Saint Berdoodle are a cross between a Saint Bernard and a Poodle.
This is a relatively uncommon mix given there are more common Poodle mixes, such as Goldendoodles and Labradoodles.
While there’s a chance that Poodle cross breeds will be hypoallergenic, there’s no guarantee in spite of claims by breeders that you may read online.
Although the Poodle is considered a hypoallergenic dog, the Saint Bernard is usually a canine that will go through a shedding season twice a year.
The degree to which a Saint Berdoodle will be hypoallergenic depends on each individual member of this so-called cross breed.
In this article, we’ll take a look at why Saint Berdoodle are considered hypoallergenic, how much Saint Berdoodle will shed if at all, and what are the care requirements for Saint Berdoodles.
We’ll speak to Mae Bea the Saint Berdoodle (@maebeaby) and Rosie the Saint Berdoodle (@saintberdoodle).
Jump To Section
What does hypoallergenic mean?
The term hypoallergenic was first coined by the cosmetic industry in the 1950s to denote beauty products that were less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.
These hypoallergenic products may have been less likely to cause an allergic flare up, but there was no guarantee that an allergic reaction wouldn’t still occur.
Respected medical website WebMD provide a detailed definition of the word, hypoallergenic, to ensure there’s no confusion about what this particular term means.
If you see “hypoallergenic” on makeup or a skin care label, it means that that maker claims its product causes fewer allergic reactions than other ones. That doesn’t necessarily mean it is allergy-proof or gentler for your skin. The U.S. government doesn’t have standards that products must meet in order to put “hypoallergenic” on the label.
What are hypoallergenic dogs?
So you’re probably wondering what makes a hypoallergenic dog. It’s a term that you may have encountered before, especially if you’re looking for a pooch that is less likely to trigger your allergies to pet hair.
The American Kennel Club write on their website that there’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog breed. That’s because there are other allergens that can cause allergic reaction than purely dog hair. The AKC write:
So, you want a dog but have always had an allergy attack whenever you’ve been around one – you’re not alone! According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, as much as 10% of the U.S. population is allergic to dogs. While there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs, there are many breeds that do well with allergy sufferers. Dander, which is attached to pet hair, is what causes most pet allergies in humans and these dogs have a non-shedding coat that produces less dander.
The AKC do put forward a number of different breeds that they believe to be more hypoallergenic than other type of dogs, such as the Poodle.
What causes an allergy to dogs?
Although the United States of America are a nation of dog lovers, it’s thought that as much as 10 per cent of the US population is allergic to dogs. To put that figure in context, there are 320 million people living in the USA so we can deduce that around 32 million Americans have some sort of allergic reaction to dogs.
When you think of dog allergies, you probably think of dog hair as the biggest culprit where pet allergies are concerned. While pet hair plays a role, there are some other factors to consider, such as pet dander.
Here’s the American Lung Association’s definition of the word ‘dander’:
Pet dander is composed of tiny, even microscopic, flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds and other animals with fur or feathers. These bits of skin can cause reactions in people who are specifically allergic to these triggers.
There are other potential allergens aside from pet hair and pet dander. For example, dog salvia and dog urine can trigger a person’s allergies to pets.
Respected medical website Mayo Clinic write on their website:
Pet allergy is an allergic reaction to proteins found in an animal’s skin cells, saliva or urine.
It’s worth remembering that other allergens can be brought in on your dog’s fur from outside the home, such as pollen.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America provide a detailed explanation about all things pet allergies.
People with pet allergies have over-sensitive immune systems. They can react to harmless proteins in the pet’s urine, saliva or dander (dead skin cells). The symptoms that result are an allergic reaction. The substances that cause allergic reactions are allergens. Pet allergens can collect on furniture and other surfaces. The allergens will not lose their strength for a long time. Sometimes the allergens may remain at high levels for several months and cling to walls, furniture, clothing and other surfaces. Pet hair is not an allergen. It can collect dander, urine and saliva. It also can carry other allergens like dust and pollen.
What are the symptoms?
