Is the Saint Berdoodle or the Saint Bernard better for families with children?

Both the Saint Berdoodle and the Saint Bernard are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Saint Berdoodle or the Saint Bernard?

The Saint Bernard sheds more than the Saint Berdoodle. If shedding is a concern, the Saint Berdoodle is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Saint Berdoodle or the Saint Bernard?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Saint Berdoodle or Saint Bernard bigger?

Saint Berdoodle and Saint Bernard are a similar size (Very Large).

Which barks more, Saint Berdoodle or Saint Bernard?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Saint Berdoodle or Saint Bernard?

For apartment or flat living, Saint Berdoodle and Saint Bernard are an even match — either can work well.

Saint Berdoodle vs Saint Bernard: Which Sheds Less?

Saint Berdoodle vs Saint Bernard: full comparison

Trait	Saint Berdoodle	Saint Bernard
Size	Very Large	Giant
Energy level	Low	Low
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	High	High
Shedding	Low	Very High
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Low
Typical lifespan	9 years	8 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	No

Key differences at a glance

The Saint Bernard has noticeably higher shedding than the Saint Berdoodle.

Size and living space

The Saint Berdoodle is a genuinely giant dog that requires real space: bigger rooms, a bigger car and a bigger food budget. By comparison, the Saint Bernard is a genuinely giant dog that requires real space: bigger rooms, a bigger car and a bigger food budget. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Saint Berdoodle does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. The Saint Bernard does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Saint Berdoodle needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and drops very little hair. The Saint Bernard needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and sheds constantly and keeps the vacuum busy all year. The Saint Berdoodle is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Saint Berdoodle picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Saint Bernard picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Saint Berdoodle will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Saint Bernard will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, Saint Berdoodle and Saint Bernard are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Saint Berdoodle and Saint Bernard are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Saint Berdoodle has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Saint Berdoodle and Saint Bernard are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Saint Berdoodle has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Saint Berdoodle if you want less shedding around the home, you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, or you want a more adaptable dog.

Choose the Saint Bernard if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Saint Berdoodle on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Saint Berdoodle or the Saint Bernard better for families with children?: Both the Saint Berdoodle and the Saint Bernard are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Saint Berdoodle or the Saint Bernard?: The Saint Bernard sheds more than the Saint Berdoodle. If shedding is a concern, the Saint Berdoodle is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Saint Berdoodle or the Saint Bernard?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Saint Berdoodle or Saint Bernard bigger?: Saint Berdoodle and Saint Bernard are a similar size (Very Large).
Which barks more, Saint Berdoodle or Saint Bernard?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Saint Berdoodle or Saint Bernard?: For apartment or flat living, Saint Berdoodle and Saint Bernard are an even match — either can work well.

Saint Berdoodle vs Saint Bernard