Poodle and Saint Bernard Mix: The Complete Saint Berdoodle Guide

What Is a Poodle and Saint Bernard Mix?

The poodle and Saint Bernard mix — most commonly called the Saint Berdoodle — is a designer cross between a purebred Poodle (usually a Standard Poodle) and a purebred Saint Bernard. This is not a recognized breed under the American Kennel Club; it's a deliberately produced hybrid intended to blend the Saint Bernard's gentle, loyal nature with the Poodle's intelligence and lower-shedding coat.

Because these two parent breeds differ dramatically in size, build, and coat genetics, the resulting puppies can vary considerably — even within the same litter. If you're researching this cross, understanding that variability is the single most important thing you can do before committing to a puppy.

Parent Breed Breakdown: Poodle vs. Saint Bernard

To understand what a Saint Berdoodle might become, you need to understand the two breeds behind it. Here's a side-by-side comparison based on AKC Standard Poodle and AKC Saint Bernard breed standards:

Trait	Standard Poodle	Saint Bernard
Weight	40–70 lb / 18–32 kg	120–180 lb / 54–82 kg
Height	Over 15 in (38 cm) at shoulder	26–30 in (66–76 cm) at shoulder
Coat	Curly, dense, low-shedding; hair-like texture	Smooth (short) or rough (long); heavy shedder; double coat
Lifespan	10–18 years	8–10 years
Energy Level	Moderate to high; needs 45–60 min daily exercise	Low to moderate; 30–45 min daily, heat-sensitive
Temperament	Alert, intelligent, trainable, can be sensitive	Gentle, calm, loyal, stubborn at times
Trainability	Excellent; ranked #2 in canine intelligence (Stanley Coren)	Moderate; willing but slow to mature, can be willful
Drooling	Minimal	Heavy, especially after eating/drinking

How Big Will a Poodle and Saint Bernard Mix Get?

Size is one of the most variable traits in this cross, and it depends heavily on which parent the puppy favors, the generation, and the size of the Poodle used (almost always a Standard Poodle, never a Miniature or Toy — the size difference makes natural breeding dangerous and unethical).

Category	Low End	Average	High End
Weight	50 lb / 23 kg	80–120 lb / 36–54 kg	150+ lb / 68+ kg
Height (shoulder)	18 in / 46 cm	22–26 in / 56–66 cm	30 in / 76 cm

F1 puppies tend to land somewhere in the middle, but an F1B backcrossed to a Poodle will generally be smaller (closer to 50–90 lb / 23–41 kg), while an F1B backcrossed to a Saint Bernard can push toward the upper range. Always ask the breeder for the exact weight and height of both parents — that gives you the best predictor of adult size.

Temperament: What to Expect From a Saint Berdoodle

The temperament of a poodle and Saint Bernard mix sits on a wide spectrum. Both parent breeds are generally good-natured, but they express that goodness differently.

Best-Case Scenario

Your Saint Berdoodle inherits the Poodle's sharp intelligence and eagerness to work alongside the Saint Bernard's calm, affectionate disposition. The result: a large, gentle dog that's attentive during training sessions, patient with children, and content to relax at home between activities. These dogs often excel as therapy animals and family companions.

Challenging Scenario

Some individuals inherit the Poodle's sensitivity and alertness combined with the Saint Bernard's stubbornness and slow maturation. This can produce a dog that's anxious in new situations, resistant to training commands, and slow to warm up to strangers. Poodle-influenced Saint Berdoodles may also be more vocal — barking at doorbells, passing dogs, or environmental sounds — which can be startling coming from a 100-pound dog.

Trait	Leans Poodle	Leans Saint Bernard	Blended (Most Common)
Energy	High — needs 60+ min/day	Low — 30 min/day sufficient	Moderate — 45 min/day
Trainability	Quick learner, retains commands	Slow to respond, needs patience	Learns well with consistency
Stranger Reaction	Alert, may bark	Friendly, may jump	Cautious then warms up
Drooling	Minimal	Heavy	Moderate
Separation Anxiety Risk	Higher	Lower	Moderate

Coat Types, Shedding, and the Hypoallergenic Question

This is the trait most prospective owners ask about — and the one with the least certainty. The Poodle carries genes for a curly, continuously growing, low-shedding coat. The Saint Bernard carries genes for a dense double coat that sheds heavily, particularly during seasonal coat blows (typically spring and fall).

Three Possible Coat Outcomes

1. Curly/Wavy (Poodle-dominant): Tighter curls or loose waves. Lowest shedding. Requires professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. This is the coat type breeders aim for when marketing "low-shed" puppies, but it's not guaranteed in F1 litters.

2. Rough/Long (Saint Bernard-dominant): Longer, straighter hair with a dense undercoat. Heavy seasonal shedding. Requires brushing 3–5 times per week and more frequent vacuuming at home.

3. Mixed/Wiry: A combination texture — wavy on the body, shorter on the face and legs. Moderate shedding. Often the most common coat type in F1 litters.

Grooming Requirements by Coat Type

• Curly coat: Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks ($65–$120 per session for a large dog). Daily brushing with a slicker brush to prevent matting. Budget approximately $500–$960/year.
• Rough coat: Home brushing 3–5 times per week with an undercoat rake and pin brush. Professional grooming 2–4 times per year for sanitary trims. Budget approximately $200–$480/year.
• Mixed coat: Brushing 2–3 times per week. Professional grooming every 8–10 weeks. Budget approximately $350–$720/year.

Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor vs. Reality

One of the most persistent myths in the designer dog world is that mixed breeds automatically enjoy "hybrid vigor" — the idea that crossbreeding eliminates genetic health problems. The reality is more nuanced, and every prospective Saint Berdoodle owner should understand it.

Hybrid vigor (heterosis) does exist in canine genetics. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that mixed-breed dogs had a slightly lower overall incidence of certain inherited disorders compared to purebreds. However, heterosis reduces the probability of recessive disorders — it does not eliminate dominant or polygenic conditions, and it does nothing to protect against structural issues that both parent breeds share.

The Saint Berdoodle can inherit health conditions from either parent. Here's what to watch for:

Condition	Inherited From	Prevalence	Screening Available?
Hip Dysplasia	Both breeds	Saint Bernard: ~47% affected (OFA data); Poodle: ~12%	Yes — OFA/PennHIP radiographs
Elbow Dysplasia	Both breeds	Saint Bernard: ~21%; Poodle: ~9%	Yes — OFA radiographs
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)	Both breeds (deep-chested)	Saint Bernard: high risk; estimated 39% lifetime risk in giant breeds	No screening; preventive gastropexy surgery available
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)	Saint Bernard	Moderate risk in giant breeds	Yes — echocardiogram
Addison's Disease	Poodle	Standard Poodles: elevated risk (autoimmune)	Yes — ACTH stimulation test
Sebaceous Adenitis	Poodle	Standard Poodles: ~2.7% prevalence	Yes — skin biopsy
Eye Conditions (PRA, cataracts)	Both breeds	Variable	Yes — CERF/OFA ophthalmologist exam

What Responsible Breeders Should Screen For

Ask any breeder for documentation of the following health tests on both parent dogs:

• Hips: OFA Excellent/Good/Fair rating or PennHIP DI ≤ 0.50
• Elbows: OFA normal rating
• Eyes: Current CERF/OFA ophthalmologist clearance (within 12 months)
• Heart: Echocardiogram clearance from a veterinary cardiologist (especially for the Saint Bernard parent)
• Poodle-specific: Addison's disease DNA marker test, sebaceous adenitis evaluation

If a breeder cannot provide these clearances, walk away. "Vet checked" is not the same as genetically screened.

Cost: What You'll Pay for a Saint Berdoodle

Because this is a niche designer cross, pricing varies significantly based on your location, the breeder's reputation, and the generation.

Cost Category	Low	Mid-Range	High
Puppy Purchase Price	$800–$1,200	$1,500–$2,500	$2,500–$4,000+
Adoption/Rescue Fee	$200–$400	$400–$600	Rare breed-specific rescues
First-Year Vet Costs	$600	$900–$1,200	$1,500+ (if issues found)
Annual Food (large/giant breed)	$600	$900–$1,200	$1,500+
Annual Grooming	$200	$500–$720	$960+

Budget a realistic $3,500–$6,500 for the first year (including puppy price, initial vet care, food, gear, grooming, and training). Ongoing annual costs typically run $2,200–$4,000 depending on coat type, health status, and your region's veterinary pricing.

Saint Berdoodles occasionally appear in large-breed rescue organizations and general shelters. Check Petfinder and local giant-breed rescue groups — adoption fees are dramatically lower, and you're giving a home to a dog in need. However, availability is unpredictable, and you won't have access to the parent health history.

Is a Poodle and Saint Bernard Mix Right for You?

This cross suits a specific type of household. Based on the combined traits of both parent breeds, here's an honest assessment:

This Mix Is a Strong Fit If:

• You have a large home with a fenced yard (minimum 6-foot fence for a dog that may reach 100+ lb)
• You live in a temperate or cool climate — both parent breeds struggle in heat, and a thick-coated Saint Berdoodle is at serious risk of heatstroke above 80°F (27°C)
• You have experience with large or giant-breed dogs and understand the training, socialization, and physical management they require
• You can commit to 45–60 minutes of daily exercise and ongoing mental stimulation
• You're prepared for the grooming commitment (curly coat) or the shedding (rough coat)
• You have children over age 5 — while generally gentle, a 100-lb dog can accidentally knock over a toddler

This Mix May Not Be Ideal If:

• You live in a small apartment or lack access to outdoor space
• You're in a hot climate (southern US states, desert regions) without reliable air conditioning
• You're a first-time dog owner — the size alone makes training mistakes harder to correct
• You travel frequently and can't arrange large-dog care
• You have severe dog allergies — this cross is not reliably low-shedding
• You're on a tight budget — giant dogs cost significantly more in food, medication (dosed by weight), and emergency veterinary care

Training Approach

Use positive reinforcement methods exclusively — food rewards, praise, and play. Saint Berdoodles with Poodle-dominant temperaments respond beautifully to clicker training and enjoy learning tricks and tasks. Those leaning toward the Saint Bernard side may need shorter, more patient sessions with higher-value treats. Never use aversive tools like shock collars or prong collars; large sensitive dogs can shut down or develop fear-based reactivity when trained with punishment. If you're struggling, work with a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA or IAABC-credentialed) who uses force-free, LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article provides educational information only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for health decisions specific to your dog. If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic substance, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (24/7, consultation fee applies).