official member.

To understand the Saint Berdoodle better, let’s take a look at the parent breeds.

The friendly Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard has a long history of saving lives since their initial inception in the early 18th century.

The St. Bernard’s home sits 8,000 feet above sea level in the Swiss Great St. Bernard Pass (between Italy and Switzerland), a 49-mile route in the Western Alps. 

Between 1660 and 1670, the old Great St. Bernard Hospice found the first St. Bernard, a dog bred from the mastiff style Asiatic dogs the Romans had, like the Bernese Mountain Dog. 

At first, the St. Bernard would act as watchdogs and companions, even though they were much smaller than the St. Bernards we see today.

By 1750, servants that went by marroniers took the St. Bernard with them to clear paths in the snow during their travels.

It was then the marroniers saw the Saint Bernard’s impressive nose and its ability to find soldiers underneath the snow. For the next 150 years, St. Bernard‘s would dig up soldiers and lay on them to keep them warm.

The intelligent Poodle

The Poodle has a long history that dates back to the first century B.C., but historians still argue over who the breeds’ parents are.

At least they agree that the Poodle comes from Germany and that it found work hunting waterfowl for sport or food.

The Poodle is likely a mix of multiple water dogs from Europe, but it’s also possible they came from Asian herding dogs found by the Germanic Goth and Ostrogoth tribes. Whichever it is, they more than likely have routes in Europe.

There’s a dispute over where the Miniature and Toy Poodle came as well, with theories suggesting they arrived right after the Standard Poodle, or sometime in the 1400s. 

Which parent does the Saint Berdoodle take after?

Most Poodle mixes, also known as Doodles, have similar looks. Their head and snout are an equal cross between both parents.

The skull is wide, but not as much as the St. Bernard, but also long near the nose, just not as long as the Poodle.

The St. Bernard Poodle mix has a strong neck that keeps them erect and alert, which is consistent with the rest of their body.

Often, the Saint Berdoodle breed will take after the St. Bernard’s sloping, broad and powerful shoulders.

This crossbreed has a straight tail that hangs past their knees, big floppy ears that hand past their head, and a big wide, black nose that takes up the majority of its face.

Their eyes are set more to the front, are dark brown, and always have a soft, friendly expression.

There are three Saint Berdoodle generations: F1, F1b, and F2. 

F1 is the cross between a purebred Poodle and a Saint Bernard.

F1b is 75% Poodle and 25% Saint Bernard, which results in a non-shedding coat.

F2 is a mix between two unrelated F1 Saint Berdoodles to result in a predictable dog.

Overall, the Saint Berdoodle is a large, cute pup with an imitating appearance and a personality that doesn’t live up to its size!

How big is a Saint Berdoodle?

On average, the Saint Berdoodle will stand 15 to 30 inches (38 to 76 cm)) and weigh 40 to 180 pounds (18 to 82 kg). You could have a dog about the size of a Labrador Retriever, or one as big as a Great Dane!

But the height and weight of the Saint Berpoo depends on which Poodle parent was used — whether it’s toy, miniature, or standard size.

Here’s a video that shows just how big these pups can get by looking at their St. Bernard parent!

It will take 12 to 24 months for the Saint Berdoodle breed to grow, with the breed’s larger end taking a full 24 months.

Even at a smaller size, they won’t adapt well to apartment living. Saint Berdoodles a home big enough to spread out its large limbs.

Saint Berdoodle vs. its Siblings

The Mini Saint Berdoodle is an ironic term because the Miniature St. Berdoodle is anything but tiny.

On average, the Mini St. Berdoodle will weigh less than 40 pounds (18.1 kgs), but they usually weigh 30 pounds (13.6 kgs). They will stand around 20 inches (50.8 cms) tall.

Mini’s will have a Standard Poodle female parent that weighs around 40 pounds (18.1 kgs), but many breeders use a Cocker Spaniel to breed the Mini down even smaller.

In contrast, the Medium St. Berdoodle isn’t too large or too small. On average, these pups will weigh 40 to 70 pounds (18.1-31.75 kgs) and stand around 23 inches (58.42 cms) tall. 

