Saint Berdoodle

The St Berdoodle is a mixed breed created from Poodles and Saint Bernards. This mixed breed is one of the most popular hybrids globally, thanks to their loving and lazy personalities. A Poodle is a brilliant and diligent dog. They are hard workers and aim to please their owners, and Saint Bernards are just as hardworking and caring. This makes it easy to understand why Saint Berdoodle dogs are great family dogs. Some owners call the St Berdoodle dog nannies because Saint Berdoodle puppies are amazingly patient with children and watch over their families. Mixing these two breeds makes Saint Berdoodle puppies overly happy, eccentric, and sweet dogs.

Saint Berdoodle puppies are exceptional because of their complex and lovable personalities. These are active and lazy, and St Berdoodle dogs are big, goofy couch potatoes. Saint Berdoodles love cuddling, going outside, and performing tricks for their parents, but also love taking naps anywhere.

St. Berdoodle puppies have been called nanny dogs on many occasions because of their relation to the Saint Bernard, as the Bernard has a history of saving people’s lives. Other St. Berdoodle owners have described these dogs as friendly, affectionate, family dogs that hate being left alone. Saint Berdoodle puppies are awful watchdogs because they enjoy meeting new people. These St Berdoodle pups have a ton of energy and don’t do great in smaller spaces. St Berdoodle dogs are curious, agreeable, laid back, and aim to please their owners.

History of the Saint Berdoodle

The Saint Berdoodle lineage dates back to the late 1800s when St. Bernards officially became a breed in the American Kennel Club. The Poodle comes from the 1600s, or earlier, in Europe. St. Bernards have a much less clear beginning, but the consensus is that they came from the 1700s in Europe. People started breeding the Saint Berdoodle puppies for their ideal qualities in personality and size. The only downside of this hybrid is that they are far too large for apartment living and need large homes to keep them occupied. These dogs can weigh between 100 and 200 pounds, so they shouldn’t be able to access anything too fragile.

Some people believe Saint Berdoodle puppies to be aggressive, but this is far from true. St Berdoodle dogs are friendly to a fault even. However, Saint Berdoodle dogs that experience traumas can have more fear than the average St Berdoodle dog. Fearful Saint Berdoodles can act with aggression, but they only do so out of stress and anxiety. Saint Berdoodle dogs that have been homeless or abused are scared their life will always be hard and painful. But when people rescue these giant love bugs, Saint Berdoodle dogs can receive training to release their aggressive responses and learn to accept new places and people with eagerness.

Part of the reason some people might think Saint Berdoodle dogs are more aggressive than the average dog is because of their size. If a little Chihuahua bites your toe, they are obviously aggressive, but if a 110 pound St Berdoodle starts to growl at you, it’s much scarier. The size of Saint Berdoodle dog grants them the ability to protect themselves but can make traumatized St Berdoodle dogs seem dangerous. Don’t let this fool you. Many Saint Berdoodle dogs that have been traumatized are not angry but are waiting for that unique family to save them from the terrible experiences they’ve had and welcome them into a much brighter future.

Saint Berdoodle Intelligence

The Saint Berdoodle hybrid breed is one of the smartest hybrids in existence. Poodles are the second most intelligent dog breed, and thanks to the Saint Berdoodles relationship to the Poodle, they get a few bonus IQ points. On the other hand, Saint Bernards rank a whopping 123rd place out of 138 breeds. Even though this test score seems low, it’s worth understanding why this low ranking doesn’t truly show how intelligent some dog breeds can be.

However, it may seem dog intelligence tests are equally right and wrong. It can be pretty confusing to understand, but vets and scientists base dog intelligence tests on how well a dog can perform a task, how quickly they learn a new trick, or how many times it takes repeating a command for them to do it. While this criteria certainly shows intelligent factors, it doesn’t cover all areas of intelligence that Saint Berdoodle puppies possess.

For example, Saint Bernards are highly intelligent in understanding human emotions and assessing perceived threats. Saint Bernards have a history of saving thousands of people over the years, and a large part of this ability is due to their problem-solving skills. So, it’s a good idea to keep this in mind when assessing a dog’s intelligence because many dog breeds are wonderfully intelligent and insightful, but they are wise in their unique way.

Because Poodles are intelligent in following commands and Saint Bernards are intelligent in understanding and helping people, it’s safe to say Saint Berdoodle puppies are intelligent dogs. As with any hybrid breed, every St Berdoodle dog will have the characteristics of one breed be more presently dominant than the other, but either way, it’s safe to say a St Berdoodle will be one smart pup.

Health Conditions that Affect the Saint Berdoodle

Because the St. Berdoodle is a mixed breed dog, they are at risk of developing many different diseases thanks to the multiple health conditions both of their parent’s breeds are susceptible to contract. Even though this breed has a slightly higher risk of many illnesses, they can have a lower risk of developing the disease if only one of their parent breeds has it. On average, Saint Berdoodle puppies can expect to live ten to twelve years as long as they receive the correct care from their owners.

Even though the many health conditions St Berdoodle dogs can contract may seem like a long list, it’s not. The Saint Berdoodle dog is not at the same risk of developing these conditions. Also, some of the health issues the St Berdoodle might experience aren’t very severe and can have many medical options.

For example, take Addison’s disease. Addison’s disease can be life-threatening for Poodles if they don’t receive treatment. Poodles are also at an elevated risk of developing this health condition. Still, because the Saint Bernard isn’t at risk of this disease, the Saint Berdoodle has less of a chance of contracting this disease than the average Poodle.

This decreased health risk can be beneficial to combine breeds with many health illnesses. The downside of this benefit is that if both parent breeds risk developing certain health conditions, the offspring might have an even bigger chance of experiencing that condition.

