Saint Berdoodle puppies require a lot of socialization, so it's essential to expose them to various environments and people from an early age.
Saint Berdoodles are generally good with children, but it's still crucial to supervise interactions and teach kids how to handle puppies gently.
A well-balanced diet is vital for a Saint Berdoodle puppy's growth and development, and they require a high-quality puppy food that meets their nutritional needs.
Saint Berdoodles are prone to hip dysplasia, so it's essential to monitor their joint health and consult with a veterinarian if you notice any signs of discomfort.
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Puppies
Saint Berdoodle puppies are large dogs, similar to their Saint Bernard parent breed, which can easily reach up to 220 pounds in weight.
They require a ton of space, exercise, and food to thrive.
A Saint Berdoodle's large size means they can be boisterous during play sessions, which can be overwhelming for very young children.
Saint Berdoodles are great family dogs, but they're more suited to families with older kids due to their energetic nature.
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They Are Intelligent
Saint Berdoodles are highly intelligent dogs, combining the smarts of their Poodle and Saint Bernard parents. They are known for their emotional intelligence and unique ability to assess perceived threats.
Their intelligence is also reflected in their ease of training, making them a great choice for novice owners. With the right guidance, Saint Berdoodles can learn quickly and respond well to commands.
A Saint Berdoodle's intelligence can be a double-edged sword, however. They can be prone to destructive behaviors when bored or left alone for too long, so it's essential to provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
Here are some key traits that highlight the intelligence of Saint Berdoodles:
- Emotional intelligence
- Ability to assess perceived threats
- Ease of training
Overall, a Saint Berdoodle's intelligence makes them a wonderful companion for active families or individuals who are willing to invest time and effort into their training and socialization.
Care and Health
Saint Berdoodles are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular care and check-ups can go a long way in keeping your Saint Berdoodle in top shape.
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To keep your Saint Berdoodle's ears healthy, check them regularly for debris and consider occasional cleaning with a vet-approved solution. Their eyes should also be checked periodically to ensure they're clear of infection or debris.
A balanced diet and regular exercise can help prevent obesity and other health problems. Saint Berdoodles need daily time to exercise, play, and explore outside, with shorter walks being a better idea than one long one. They may also need to nap during the day.
Some common health issues to watch out for in Saint Berdoodles include:
- Hip Dysplasia: A common skeletal condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly.
- Ear Infections: Inflammation or infection of the outer, middle, or inner ear.
- Wobbler Syndrome: A neurological condition causing wobbling or weakness in the hind limbs.
- Bloat: A life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease: A hereditary bleeding disorder affecting dogs.
- Obesity: A common health issue in many breeds, including Saint Berdoodles.
Care
Saint Berdoodles are a large breed dog, so they need plenty of space to move around. They can grow up to 30 inches tall and weigh between 70-170 pounds.
Regular exercise is a must for Saint Berdoodles, as they can get bored and restless if they don't get enough physical activity. A daily walk or playtime is essential to keep them happy and healthy.
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Their size also means they need a comfortable place to sleep, so invest in a supportive dog bed or mattress. I've seen many Saint Berdoodles snuggle up in their favorite beds after a long day of play.
Saint Berdoodles can eat between 4-6 cups of food per day, depending on their age, size, and activity level. Be sure to feed them high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs.
Their large size also means they can be prone to joint issues, so regular check-ups with a veterinarian are a good idea.
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Health
As a Saint Berdoodle owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health concerns that can affect your furry friend.
Berdoodles are generally healthy dogs, but they can inherit health issues from their parent breeds, such as allergies, obesity, and bloat.
Regular care and annual veterinary check-ups are crucial to maintaining your Saint Berdoodle's health.
Some common health problems that can affect Saint Berdoodles include hip dysplasia, ear infections, Wobbler Syndrome, bloat, and Von Willebrand's Disease.
These conditions can be managed with proper care and attention, but it's essential to be aware of the risks.
Here are some key health concerns to watch out for:
To maintain your Saint Berdoodle's health, it's essential to provide regular exercise and mental stimulation, as well as a high-quality diet.
Regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care are also crucial to prevent health issues.
By being aware of the potential health concerns and taking proactive steps to prevent them, you can help your Saint Berdoodle live a happy and healthy life.
Price
The price of a Saint Berdoodle can range anywhere from $1500 to $3000 plus, depending on the breeder.
Remember, the cost of owning a dog adds up quickly, including dog food, accessories, dog grooming, and veterinarian costs for health, wellness, and illness.
You may be able to get pet health insurance for your puppy, which is generally easier to get when they're young.
Grooming and Diet
Grooming is a must for Saint Berdoodles, especially with their medium-length, thick coats that can be curly, wavy, or a combination of both. Daily grooming is essential to keep their coats knot-free, healthy, and smooth.
They don't shed much, but brushing is necessary to prevent matting, and you'll also need to clean their ears regularly to reduce the risk of infection. Brushing their teeth a few times per week and trimming their nails every month or two is also a must.
Saint Berdoodles typically require grooming every 6 to 8 weeks, and if not brushed regularly, they can mat, which may require shaving. Bathing should be done about once a month, or as needed.
As for diet, Saint Berdoodles need a large breed formula with medium energy, but their individual needs may vary depending on their parent's influence - the higher-energy Poodle or the lower-energy Saint Bernard. It's best to consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations as your puppy grows.
Grooming
Grooming is essential for Berdoodles, as they have thick coats that require daily attention to prevent matting and tangling. This means brushing their coats regularly to keep them knot-free, healthy, and smooth.
Berdoodles don't shed much, but brushing is still necessary to keep their coats in good condition. They have water-resistant, somewhat oily coats that don't need frequent bathing, unless they get really dirty.
