For the Saint Berdoodle, this is its pleasant mannerism as it is a crossbreed between the gentle giant Saint Bernard and the intelligent, low-shedding Poodle. Other than being called the Saint Bernard Poodle Mix, this cross-breed dog has slowly become appealing because of its easy-to-love nature and the ability to fit in different environments. This article will provide you with all the relevant details concerning the Saint Berdoodle, including its history, the behavior it portrays, and the grooming it requires, among other information.
Origins of the Saint Berdoodle
Although still not recognized by any of the organizations dealing with the registry of dogs, The Saint Berdoodle has emerged as a new designer breed due to the so-called breeding epidemic of hybrid dogs. This breed came into existence probably in the late twentieth century, as canine fanciers tried to unite the best of both worlds – the Saint Bernard and the Poodle. Saint Bernards are friendly, obedient, strong, and have a long history of being a rescue dog in the Swiss mountains. Poodle, on the other hand, is regarded as a brilliant dog breed with low shedding fur and immense athletic capabilities.
So, by deciding to cross these two breeds, the expected outcome was a breed that was large and loyal like the Saint Bernard dog, as well as a dog that was intelligent and did not shed its fur all over the room like the Poodle.
Physical Characteristics
In terms of size, Saint Berdoodles is a large breed and weighs between 100-200 pounds depending on the size of its parents. Their height at the shoulder ranges typically between 24 and 30 inches. As much as they are crossbreeds, they come in different forms and looks. However, some of the standard features are a strong body, a coat that is wavy or curly and the coat has a friendly look to it.
One of their most prominent features is their coats. Its body hair can either be straight like the thick fur of the Saint Bernard or curly and non-shedding thick fur like that of the poodle. It can come in color possibilities of white and brown colors like that of the saint Bernard or it can be primarily black or creamy or even mixed colors.
Temperament and Personality
Who does not fancy the look of the Saint Berdoodle, most especially the temperament, which is one of the things that impresses most people about this dog breed? Most of these canines get the mild, calm and Patient characteristics of the Saint Bernard which makes it a good companion for families with kids. Though they are more significant than average dogs, they are regarded as gentle and surprisingly strong affections to their human families.
The intelligent and playful characteristic of Saint Berdoodles is derived from its Poodle breeding. They are eager to learn. Eagerness to please is characteristic for these animals, which is why they are usually not hard to teach. This breed loves people and spends time in the middle of them, regardless of whether it is huddled up in front of the TV or running about outside.
Saint Berdoodle may be very relaxed and gentle, however they still have a playful personality and enjoy some physical and mental activity. Aside from their moderate physical activity, they are inclined to be just the right amount affectionate but not too needy – they are both loyal and independent at the same time.
Exercise and Activity Needs
Although Saint Berdoodles belong to the large sized dog breed category, they do not need to engage in extensive exercises as compared to other dog breeds that are active. Regardless of their calm behavior and size, Saint Berdoodles require constant play and activities. Even a walk or some time spent in a yard is mostly sufficient.
Saint Berdoodles require mental stimulation since they are clever dogs. Using puzzle toys, involving them in obedience or interactive training and games can also help reduce boredom in them. They can also be quite mischievous if not exercised, chewing and excessive barking are just some of the warning signs of a bored dog.
Grooming Requirements
The grooming needs of a Saint Berdoodle depend mainly on the type of coat they inherit. It is recommended that if your dog takes after the Poodle and possesses a low shedding curly coat, expect to take them for some grooming sessions periodically so their fur does not get dirty and tangled. Poodle-like fur coats may get matted without good care so brushing three to four times weekly is advisable.
On the contrary, it is likely that if your Saint Berdoodle has a coat that is more like the Saint Bernard, then they will shed more, especially in cases of change in season. For those dogs, brushing once a week can help control shedding and maintain good health of the coat.
In both circumstances, however, regular baths, nail clipping as well as ear cleaning is required for the general health and wellbeing of the dog.
Health and Lifespan
Just like any other hybrid dog, Saint Berdoodles are likely to inherit some health complications from any of the parent breed. Potential health problems include hip dysplasia heart disease, and bloat. Both of the parent breeds of a Saint Berdoodle stand a risk in some hereditary diseases and therefore it is essential that the femme and male parent need to have health evaluation before presume to give birth to puppies.
The expected lifespan of Saint Berdoodles is between 10 to 12 years, which is quite average lifespan for more giant breeds. With a good diet, exercise, and veterinary medicine and care, they can expect to live well.