For example, both the Poodle and St. Bernard are at risk of developing hip dysplasia, and this common joint issue can take a dog’s ability to walk away if it gets severe enough. Because the Saint Berdoodle is the product of these two breeds, they are also at risk of developing this condition and may even be at a higher risk than their parent breeds.

Throughout the health section of this article, we’ll be referencing health conditions both the St. Bernard and Poodle are at risk of developing. When both breeds share a risk of developing the same health condition, it does not automatically mean your Saint Berdoodle puppies will contract this disease. It just means St Berdoodle dogs might have a high chance of developing that health condition.

While reading through this health section, you will be able to understand any illnesses your Saint Berdoodle is at risk of and which conditions they inherit from their parent breeds. Keep in mind, many Saint Berdoodles live long, healthy lives and never experience a single health condition listed below.

Some Saint Berdoodle puppies might share some conditions below. Still, many of these conditions have treatment plans that allow the affected St Berdoodle dogs to live happy and healthy lives. If you are looking to adopt a Saint Berdoodle, you should be aware of any health risks they might develop. But, keep in mind that if you adopt Saint Berdoodle puppies from a shelter, they likely won’t be able to tell you any health conditions the Saint Berdoodle dog has. Many of these conditions show themselves early in life, so adopting a two or three-year-old Saint Berdoodle dog gives you the benefit of knowing many of their health conditions. Getting a St Berdoodle puppy is always fun and adorable, but adoption centers will not inform the owner of any health conditions the St Berdoodle dog may have.

Psychological Health

Cognitive Health

Wobbler Syndrome

Wobbler Syndrome is a neurological disease that affects a dog’s spine and neck region, and vets commonly find this condition in large breed dogs like the St Berdoodle. St Bernards have a genetic predisposition to contracting this illness which gives the St. Berdoodle puppy an elevated risk of this illness. Other names for this health condition include Cervical Vertebral Instability (CVI), Cervical Vertebral Malformation (CVM), Cervical Vertebral Malformation-Malarticulation (CVMM), and Cervical Spondylopathy.

St Berdoodle dogs with this condition might have a ‘wobbly’ back end. This wobble might become visible when a Saint Berdoodle dog walks on a slippery floor or when they walk slowly. If St Berdoodle dogs walk with their head down, it is usually a sign of pain. St Berdoodle dogs with more severe cases of this health condition might have extreme trouble rising, standing, walking, or climbing the stairs. Some Saint Berdoodle puppies have so much trouble with their legs that they buckle over, causing their front legs to give up. About 5% of dogs with Wobbler Syndrome become acutely paralyzed in all four legs.

St Berdoodle dogs can experience this disease at different stages in their life, and they can have it as young as two years of age or as old as six years of age. Sadly, Saint Berdoodle puppies with this disease can experience a great deal of pain when their spinal nerves get pinched.

Treatment options for this health condition vary depending on the severity. For example, St Berdoodle dogs with more manageable versions of this health condition usually receive treatment in anti-inflammatory drugs like steroids or even non-steroids. Mild cases can also be treated with restricted activity and might use a chest harness to support a St Berdoodle dog’s neck. More severe cases of this illness result in surgery. There are about twenty-one different types of surgery to treat this condition. About 50% of dogs with this condition will improve after they receive surgery.

The prognosis for St Berdoodle dogs with this condition depends on the severity of their neurological impairment. For example, the average survival time of Saint Berdoodle puppies with this condition is four years, but that average is made from both medically or surgically treated dogs. If you think your St Berdoodle is suffering from this health condition, it’s best to start talking your Saint Berdoodle dog to your vet as soon as possible.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is one of the most common health conditions seen in dogs with neurological disorders. This health condition is not the most common in St Berdoodle dogs and therefore should not inspire a lot of stress in any potential Saint Berdoodle owners. In addition to that, this health condition primarily only affects Poodles. However, some St. Bernards struggle with this cognitive health issue, which means that St Berdoodle dogs have a slight chance of having this condition. This abnormality causes reoccurring seizures and can be a depressing force in a dog’s life.

Thankfully, once a vet figures out what is causing these seizures in a Saint Berdoodle dog, they can locate the specific type of epilepsy that Saint Berdoodle dog is experiencing and then provide treatment. This condition might seem like a daunting health condition, but often Saint Berdoodle puppies with epilepsy can still live long, happy lives, even if they continue to have seizures.

To give a St Berdoodle the proper treatment for their specific type of epilepsy, vets must first understand what kind of epilepsy the Saint Berdoodle has. Also, not every St Berdoodle dog will experience only one kind of seizure. If you adopt a St Berdoodle with epilepsy, you’ll need to be able to notice the effects seizures have on your St Berdoodle dog and the symptoms they show. Vets work closely with owners to help treat Saint Berdoodle puppies because they need owners to communicate their dogs’ symptoms.

There are over ten types of seizures your Saint Berdoodle puppy might experience. Because the Saint Berdoodle is at risk of attacks because of its relationship to the Poodle, it makes sense that the two breeds might have common symptoms. For Poodles, the most common types of seizures are focal or generalized. Focal seizures only originate in a part of the brain and therefore only occur in a part of a dog’s body. Generalized seizures originate from both hemispheres in the brain and will show themselves over a St Berdoodle dog’s entire body.

