As a full-grown St Berdoodle owner, you're likely aware of the breed's unique characteristics and needs. St Berdoodles are a cross between a Standard Poodle and a St Bernard, and they can live up to 10-12 years.
St Berdoodles are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia and eye problems are two common issues that can affect St Berdoodles.
Regular exercise is essential for St Berdoodles, as they need to stay physically active to maintain their health and happiness. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can include walks, runs, and playtime in the yard.
St Berdoodles are intelligent and trainable, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners. With patience and consistency, you can teach your St Berdoodle to obey basic commands and even learn some fun tricks.
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Characteristics
Saint Berdoodles can grow up to 24 to 30 inches in height and weigh up to 200 pounds as adults.
Their size can vary, with some dogs weighing as little as 50 pounds, especially if they inherited their size from their St. Bernard parents.
Saint Berdoodles have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years, but with proper care, this can increase.
They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, cream, brown, silver, red, blue, and cafe au lait, which is a rich and soft shade of brown.
Some Saint Berdoodles may have a mixed color coat that incorporates more than one color.
Characteristics
Saint Berdoodles are large dogs, with adults reaching a maximum size of 24 to 30 inches in height and up to 200 pounds in weight.
Their size can vary greatly, with some dogs weighing as little as 50 pounds.
They have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years, which can increase with proper care.
Saint Berdoodles come in multiple colors, including white, black, cream, brown, silver, and red.
Some Saint Berdoodles have a blue coat, which is a soft gray color, while others have a cafe au lait coat, a rich and soft shade of brown.
They can also have a mixed color coat that incorporates more than one color.
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Temperament
Saint Berdoodles are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them a great fit for families with small kids. They are also very social and love to be around people.
These dogs are not typically aggressive, but they can be protective of their family and may not always respond in the same way to the same situations. They are not very vocal and may not bark or howl at a threat.
Saint Berdoodles are highly intelligent and easily trainable, but they can be stubborn at times. They thrive on human interaction and don't do well if left alone for long periods.
Their intelligence and emotional intelligence make them great at assessing perceived threats and responding accordingly. They are also known for their unique ability to form strong bonds with their owners.
With proper training and socialization, Saint Berdoodles can make great family dogs and are well-suited for living in homes with other pets. They just need to be introduced to these pets slowly and carefully.
Saint Berdoodles can weigh up to 200 pounds and are often clumsy, so they may accidentally knock over objects or people. However, this can be mitigated with proper training and exercise.
Their large size and gentle nature make them a great choice for families with kids of all ages. They are also great with other dogs and can make great companions for people who enjoy walking or playing with their pets.
Care and Maintenance
To keep your full-grown Saint Berdoodle looking its best, regular grooming is essential. You'll need to brush their coat every day to prevent matting and tangling.
Their nails can grow rapidly and may need to be trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth. Groomers can also check for signs of infection and other issues.
Giving your Saint Berdoodle dental chews and chew toys can help reduce the risk of plaque and tartar buildup.
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Grooming
Grooming is a crucial part of Saint Berdoodle care. You'll need to brush your Saint Berdoodle every day to keep their coat silky and free of debris.
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For Saint Berdoodles with a Poodle-like coat, daily brushing isn't necessary - once a week is fine.
If you prefer a clean look with short hair, consider taking your dog to a professional groomer once a month. They can also examine your dog's nails for signs of infection and other issues.
Their nails can grow rapidly and get under the skin, causing pain, so keep an eye on them.
Do Shed?
They can shed significantly, especially if they take after their Saint Bernard parent.
Not as much as a purebred Saint Bernard, but some Saint Berdoodles still shed heavily.
Their Poodle parent's fur can reduce the chance of shedding.
Saint Berdoodles that inherit their Poodle parent's fur tend to be low shedders.
Training Basics
Training your full-grown St Berdoodle is a breeze due to their intelligence and eager-to-please nature.
They thrive on mental stimulation, so incorporating games where they have to find treats hidden in your home or work through puzzles to find a reward will keep them engaged.
Positive reinforcement training, where you reward them for simple actions, is also an effective method to help them learn quickly.
Incorporating your kids into the training sessions can socialize the dog and make it comfortable around them, which is essential for their development.
Saint Berdoodles require a lot of daily stimulation, so if no one is home for long hours, keep puzzles and toys within their reach to prevent destructive behavior.
Their large size and power make proper training essential, and beginning training from a young age is key to a well-trained pooch.
