Saint Bernard Cross Poodle is an intelligent, loyal, and active dog and is a crossbreed between Saint Bernard and Poodle. This breed is known for its larger-than-average size and obedience. They can be pretty vocal and need to be given enough space to express themselves in the home environment. They are also protective of their families as well as other animals in the family unit.
This mixed breed has been popularized by many different celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, who owns one of these dogs herself!
History of Saint Bernard Cross Poodle
Historical records indicate Poodles were bred in the 1600s, and Saint Bernards were bred in the 1700s. It is believed that breeders created Saint Berdoodle as a designer breed during the 1800s; however, apparently, it was more widespread in America than in Europe.
There are verifiable accounts of how a Saint Bernard and a Poodle were crossed in 1887 to create an original dog breed called the “Saint Bernard Poodle” that later became known as the Saint Bernard Cross Poodle.”
Saint Bernard was bred and trained for companionship but also for its protective nature. From 1700 to 1900, the breed saved over 2,000 people from drowning or sinking into the water. It’s no wonder that people found the combination of its intelligence & trainability charming, which led to the widening appeal of this designer dog breed.
| Height | 24 to 30 inches |
| Weight | 110 to 220 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10 to 12 years |
| Breed Type | Designer Dogs |
| Coat Colours | Black, Brown, and White |
| Best Suited For | All Families |
Physical Attributes of Saint Bernard Cross Poodle
The dogs from this breed are generally of larger size, something that can be attributed to both of the parent breeds. Saint Bernard dogs are larger than the Poodle, typically a more medium-sized dog breed. The best comparison one can make of the Saint Bernard X Poodle would be to a teddy bear, and they would be right.
This breed tends to be around 110 to 220 lbs in weight, but it is an area one to be careful of as these dogs tend to gain weight, and pretty quickly at that. They typically reach a height of 24 to 30 inches, which is higher than an average dog.
This breed has a wiry coat which is a stark contrast to the dense coat that one will find on Saint Bernard, for this one can give credit to the Poodle parent.
Saint Bernard Cross Poodle Breed Personality and Temperament
This Saint Berdoodle breed are perfect for folks afraid of big-sized dogs. The dogs of this breed love nothing more than cuddling and playing with humans.
It is something that one can trace back to the traits exhibited by the parent breeds. This dog breed also tends to gain weight, and pretty quickly at that. That is why they are also affectionately referred to as ‘Gentle Giants.’
The Poodle is a breed of dog that is well-tempered, easy-going, and affectionate. They are perfect for families with kids and can have plenty of energy when needed. Combine them with Saint Bernard, who is more laid-back, moderate in energy, and leans towards being more of a friend, and you get an affectionate dog, intelligent and full of energy.
These dogs are known to be people pleasers, sticking close to their owner at all times and wanting to hop on their laps as they’re cooking dinner, watching TV, or walking. These dogs may do their own thing- but would instead prefer to be in the vicinity of their owner. Some of our fluffy friends even like to take a nap on the owner, so you should not be surprised if they snuck onto your bed at night.
Some of the other benefits that come with owning a Saint Berdoodle include companionship, intelligence, and personality. Your dog will pick up on training very quickly & adjust easily in your home. If you provide positive reinforcement, your dog’s personality is better equipped to handle new situations.
As already mentioned, the dogs of this breed are highly intelligent and would quickly pick up when their owner is going out. The dogs from this breed do not like being alone – something you need to take into account.
With Family, Kids, and Other Pets
The Saint Berdoodle is a popular breed of dog, and they come in many variations. The only issue that people might have is the size of the dogs. With children under two, this can cause a problem depending on how wide your hallway is and how much space you provide for them to run around.
Be sure to supervise interactions with children, especially very young ones, as your dog might accidentally step or sit on them. Since Poodles have a mouthy personality, taking care to avoid them playing with young children is wise. Early training of the dogs would be recommended for families.
Saint Berdoodles generally get along well with other pets, particularly if they have been socialized from an early age. The dog’s personality makes it difficult for it to be alone, so it would enjoy the company of other family members and pets.
Poodles have some degree of hunting instinct, though not at the highest level compared to other dogs. Still enough to want supervision when they are around in the same area.
Appearance of Saint Bernard Cross Poodle
Depending on their parent breeds, Saint Bernard X Poodles can inherit more or fewer characteristics from one or both parents.
As Saint Bernard is a large to giant breed, it will be no surprise that the hybrid will be significantly sized. The Poodle is classified as a medium to large breed and will have a wiry coat, which is different from that of Saint Bernard’s dense fur.
Saint Bernard X Poodle often has a coat similar to the Poodles. Its fur is medium length and generally white with some red markings. There could be exceptions, though, where its fur is red with a few white markings.
