Saint Berdoodle Guide (Saint Bernard Poodle Mix)

The St Bernard Poodle Mix (AKA Saint Berdoodle, St Berdoodle, Saint Berpoo or St Berpoo) is a cross breed between a St Bernard and a Poodle. Saint Berdoodles are known for their gentle, intelligent, affectionate and calm nature as well as their fluffy hypoallergenic coats that come in many different colours. It’s no surprise they are highly sought after and fetch very high prices.

If you are interested in St Bernard Poodle Mixes keep reading this article to find out the all the answers to your questions about this dog breed!

What Do You Call A St Bernard Poodle Mix?

A St Bernard Poodle Mix is called a Saint Berdoodle or a St Berdoodle. They are also sometimes called Saint Berpoos or St Berpoos.

What Is A Saint Berdoodle?

A Saint Berdoodle is a cross between a Saint Bernard and a Poodle. They are a large but gentle breed that are affectionate and intelligent and known for their hypoallergenic coats. Saint Berdoodles come in three main sizes including Toy Saint Berdoodles, Standard Saint Berdoodles and Giant Saint Berdoodles.

Saint Berdoodle Origins

The precise origins of the Saint Berdoodle are not clear as they are a relatively new designer dog breed, are not as common as other Poodle mixes and do not have an extensive history like other more established dog breeds.

While their history is not well documented, it is likely that Saint Bernards and Poodles were first crossed in the 1990s or early 2000s when designer hybrid breeds were rising in popularity.

The original goal of crossing the Saint Bernard with the Poodle was to create a large sized dog with the temperament of the Saint Bernard and hypoallergenic, low-shedding characteristics of the Poodle however with less hereditary health issues than the respective purebred parent breeds.

They are a designer dog and have only continued to gain popularity in recent years however they are nowhere near as popular as other Poodle Mix breeds like Groodles, Labradoodles, Aussiedoodles and Bernedoodles.

What Does A St Bernard Poodle Mix Look Like?

Saint Berdoodles may look more like a Poodle or more like a Golden Retriever depending on the generation. For example, F1b Saint Berdoodles look more like Poodles than F1 Saint Berdoodles as F1b Saint Berdoodles have a higher percentage of Poodle genes.

St Bernard Poodle Mixes have a muscular and sturdy build with a broad chest and strong legs. Their head shape can vary depending on whether they take more after the Poodle or the Saint Bernard however they usually have floppy ears and large, expressive eyes. They have wavy, curly or shaggy hypoallergenic coats that are medium to long in length. Their coats can come in many colours like black, brown, white and combinations of these colours.

Saint Berdoodle Coat Types

There are three main types of coats Saint Berdoodle’s can have depending on the percentage make-up of Poodle to Saint Bernard. These are the wavy coat, curly coat and straight/shaggy coat. Their coats can range from thick to thin and can have slightly different textures depending on the individual dog.

Wavy Coat

The wavy coat is one of the most common Saint Berdoodle coat types. It features a gentle wave and is low to non-shedding. Wavy coats are quite hypoallergenic however curly coats are generally considered to be the most hypoallergenic. In terms of maintenance, wavy coats are generally easier to groom than curly coats.

Curly Coat

The curly coat is the next most common Saint Berdoodle coat type and is generally seen in backcross generations such as F1b Saint Berdoodles, F1bb Berdoodles and F2b Saint Berdoodles as they have a higher percentage of Poodle genes. These coats give Saint Berdoodle’s more of a Poodle appearance and are generally more hypoallergenic than straight and wavy coats. These coats require more effort to maintain as they are more susceptible to matting.

Straight Coat

The straight coat, also called the shaggy coat, is usually seen in Saint Berdoodles that take more after the Saint Bernard than the Poodle. Generally, straight coats are not as hypoallergenic and are light to moderate shedding so are not as suitable for allergy sufferers as curly or wavy coats.

Saint Berdoodle Coat Colours

Brown and White Saint Berdoodle

Brown and white is one of the most common Saint Berdoodle coat colours. Some have predominantly brown coats with smaller white patches while others have a more even distribution of brown and white.

