ForTheBreed
A Saint Berdoodle — giant breed, low shedding

Saint Berdoodle

Saint Bernard crossed with Poodle. A massive, gentle hybrid that inherits the Saint's devotion and the Poodle's brains in a (relatively) low-shedding enormous package.

Giant breedmedium energyHypoallergenicGood with kids
Low sheddingQuietEasy to trainGood with kidsOK with cats
Weight
40–80kg
Lifespan
10–12 years
Exercise
60–90 min/day
Shedding
Minimal shedding
Barking
Quiet
Training
Easy to train
ForTheBreed Editorial
Published · Updated

Our breed guides are researched using Kennel Club data, BVA health scheme reports, and peer-reviewed veterinary sources. No sponsorships or affiliate relationships influence our assessments.

Do Saint Berdoodles shed?

Low shedding

No — Saint Berdoodles shed very little. This is one of their most appealing traits for people who'd rather not hoover twice a day. They're also considered hypoallergenic, making them a good option for people with mild dog allergies. You'll still want to brush them regularly to keep their coat healthy, but you won't find hair on every surface you own.

Are Saint Berdoodles good with kids?

Good with kids

Yes — Saint Berdoodles are famously gentle with children. They tend to be gentle and loyal, which makes them a natural fit for busy family life. Always supervise any dog around young children, regardless of breed. Their size means they can accidentally knock small children over, so supervision around toddlers is important.

Are Saint Berdoodles good with cats?

Generally cat-compatible

Saint Berdoodles can get along well with cats, especially if raised together from puppyhood. Their gentle nature means they're generally not fixated on chasing. Introduce them slowly — keep the cat's exit routes open and never force interaction. Most Saint Berdoodles and cats eventually settle into an easy coexistence, sometimes even becoming friends.

Are Saint Berdoodles easy to train?

Easy to train

Saint Berdoodles are easy to train — one of the best breeds for first-time owners in this respect. They respond well to positive reinforcement (treats, praise, play) and pick up new commands quickly. Their intelligence means they get bored with repetitive drills — keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) and varied. Basic commands like sit, stay, and recall can usually be taught within weeks. The bigger challenge is maintaining consistency, not the dog's ability to learn.

Do Saint Berdoodles bark a lot?

Quiet breed

Saint Berdoodles are a quiet breed — they rarely bark without a good reason. This makes them an excellent choice for flat or terraced-house living where noise is a concern. They might bark to alert you to someone at the door, but sustained, excessive barking is uncommon. Neighbours tend to be fans.

Are Saint Berdoodles hypoallergenic?

Hypoallergenic

Saint Berdoodles are considered hypoallergenic — they produce significantly less dander than most breeds. No dog is 100% allergen-free (the allergen is a protein in saliva and skin, not just hair), but Saint Berdoodles are much better tolerated by people with dog allergies. If allergies are a concern, spend time with a Saint Berdoodle before committing. Visit a breeder or a friend who owns one — if you're fine after an hour, you'll likely be fine long-term.

How much exercise does a Saint Berdoodle need?

Saint Berdoodles need 60–90 min/day of exercise daily. A couple of decent walks per day plus some off-lead time in a park will keep them happy. They're active enough to enjoy longer adventures at weekends, but calm enough to cope with normal weekday routines.

Mental exercise matters as much as physical. A Saint Berdoodle with a bored brain will find its own entertainment — usually involving your sofa or your shoes. Training sessions, puzzle feeders, and nose-work games all count.

Saint Berdoodle health problems

Like all breeds, Saint Berdoodles are prone to certain conditions. Knowing about them upfront means earlier detection, better outcomes, and fewer surprise vet bills.

As a giant breed, Saint Berdoodles are particularly susceptible to bloat (GDV) — a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists. Learn the signs: unproductive retching, distended abdomen, restlessness. It requires emergency surgery. Feeding two smaller meals rather than one large one helps reduce risk.

