Saint Berdoodles are a giant breed that we know and love. They have a gentle spirit and loyal to a fault. When you look into A St Berdoodle puppy, you fall in love instantly. But you are always left wondering about the Saint Berdoodle size- how big do they get? Let’s take a look at the Saint Berdoodle genetics to find out.
What Is A Saint Berdoodle?
To find out your Saint Berdoodle size, we must first determine what they are. A Saint Berdoodle is a hybrid of a Saint Bernard and a Poodle. Saint Bernards only come in one size, so that side is easy to trace. But Poodles come in three different sizes, which give the Saint Berdoodle different sizes as well.
Saint Bernard Size
These dogs originated as search and rescue dogs in the Alps. Saint Bernards had to be large to assist with getting people the help they needed. The average Saint Bernard can weigh anywhere between 140-260 pounds. And they take a long time to become fully grown. The average dog is at max weight by 1-1.5 years. But it can take this horse-dog 2-3 years to reach full potential.
But this massive size makes sense for their original purpose. The St Bernard’s size allowed them to keep warm in the freezing temperatures of the Alps. They can also dig at incredible speeds due to their paw size to find lost victims. Once found, the dog’s large bodies kept people warm until help arrived.
Poodle Sizes
Poodles originated as a gun hunting dog that would fetch fallen fowl. These Standard Poodles weigh anywhere from 45-70 pounds. They have a tall but slim build for better aerodynamics and fitting through thick brush.
After decades of breeding Standard Poodles, nobility caught on to their temperaments. Breeders then made it their mission to produce smaller and smaller breeds. As a result, we got the mini and toy sizes.
The Mini and Toy Poodle are the perfect lap dogs. Since the mini weighs only 12-20 pounds, they are great for cross breeding to make smaller Doodles. And the toy gets a mere 6-9 pounds on average, giving you plenty of variety.
Saint Berdoodle Size
So, the Saint Berdoodle size- how big do they get? The average Saint Berdoodle weight can be anywhere from 40-180 pounds. If the parents are both on the smaller end, your Berdoodle could be as little as 40 pounds. And that’s without using a Mini Poodle. But getting Saint Berdoodles on this lower end is extremely rare. In most cases, Saint Berdoodle adults weigh more than 150 pounds after two years.
Some breeders are currently in the process of creating their own Saint Berdoodle mini versions. In most cases, these Mini Saint Berdoodles are an F1B cross. This means that they breed their smaller first-generation Berdoodle back to a Mini Poodle. Some breeders introduce another breed into the mix, like a Cocker Spaniel, to produce smaller Berdoodles. These mini sizes range between 20-50 pounds and take about a year to reach full size.
Does Size Change Temperament?
Saint Berdoodle size- how big do they get? And does this change their temperaments? In most cases, the size of the dog doesn’t change character. Poodles, for instance, come in three different sizes. But they all have the same loyal and intelligent disposition. The Saint Bernard is a little different, though.
Standard Saint Berdoodles are such calm and gentle creatures. They love their families and have a strong instinct to protect. They protect not only the home but also your family. But they aren’t all serious. St Berdoodles love to play and bounce around.
Mini Saint Berdoodles can vary in temperament slightly depending on their mix. If your mini is an F1B hybrid, they will look and act more like a Poodle. And in cases where the breeder introduces another dog breed, there can be slight differences.
For the most part, these mini varieties are still unpredictable. If you have questions about your specific puppy, ask your breeder to help you. They will have more knowledge about what characteristics they breed for and why. Breeders even go so far as to keep in touch with past litters. That way, they can show you how they fair over time.
Lifespan Differences
No matter the Saint Berdoodle size, your pup has a long lifespan of 10-12 years. The Saint Berdoodle lifespan may not be as long as other Doodles, but it is a huge step up from St Bernards. The average St Bernard lives only 8-10 years, which shortens these Doodles’ lives.