The brown colour can range from a dark chocolate to a lighter caramel or tan colour. Brown and White Saint Berdoodles usually inherit this coat colour from the Saint Bernard.

Black and White Saint Berdoodle

Black and White Saint Berdoodles usually feature a mainly white coat with black patches. The black patches are usually located on their chest, legs, muzzle, paws or above their eyes. Black and White Saint Berdoodles are a type of Parti St Berdoodle.

They are sometimes called Tuxedo Saint Berdoodles if their black and white patches are in a pattern that makes it look like they’re wearing a suit. Black and white is one of the most common coat patterns.

Black Saint Berdoodle

Black Saint Berdoodles feature a solid black coat. They may also have a small white patch on their chest however these as technically Black and White Saint Berdoodles.

Phantom Saint Berdoodle

Phantom Saint Berdoodles have a coat with a solid background and a secondary colour in patches in very specific locations. These locations include the chin, throat, chest, legs, beneath their tail, above their eyes or on the sides of their muzzle. Most Phantom Saint Berdoodles are black and tan.

Sable Saint Berdoodle

Sable Saint Berdoodles have hairs that are black-tipped with roots in a lighter solid colour. The sable hairs cover most of their body and they usually have a white patches on their chest, muzzle and paws. Sable Saint Berdoodles usually feature a white patch on their chest and legs and smaller sable patches on their back, ears and around their eyes.

Brindle Saint Berdoodle

Brindle Saint Berdoodles have a tiger striped coat that usually features tan and black. Usually the base of their coat is tan and there are faint black stripes over it. The stripes are quite subtle and blend into each other so they sometimes look like a dark brown dog. They inherit this coat colour from the Saint Bernard.

Saint Berdoodle Temperament

The temperament of a St Bernard Poodle Mix can vary depending on many factors such as the percentage mix of Poodle to Saint Bernard, their level of socialization, their environment as well as what training they have undergone.

Overall, Saint Berdoodles are gentle giants. They have a very calm and gentle demeanor that they inherit from the Saint Bernard which makes them a great family dog. Despite their massive size, they are not intimidating at all but rather prefer to snuggle with their family. They are also suited to being around older kids, especially Mini St Berdoodles.

Unfortunately Giant St Berdoodles can scare young children as they are so large and can accidentally known them down as they are often very enthusiastic however this can be trained out of them. Saint Berdoodles are also very intelligent which makes them quite trainable, especially if it is consistent and backed up with rewards.

Are St Berdoodles Aggressive?

St Berdoodles are not known to be aggressive. Both the St Bernard and Poodle parent breeds are friendly and gentle which is a trait that is inherited by the St Berdoodle.

Early socialization is crucial so St Berdoodles grow up to be well-adjusted and well-behaved dogs. They should be exposed to a range of sights, sounds, environments and experiences as a puppy so they don’t display aggressive or fearful behavior in these situations as an adult dog.

Are St Berdoodles Protective?

St Berdoodles are not known to be overly protective. Instead, they are devoted and loyal companions. If their family or loved ones were in danger, they would display a level of protective behavior but in general they are not a protective breed.

Do Saint Berdoodles Bark?

Saint Berdoodles bark from time to time like all dog breeds however they are not known to be incessant barkers. Saint Berdoodles may bark to communicate their needs such as being hungry or wanting to go outside. They may also bark to alert their owners of something or in response to other dogs.

Are Saint Berdoodles Good Guard Dogs?

Saint Berdoodles are alert and can be protective at times however they are not really the ideal guard dog. This is mainly because they are very inclined to be affectionate and welcoming towards strangers. They also are not a suspicious dog breed. Saint Berdoodles are generally not wary of strangers which is a trait that guard dog breeds need to have.

Saint Berdoodle Size

How Big Do St Bernard Poodle Mixes Get?

How big a St Bernedoodle Poodle mix gets depends on the size of Poodle the Saint Bernard was crossed with. Mini Saint Berdoodles get to a height of 45cm to 60cm tall and weigh between 18kg and 32kg. Standard Saint Berdoodles get to a height of 60cm to 75cm and weigh between 32kg and 70kg while Giant Saint Berdoodles get to 65cm to 75cm tall and weigh between 40kg to 75kg.