  • Hip dysplasia. Common in larger breeds, causes arthritis and mobility issues. Check parents have been hip-scored.
  • Elbow dysplasia. Similar to hip dysplasia, affects the front legs.
  • Obesity. The most preventable health problem across all dog breeds. Keep them at a healthy weight.
  • Annual vet checks. Catching problems early makes all the difference.

How long do Saint Berdoodles live?

Saint Berdoodles typically live 10–12 years. Unfortunately, giant breeds have significantly shorter lifespans than smaller dogs — the toll of maintaining such a large body accelerates ageing.

Lifespan is heavily influenced by weight management, exercise, genetics, and access to regular vet care. A Saint Berdoodle at a healthy weight, with good genetics and regular check-ups, will typically live toward the top of that range.

How much does a Saint Berdoodle cost in the UK?

A Saint Berdoodle puppy from a reputable KC-registered UK breeder typically costs £1 500–£4 000.

If you see a Saint Berdoodle puppy advertised for significantly less than £1 500, be very cautious. Low prices are the most common red flag for puppy farms.

The purchase price is just the start. First-year costs typically include:

  • Vaccinations: ~£80–120
  • Neutering/spaying: £200–400 depending on size and vet
  • Microchipping (mandatory in UK): ~£20–30
  • Bed, crate, leads, collar: £100–250
  • Food (per year): £400–£1,200+ depending on size and diet
  • Pet insurance: £65–£140/month (see below)
  • Routine vet visits: £50–200/year

Total first-year cost beyond the puppy price: typically £1,500–£3,000.

Saint Berdoodle pet insurance

Pet insurance for a Saint Berdoodle in the UK typically costs £65–£140/month for comprehensive lifetime cover.

Lifetime cover is strongly recommended over cheaper time-limited or maximum-benefit policies. Once a condition is diagnosed and treated, lifetime cover continues to pay for it every year. Time-limited policies exclude it after 12 months — exactly when chronic conditions become expensive.

Compare quotes from Petplan, ManyPets, Waggel, and Animal Friends — all have strong reputations for actually paying out claims. Always check the annual limit (aim for £7,000+ per condition) and whether hereditary conditions are covered.

Questions about Saint Berdoodles

Detailed answers to the most common questions about the breed

Do Saint Berdoodles shed? → Do Saint Berdoodles bark a lot? → Are Saint Berdoodles hypoallergenic? → Are Saint Berdoodles good with kids? → Are Saint Berdoodles good with cats? → Are Saint Berdoodles good family dogs? → Are Saint Berdoodles easy to train? → Are Saint Berdoodles aggressive? → How long do Saint Berdoodles live? → How much does a Saint Berdoodle cost? → How much exercise does a Saint Berdoodle need? → Can Saint Berdoodles be left alone? → Are Saint Berdoodles good for first-time owners? → Are Saint Berdoodles good apartment dogs? → Are Saint Berdoodles high maintenance? → Do Saint Berdoodles drool a lot? → How big do Saint Berdoodles get? → Are Saint Berdoodles smart? → When do Saint Berdoodles calm down? → Do Saint Berdoodles smell? → Do Saint Berdoodles have health problems? → Are Saint Berdoodles good with other dogs? → Do Saint Berdoodles have separation anxiety? → Are Saint Berdoodles easy to groom? → How often should I groom my Saint Berdoodle? → Are Saint Berdoodles good guard dogs? → Are Saint Berdoodles good running dogs? → Are Saint Berdoodles good running partners? → Do Saint Berdoodles like water? → Are Saint Berdoodles good for seniors? → Are Saint Berdoodles clingy? → Are Saint Berdoodles stubborn? → Are Saint Berdoodles hyper? → Are Saint Berdoodles good in hot weather? → Are Saint Berdoodles good in cold weather? → Are Saint Berdoodles good off lead? → Do Saint Berdoodles dig? → Are Saint Berdoodles loyal? → Are Saint Berdoodles destructive? → Do Saint Berdoodles howl? → Are Saint Berdoodles easy to house train? → Saint Berdoodle pros and cons →
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