If you suspect that you may suffer with allergies to dogs (and pets), you should speak to your local doctor to learn more. This article doesn’t constitute medical or professional advice.
Mayo Clinic outline a list of potential symptoms on their website.
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy, red or watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
• Postnasal drip
• Cough
• Facial pressure and pain
• Frequent awakening
• Swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes
• In a child, frequent upward rubbing of the nose
Are Saint Berdoodles hypoallergenic?
Rosie the Saint Berdoodle (Photo: @saintberdoodle / Instagram)
So we’ve reached the key question: are Saint Berdoodles hypoallergenic? Well the answer is more complicated than yes or no. Saint Berdoodles can be hypoallergenic if they inherit the low-shedding genes of the Poodle. The Poodle is, after all, put forward by the AKC as an example of a hypoallergenic dog breed. Alternatively, Saint Bernards aren’t hypoallergenic so Saint Berdoodles who take after this mountain dog will be less hypoallergenic.
Amber explained that in her case, Mae turned out to be a low-shedding Saint Berdoodle.
Saint Berdoodle’s can be hypoallergenic depending on the generation. Mae is and F1 and she inherited the Poodle coat. She rarely sheds.
Do Saint Berdoodles shed a lot?
Mae the Saint Berdoodle (Photo: @maebeaby / Instagram)
Like we’ve touched upon above, Saint Berdoodles could shed minimally if the Poodle cross breed take after the water dog parent more than the Saint Bernard. Poodles don’t shed much if at all but Saint Bernards can be moderate shedders. So the amount that a Saint Berdoodle will shed can vary between each member of the cross breed.
Saint Berdoodles care and grooming
Rosie the Saint Berdoodle (Photo: @saintberdoodle / Instagram)
Although Saint Berdoodles are low-shedding dogs, they do require regular grooming. It’s a good idea to brush your Saint Berdoodle on a frequent basis to maintain the health and quality of the coat. Saint Berdoodles can have coats of different textures, curly and wiry like the Poodle or the soft and long hair of the Saint Bernard.
Amber explained that Mae does require regular grooming to maintain the appearance of her coat.
Saint Berdoodles need regular grooming if they inherit the Poodle coat. Our Doodle, Mae, does have the poodle coat. We pay around $120 (including top) every 6 weeks, so grooming bills add up quickly!
Hypoallergenic dog breeds
The American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club in the UK suggest a number of dog breeds on their website that they consider to be hypoallergenic. The AKC list 19 different breeds.
The AKC suggest the following 19 breeds:
• Affenpinchser
• Afghan Hound
• American Hairless Terrier
• Barbet
• Bedlington Terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Giant Schnauzer
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Maltese
• Peruvian Inca Orchid
• Poodle
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Schnauzer
• Xoloitzcuintli
The Kennel Club offer a more exhaustive list of 31 types of dogs:
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Spanish Water Dog
• Bouvier des Flandres
• Giant Schnauzer
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russian Black Terrier
• Hungarian Puli
• Komondor
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Havanese
• Maltese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Lhasa Apso
• Intermediate Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Mexican Hairless
• Standard Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Standard Poodle
• Toy Poodle
• Miniature Poodle
• Shih Tzu
• Tibetan Terrier
• Bedlington Terrier
• Dandie Dinmont Terrier
• Glen of Imaal Terrier
• Sealyham Terrier
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Anything else to consider?
If you’re looking to learn more about a particular dog breed or mix, it’s a good idea to speak to current owners to get an idea about the pros and cons of the mix.
In our experience, pet parents are more than forthcoming with information to help other prospective owners.
In conclusion
Mae the Saint Berdoodle (Photo: @maebeaby / Instagram)
We’ve reached the end of our article on whether Saint Berdoodles are hypoallergenic. They’re a cross breed that can have hypoallergenic qualities.
The influence of the Poodle genes means that Saint Berdoodle can be low-shedding dogs, but if they take after their Saint Bernard parent, they could shed to some degree.
Even if your Saint Berdoodle doesn’t shed a lot, their dander, salvia and urine could still trigger your allergies to some degree.
