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Don’t be fooled by its name — the mini Saint Berdoodle is anything but miniature! This designer breed combines the best traits of a Saint Bernard and a Poodle, making it irresistible to dog lovers.
The miniature Saint Berdoodle is hailed as a great protector, a loving companion, and an intelligent fellow to boot. These are some of the reasons why people tend to gravitate toward this hybrid pup.
There is still much to learn about the miniature Saint Berdoodle, but fortunately, you have come to the right place. Keep reading to find out everything there is to know about the majestic miniature St. Berdoodle!
What Is a Mini Saint Berdoodle?
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The mini Saint Berdoodle is the miniaturized version of the cross between a Saint Bernard and a Poodle — the Berdoodle. These dogs are famous for their fluffy appearance, curious nature, friendliness, and loyalty. Despite being called “mini,” mini Berdoodles are not tiny dogs.
To produce a true mini St. Berdoodle, breeders must counteract the large-sized genes of a Saint Bernard by first developing a mini Saint Bernard. This is achieved by crossing Saint Bernards with smaller breeds.
Once the miniature Saint Bernard is of age, it is then bred with a miniature Poodle to produce the mini St. Berdoodle we all know today.
As with most hybrids, the mini St. Berdoodle is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). However, it is recognized by the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) and the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC).
Mini Saint Berdoodle Origin and History
According to some sources, the Saint Berdoodle was first bred around the 1880s, which means that this designer breed has been around for at least a century. However, aside from this, not much is known about this mix.
To understand the origins and history of this designer breed, let us first look at the background of its two parent breeds.
Poodles originated from Germany and were initially bred to be farming dogs and water retrievers. Their name comes from the German word ‘pudel,’ which translates as ‘to splash in the water.’
Today, Poodles are bred to be show dogs and companions, especially with the popularity of Toy and Miniature Poodles.
On the other hand, the Saint Bernard breed hails from Italy and Switzerland. These gentle giants were originally bred to be rescue dogs for a local hospice built by Bernard of Menthon, an Italian monk.
Thanks to the rich history of its parent breeds, Saint Berdoodles inherit a diverse set of characteristics that make them unique in their own ways.
Hopefully, in the future, dog fanciers can uncover more about this dog’s true origin.
Mini Saint Berdoodle Appearance
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The appearances of the mini St. Bernard Poodle mix will vary greatly from one another, depending on the genetics of its respective parent dogs.
Some may look like one parent more than the other, and some may look like a perfect combination of a Saint Bernard and a Poodle. Still, there are some distinct characteristics to look out for in this hybrid pup.
Most mini St. Berdoodle mixes inherit the large-sized heads and drooping ears from their Saint Bernard parent. Behind the mess of fur, you will typically find beady, amber-colored eyes with a dark nose to match.
The quality and texture of its coat differ from dog to dog. While some may inherit a wiry yet tightly-curled coat similar to the Poodle, others have a long, smooth coat just like the St. Bernard.
Regardless of coat texture, mini Dt. Berdoodles are equipped with thick coats that make them very tolerant of cold weather.
Considering that there is a wide range of Saint Bernard colors as well as Poodle colors, it is no surprise that mini St. Berdoodles come in an assortment of coat color variations.
Usually, these hybrid pups sport multiple colors. They often come in combinations of black & white or brown & white. However, they can also have hints of cream, blue, apricot, red, and tan on some parts of their body.
To see just how adorable mini St. Berdoodles look, check out this video:
Andrew Yoder's Mini St. Berdoodle Puppies<a href="https://youtu.be/AfexYTdYaBU" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FAfexYTdYaBU%2F0.jpg" alt="Andrew Yoder&#039;s Mini St. Berdoodle Puppies" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Mini Saint Berdoodle Size and Weight
Despite having the word ‘mini’ in its name, the miniature Saint Berdoodle can hardly be considered a small dog.
Due to the large breed genes of its Saint Bernard parent, a full-grown mini Saint Berdoodle can weigh anywhere between 20 and 50 pounds. For reference, the standard Saint Berdoodle can weigh up to 180 pounds.
As for its height, mini Saint Berdoodles usually reach 14 to 18 inches tall.
In other words, the mini St. Berdoodle is still very much a formidable dog in terms of size and weight.
Some breeders may falsely market these as a ‘teacup mini St. Berdoodle’ to fetch higher prices. However, most teacup dogs weigh around 5 pounds or less, meaning the mini St. Berdoodle doesn’t fall under this size category.
Mini Saint Berdoodle Temperament and Personality
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While not all mini St. Berdoodles have the same temperament and personality, most owners of this breed can attest to its inherent friendliness, affection, and intelligence.
The mini St. Berdoodle is a very loving and loyal breed, often attaching itself to its owners and loved ones, similar to its Poodle parent, who tends to be attached to one person.
This loyalty and affection go hand in hand with the mini St. Bernard’s protective and gentle nature. As a result, Saint Berdoodle mixes are dubbed as ‘nanny dogs’ due to their natural inclination towards caring for their families.