You'll need to keep an eye on your Berdoodle's ears and make sure they're clean and dry at all times to prevent infection. Regular ear cleaning is a must to keep your furry friend healthy.
Brushing your Berdoodle's teeth a few times per week is also crucial to prevent dental problems. This is a simple habit to get into, and it's worth it to keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy.
Trimming your Berdoodle's nails every month or two is another important grooming task. This will help prevent overgrowth and keep your dog's paws comfortable.
If your Saint Berdoodle has a curly coat, they'll require regular trims at the groomer to prevent matting. This is a good opportunity to get their nails trimmed and their ears cleaned as well.
Saint Berdoodles with shaggier coats will need weekly brushing to keep shedding down, especially during "shedding season." This will help keep their coats healthy and prevent matting.
Bathing your Saint Berdoodle should be done about once a month, or as needed. This will help keep their coat clean and healthy, and prevent skin problems.
Grooming your Saint Berdoodle every 6 to 8 weeks is a good rule of thumb, unless you want to risk having them shaved. This will help keep their coat looking its best and prevent matting.
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Food and Diet
Saint Berdoodles eat a lot of food, with some needing up to 8-10 cups of high-quality dry food per day.
Splitting their meals into two is a good idea to prevent overfeeding, as they're not overly active animals.
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Choose foods with a quality animal protein in the first listed ingredients to ensure they're getting the nutrients they need.
Avoid foods with too many grains like corn or soy, and opt for wholegrain or grain-free foods instead.
You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Saint Berdoodle's diet, as their individual needs can vary greatly.
A Saint Berdoodle's dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and into their senior years, so be prepared to adjust their diet accordingly.
Breed Shedding
Saint Berdoodles are generally a lower-maintenance mixed breed when it comes to grooming.
They can inherit either the wiry and curly coat of the Poodle or the longer and smooth or rough coat of the Saint Bernard. If they have the curly coat, they won't need frequent brushing, but regular trims at the groomer are required.
Weekly brushing will keep shedding down if they have the shaggier coat of the Saint Bernard, or more often during "shedding season" when their coats change for the weather.
Saint Berdoodles are not high on the shedding scale, but they do shed, especially during "shedding season".
Bathing should be about once a month, or as needed, to keep them clean and healthy.
Some Saint Berdoodles may shed more than others, depending on their genetic makeup. Murphy, a puppy from one litter, had a bit more shed than his brothers and sisters.
The more Poodle in a Saint Berdoodle, the less they tend to shed. F1 Saint Berdoodles, which have 50% Poodle in them, seem to shed very little.
Saint Berdoodles are considered hypoallergenic dogs, meaning they release fewer allergens into the air than other breeds.
Do Drool?
Saint Berdoodles don't drool much, but they may have a wet beard.
Their tendency to drool is influenced by the amount of Poodle in their ancestry, with more Poodle resulting in less drool.
The F1 St Berdoodle's wet beard is a common sight, but it's not drool hanging off their face.
If you want a dog with less drool, consider getting an F1b St Berdoodle, which is bred to a Poodle and inherits more Poodle traits.
Types of F1, F2, F1b Haircuts
An F1 Saint Berdoodle has a unique coat that requires regular grooming, just like a Standard Poodle.
Their half Saint Bernard and half Standard Poodle heritage can result in a thick, curly coat that sheds moderately.
An F2 Saint Berdoodle, bred to another Saint Berdoodle, can inherit a variety of coat types, including curly, wavy, and straight.
Their coat needs to be brushed several times a week to prevent matting and tangling.
An F1b Saint Berdoodle, bred to a Standard Poodle, tends to have a more Poodle-like coat, which is often curly and non-shedding.
This type of coat requires regular grooming, including clipping and trimming, to prevent matting and keep it looking its best.
Regular grooming is essential for all types of Saint Berdoodles to prevent matting and tangling, and to keep their coats looking healthy and shiny.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How big will my Saint Berdoodle get?
Your Saint Berdoodle can weigh between 110-200 lbs, with some reaching 60 lbs by just four months old. Expect a large dog with a significant growth rate.
Do Saint Berdoodles bark a lot?
No, Saint Berdoodles are known to be quiet dogs with minimal barking. They do have occasional bursts of activity and social behavior, but overall they are relatively calm and quiet companions.
Are Saint Berdoodles good pets?
Saint Berdoodles are known for their calm, protective nature and high trainability, making them a loving and loyal companion for many families. With proper care and attention, they can thrive as wonderful pets.
What is the average cost of a Saint Berdoodle?
The average cost of a Saint Berdoodle is around $2250, falling between the lower end of $1500 and the upper end of $3000. Prices may vary depending on factors such as breeder reputation and bloodline.
Are Saint Berdoodles good service dogs?
Yes, Saint Berdoodles can make excellent service dogs due to their intelligence, trainability, and friendly nature. They can assist individuals with disabilities as mobility or psychiatric service dogs.
Sources
- A post shared by E L I A S (the St Berdude) (@walkwith_elias) (instagram.com)
- A post shared by Z U B Y + D U K E (@stberdudebros) (instagram.com)
- temperature guidelines for safety (fetchpet.com)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) (ofa.org)
- stress, high temperatures, dental problems, allergic reactions, or nausea (vets-now.com)
- grooming tools (nbcnews.com)
- desire to chase (hillspet.com)
- Saint Bernards rescued over 2,000 people (smithsonianmag.com)
- Saint Bernard Rescue Network (facebook.com)
- Colorado Saint Bernard Rescue (cosaintrescue.org)
- Is a Saint Berdoodle Right For You? (thefurryfarmhouse.com)
- Share on Pinterest Pinterest (pinterest.com)
- Doodle Rescue Collective (ning.com)
- Saint Bernard Rescue Foundation (saintrescue.org)
- Saint Berdoodle Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
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