The Standard St. Berdoodle is over 70 pounds (31.75 kgs) and stands 25+ inches (63.5 cms) tall. You’re more likely to find a Standard breed because of the size of the St. Bernard. 

Since they’re always a giant dog, it can take multiple generations to make a smaller version of the Saint Berdoodle.

A Poodle coat or St. Bernard fur?

The coat of the St. Berdoodle can take after either parent. If it’s long, smooth, and rough, the dog favors the St. Bernard, but if the coat is wiry and curly, the dog takes after the Poodle.

This dog breed may have a low-medium maintenance coat, but this mixed breed dog could also be either low-shedding or an average shedder. St. Bernards shed twice a year, during spring and fall, but Poodles hardly shed at all.

Saint Berdoodles come in many colors, including white-and-brown, white-and-black, black-and-brown, red with white markings, white with red markings, and a tri-color of brown, black and white. 

It’s almost impossible to guess what coat color they’ll have by looking at the parents.

How will the Saint Berdoodle fit in your family?

The Saint Berdoodle is a big dog with a big heart who can’t get enough quality time with their family members.

Affectionate, social, and loves to cuddle, the Saint Berdoodle gets along with everyone, including seniors, children, and other pets.

While this large breed loves being the center of attention, it’s essential to watch small children and animals around them – especially if the dog is on the heavy side.

St. Berdoodle may throw their weight around too much and accidentally hurt their friends.

Despite their large size, they are gentle and loving creatures and earn the nickname “nanny dog.”

Their protective but nonaggressive nature makes them perfect guard dogs who are agreeable and easy to please. You couldn’t ask for a more easy-going dog.

The Saint Berdoodle will love to jump, swim, walk and play, but then enjoy a long nap on your lap – regardless of how big they are!

They enjoy the company of others and hate being alone, and some of your training efforts may fail if they spend too much time without you.

St. Berdoodles don’t drool as much as the St. Bernard, thanks to the Poodle parent, and barking is minimal unless they want your attention. Overall, they have the temperament and looks of an adorable stuffed teddy bear.

Are Saint Berdoodles high maintenance?

The St. Berpoo is an overall low-medium maintenance pooch that enjoys playing as much as they enjoy sleeping.

Your only significant expense is food for heavier Doodles, so splurge on the best quality kibble and spoil your pup.

St. Berpoos are great in cold weather but aren’t equipped for warm heat because of their large, thick coat. Keep them out of the sun on hot days.

Take a nap with your Doodle

The St. Berdoodle doesn’t have a high activity level despite their size and will need plenty of sleep to stay healthy. Don’t make them run for long periods. Instead, focus on playtime and longer walks to meet their exercise needs.

These friendly dogs need about 60 minutes a day of limited play and walking. Wrestling is one of their favorite past-times because it involves little cardio, yet it keeps them active.

This large boy needs a chew toy that can withstand their big chomping jaws. If wrestling isn’t your thing, stick to ropes, squeaky toys, and plushies.

The St. Berdoodles grooming needs depend on the parent

Your St. Berdoodles grooming needs depend on which parent they take after. 

The curly Poodle coat will need minimal brushing but frequent trips to the groomer for trims. The shaggy St. Bernard coat will require weekly brushing to keep shedding down and a trim every 4-6 months. 

Both coats need a bath once a month or more if they like to play in the dirt. You may need to wipe your dog’s snout if your pup is drooling all over your home.

A St. Berdoodle from the F1b generation could have a hypoallergenic coat, but don’t count on your pup to help you through allergy season. More likely than not, your dog will shed a little bit, but not enough to clog up the vacuum.

Trim your St. Berdoodles nails twice a month and check their ears daily – but don’t clean them that frequently. Instead, clean your pup’s ears at least once a month.

How to feed this large pup

The amount of pet food your family member eats depends on its size. A St. Berdoodle will need a flexible diet plan that adds more nutrition as the dog ages.

