Saint Berdoodles and Bernedoodles: they’re both adorable, cuddly, and have those signature doodle looks. But while they might seem similar at first glance, there are some important differences between these two fluffy breeds.

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If you’re trying to decide between a Saint Berdoodle and a Bernedoodle, you’ve come to the right place. We will help you figure out which one of these amazing dogs would be the best fit for your family. Let’s get started!

🐶 Key Takeaways

  • Bernedoodles can be small, medium, or big, but St. Berdoodles are always very big
  • Bernedoodles love to play and run, while St. Berdoodles are more relaxed and easygoing.
  • While both are good for allergies, Bernedoodles usually shed less.
  • Bernedoodles are easy to train, however, St. Berdoodles need extra training because they are very strong.

Saint Berdoodle vs. Bernedoodle: Key Differences

Feature Saint Berdoodle Bernedoodle
Origins United States Canada
Breed Type Hybrid Hybrid
Parents Poodle + Saint Bernard Poodle + Bernese Mountain Dog
Size & Weight Standard: 25-30 inches (120-180+ lbs) Standard: 23-29 inches (70-90 lbs), Miniature: 18-22 inches (25-49 lbs), Tiny: 12-17 inches (10-24 lbs)
Average Lifespan 8-12 years 12-15 years
Coat Type Wavy or curly, low to non-shedding Wavy or curly, low to non-shedding
Shedding Minimal Minimal
Temperament Gentle, affectionate, calm, patient Friendly, intelligent, goofy, affectionate
Energy Levels Low to moderate Moderate
Trainability Trainable, but can be stubborn Highly trainable, eager to please
Good for families? Yes, if properly trained and socialized Yes – great with kids, affectionate, and playful
Exercise Needs 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise daily 60 minutes of exercise daily
Socialization Needs Moderate Moderate to high

Breed Overview and Origins

What Is a Saint Berdoodle?

Saint Berdoodle running through a grassy field with its tongue out and ears flopping mid-stride.

The Saint Berdoodle is a mix of a Saint Bernard and a Poodle. These dogs are big and gentle, just like Saint Bernards, but they’re also very smart because of their Poodle parent. They love to cuddle and play, and they don’t shed much, making them great family dogs. Saint Berdoodles are also incredibly patient and tolerant, which makes them a good match for homes with children.

👉 Best for: Families with older children, those with plenty of space, and people looking for a gentle and loving companion.

What is a Bernedoodle?

Tri-colored Bernedoodle crouched on grass, gently biting a bright red ball while looking forward with an alert, playful expression.

The Bernedoodle is a blend of Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle known for its tri-colored coat, playful personality, and affectionate nature. This intelligent breed inherits loyalty and a love for family from the Bernese Mountain Dog, while the Poodle contributes to their intelligence and a low-shedding coat. Bernedoodles thrive in homes where they receive plenty of attention and interaction.

👉 Best for: Families with children and those with an active lifestyle looking for a playful and affectionate dog that’s always up for an adventure.

St. Berdoodle vs. Bernedoodle: Size

Tri-color Bernedoodle walking on grass with its tail up and ears flapping, looking at the camera with a happy, alert expression, and a visible blue name tag on its collar.

The size of the Poodle parent influences how big a Bernedoodle or St. Berdoodle will be.

Bernedoodles come in 3 sizes:

  • Tiny or Micro-Mini Bernedoodles: Under 18 inches, weighing between 10 and 25 pounds. They’re great for smaller homes or apartments.
  • Mini Bernedoodles: 18 to 22 inches, weighing 25 to 50 pounds. They offer a good balance of size and activity level.
  • Standard Bernedoodles: Over 23 inches, weighing 50 pounds or more, sometimes reaching 90 pounds or more. They need more space and exercise.

On the other hand, St. Berdoodles are generally very large and come in one size:

  • Standard St. Berdoodles: Usually over 25 inches, weighing anywhere from 100 to over 180 pounds. They need a lot of space and are best suited for homes with large yards.

Bernedoodle vs. St. Berdoodle: Coat

Saint berdoodle playing in the garden

Bernedoodles and St. Berdoodles get their coats from their Poodle parent, which means they are potentially more allergy-friendly. However, coat texture and care vary based on their mix.

Bernedoodle

Bernedoodles usually have a wavy or curly coat, mixing the Bernese Mountain Dog’s thicker fur with the Poodle’s curls. More Poodle genes mean a curlier, more allergy-friendly coat.

  • Shedding: Low to minimal, depending on the coat and generation. F1B Bernedoodles (75% Poodle) are often the best for allergies.
  • Grooming: They need regular brushing (2-3 times weekly) to avoid mats and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.

St. Berdoodle

St. Berdoodles tend to have a wavy to slightly curly coat – a blend of the Saint Bernard’s dense fur with the Poodle’s curls.

  • Shedding: They may shed slightly more than Bernedoodles due to their Saint Bernard genes.
  • Grooming: They require frequent brushing (several times a week) to prevent tangles and professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, especially during shedding seasons.

Bernedoodle and St. Berdoodle: Training and Exercise

Young girl reaching out with a smile as a tricolor Bernedoodle puppy approaches her with a red ball in its mouth on a grassy field.

Bernedoodle

Bernedoodles are lively and smart dogs. They need about 45-60 minutes of exercise every day – this means walks, playtime in the yard, and even hikes. Training is also important for their minds. Things like learning commands, agility games, and puzzle toys help keep them busy. Bernedoodles love being around people and other dogs, so letting them play and socialize is great for them.

🐶 Bernedoodle Exercise & Training Tips

  • Start training early and keep it consistent
  • Reward good behavior with praise and treats.
  • Change up the exercises to prevent boredom.
  • Provide them with plenty of time to interact with other dogs and people.

St. Berdoodles

St. Berdoodles are big dogs, so they need a medium amount of exercise, about 30-45 minutes a day. It’s better to give them short, easy walks instead of long, hard ones, especially when they’re puppies. Make sure you train them from when they’re young to teach them how to behave, especially because they’re strong. To keep their brains busy, you can give them puzzle toys or games where they use their noses.

🐶 St. Berdoodle Exercise & Training Tips

  • Start training early.
  • Teach them to walk nicely on a leash.
  • Don’t over-exercise them in the heat.
  • Use positive, steady training.
  • Watch for bloat; don’t feed them right before or after hard play.

Bernedoodle vs. Saint Berdoodle: Pick Your Perfect Match

Both Bernedoodles and St. Berdoodles are loving, intelligent dogs, but they cater to very different lifestyles. Choosing between them depends on your needs and living situation.

If you desire a loyal, playful, and moderately energetic companion, a Bernedoodle might be your ideal choice. However, if you’re drawn to a large and gentle dog for your big space, the St. Berdoodle is likely a better fit.

If a Bernedoodle has captured your heart, don’t hesitate to explore available puppies at Central Illinois Doodles today. We are a reputable Bernedoodle breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of our dogs.

FAQs

Are Bernedoodles or St. Berdoodles hypoallergenic?

Both breeds are considered potentially allergy-friendly due to their Poodle parent. However, no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Bernedoodles, especially F1B generations, tend to be better for allergy sufferers. St. Berdoodles may shed slightly more due to their Saint Bernard genes.

How long do Bernedoodles and St. Berdoodles live?

Bernedoodles typically have a lifespan of 12-15 years, while St. Berdoodles may live 8-10 years, due to their larger size and potential health issues.

Do St. Berdoodles drool?

Yes, due to their Saint Bernard heritage, St. Berdoodles tend to drool, especially after drinking or eating.

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