Saint Berdoodle puppies with epilepsy can have many other types of seizures. For example, St Berdoodle puppies can experience atonic, tonic, tonic-clonic, and myoclonic seizures. Atonic seizures occur when Saint Berdoodle puppies have a sudden loss of muscle tone. Contrarily, tonic seizures are when a St. Berdoodle has a sudden increase in muscle tone, which can look like their muscle stiffens or flexes and can last for several minutes. A tonic-clonic attack can look like a Saint Berdoodle is experiencing a tonic attack but immediately follows that attack with short jerking movements. Myoclonic seizures look like quick and reoccurring contractions of groups of muscles.

Also, if your Saint Berdoodle puppies experience any of these seizures more than once in twenty-four hours or less, then your St Berdoodle puppies are having cluster seizures. St Berdoodle dogs with epilepsy can also experience something called status epilepticus. Status epilepticus occurs when a St Berdoodle dog has an episode that quickly follows another without breaks. This condition can also occur in any seizure that lasts longer than five minutes.

There are two other types of seizures Saint Berdoodle puppies can experience, although, because brain abnormalities aren’t the cause of these seizures, vets don’t think of them as epileptic seizures. Specific reoccurring stimuli cause reflexive seizures in Saint Berdoodle puppies. The recurring stimuli could present themselves in bright flashing lights or loud, repetitive noises, and usually, the cause of them is consistent. Saint Berdoodle puppies can also experience reactive seizures. Toxins, metabolic derangements, or other things that stimulate a St Berdoodle dog’s stomach can cause reactive seizures. These attacks are still essential because even though these seizures aren’t a result of epilepsy, they can cause epilepsy.

For example, idiopathic epilepsy is the most common type of epilepsy in dogs. An unidentifiable structural issue in the brain most often causes idiopathic epilepsy, and vets assume this condition most commonly passes itself to St Berdoodle dogs through genetics. Vets don’t know all the causes of this type of epilepsy, but they know that metabolic derangements and toxins can also cause it. This condition means that if your Saint Berdoodle dog experiences a reactive seizure, the cause of it isn’t epilepsy, but that seizure might give your St Berdoodle dog epilepsy.

Idiopathic epilepsy most commonly affects Saint Berdoodle puppies between one and five years, and usually, Saint Berdoodle puppies have regular neurological examinations. Saint Berdoodle puppies pass their neurological exams because vets cannot find the structural issue that causes this epilepsy.

Another type of epilepsy is structural epilepsy. An identifiable structural issue causes structural epilepsy. St Berdoodle dogs don’t have to be born with a brain abnormality to contract this type of epilepsy. Any Saint Berdoodle puppies that experience an inflammatory disease of the brain, growth of an intracranial tumor, head trauma, or vascular events like a stroke are at risk of developing structural epilepsy. Saint Berdoodle puppies most commonly get exams for this type of epilepsy if any of these events occur or if they’re experiencing seizures but are outside the typical age range for idiopathic epilepsy.

Other types of epilepsy Saint Berdoodle puppies might contract can be epilepsy of an unknown cause and refractory epilepsy. Vets diagnose Saint Berdoodle puppies with epilepsy of an unknown cause when they have not yet identified any structural issues in the Saint Berdoodle dog’s brain. Usually, vets suspect that Saint Berdoodle puppies with epilepsy of an unknown cause have structural epilepsy, especially if the St Berdoodle dogs are outside the typical age range for idiopathic epilepsy. Refractory epilepsy is found in around 40% of dogs with epilepsy and only occurs when a dog’s treatment for their epilepsy fails.

Only after a vet determines the type of seizures and the kind of epilepsy a Saint Berdoodle has can they choose an appropriate treatment method. To help vets accomplish this, owners must list their St Berdoodle dogs’ symptoms and signs. It would make it much easier for owners to remember these things if they kept an epilepsy notebook for their St Berdoodle dog. Owners should keep track of any repetitive automatisms which appear like voluntary movements such as licking, chewing, or lip-smacking. When St Berdoodle dogs experience seizures, they may do these things uncontrollably for some time. Owners should also keep a detailed record of their Saint Berdoodle puppies’ experience.

Vets benefit from knowing what body parts are affected, when the seizures occur, the frequency of the attacks, and how long they last. Suppose owners can also provide their Saint Berdoodle dogs’ behavior between episodes or after seizures. In that case, this can help vets pick more specific treatments for that particular Saint Berdoodle dog’s symptoms.

For example, some Saint Berdoodle puppies have blindness, sedation, anxiety, difficulty standing, and other strange behavioral changes between seizures or after they occur. If owners suspect their St. Berdoodle dogs have any metabolic derangements or have ingested any toxins, they should immediately call their vet after their St Berdoodle dog’s seizure is over.

Epilepsy has many different forms of treatment, and not all treatments work equally in Saint Berdoodle dogs. Some of these anti-epileptic drugs can cause significant side effects that may change your St Berdoodle dog’s behavior. The anti-epileptic drugs work by inhibiting the connection certain neuropathways have, preventing seizures in the brain. Some Saint Berdoodle puppies might also receive more than one type of drug. Sadly, St Berdoodle dogs with refractory epilepsy will likely try many different treatments and might not find any that prevent their seizures from occurring. Some owners provide their Saint Berdoodle puppies CBD to treat their epilepsy. Although there is not much scientific evidence to back this treatment up, it is still effective. There is no actual cure for epilepsy that definitively stops seizures from occurring.

Anxiety

Saint Berdoodle puppies suffer from separation anxiety thanks to their clingy nature. Both Poodles and Saint Bernards struggle with being away from their families. Poodles suffer from separation anxiety a little more than Saint Bernards, partly because they’re very active dogs and love spending their energy with their families. Because of their relation, Saint Berdoodle puppies might also suffer from separation anxiety.