These natural traits can be enhanced with proper socialization training at an early age.
Aside from this, the mixture of the Poodle’s high energy and the Saint Bernard’s laid-back attitude makes a very well-rounded dog. St. Berdoodles have a great sense of adventure but also know how to relax.
The miniature Saint Berdoodle is an inherently curious creature that loves to play and explore. As such, mini St. Berdoodles work great with families who have children and infants.
All their qualities make them perfect companions for everyday activities without being too high-maintenance or overbearing.
Mini Saint Berdoodle Lifespan and Health Issues
The average lifespan of a miniature Saint Berdoodle ranges anywhere between 8 and 12 years, given that it receives great amounts of nutrition, exercise, and care.
A mixed-breed dog such as this, however, may inherit certain genetic disorders and health problems from its Saint Bernard and Poodle parents.
Here are some possible health issues a mini Saint Berdoodle may encounter:
Ear Infections: Because mini St. Berdoodles usually inherit the pendulous ears of a Saint Bernard, ear infections are more likely to occur. The lack of good airflow in the ear creates moisture within the ear canals, which can be a breeding ground for infections.
Wobbler Syndrome: Also called cervical spondylomyelopathy, this syndrome is common in large breed dogs like the St. Bernard. It is characterized by the compression of the spinal cord and the spinal nerve roots. Neck pains and neurotic deficiencies are some of the most common symptoms of wobbler syndrome.
Willebrand’s Disease: This disorder is caused by a gene mutation that leads to a deficiency of a protein known as the von Willebrand factor, which is necessary for forming blood clots to prevent bleeding. This illness is more common for large dogs, which means a mini St. Berdoodle might inherit it from its Saint Bernard parent.
These illnesses are just a few of the many health risks that a mini Saint Bernard Poodle mix may inherit. Owners should also be wary of some more common canine disorders, such as hip dysplasia and bloat.
You can also read our guides on Saint Bernard lifespan and Poodle lifespan to get a clearer picture of what to expect should you get a mini Saint Berdoodle mix.
How to Take Care of Your Mini Saint Bernard Poodle Mix
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To ensure that a miniature Saint Berdoodle lives a long and healthy life, dog owners should maintain the quality of their living conditions and lifestyles.
This involves ensuring proper diet, grooming habits, and effective exercise routines. Take note of the guidelines and tips on taking care of your mini Saint Bernard Poodle mix in this section.
Food and Diet
As a medium-sized dog, a mini St. Berdoodle needs around 4 to 5 cups of dry food per day. However, to be more accurate, you should also consider its size and weight when calculating how much to feed your pup.
For a more accurate amount, feed your miniature St. Berdoodle around 40 to 50 calories of food per pound of its body weight. For reference, a mini Saint Berdoodle can weigh anywhere around 20 to 50 pounds as an adult.
Maintaining strict portions is important because miniature Saint Berdoodles are prone to overeating, which may lead to obesity if left unnoticed.
Furthermore, ensure that you give quality food with good amounts of protein, fat, and vitamins alongside a fresh bowl of water with every meal.
If you want more info, read our guide on Poodle feeding. Many useful principles in that guide also apply to feeding a mini Saint Berdoodle.
Cleaning and Grooming
Miniature Saint Bernard Poodle mixes are typically considered low-maintenance dogs when it comes to cleaning and grooming.
How much it sheds will depend on what type of coat it inherits from its parents. If it inherits the long and smooth coat of a Saint Bernard, it is likely to shed moderately, which requires weekly brushing.
On the other hand, if it has the wiry and curly coat of the Poodle, it will not shed much and will not require frequent brushing. Instead, it will benefit more from the occasional grooming sessions from a professional.
Regardless of coat type, baths should be given once a month or as needed. Regular upkeep of dental hygiene and nail trimming is also very important.
Training and Exercise
Given that the miniature St. Berdoodle is very curious and adventurous, training this hybrid must begin early to avoid destructive or unwanted behaviors.
Its intelligence and eagerness to please its owners will work in your favor. However, it can be quite sensitive to rejection and criticism. Thus, you should consider adopting positive reinforcement training.
When it comes to exercise, consistency and routine are important. Daily walks and hikes at a leisurely pace will work best for the miniature Saint Berdoodle, especially if they inherit the laid-back nature of a Saint Bernard.
How Much Does a Mini Saint Berdoodle Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
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The cost of a miniature Saint Berdoodle varies according to the breeders and rescues that offer them. On average, a mini St. Berdoodle is priced anywhere between $1,500 and $3,000.
This wide price range is determined by several factors, such as age, color, gender, breeder reputation, and size.
You can also check out our articles on Saint Bernard costs and Poodle costs for a better idea of the expenses that go into raising this mixed-breed dog.
As a guide, here is a table of the initial expenses that a miniature Saint Berdoodle will require:
While these prices are only estimates, they should already give you a good idea of how much financial responsibility you will be put under if you get a miniature Saint Berdoodle.