Saint Berdoodle as the Family Dog
Saint Berdoodles are also excellent family pets and this is ideal for someone who wants a dog that is good with kids. They are able to handle young kids with gentleness and patience. They are usually big in size but do not have an aggressive character, and would typically be careful of little toddlers even if being big.
These dogs are also quite friendly with other pets in the family provided they are given proper socialization. Their calm and pleasant demeanor encourages interaction, making them not only suitable for people but for different dogs and even other pets.
On the other hand, you have to keep in mind their size when getting a Saint Berdoodle as a family dog. Despite being nice and soft, they may still knock over delicate items, furniture, and even small children by sheer volume. Training and management style of the family would matter also.
Training and socialization
Saint Berdoodles are all very smart so they enjoy pleasing their owners which makes the training process easy more often than not. That said, owing to their size, training and socialization is paramount from an early age. An obedient Saint Berdoodle becomes easy to control especially where there are visitors or in public places.
Positive reinforcement is the most preferred method in working with this breed. Treats, praise, and clear instructions have been illustrated as effective in imparting basic training, obedience, tricks, and good habits to them. Because of such an immense stature, training to walk them on a leash is essential so that they don’t pull on the leash when a stroll is being taken.
Exposure to different people, pets, and other dogs at a young age contributes towards appropriate psychological development of the Saint Berdoodles. It is important to socialize the puppies both to enable them to gain more confidence, and to help them become better dogs, by enrolling them in puppy classes, or to parks where more dogs are available.
Buying a Saint Berdoodle Puppy
When making up your mind about adding up a Saint Berdoodle in your household, it is advisable to consider some things such as a reputable breeder. Ethical breeders focus on the welfare of their dogs therefore they independently conduct the veterinary examinations on both of the parents thus minimizing the risk of genetic diseases.
When selecting a puppy, it is prudent to inquire about the health history and temperament of the parents from the breeder. An evaluation of the puppy’s behavior may also hint about its character in future. The passage is good as it makes no assumptions; a responsible breeder will offer full disclosure of the medical history, provide warranties and rest assured that the puppies are brought up in hygienic and healthy conditions.
There is always a choice of adopting a Saint Berdoodle for those who find it hard to buy one since it is a designer breed. Although such dogs are not usually found in shelters as often as purebreds, one may still be able to locate a Saint Berdoodle through a rescue organization that deals with Poodle Mixes or large breeds.
Saint Berdoodle in Different Living Environments
The other important factor that should be considered features the way in which the dog will manage to adjust itself in the living environment, has been among the most common factors that are rated in this breed. Saint Berdoodle can, relatively peacefully, live in different environments due to their size and temperament, but some adjustments will still be required depending on your location.
Living in a House with a Yard
Whether a Saint Berdoodle is always kept indoors or free to run around and play, the most appropriate situation where they can display these traits and even more would be a house with a reasonably large yard. Being built like these gentle giants, these dogs need some room to roam around and exert themselves and a yard gives them adequate exercise. When there is a fenced yard, these dogs would be able to run, explore and use up energy a lot without the restrictions of being bored inside the house.
Living in a house with a yard ensures that the size of the bulldog fuzzy is contained as well. Because larger dogs such as Saint Berdoodles tend to struggle with space due to their relatively large built in, they tend to break things around the house with careless movements. They have more time available for outdoor animals with the absence of a yard.
Apartment Living
Saint Berdoodles are better deployed in properties with yards, but they still have a high level of flexibility even in an apartment setting, given the correct parameters. For instance for those that stay in apartments, it is essential they ensure their Saint Berdoodle gets enough exercise to fulfill the daily requirements for body and of course the mind. Extended walks, going on play dates with fellow pets, and interactive games are ways that can keep the pets stimulated and merry, in absence of a yard.
Moreover, the space consideration needs to be taken into consideration since the dog is a large breed. Being a combination of two giant dogs, Saint Berdoodles may need plenty of space and therefore the person has to check that there is enough space to accommodate them. Also, other apartment buildings also have specific rules regarding the size or breed so better find out from the landlord or property manager before taking the Saint Berdoodle home.
Conclusion
The Saint Berdoodle is a beautifully styled dog of two renowned breeds and will definitely satisfy the owner. With its great height and mild affectionate character, it is not surprising that this cross breed steals the heart of many. Whether seeking a dog that can comfortably fit into an active lifestyle and only shed a little, or a gentle giant that is child-friendly, the Saint Berdoodle seems to be the right kind of a dog for you.
Learning about their grooming requirements, their exercises, and their temperament will help in ensuring that your Saint Berdoodle is happy in your environment. If properly cared for and trained, this breed is capable of providing years of happiness, friendship and affection.