St Berdoodle dogs show different symptoms of separation anxiety depending on the severity of their health condition. Saint Berdoodle puppies with more moderate to severe symptoms will likely show signs of barking, pacing, crying, digging, chewing, or destroying the house in other ways. Saint Berdoodle puppies with the most severe cases of anxiety will sometimes defecate, urinate, or vomit and even eat their vomit or feces. More stressed-out Saint Berdoodle puppies sometimes try to escape their homes or stop their owners from leaving or possibly becoming aggressive.

Because many Saint Berdoodle puppies are in adoption agencies or shelters, they’re more likely to experience separation anxiety. Any Saint Berdoodle puppies with a history of trauma are more likely to experience signs of stress and anxiety. Shelter Saint Berdoodle dogs experience these symptoms more often because they usually experience abuse, neglect, homelessness, and abandonment. If you adopt your Saint Berdoodle when they’re a puppy, there’s a greater chance you can train them to understand that you’ll always come back home.

Thankfully, there are many treatment options for Saint Berdoodle puppies that suffer from separation anxiety. Depending on the route owners choose, vets can prescribe anxiety medications or counterconditioning to help Saint Berdoodles with their stress. Some owners give their St Berdoodle dogs CBD supplements in oils, treats, or other chews to help ease their dog’s stress. Most of these treatments will only work with mild forms of anxiety, as more severe conditions will require multiple treatment options to help bring those Saint Berdoodle puppies to ease.

Counterconditioning treatment is the process of slowly changing a Saint Berdoodle dog’s reaction to some form of event. So, owners change their Saint Berdoodle dog’s negative responses to calmer and even fun for separation anxiety. This process works by slowly associating stressful events with positive activities. Owners can start this treatment by providing your Saint Berdoodle dog with fun puzzle games in your absence or by providing them treats they only ever get when they are alone. For example, if you start to train your anxious Saint Berdoodle by leaving them alone for short periods with a Kong toy full of fat-free cream cheese, they might start enjoying their brief periods of solitude. It’s best to start with shorter absences that aren’t any longer than two hours, and once you realize your Saint Berdoodle’s symptoms begin to wane, you can extend the time you leave. Other treats you can provide your Saint Berdoodle dog include cottage cheese, frozen banana slices, or peanut butter. Many Saint Berdoodle puppies have their special favorite snacks, so feel free to play around with any treats to ensure your St Berdoodle dog does have a ton of fun.

Extreme cases of separation anxiety will lead to Saint Berdoodle puppies not eating when their owners are away. Because these St Berdoodle pups get so anxious they can’t eat, providing fun snacks won’t help them get better. These severe cases require more complex desensitization programs and usually need professional help. Owners of Saint Berdoodle puppies with severe separation anxiety should consider inviting an animal behaviorist or dog trainer to their homes to help their St Berdoodle dogs adjust to their absences.

Owners of Saint Berdoodle puppies should rest assured that they can receive help and treatment to aid them in this psychological condition. However, if a Saint Berdoodle dog experiences any other traumas or abuse, it can get separation anxiety all over again. Performing these treatments can help them, but it is possible for Saint Berdoodle dogs to relapse.

Physical Health

Gut Health

Saint Berdoodle puppies come from two large breed dogs. Because of how big Saint Berdoodle dogs get, they need many calories to stay healthy. Anywhere between four and ten cups of food will be enough to keep your St. Berdoodle healthy and happy. Saint Berdoodle puppies need high-quality large dog food diets to ensure they get the right vitamins and supplements for their bodies. Your St. Berdoodle puppies’ specific diet will change based on their age, sex, activity level, and any other health conditions they might face. Gut health is a significant basis for all Saint Berdoodle dogs’ physical health. Ensuring Saint Berdoodle dogs get the proper calorie intake can help ensure they get the right amount of daily activity.

Bloat

The Poodle and Saint Bernard are at an elevated risk of developing bloat, which also puts Saint Berdoodle dogs at risk. Bloat, otherwise known as gastric dilation, happens when a stomach cannot release any gas. Sometimes when this occurs, the stomach twists, causing stomach tissue to die, the stomach bloats even more, and it can even put pressure on a dog’s lungs, causing breathing difficulties. Vets don’t know what exactly causes bloat, but they do know that some breeds are more likely to contract it, usually giant, large-chested breeds, and they know that some behaviors can increase this already predisposed risk.

This disease is life-threatening, and without vet treatment, a St Berdoodle dog can die. Symptoms of this health condition involve a dog’s actions and usually appear right after eating. If a Saint Berdoodle dog has a visibly bloated stomach, or their stomach feels hard to touch, they might be suffering from bloat. St Berdoodle dogs show other symptoms include pacing, excessive drooling, or stretching with their gut and head towards the ground with their butt in the air. St Berdoodle dogs experiencing bloat might try to vomit without anything coming up. Some St Berdoodle dogs might pass out because of how much pressure the twisted stomach can put on their lungs.

Certain behaviors can increase the risk of bloat for Saint Berdoodle dogs. For example, Saint Berdoodle dogs that eat fast or drink excessive amounts of water before eating or after are at higher risk because excess moisture can trap gas in the stomach. Eating from an elevated food bowl or excessive exercise before and after eating also raises the risk of developing bloat.

The only way to prevent this health condition is to take action on any above measures. Limiting water intake before and after a meal can help prevent bloat. Also, knowing the signs of bloat makes it much easier to understand as soon as this experience occurs.