Aside from the items mentioned above, it is also best to set aside funds in case of medical emergencies or unexpected vet visits.
Pet insurance is a surefire way to ensure that your miniature Saint Berdoodle is well taken care of in its time of need. Luckily, there are lots of companies that offer pet insurance that covers all kinds of medical needs.
Places to Find Mini Saint Berdoodle Puppies for Sale and Adoption
If you have your heart set on getting a miniature Saint Berdoodle of your own, you’re in luck! There are plenty of breeders, rescue organizations, and other resources where you can potentially procure this hybrid dog.
In choosing a mini St. Berdoodle from a breeder, make sure that they are reputable, credible, and ethical workers. As much as possible, avoid buying from pet shops that may make use of puppy mills.
Here is a list of some of the best breeders to help you find a mini St. Berdoodle puppy:
Brush Creek Breeders – Hailed as the number one Saint Berdoodle Breeder for two years in a row, these breeders are dedicated to raising Saint Berdoodles in a safe, happy, and free environment. If you are looking for a miniature Saint Berdoodle near Bellevue, Iowa, consider checking out Brush Creek Breeders.
Mason Creek St. Berdoodles – This family-owned breeding business boasts OFA-certified parent breeds to ensure healthy Saint Berdoodle pups. They participate in puppy culture practices to raise well-behaved and socialized pups. If you find a mini St. Berdoodle here, they will provide vaccinations, packs of kibble, collars, and more.
The Saint Berdoodle Haven – Describing themselves as a ‘home and vacation destination’ for Saint Berdoodles, these breeders pride themselves on healthy, happy, and loving pups freely raised within a wide, climate-controlled area. Visit the Haven in Mansfield, Ohio, and you may just find the perfect mini St. Berdoodle for you.
Aside from these three, you can also check out our lists of the best Saint Bernard breeders and best Poodle breeders in the country for more possible options.
If you want to adopt a miniature Saint Berdoodle, there are also a lot of rescue shelters and adoption organizations you can rely on.
Here are some places to check out that may have a miniature Saint Berdoodle waiting for you:
PuppyFinder – PuppyFinder is an online adoption site that allows users to post advertisements of available puppies across the nation to provide a secure, simple, and efficient adoption process. Their website makes use of a puppy search engine that allows you to filter dogs by breed, age, and even location.
Carolina Poodle Rescue (CPR) – This non-profit rescue organization rehabilitates and rehomes Poodles and Poodle mixes such as the miniature Saint Berdoodle. As of June 2016, they have successfully helped over 5,000 pups find their forever homes solely through the work and effort of volunteers and dog lovers alike.
Arizona Poodle Rescue (APR) – Unlike other rescues, this non-profit volunteer group does not have a physical shelter. Instead, they use private foster homes in Phoenix, Arizona, to take care of their rescued pups. Available dogs for adoption are listed in their Petfinder profile to reach a wider audience of Poodle and Poodle mix lovers.
If you’re a first-time adopter, check out our comprehensive guide to pet adoption. You’ll surely find dozens of useful tips and tricks on that page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do Mini Saint Berdoodles Shed a Lot?
The amount of shedding to expect from a mini Saint Berdoodle depends on the type of coat it inherits.
If it has a Poodle-like, tight, and curly coat, there will be low shedding. On the other hand, if it has a longer coat, like a Saint Bernard, you can expect moderate shedding.
Are Mini Saint Berdoodles Hypoallergenic?
It is difficult to generalize whether or not mini Saint Berdoodles are hypoallergenic because of the breed’s coat varieties. However, some mini St. Berdoodles can be classified as more hypoallergenic than others.
In other words, miniature Saint Berdoodles can potentially be hypoallergenic, but telling it upfront is quite challenging.
Do Mini Saint Berdoodles Bark a Lot?
While mini Saint Berdoodles may bark occasionally, they are typically considered low to moderate barkers. In fact, these dogs rarely bark incessantly for no reason.
However, these conditions may change if the dog feels threatened, is suffering from a disorder, or is in pain. If this is the case, then the Saint Berdoodle might result in non-stop barking and whining.
Do Mini Saint Berdoodles Stay Small?
Miniature Saint Berdoodles will not stay as small as one would expect. At adulthood, its weight can range anywhere between 20 and 50 pounds, unlike other breeds of miniature dogs.
This is because of the large dog genes it inherits from a Saint Bernard parent, which is difficult to fully counteract.
Final Thoughts: Is a Mini Saint Berdoodle the Right Dog for You?
It is easy to fall in love with a mini Saint Berdoodle for their stunning good looks and adorable size alone, but the fact that they are smart, loyal, affectionate, and loving pets really takes this hybrid to the next level.
However, taking care of this crossbreed will need hard work and patience, especially in sacrificing time and money for the sake of its welfare. Still, once you get your own mini St. Berdoodle, those sacrifices will be worth it.
So, do you think the dog is the right fit for you and your lifestyle? Share with us your thoughts about the miniature St. Berdoodle in the comments below!
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