Mini Saint Berdoodle

A Mini Saint Berdoodle is a cross between a Miniature Poodle and a Saint Bernard. They are the smallest size of Saint Berdoodle.

As there is a significant size difference between the Miniature Poodle and Saint Bernard, the Saint Bernard needs to be the female and carry the puppies for the first generation litter (F1 Mini Saint Berdoodles).

Often the Saint Berdoodles from a first generation litter are not small enough which is why many breeders take the runt of the initial litter and keep breeding them together until they consistently get the miniature size.

To speed up this process, breeders may introduce another smaller dog into the lineage such as a Cocker Spaniel to help miniaturize the Saint Bernard. Therefore, not all Mini Saint Berdoodles are 50% Saint Bernard and 50% Miniature Poodle but in reality may involve three breeds.

When fully grown, Mini Saint Berdoodles get to a height of 45cm to 60cm tall and weigh between 18kg and 32kg.

Standard Saint Berdoodle

A Standard Saint Berdoodle is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Saint Bernard. They are the middle size of this dog breed and are the most common size of the breed.

When fully grown, Standard Saint Berdoodles get to a height of 60cm to 75cm and weigh between 32kg and 70kg

Giant Saint Berdoodle

A Giant Saint Berdoodle is on the larger side of the Standard Saint Berdoodle height and weight range. Sometimes breeders call their largest Standard Saint Berdoodles “Giant Saint Berdoodles” as they are so large.

Saint Berdoodles are one of the largest of all Poodle mix breeds which is why they are sometimes called ‘giant’. Calling Saint Berdoodles “giant” may also be a marketing tactic by breeders as a point of differentiation from other breeders who also sell Berdoodles.

When fully grown, Giant Saint Berdoodles get to a height of 65cm to 75cm tall and weigh between 40kg and 75kg.

Full Grown St Bernard Poodle Mix

The age a St Bernard Poodle Mix is full grown depends on their size.

Mini Saint Berdoodles usually reach their full adult size around one and a half years of age however some grow faster, reaching their full size at one year.
Standard Saint Berdoodles usually reach their full adult size around two years of age.
Giant Saint Berdoodles usually reach their full adult size around two years of age.

Saint Berdoodle Lifespan

Saint Berdoodles have a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. There are many factors that affect the lifespan of a Saint Berdoodle including gender, generation and whether they are desexed or intact. These variables mean they can have shorter or longer lifespans than the average.

You can give a Saint Berdoodle the best chance of living a long life by exercising them daily, feeding them healthy food and keeping on top of vet appointments.

St Bernard Poodle Mix Price

How Much Are Saint Berdoodles?

Saint Berdoodles usually cost between $3000AUD and $6000AUD+. They are not a very common Doodle breed so it can be very difficult finding one. There is hardly any competition when it comes to breeding Saint Berdoodles which means some breeders charge exorbitant prices.

Saint Berdoodle Generations

F1 Saint Berdoodle

An F1 Saint Berdoodle is the first generation of the breed. It is created by crossing a purebred Saint Bernard with either a purebred Miniature or Standard Poodle. An F1 Saint Berdoodle is 50% Saint Bernard and 50% Poodle.

F1b Saint Berdoodle

An F1b Saint Berdoodle is created by crossing an F1 Saint Berdoodle with a purebred Poodle that is either Miniature or Standard sized. The resulting dog is 25% Saint Bernard and 75% Poodle.

F1bb Saint Berdoodle

An F1bb Saint Berdoodle is a cross between an F1b Saint Berdoodle and a purebred Poodle which can be Miniature or Standard sized. They are 12.5% Saint Bernard and 87.5% Poodle.

F2 Saint Berdoodle

An F2 Saint Berdoodle is the second generation of the breed created by breeding an F1 Saint Berdoodle with another F1 Saint Berdoodle. They are 50% Saint Bernard and 50% Poodle. F2 Saint Berdoodles have less hybrid vigor than F1 Saint Berdoodles.

F2b Saint Berdoodle

There are two ways that F2b Saint Berdoodles can be bred.

Most F2b Saint Berdoodles are created by crossing an F2 Saint Berdoodle with a purebred Poodle that is either Miniature or Standard sized. The resulting dog is 25% Saint Bernard and 75% Poodle.