The treatment process for bloat is surgery to relieve the gas stuck in the stomach. There is no other way to treat bloat, and without some form of clearing the gas, a St Berdoodle dog with bloat will die. When a Saint Berdoodle has bloat, they need to be treated by emergency vets. Vets can either put a tube in a Saint Berdoodle dog’s throat to relieve the gas or perform surgery to release the gas if the condition has advanced enough. Vets may also perform surgery to prevent this condition from ever happening again. They can attach a Saint Berdoodle dog’s stomach to their abdominal lining to stop the stomach from ever twisting.

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Eye Health

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Saint Berdoodle puppies might suffer from progressive retinal atrophy. Poodles are at an elevated risk for developing this disease, and therefore, they pass in on to the mixed breed St. Berdoodle. This disease works by the slow degeneration of the rods and cones in a Saint Berdoodle dog’s eyes.

The disease starts by attacking the rods of the eye. An eye’s rods are responsible for seeing the peripheral vision and darker shades that allow St Berdoodle dogs to see at night. When Saint Berdoodle dogs lose this, they begin fearing the outdoors at night and dark rooms. This degeneration can take anywhere from a few months to multiple years. Each St. Berdoodle dog that experiences this health condition will experience it at different rates and varying symptoms.

Once the rods have entirely degenerated, this eye disease moves on to the cones of the eyes. The cones of the eyes are responsible for seeing in bright lights. Saint Berdoodle puppies that begin losing this part of their eyesight are closer to becoming fully blind. As St Berdoodle dogs lose the cones in their eyes, they may become clumsier and start bumping into furniture or walls. Many St Berdoodle dogs adapt to this by memorizing their own house plans to better move around them.

Sadly there are no treatments to prevent progressive retinal atrophy. Some pet parents try to give their St Berdoodle dogs supplements to aid their eye health. While sometimes extra supplements can help prolong blindness, it is not guaranteed. Feeding a Saint Berdoodle dog additional eye supplements is like giving humans carrots to cure their altered vision. This method will not work, but it can make humans have healthier eyes.

Typically St Berdoodle dogs will start experiencing this degenerative eye disease before turning one year old. Saint Berdoodle dogs usually become blind in less than a year of experiencing their eye disease. Some St Berdoodle dogs don’t become fully blind until they are three or four years old, although this is less common. Sometimes, this degenerative eye disease causes Saint Berdoodle puppies to grow cataracts. While cataracts are not the ultimate cause of blindness, they can cause blindness to occur earlier in life. Owners can get their Saint Berdoodle dogs surgery to remove cataracts allowing their Saint Berdoodle puppies to keep their vision longer. However, these Saint Berdoodle puppies will ultimately become blind because of their degenerative eye disease.

Entropion

Entropion is an eye condition that causes the eyelashes to roll inwards towards a dog’s eyes. St. Bernards are at an elevated risk of developing this eye condition, and therefore, the mixed breed Saint Berdoodle is also at risk. This eye disease is hereditary and might only affect one eye without bothering the other.

When the eye’s eyelashes roll inward instead of out, they can irritate the cornea of an eye and lead to corneal ulcers. Saint Berdoodle puppies with this eye condition might experience extreme discomfort or even pain.

Owners cannot prevent this eye disease but can treat the condition by taping the eyes down or providing eye ointment to relieve pain. Sometimes puppies can grow out of their entropion, although it is rare. Usually, long-term treatment ends with surgical correction of the eyes.

Ectropion

Saint Berdoodle puppies are at risk of experiencing an eye condition called ectropion, and St. Bernards are at an elevated risk of experiencing ectropion. This eye condition causes a Saint Berdoodle dog’s eyelid to be extra droopy, and many bloodhounds have this condition which causes those stereotypical droopy eyes.

Ectropion can cause red, irritated eyes, but otherwise is not a severe health condition. This disease can be treated with eye drops. Owners have no way of preventing this eye condition from happening but can be pre-emptive about treatment by talking to their vet about possible options. Some Saint Berdoodle puppies with this eye disease have more severe cases and might be treated by surgery, although typically, vets avoid this.

Distichiasis

Saint Berdoodles are at risk of developing distichiasis thanks to their relation to Saint Bernards and Poodles, as both breeds have an elevated risk of developing this condition. This common condition causes eyelashes to develop in the eyelid margin instead of the eyelid skin. Many St Berdoodle dogs with this condition grow very soft lashes that cause no issue for the Saint Berdoodle dog’s eye health. Sometimes, these eyelashes aren’t so smooth and damage the eyes.

St Berdoodle dogs with this health condition can have some pain and discomfort because of their eyelashes. Most St Berdoodle dogs with this condition need treatment of some kind, and some Saint Berdoodle puppies can receive treatment with simple methods like plucking out the extra eyelashes or providing eye gels. The issue with these treatments is that they are not permanent fixtures for the dogs with this health condition, and treatments like this will need to be repeated throughout the Saint Berdoodle dog’s life.

More permanent treatment options come in the forms of electrolysis, cryotherapy, and surgery. Electrolysis is when a fine electrode gets inserted into each individual gland alongside emerging hairs, and an electric current permanently destroys the hair follicle preventing regrowth. Cryotherapy is similar, and a probe is utilized to freeze the hair follicles, preventing any regrowth. These treatments can only be performed on visible hairs and must be repeated on any hairs that show up after these are completed. Once all hairs are treated, St Berdoodle dogs will no longer suffer from distichiasis.

The most invasive form of treatment comes in the form of surgery. Vets only rely on surgery to help this eye disease in the most severe cases of it. If the two previously mentioned processes fail to aid a St Berdoodle dog of its excess eyelashes, then vets will perform a specific procedure to remove hair follicles. Some vets even change the eyelid to turn a little more outward to direct any eyelashes away from the eye’s surface.