With their friendly nature, positive reinforcement training methods are the best approach, as harsh training methods won't get you far with a St Berdoodle.
They are highly sensitive dogs, so be gentle and patient with them during training sessions.
Their intelligence and emotional intelligence make them assess perceived threats, and with the right training, they can become a loving and loyal companion.
Health and Longevity
Full-grown Saint Berdoodles typically live between 10 to 12 years. This lifespan is a great motivator to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
Their robust health means they suffer from very few issues, but it's essential to keep an eye out for potential problems like allergies, obesity, and bloat. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent these conditions.
Some health issues Saint Berdoodles may inherit from their parent breeds include hip dysplasia, Wobbler Syndrome, and Von Willebrand’s Disease. Monitoring your dog's joint health and seeking veterinary care if you notice any issues can help prevent long-term damage.
Here are some common health issues that may affect Saint Berdoodles:
- Hip/Elbow Dysplasia
- Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV)
- Arthritis
- Heart Disease
- Entropion
- Ectropion
- Addison’s Disease (AD)
- Epilepsy
Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or manage these conditions, ensuring your Saint Berdoodle lives a happy and healthy life.
Lifespan
A Saint Berdoodle's lifespan is relatively short, ranging from 10 to 12 years.
This means you'll want to prioritize their health and well-being to ensure they live their best life.
The Saint Berdoodle is prone to certain health conditions common in large breeds, such as bloat and hip dysplasia.
Bloat occurs when the stomach twists, causing symptoms like panting, gas, pain, and distention after eating.
Hip dysplasia causes pain in the hip joint and can lead to inflammation and lameness, which can be managed with medications and hydrotherapy.
Regular check-ups with your vet can help catch these conditions early on, reducing the risk of complications.
Health
Berdoodles are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues.
Some common health issues that may affect Berdoodles include allergies, obesity, bloat, and ear infections. These conditions can be managed with proper care and attention.
Berdoodles may also inherit health issues from their parent breeds, such as hip dysplasia, Wobbler Syndrome, and Von Willebrand’s Disease.
Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any potential health problems early on.
Here are some specific health issues that may affect Berdoodles:
- Allergies
- Obesity
- Bloat
- Ear Infections
- Hip Dysplasia
- Wobbler Syndrome
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
Size Charts & Growth
Saint Berdoodles come in two main sizes: Mini and Standard. Mini Saint Berdoodles typically weigh between 30-55 pounds and stand 14-24 inches tall.
To predict your puppy's adult size, you can use an interactive Saint Berdoodle puppy growth calculator. This tool can help you determine your pup's potential adult weight and height based on their growth patterns.
The most significant growth period for Saint Berdoodles occurs in the first year of their lives, especially within the first 6 months. After that, they will continue to gain weight until they reach their adult size.
Here's a breakdown of the average weights and heights for Mini and Standard Saint Berdoodles:
Keep in mind that these are just averages, and your Saint Berdoodle's size can vary depending on their parent breeds. Some Saint Berdoodles may grow to be larger or smaller than these ranges.
It's essential to monitor your puppy's growth and adjust their diet accordingly to ensure they reach their full potential size. A balanced diet and regular exercise will help your Saint Berdoodle grow into a healthy and happy adult dog.
Feeding
Saint Berdoodles need a lot of food due to their large size, and they require at least 2,000 calories every day or up to five full cups of dry dog food.
Feeding your St. Berdoodle at least two times a day will give it time to digest its food, which is helpful for their large appetite.
You can feed your Saint Berdoodle around 3 to 4.5 cups of dry food per day, and add an extra 1/3 cup for every 10lbs over 100lbs of body weight.
If your Saint Berdoodle is fussy, consider adding freshly cooked veg to the mix or a dog food topper like gravy, broth, or meaty chunks.
Some Saint Berdoodles prefer wet or canned food over dry food, so you can try using that if your dog turns up its nose at dry food.
Pouring warm or hot water onto dry food can make it more appealing to your dog, and some owners find that mixing dry and wet food encourages their dog to eat and grow healthily.
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Owning and Caring
A full-grown St Berdoodle is a relatively low-energy dog, thanks to its Saint Bernard genes. They prefer casual, moderate walks around the block rather than intensive exercise.
Their thick double coats make them tire out quickly, especially on hot days. An hour or two of gentle exercise per day is ideal for a Berdoodle.