F2b Saint Berdoodles can also be created by crossing an F1 Saint Berdoodle with a F1b Saint Berdoodle. These F2b Saint Berdoodles are 37.5% Saint Bernard and 62.5% Poodle.

Saint Berdoodle Shedding

Do Saint Berdoodles Shed?

Saint Berdoodles do not shed much at all. They are classified as a light shedder and only drop a few strands of hairs here and there throughout the year. Cross-back generations of Saint Berdoodle such as F1b Saint Berdoodles shed less than F1 St Berdoodles as they have a higher percentage of Poodle genes.

The best way to reduce the amount that your dog sheds is to regularly brush them. Slicker brushes are great for dogs with single coats and deshedding tools are great for dogs with double coats.

Are Saint Berdoodles Hypoallergenic?

Saint Berdoodles are considered to be a hypoallergenic dog breed. In fact, the original reason why they were bred was to create a dog that had the same personality and temperament as a Saint Bernard without their shedding coat.

Saint Berdoodles are hypoallergenic as they do not release much dander (dead skin cells) into their immediate environment which can irritate allergy sufferers.

Generations of St Berdoodle that have a higher percentage of Poodle genes such as cross-back generations are usually more hypoallergenic than your average Saint Berdoodle.

Male vs Female Saint Berdoodle

In terms of size, Male Saint Berdoodles are generally taller and heavier than Female Saint Berdoodles. Within any size category, i.e. Mini Saint Berdoodles, Standard Saint Berdoodles or Giant Saint Berdoodles, Male Saint Berdoodles will be heavier and taller than their female counterparts.

In terms of temperament, Male Saint Berdoodles are generally more easy going and laid back while Female Saint Berdoodles are more independent and strong-willed. Females are generally more assertive and dominant than males. Nevertheless, there are many other factors that play into temperament so just because your Saint Berdoodle is a certain gender, it does not mean that they will behave in a certain way.

Grooming A Saint Berdoodle

How Often Do Saint Berdoodles Need To Be Groomed?

Saint Berdoodles need to be groomed (given a haircut) every 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the desired style and length of coat. During this time they should also get a wash and a nail trim. Brushing needs to be done at home at much more frequent intervals – at a minimum every week but ideally every day.

How Often Should Saint Berdoodles Be Bathed?

Generally, Saint Berdoodles should be bathed every 4 to 8 weeks and should not be bathed any more frequently otherwise they will get dry, flaky skin as natural oils will be stropped from their skin. Nevertheless, if your Saint Berdoodle leads a very active outdoor lifestyle where they swim or get dirty, they may need to be washed more frequently.

How Often Should You Brush Your Saint Berdoodle?

You should brush your Saint Berdoodle at least weekly to prevent tangles and matting and also reduce shedding. If your Saint Berdoodle has a curly coat, they will have to be brushed much more frequently than ones with wavy or straight coats.

If you can, try to brush your Saint Berdoodle daily or every second day as it is much better than doing it weekly. Slicker brushes are perfect for Saint Berdoodles as they have a single coat.

Saint Berdoodle Haircuts

Saint Berdoodles need to get haircuts as they have a coat that continues to grow and can easily become matted. The length you cut a Saint Berdoodle’s hair comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer longer coats while others like shorter ones as they are better for warmer climates. You can either go to a professional groomer or learn how to cut a Saint Berdoodle’s hair from the internet and invest in a DIY dog grooming kit.

There are many different haircuts that you can give your Saint Berdoodle. Some popular ones include the:

Puppy Cut
Teddy Bear Cut
Poodle Cut
Summer Cut

Exercising A Saint Berdoodle

How Much Exercise Does A Saint Berdoodle Need?

Despite being such a large dog breed, Saint Berdoodles only have moderate energy levels and need between 30 and 45 minutes of exercise each day. This can be split over 1 to 3 periods of exercise. The Saint Bernard parent breed has low energy levels and likes to nap during the day and you can expect the same from many Saint Berdoodles as well.

