Bernedoodle vs Saint Berdoodle: Key Differences Explained

The dog world is full of crosses between Poodles and various other breeds. Valued for its hypoallergenic, non-shedding coat and its friendly intelligence, the Poodle is a consistent favorite with pet owners. Today we’ll be comparing two Poodle hybrids, the Bernedoodle vs Saint Berdoodle. Find out which breeds combined to make these breeds as well as their temperaments and sizes!

Comparing a Bernedoodle and a Saint Berdoodle

The Main Differences Between a Bernedoodle and a Saint Berdoodle

Bernedoodles and Saint Berdoodles have similar names and a common genetic contributor, the Poodle, but there are many other similarities and differences between these two hybrids. Read on to find out how they compare in terms of breed origin, appearance, size, hair type and color, and temperament.

Bernedoodle vs Saint Berdoodle: Breed Origin

The Bernedoodle was a breed created strictly for companionship. In 2003, a Canadian woman named Sherry Rupke crossbred a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Poodle. Experts believe that this is the first intentional cross between these two breeds, though it may have occurred unintentionally at other points in history. The goal was to capture the best of both breeds, namely the Bernese Mountain Dog’s playful personality and the Poodle’s non-shedding coat. Though the result is not an official new breed, the hybrid has gained recognition with organizations such as the American Canine Hybrid Club.

There are 3 types of Bernedoodle: Standard, Miniature, and Tiny. Standard Bernedoodles are a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Standard Poodle. Miniature Bernedoodles are a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Miniature Poodle. Tiny Bernedoodles are a cross between a Toy Poodle and a Miniature Bernedoodle.

Our second dog breed, the Saint Bernoodle, is a much larger dog on average. It’s a cross between a Saint Bernard and a Poodle. Breeders aim to capture the size and personality of Saint Bernard while retaining the coat of the Poodle. The breed originated in the United States, though the exact history and timeline remain fuzzy. Breeders developed this hybrid as companion dogs.

Bernedoodle vs Saint Berdoodle: Appearance

Bernedoodles fall in the toy, small, or medium-sized dog categories depending on which size of Poodle is used. Their heads and other features may be broader like the Bernese Mountain Dog or slimmer and tapered like the Poodle. The ears are always floppy. The coats are usually abundant and either wavy or curly. Very rarely, a Bernedoodle will be born with a straight coat. Some individuals experience fading, which is the lightening of their coats as they age.

Saint Berdoodles are large-boned, broad-headed dogs with prominent snouts and floppy ears. They have a calm, pleasant, friendly expression that invites petting and play. Their coats are either wavy or curly.

Bernedoodle vs Saint Berdoodle: Size

Bernedoodles range in size from tiny to miniature to standard. Tiny Bernedoodles stand 12-17 inches tall and weigh between 10-24 pounds. Miniature Bernedoodles are slightly larger, reaching 18-22 inches in height and weighing 20-45 pounds. Standard Bernedoodles are the largest of all, standing 23-29 inches in height and weighing 50-90 pounds. Dogs favoring their Bernese Mountain Dog parent will usually be heavier and broader than those favoring their Poodle parent.

Saint Berdoodles are usually significantly larger than Bernedoodles due to Saint Bernard’s influence. Their average height is 24-30 inches while their weight can be anywhere from 70 to 160 pounds. The more prominent Saint Bernard’s genes, the broader and heavier the dog will be.

Bernedoodle vs Saint Berdoodle: Hair Type and Color

Bernedoodle coats tend to be either wavy or curly depending on which parent’s genes are more prominent. Shedding is minimal to none due to the Poodle genes, making these dogs hypoallergenic. The curlier the coat, the less it will shed. Bernedoodles come in a number of possible colors and patterns including:

• Tri-color: A mixture of 3 different colors including black, brown, tan, apricot, rust, red, cream, and white.
• Sable: Solid black or dark brown
• Phantom: Similar to tri-color but with less white and more black, brown, or tan
• Chocolate: Either solid chocolate or in a variety of patterns

Other Bernedoodle colors and patterns are possible and can be difficult to predict.

Saint Berdoodles also have a number of possible coat colors, though the variety is not as great. The most common coat is black and white or brown and white, inherited from the Saint Bernard parent. Red and white is another possible mixture. Some dogs are very light in color while others can be very dark. Their coat type is either long and wavy or curly. It all depends on which genes are more prominent. Saint Berdoodles are usually hypoallergenic due to the Poodle’s influence.

Bernedoodle vs Saint Berdoodle: Temperament

Bernedoodles were bred to be companion dogs, and they more than live up to this expectation. With playful, affectionate, intelligent temperaments and expressions, they easily endear themselves to their owners. They are easy to train due to their intelligence, inherited from both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, but the smaller varieties can be stubborn. This breed will also need to be socialized early on to get used to strangers as they can be hesitant about interacting with them otherwise.

True to their calling, Bernedoodles love to be around their family and don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time. They are well-suited to families with children. Moderate exercise and stimulation will keep them happy and healthy.

Similar to Bernedoodles, Saint Berdoodles are lively, playful, affectionate dogs. They love to be around their owners whether that involves walking, playing, or lounging. They don’t do well if left too long by themselves. Owners especially prize this breed’s remarkable calmness and patience, which makes them well-suited to families with kids. However, their massive size may become a problem if there are small children in the house.

Bernedoodle vs Saint Berdoodle: Life Expectancy

Bernedoodles usually live to be 12-18 years of age with the smaller varieties living longer than the larger ones. Being crossbred, they lack many of the health problems that plague purebreds. However, they may suffer from elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, conditions that cause dysfunction and pain in the elbows and hips.

In contrast to Bernedoodles, Saint Berdoodles only have a life expectancy of 8-12 years. They also may suffer from elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. In addition, they may have degenerative myelopathy, which is a condition affecting the spinal cord. It eventually leads to paralysis of the hind legs.

Bernedoodle vs Saint Berdoodle: Grooming Needs

Bernedoodles typically have a moderate amount of hair, so some maintenance is needed. Brushing once or twice a week should keep them in good condition and remove loose hairs from the coat. Baths are only necessary when the dog gets dirty.

Saint Berdoodles need to be brushed at least once a week as their hair is prone to tangles. Depending on which parent’s genes are more prominent, the coat will be either wavy or curly. As with the Bernedoodle, bathe the dog when it gets dirty.

If you’re a fan of Saint Bernards, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Poodles, look no further than the Bernedoodle and Saint Berdoodle! Their intelligence, playfulness, and affection will steal your heart.

Summary of Bernedoodle vs Saint Berdoodle