St. Berdoodles weigh 40-49 lbs (18.1-22.2 kgs), 2 cups of an 8 O.Z. measuring cup of dry food will work just fine, but add another ⅓-1/4 cup for every 10 pounds.

Your pup could end up eating almost 3000 calories a day if they weigh in the 170-180 pound (77.1-81.6 kgs) range.

For breeds that vary in weight and height, like the Bernedoodle, another designer dog, you’ll need to visit the vet frequently to adjust their food intake.

You could stunt your puppies’ growth if you feed them too little or put them at higher risk for obesity if you overfeed them.

Stick to high-quality kibble to keep costs down, and spoil them with wet food and treats on occasion. Try to avoid human food like grapes, raw meat, and onions and only feed them what your veterinarian says is edible.

Saint Berdoodle lifespan is short, but they have few issues

The St. Berdoodle is generally healthy thanks to the purebred Poodle parent but unfortunately takes the short lifespan from the St. Bernard.

The most common health issues for a Poodle & St. Bernard mix are hip dysplasia, ear infections, and bloat. You can minimize these health complications by keeping them healthy through proper diet and avoiding strenuous exercise.

Other possible health problems include:

• Wobbler Syndrome
• Skin problems
• Willebrand’s disease
• Heart conditions

St. Berdoodle has a short lifespan of 8 to 12 years. Even the Mini Saint Berdoodle will have an average life expectancy that’s shorter than an average medium-sized pup.

How much does a St. Berdoodle puppy cost?

A Saint Berdoodle puppy can cost around $3,300 to $6500, or more. Expect to pay on the high end if the breeder is popular, how far you are from the puppies’ location, and if you favor a specific size or gender.

Availability of the pups can affect the price, too, so it’s best to know that St. Berdoodle litters will range from 6 to 8 puppies but can be as high as 10.

You can find Saint Berdoodle puppies for sale from a breeder, on rescue websites, and at local shelters throughout the United States.

Saint Berdoodle breeders and kennels

When picking from breeders selling Saint Bernard Poodle Mix puppies, do your research to ensure that their facilities are clean and maintain a high standard.

If they refuse to show you their breeding stock or walk you through the kennel disclaimer, take that as a red flag that their dogs aren’t healthy.

You can find Saint Berdoodle puppies for sale at these locations:

• Crockett Doodles (USA)
• Goliath Doodles (USA)
• Greenfield Puppies (Pennsylvania, USA)

Saint Berdoodle for adoption

Purebred and crossbreeds end up in shelters for different reasons, but it’s definitely not their fault.

If you want a particular breed and you’re sure that you’re aware of its needs and temperament, then go ahead and adopt that fur angel. Give it another chance to have a family and be loved.

Not a lot of people are aware of this, but adopting has many benefits. Aside from being cheaper, most canines in rescues are already house trained and are easier to deal with than a puppy.

You’ll also get a better idea of their personality, as well as the likes and dislikes of that pooch.

Feeling good about this option? Check out these rescue organizations for Poodles and Saint Bernards, and their mixes:

• Goliath Doodles (USA)
• Caroline Poodle Rescue (Carolina, USA)
• Saint Bernard Rescue Foundation (Pennsylvania, USA)

Is this family dog right for you?

The St.Berdoodle is the perfect family dog, whether you have small children, cats, or seniors living in your home.

They’re friendly, affectionate, and protective but can’t stand being alone for too long. Early training to prevent barking and separation anxiety is a must.

If you’ve had dogs in the past and you’re ready to approach a giant breed, the St. Berdoodle is the perfect jump-off point. They’re easy to train and adjust to the family dynamic quickly.

If you’re ready to tackle this giant breed, prepare for the best companion, you could ever have. 

What do you think of the St. Berdoodle? Do you have a cute picture of your own to share? Tell us about it below!

Further Reading: Other breeds to explore

• Pyrenean Mastiff
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Golden Retriever Poodle mix (AKA Goldendoodle)
• Labrador Retriever Poodle mix (AKA Labradoodle)

Reference

• https://www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/dr-coates/2015/july/are-you-feeding-your-dog-right-amount-32905