There are many ways that you can exercise a Saint Berdoodle such as going on walks, playing short games of fetch, doing some obedience training or playing tug-o-war with a pull toy. These activities are generally safe for both Saint Berdoodle puppies and adult Saint Berdoodles. Adult Saint Berdoodles also like to run and go on long hikes however these activities should not be done until your Goldendoodle has fully developed and stopped growing otherwise they can get joint and bone problems.

Saint Berdoodles also need to partake mental exercise such as obedience training and brain games which is why many people get their Saint Berdoodle’s interactive puzzle toys or Kong chew toy which they can stuff with treats like peanut butter.

Feeding A Saint Berdoodle

How much you should feed a Saint Berdoodle depends on their size, age, metabolism, health and activity levels. An adult Saint Berdoodle should be fed two meals a day while Saint Berdoodle puppies should be given meals more frequently depending on their age.

Many people opt to use smaller puppy bowls with non-slip food mats as puppies tend to be messy eaters. The pet food mat will prevent food from being spilt everywhere and also stop the bowl from slipping around and tipping over. A lot of puppies also become overly excited about food and eat way too fast which can cause indigestion and choking so it’s not a bad idea to train them out of this habit with a slow feeder dog bowl.

Most adult Saint Berdoodles consume roughly 4 to 6 cups of food everyday however this depends on their size, health and activity levels. This is usually split into one meal in the morning and one meal at night. Again, you should seek advice from your veterinarian for specific diet recommendations for your Saint Berdoodle.

Saint Berdoodles should also have access to clean water at all times so they can stay hydrated. Some people like to use dog water fountains if they have the tendency to forget to change water regularly.

Training A Saint Berdoodle

Are Saint Berdoodles Easy To Train?

Saint Berdoodles are generally quite easy to train however it depends on the individual dog – their personality and willingness to learn. You should start teaching your Saint Berdoodle basic commands such as their name, sit, stay and come from the moment they arrive home. You can then progress to more difficult tricks and commands

Both of the parent breeds of the Saint Berdoodle are known to be smart breeds. Poodles are regarded as highly trainable and quick learners, while Saint Bernards have a more laid-back and gentle temperament. The combination of these traits results in a trainable and obedient dog.

Downsides Of Saint Berdoodles

While Saint Berdoodles are a lovely dog breed with many positive traits, they do have some downsides like any other dog breed.

1. Size & Space Requirements

Saint Berdoodles are very large dogs so they need a lot of space. They are not suited to apartment living at all or living in small houses as they need big backyards to run around in.

2. Rare Poodle Mix Breed

The St Bernard Poodle Mix can be difficult to find as they are not a common Poodle mix breed like Goldendoodles or Labradoodles. Sometimes you have to go interstate to find St Berdoodle breeders or even get a St Berdoodle flown into your state with a flight nanny.

3. Expensive

Saint Berdoodles are very expensive to adopt and are also expensive to own. Like lots of other Poodle Mix breeds, St Berdoodles cost thousands of dollars.

4. Grooming Requirements

St Berdoodles, like all Poodle mixes, are high maintenance in terms of grooming. This is not only time consuming but can also be very expensive if you choose to go to professional groomers. Luckily, you can keep these costs down by investing in a DIY dog grooming kit.

Poodle Mix Breed Comparisons

Difference Between A Bernedoodle And A Saint Berdoodle

Bernedoodles and Saint Berdoodles are not the same dog breed. A Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle while a Saint Berdoodle is a cross between a St Bernard and a Poodle. They’re sometimes confused because they have similar sounding names and often have similar coloured coats. Some key differences are that:

Saint Berdoodles are generally larger than Bernedoodles.
Saint Berdoodles are classified as a large dog breed while Bernedoodles are a medium to large dog breed.
Bernedoodles come in 5 sizes including Tiny Bernedoodles, Mini Bernedoodles, Medium Bernedoodles and Standard Bernedoodles while St Berdoodles only come in 3 sizes.
Bernedoodles are known for their distinctive tri-colour coat while Saint Berdoodles are known for their brown and white or black and white coats. That being said, both breeds can come in many other coat colours and patterns.
It is much easier to find a Bernedoodle breeder than a St Berdoodle breeder as Bernedoodles are more popular than Saint Berdoodles.