If your St Berdoodle takes after its Poodle parent, it may have a little more energy, which could require some additional exercise to burn off. A long walk each day should be enough to accommodate your Saint Berdoodle's exercise requirements.
Information and Pictures
Having the right information and pictures can make a huge difference in owning and caring for your new pet.
First and foremost, it's essential to understand the specific needs of your pet, whether it's a dog, cat, or something else. Research their dietary requirements, exercise needs, and potential health issues.
Getting to know your pet's breed or species can provide valuable insights into their behavior, temperament, and grooming needs. For example, some breeds require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Having a variety of toys and playthings can help keep your pet entertained and stimulated. Rotate toys regularly to keep things fresh and prevent boredom.
Accurate identification is crucial in case your pet gets lost. Make sure to get a collar or tag with up-to-date identification, and consider microchipping for added security.
A well-stocked first aid kit can help you respond to minor emergencies, such as cuts and scrapes. Keep supplies like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers on hand.
Having a clear understanding of your pet's medical history, including vaccinations and health issues, is vital for their ongoing care. Keep records and consult with your veterinarian regularly.
Proper housing and equipment, such as a comfortable bed and a sturdy crate, can help create a safe and happy environment for your pet.
Exercise
Owning a Saint Berdoodle requires careful consideration of their exercise needs. They are not as high-energy as you might think, and a casual, moderate walk around the block is ideal.
Saint Berdoodles tire out quickly, especially on hot days due to their thick double coats. This means they don't need as much exercise as other breeds.
A long walk each day should be enough to accommodate your Saint Berdoodle's exercise requirements. However, if your dog takes after its Poodle parent, it may have a little more energy.
Saint Berdoodles can get some great exercise by visiting dog parks with trips to the park providing them with the stimulation they need and some exercise. Running and faster walking can be difficult for them because of their large size.
Dogs that are more active and have energy will need walks of at least 90 minutes, but for a Saint Berdoodle, an hour or two of gentle exercise per day is ideal.
Mental Stimulation
Owning a Saint Berdoodle requires serious mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored. With their high intelligence, they can develop destructive or antisocial behavior if their minds aren't stimulated properly.
Puzzle toys are a great way to keep your Saint Berdoodle occupied. They come in all shapes and sizes, and can be filled with treats or kibble to keep your dog engaged.
Obedience training is another essential aspect of mental stimulation. It not only teaches your dog to listen to commands, but also provides mental exercise and helps to build a strong bond between you and your dog.
Agility training is also a fantastic way to keep your Saint Berdoodle's mind active. It involves setting up an obstacle course and guiding your dog through it, providing a fun and challenging way to exercise their mind and body.
Teaching your Saint Berdoodle new tricks is a great way to keep their mind active and engaged. It's also a wonderful way to bond with your dog and strengthen your relationship.
A fellow pet to play with can also help alleviate boredom. If you have a dog that gets along with other pets, consider getting a companion for your Saint Berdoodle.
Giving your Saint Berdoodle a job can also help keep them occupied. This could be anything from fetching a ball to helping you with a task, providing a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Here are some ideas for keeping your Saint Berdoodle occupied:
- Puzzle toys
- Obedience Training
- Agility Training
- Teach them new tricks
- A fellow pet to play with
- Give them a job
- Create an obstacle course
- Teach them the names of different toys
Owning Essentials
It's essential to have a well-maintained home to ensure a healthy and safe living environment.
Regularly inspecting your home's foundation for signs of damage or wear is crucial.
A well-stocked emergency kit can help you prepare for unexpected situations, such as power outages or natural disasters.
The average person spends around 8 hours a day indoors, making indoor air quality a significant concern.
Having a reliable vacuum cleaner and regularly cleaning your floors can help reduce allergens and improve indoor air quality.
A fully charged phone and a backup power source can be lifesavers in emergency situations.
Allegiance
Owning a Saint Berdoodle requires a long-term commitment, and it's essential to understand their growth pattern. They generally reach half their full weight around 6 months.
You can calculate their potential adult weight at 23 weeks by taking what they weigh at that age and multiplying it by two. This means their adult weight will take time to develop, between 18 and 36 months.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do Saint Berdoodles bark a lot?
No, Saint Berdoodles are known to be quiet dogs with minimal barking. They're a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance, gentle companion
How much do Saint Berdoodles cost?
Saint Berdoodles typically cost between $1500 and $3000, depending on various factors. If you're interested in learning more about this breed, keep reading to discover what makes them so special.
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