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Ear Health

Ear Infections

Ear infections can be common in breeds like the Poodle or mixed breeds with the Poodle, like the Saint Berdoodle. Poodles have those signature curly coats, and as attractive as they are, they are meant for protection. A dog’s fur protects from outside bacteria or weather. When Saint Berdoodle dogs’ coats aren’t properly cleaned, they can get more infections. Saint Berdoodles have the blessing of receiving a coat from either of the breed parents they have. For example, these St Berdoodle dogs can get a hypoallergenic coat or the shaggy brown hair-do of a Saint Bernard. No matter their coat, St Berdoodle dogs will have an abundance of fur, and it will need to be trimmed and cleaned properly to avoid bacterial build-up that will eventually cause infections to appear in their ears.

To avoid these conditions, owners must be able to wash their Saint Berdoodle pup’s coats and trim their fur regularly to defeat any build-up that may occur. If owners aren’t comfortable cutting their dog’s fur so close to their face and eyes, then they can hire a groomer. However, groomers are costly, so this should play a significant role in your consideration of adopting a St. Berdoodle puppy. If you don’t have the energy to care for your dog’s coat yourself or the money to pay other people to treat it, consider adopting a dog with less fur.

Ear infections are easily treatable. Vets can either prescribe medication or supply unique ear cleaning solutions, and pet owners simply apply the solution to their dog’s ears and rub it in. Never treat your St Berdoodle dog without your vet’s approval first, and don’t let something as simple as an ear infection cause you distress. Even chronic ear infections can use these treatment methods, and these situations do not have lasting impacts on your dog’s lifespan.

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Immune Health

Von Willebrand’s Disease

Von Willebrand’s disease is a blood disorder that makes it difficult for blood to clot. This condition is common in many dogs, including Poodle and St. Bernard. Because of the relationship the St. Berdoodle hybrid has with both of their parent breeds, they may be more likely to develop this blood disorder.

This condition causes blood clotting difficulties in St Berdoodle dogs, and while it sounds bad, it’s not a very serious condition. Saint Berdoodle puppies with this condition show symptoms through nosebleeds, urinary bladder, or oral mucous. This disease is most commonly discovered when Saint Berdoodle puppies have prolonged bleeding after surgery. Most St Berdoodle dogs have mild cases of this illness and may experience excessive bruising and bleeding on cuts. It’s rare, but some more severe cases can result in death.

In emergent situations where a Saint Berdoodle dog suffers from this health condition, vets may perform a blood transfusion. Vets may also treat St Berdoodle dogs with this illness with different drugs. Some St Berdoodle dogs can go without treatment as long as the owners are careful and prevent their dogs from going into situations where they can bleed. Typically this means Saint Berdoodle puppies are no longer allowed to play outside or have dog dates.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a common form of bone cancer seen in St. Bernards, and Saint Berdoodle puppies have a small risk of developing this cancer as well. This type of cancer primarily presents in bone tumors in St Berdoodle dogs.

This cancer often appears as a tumor in the wrist of the St Berdoodle dog and can spread all over a dog’s body if the condition is severe enough. Middle-aged dogs are most commonly affected by this health condition. Vets know that some breeds are more predisposed to contracting this health condition, but they don’t know its ultimate cause.

This condition can spread tumors over other parts of a dog’s body and other organs. The most common organ this cancer spreads to is the lungs. A whopping 90-95% of dogs that receive a diagnosis of this health condition are considered to have a spreading form of this cancer. These tumors have proven to be very painful for St Berdoodle dogs with this cancer.

The most common symptoms of this health condition appear as lameness. Lameness can develop relatively quickly, although, for some St Berdoodle dogs, this can take a long time to appear. Depending on the tumor’s location, swelling might appear in a dog’s leg.

Treatment options for these tumors vary depending on the situation. Some St Berdoodle dogs’ best chance of treatment might require amputation. By removing the primary tumor and treating the St Berdoodle dog with chemotherapy, there is a higher chance of preventing more tumors and preserving your dog’s quality of life. Sadly, the decision to amputate a dog’s leg is quite difficult and seriously impacts their overall quality of life anyway. Some Saint Berdoodle puppies aren’t even eligible for amputation. Few institutions offer limb-sparing treatments but only when the Saint Berdoodle puppies are still provided treatment with chemotherapy. Treatment for this cancer is quite expensive and requires a lot of time out of an owner’s day. If a Saint Berdoodle dog does not need chemotherapy or surgery, vets might provide them with drugs to help ease the pain of St Berdoodle dogs.

Sadly the prognosis for Saint Berdoodle puppies with this cancer isn’t great. St Berdoodle dogs that undergo surgery to remove cancer along with chemotherapy to treat it have the highest chance of survival, with about 50% of them remaining alive after a year of experiencing this health condition. Only 25% of dogs treated for this health condition with amputation and chemo are alive after two years. Very rarely, Saint Berdoodle puppies will be cured of this cancer and live an average lifespan. St Berdoodle dogs that are not treated with both amputation and chemotherapy have much shorter lifespans. On average, a St Berdoodle dog that only receives one form of treatment will live on six months after their diagnosis before their tumors cause death or require prompt euthanasia.

Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease is a severe disease that commonly affects Poodles. Because Poodles can be more prone to developing this disease, many Saint Berdoodle puppies might also be at risk. Addison’s disease’s official name is hypoadrenocorticism and is caused by the failure of the adrenal gland.
The adrenal gland produces important hormones in the body like steroids, aldosterone, and cortisol. These hormones, especially aldosterone and cortisol, play considerable roles in regulating your dog’s body and overall health. The failure of this gland can cause your dog’s internal systems to fail. This can cause the organs to deteriorate and lead to death.