The dog’s muzzle is wide, and its eyes are larger than an average Poodle. It has some Saint Bernard jowls, but they’re not as prominent or extensive as those on Saint Bernard.
Saint Bernard Cross Poodle Activity
There are a lot of factors to consider when determining the activity requirements and potential traits of your Saint Berdoodle, but one common trait that a lot of Saint Bernards share is their need for regular exercise. The daily walks they need will be important in keeping your dog fit, healthy, and happy. Another critical factor that influences this is the dominant parent breed in the dog.
The Poodle is the much more physically active breed of the two. While this may mean that the pet is happy to stay home, it’s essential to include some form of exercise in their routine. It could consist of short walks, playtime with family, or trips to a local park for the dogs’ benefit.
If your Saint Berdoodle is more like Saint Bernard, it may get tired quickly and prone to taking breaks or naps throughout the day.
Diet and Nutrition of Saint Bernard Cross Poodle
As you probably know, Saint Berdoodles are dogs that can eat a lot of food! It is recommended that the dogs from this breed consume about 8-10 cups of high-quality dry food every day, depending on how large, old, and active they are. However, Saint Berdoodle dogs aren’t very playful animals, so you don’t have to feed them this much. There is a risk of them gaining weight far too quickly, so you would want to consult with the vet regarding their diet.
Try to split the meals into two, and ensure their food is free from added artificial ingredients. Artificial ingredients can add unnecessary extra calories, which is something you want to avoid.
Avoid foods with too many grains, such as corn or soy, and opt for foods with quality animal protein, such as chicken, beef, or seafood.
Training Schedule of Saint Bernard Cross Poodle
Saint Berdoodle is a popular dog breed and makes excellent family pets. In addition to being intelligent, the dogs of this breed are quick to learn and eager to please, making them an ideal breed for training. It is a large breed, so it is advised that you start training them as early as possible. But it’s important to start training early so your dog will follow commands.
As already mentioned, the dogs of this breed as very eager to please their owners. So positive training methods are the way to go. Early socialization is also vital for a trained Saint Bernard Cross Poodle.
Health Concerns of Saint Bernard Cross Poodle
Saint Bernard Cross Poodles are generally well-healthy dogs, but it’s important to remember that they can still inherit a few medical problems from the parent breeds. It is an excellent idea to do regular check-ups on your dog and remember that they need regular care!
Here are some of the more common health problems that pet owners need to be on the lookout for:
- hip dysplasia
- bloat
- Willebrand’s diseases
- ear infections
- skin problems
- Wobbler Syndrome
Care for Saint Bernard Cross Poodle
It is crucial to have regular check-ups at the vet and also to remain vigilant for health concerns that can develop. While you’re keeping your Saint Berdoodle in good health, it’s beneficial to learn some basic care tasks you can perform at home.
Some Saint Berdoodles have a higher energy level than others and should ideally be given plenty of exercise time and space to grow. Others, with dominant Saint Bernards traits, are content to snooze in their cozy beds most of the day. It should not surprise anyone that this designer breed often takes a nap in the middle of the day.
Instead of going for a long walk, it’s better to take a few shorter walks instead. It’ll be much easier on them & they’ll get more exercise that way.
Despite having long ears, Saint Berdoodles do not tend to develop ear infections, unlike larger breeds. In order to ensure your dog’s ears and eyes remain healthy, you should check them regularly. Ask your vet for advice on this topic.
You are also advised to hear the clicking sound when your pup is walking in the house. If you hear it, then it’s time for a nail trim. It is a simple enough task that you can do at home by yourself.
Saint Bernard Cross Poodle Grooming
The dogs from this breed usually have medium-length, thick coats similar to that of Poodles. This makes grooming a daily requirement.
However, the great news is that the dogs of this breed do not shed too much. You only need to simply brush regularly to be knot-free and your companion healthy.
Berdoodles usually have a water-resistant, somewhat oily coat, which needs washing when the dog has become really filthy. It is crucial that you keep their ears clean and dry to avoid any risk of infection.
Your pets’ teeth will also need to be brushed every week, and their nails will need to be trimmed every month or so.
Final Word
Saint Berdoodle is a great family pet who is easy-going and loyal. They are gentle with kids and make excellent guard dogs, which makes them ideal for those looking for a gentle but protective pet.
The only downside is that they need a larger space to roam in, making them unsuitable for apartment dwellings. In smaller spaces, it can be challenging to keep these dogs happy.
Their eagerness to please their owners and ease of training makes them one of the best dogs to train – something that would surely be helpful for new pet owners. It goes without saying that they would make for an excellent addition to your family.