Usually, mini breeds live longer than their standard sizes. But in the case of St Berdoodles, it is hard to say for sure whether that is true. Mini Berdoodles are still a medium-size dog and weigh as much as 50 pounds. There is no evidence yet that these dogs live longer than standards. But, who knows. With the Berdoodle forever evolving, that might change.
Intelligence And Training
The Saint Berdoodle is easy to train and loves the task. Since they have such high intelligence, there is no end to what they can learn or do. This increased intelligence also makes them sensitive to human emotions. Sensitivity and understanding make them perfect dogs to train for therapy or service.
Berdoodle Coat Types
Do Saint Berdoodles shed? Most Berdoodle coats are silky and wavy, but they can also be very curly. A Saint Berdoodle hypoallergenic coat usually has little shedding, if at all. And there is always the possibility of an F1B cross that has virtually no shedding at all.
And just like all Doodles, these coats need a lot of grooming. You can expect to spend time every night brushing and detangling your Berdoodle’s coat. Plus, they will need a haircut every 6-8 weeks to keep it manageable.
For larger Berdoodles, this can take quite a bit of time. Not to mention they cost more at the groomer due to their size. But with smaller dogs, you don’t have that problem. You can get a Mini Berdoodle brushed in no time. And groomers typically charge less for smaller dogs, as long as you keep up with their coats, that is.
Saint Berdoodle Medical Concerns
No matter what size your Berdoodle is, they all have the same health concerns. Some of the most widespread diseases in St Berdoodles are:
- Ear infections
- Skin conditions
- Allergies
- Bloat
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Wobbler Syndrome
- Eye disease
- And Willebrand disease.
While you can’t prevent everything, there are a few preventative moves you can make. The first and foremost is finding a reputable breeder. A suitable breeder DNA tests their mating dogs for common illnesses. And they never breed two dogs that have high chances of passing disease down.
But breeding can only go so far. Proper care, diet, and vet check-ups are also necessary. Feeding your dog a high-quality diet and giving them plenty of exercise does a lot to keep them healthy. And having a trusted vet that knows about the breed will detect any abnormalities before it gets too severe.
Average Saint Berdoodle Price
The Saint Berdoodle cost varies on your location, size of the dog, and even coloring. If breeders are not common in your area, you can expect to pay more for them. And if you want a rare color combination, breeders typically charge more for these as well. The average St Berdoodle puppy costs about $1,600 from a reputable breeder. But don’t be surprised if you find them for as much as $3,000!
Of course, there are ways of getting a Berdoodle cheaper. For instance, you can always find a Saint Berdoodle rescue. Most Doodle organizations charge a few hundred dollars as a rehoming fee. And while these rescues are not very common, don’t give up. Also, check local St Bernard and Poodle rescues that also take in mixed breeds. You might not get a puppy, but you will get a dog that has a large heart full of love.
Pros And Cons Of Larger Saint Berdoodles
Now that we know more about the breed, we can compare the sizes. Here are a few pros and cons of standard Saint Berdoodles.
Pros:
- Predictable in size and temperament
- Can keep up with active owners
- Great protective skills
Cons:
- More expensive to feed and groom
- Need a larger house
Pros And Cons Of Mini Saint Berdoodles
Here are a few pros and cons of the Mini Saint Berdoodle as well.
Pros:
- Less expensive to feed and groom
- Don’t need a huge house and yard
- Better for kids
Cons:
- Cost more for puppies
- Not predictable in size or temperament
Is The Saint Berdoodle For You?
Saint Berdoodle size- How big do they get? They can get anywhere from 40-180, but in some cases smaller. And now you know the differences between a standard and a mini Berdoodle. There are excellent pros and cons to each size. But the best part is that your breeder can help you determine which fits your needs. They are trained and knowledgeable about expected sizes and can point you in the right direction.
Below is a Pinterest friendly photo…. so you can pin it to your Doodle Board!