Scientists and vets alike suspect the main factor of contracting Addison’s disease is simply genetics. Vets think that autoimmune disorders can also cause this disease in St Berdoodle dogs. Other issues like hemorrhages, metastatic tumors, the destruction of the adrenal gland, drugs like trilostane and granulomatous can also cause this disease.

Vets call this health condition the ‘great imitator’ because of how many symptoms St Berdoodle dogs can experience. Saint Berdoodle puppies with poor appetites, gastroenteritis, or who respond poorly to stress can show symptoms of this disease. Other signs are depression, anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, bloody stools, alopecia, and dehydration, which are common in St Berdoodle dogs suffering from Addison’s disease. Other symptoms Saint Berdoodle puppies with Addison’s disease might experience include shaking, weakened pulse, irregular heart rates, low temperature, painful abdomens, hypoglycemia, and hyperpigmentations of the skin. Symptoms of this disease can vary in intensity.

This disease is most commonly diagnosed when St. Berdoodle dogs experience an Addisonian crisis. An Addisonian crisis occurs when the Saint Berdoodle dog experiences life-threatening symptoms that cause them to go into shock or collapse. Once a vet stabilizes a Saint Berdoodle dog having an Addisonian crisis, they’ll perform tests to see what was wrong with the Saint Berdoodle puppies.

Vets perform a definitive test called the adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test to verify if a Saint Berdoodle dog suffers from Addison’s disease. Treatment for this health condition most often comes in the form of pills full of the hormones the St Berdoodle dog needs. The vet prescribes the medication, and a St Berdoodle dog with this condition will need treatment for the remainder of its life. There is no cure for this disease, and owners cannot prevent it from occurring in any way.

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Joint Health

Elbow Dysplasia

Both the Poodle and Saint Bernard are at an elevated risk of developing elbow dysplasia, making Saint Berdoodle puppies more at risk of having this condition. Elbow dysplasia is an umbrella term used to cover multiple elbow diseases that cause issues in a dog’s elbow. The radius, ulna, and humorous make up the elbow joint. If any of the three bones are out of place, any weight on this joint can cause issues throughout the body. If the bones don’t fit together because of growth abnormalities or uneven weight distributions, this can lead to lameness and arthritis. Sometimes, arthritis progresses so far cause a loss of function for the elbow.

Vets don’t know all the causes of this health condition, although they have many theories. One theory is that this condition is passed through St Berdoodle dogs genetically. Another theory is that elbow dysplasia is the product of defects in cartilage growth. Some scientists and vets think this health condition is caused by trauma, diet, or other lifestyle factors. Both elbows are affected in around 80% of Saint Berdoodle puppies with elbow dysplasia.

St Berdoodle dogs might start showing symptoms when they’re five months old. Some Saint Berdoodle puppies may have this condition for years before being diagnosed. Many Saint Berdoodle puppies aren’t diagnosed with elbow dysplasia until they hit between four and six years of age. Typically, St Berdoodle dogs with elbow dysplasia will experience worse symptoms right after exercises or activities. Rest can help resolve some of these symptoms, but many will need more than rest to heal completely.

Vets can diagnose St Berdoodle dogs with a clinical exam or x-rays. If owners keep track of their dog’s health and alert their vet to any possible signs of elbow dysplasia, this can only help the St Berdoodle dog get better. Vets might prescribe physical therapy or joint supplements to aid a dog’s recovery. Some vets will require surgery to help a St Berdoodle dog with elbow dysplasia if the condition is severe enough. The only way owners can prevent this disease is to make sure their St Berdoodle dog is not obese and gets the correct amount of exercise.

Hip Dysplasia

Both Poodles and Saint Bernards are at risk of developing this health condition, and therefore, Saint Berdoodles are at an elevated risk of experiencing hip dysplasia. This common skeletal condition primarily affects larger St Berdoodle dogs. A dog’s hip joint functions like a ball and socket, and if the ball and joint don’t fit perfectly together, the joint will grind on itself instead of sliding together when a St Berdoodle runs. Several factors can cause hip dysplasia, including genetics and improper weight. Too much exercise and too little exercise can also cause excessive strain on a dog’s joints.

St Berdoodle dogs with this health condition will usually show symptoms through their movements. For example, this condition can cause inflammation and degrees of looseness in the affected joint. Depending on how long the Saint Berdoodle dog has suffered from this condition, it might have arthritis. Saint Berdoodle puppies with hip dysplasia will present a decreased range of motion and experience reluctance rising, jumping, running, or climbing the stairs. More extreme cases of this health condition can cause Saint Berdoodle puppies lameness in their hind legs. Some Saint Berdoodle puppies rely so heavily on the front of their body when they have this disease that they have a noticeable muscle growth in their shoulders and lose muscle mass in their back legs. St Berdoodle dogs can experience discomfort, stiffness, limping, and pain when they experience this health condition. Sometimes, vets can diagnose this health condition through a physical exam, although occasionally, an owner’s description of symptoms can help a vet diagnose this health condition.

Treatment can vary for every dog. Some treatments can be lifestyle changes, or some can be surgery. Obese St Berdoodle dogs are usually treated in diets to help remove excess weight from the joint. Some vets will require exercise restrictions, especially on hard surfaces. Sometimes, treatment comes in the form of supplements, anti-inflammatory medication, joint fluid modifiers, or physical therapy. Vets can perform common surgeries to replace the hip. Sometimes, vets will completely replace a dog’s hip if their situation is advanced enough. Owners cannot prevent this condition but can be proactive by taking their Saint Berdoodle to the vet regularly, providing the correct amount of activity, and keeping an eye on their dog’s overall health. Owners can make sure their Saint Berdoodle is in the best health possible.

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Skin and Coat

Skin Tumors

Because the St Berdoodle is related to the Poodle, they are at risk of developing several skin conditions. Some of these skin conditions can cause St Berdoodle dogs to lose patches of their fur and even break out in dry, scaly skin patches that lose the ability to regrow fur. Sadly, Poodles have an elevated risk of developing several different skin tumors. Several of them are benign, but some tumors have cancer tendencies. Because the St Berdoodle is related to the Poodle, they have a smaller chance of developing these illnesses.

Trichilemmomas tumors are typically rare and benign. These tumors present themselves on hair follicles and are commonly located on a dog’s head. There is a malignant type of this tumor that is much less common. The malignant type invades any surrounding tissues and causes extensive inflammation, fibrosis, and even tissue death. These tumors rarely move to other organs and are usually resolved through surgery. Vets remove the tumor and all the surrounding tissue to reduce the chances of the tumor reoccurring.

Trichoepitheliomas are hair follicle tumors, but they present themselves as small lumps. These small lumps commonly found on the head are full of cheesy, grainy, yellow material. However, these tumors can be either benign or cancerous. These tumors can occur at any age but most often appear during a dog’s twilight years. Benign tumors begin appearing as if they’re cysts. Owners can choose to have vets surgical remove these tumors, but they often appear again in a different location.

Another type of tumor Poodles are at risk of developing are pilomatricomas. This hair follicle tumor appears as a cyst but has gritty insides. These tumors can be benign or malignant. The benign version of this hair follicle tumor is most commonly found in middle-aged dogs. This tumor can also be removed surgically but will likely grow back in a different location. The malignant version of this tumor is even more difficult to remove, and although these tumors are rarer, they more commonly metastasize to other areas in a dog’s body. For example, these tumors can appear on the lymph nodes, lungs, or other organs.

Another type of tumor Poodles are prone to contracting is a lymphoid tumor called canine extramedullary plasmacytomas. This type of tumor is relatively common in Poodles, and they appear most often on the head, lips, ears, mouth, and legs of a mature dog. These tumors are less likely to spread and can be removed through surgery. However, there is a rarer form of cancer that grows multiple tumors. When the more irregular form happens, surgical removal of the tumors is not reasonable as they will keep appearing on a dog’s body. Usually, vets recommend chemotherapy if a St Berdoodle dog has multiple forms of these tumors.

Epitheliotropic lymphosarcoma is another lymphoid tumor found in Poodles. Signs of this tumor can present themselves in flaky skin or red patches on the surface of the skin. These tumors will appear as deep lumps within the skin and can show themselves on a dog’s lips, eyelids, footpads, or mouth. No treatments for this type of cancer have been successful and could not lengthen the affected dog’s lifespan.

Squamous cell carcinomas are another type of skin tumor that is malignant. Poodles are at a very high risk of developing this type of tumor, so a St. Berdoodle can also develop this tumor. Most often, this tumor appears as if it were a wart. The tumors are firm, raised, and frequently ulcerated patches. These tumors appear on a dog’s head, abdomen, lower legs, and hind end. Early diagnosis is vital for a successful treatment.

Subungual squamous cell carcinoma is similar to the one stated right before this one. This type of tumor is generally found in dark-haired breeds but commonly affects Poodles. These tumors can appear on multiple toes, different legs and are most common in females. This type of tumor can spread to other organs like the lymph nodes and the lungs. These tumors are often solitary, but sometimes multiple tumors can appear in one area, especially if the St Berdoodle dog experiences prorogued sun exposure. Most Saint Berdoodle puppies are treated for this type of tumor by amputating the affected leg, ear, or toe. However, it isn’t uncommon for more of these tumors to spread twenty weeks after a different tumor had been surgically removed. Limiting a dog’s exposure to sunlight can help prevent multiple types of this tumor from appearing.

Aside from tumors, St Berdoodle dogs have few skin conditions. Even though all the health risks of skin conditions come from Poodles, Poodles also benefit this hybrid by possibly passing on hypoallergenic coats. No St Berdoodle dog is truly 100% hypoallergenic, but if a St Berdoodle takes after their Poodle parent more than their St. Bernard, they might have hair that doesn’t shed.

Whether the hair sheds or not, Saint Berdoodle puppies need their coats cleaned regularly. St Berdoodle would benefit from brushing once every few days. St Berdoodle dogs have long, thick coats that can matt easily if they aren’t properly taken care of. A lot of this information has been mentioned previously in this article, but these St Berdoodle pups really need someone who can commit to the hair care they deserve. You can never shave a St Berdoodle unless you found a homeless dog with fur that is so matted it cannot be saved. A dog’s fur protects it from everything, but that same protection can become a health risk if it isn’t properly cared for. This is why it’s so important to care for St Berdoodle dogs’ coat health.

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After reading any potential health risks Saint Berdoodle puppies can experience, you should better understand what St Berdoodle dogs need. Even though many Saint Berdoodle puppies will never experience the health conditions listed, owners should know that St Berdoodle dogs can experience these conditions. If you want to know if a specific St Berdoodle pup has these conditions, it is best to adopt an older Saint Berdoodle that is three years old or more. Most of these diseases present themselves in Saint Berdoodle puppies three years of age, although not all of them do. If you want to rescue a puppy, you’ll have to be willing to help them with any of these health risks because you have no way of knowing what they might develop. After reading this article, if you decide you still want to rescue a Saint Berdoodle puppy, that is excellent. Make sure you can provide enough room for them, daily exercise, and the expensive health food large breed dogs need, and your Saint Berdoodle will be sure to love you.