Is a Saint Bernard is the Right Pet for You?

Saint Bernard puppies are cute and cuddly. As clumsy and playful balls of fur they are impossible not to love. But before you bring one home, it is important to be prepared and educated. It is unfair to yourself, your family, and your potential new pet to begin a new life together blindly.

Using this guide before you welcome a Saint Bernard into your home will help provide a safe, happy, and healthy environment for everyone involved.

Saint Bernard's are very powerful and large dogs with a very thick and furry coat. As puppies, they are very rowdy and love to jump. Though this is not different than most other breeds, it is important to remember that the puppies bodies grow quickly, and they jump at you when they are up to 100 pounds. Having a puppy that size romp on you takes strength and patience. These puppies are also clumsy and have the potential to knock things over with their tails or when they fall over.

Training should begin early and Saints respond best to good natured and slow training. Saint Bernard's love to please their owners, however, they are stubborn and need guidance when young. Without this, the stubborn, though loving, Saint, will more than likely NOT respond to training of any kind at an older age. Lots of treats and hugs will show your Saint that you appreciate their efforts and they will be happy and satisfied. For more information on training, you may visit http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/training/saintbernards.html.

As these dogs grow, they need lots of room, and lots of food. They also need moderate daily exercise. Saints are very high maintenance and need constant grooming, especially those with long hair. Without the proper grooming, their fur becomes matted and is painful as it pulls on their skin. Also, as the hair grows longer, it can collect leaves, grass, dirt, or even feces-which can cause odors and is unsanitary. Most groomers recommend that Saints are groomed at least every three to four months. Another thing to consider is that Saint Bernard's drool a significant amount. There is no such thing as a dry mouthed Saint Bernard. This drool can fly off of them as they shake, going on walls and furniture. I love my Saint enough to clean up after him and not think twice about it. But please remember that it is not their fault that they drool and they should not be punished for it.

These gentle giants are very loving. They lean up against you and lay at or on your feet. They also love to back up to the couch and "sit" down or ever attempt to get on your lap. As sweet as this is, no matter how groomed they are, they will leave hair behind. They will also deposit drool on you, your clothing, and furniture when they are showing their affection.

These dogs are also at risk for certain diseases that can be painful and sometimes fatal. Osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, is common and is very painful. Hip and elbow dysplasia also affect these gentle giants. The symptoms for all of these diseases resemble arthritis, so if your saint is in pain or has difficulty getting around; get them to your vet right away.

Bloat is also common in these large breasted dogs. The dog's stomach can twist and prevent food, acid, and gases from moving through the digestive tract. Keeping their dishes elevated on a platform can reduce the risk of bloat, and do not overfeed as that can also cause bloat. If not treated, bloat is fatal.

One other thing to keep in mind is that these dogs can not tolerate the heat. They love the cold and the snow. But if you live in a warm area, it is best to keep the temperature cool for them. They can not cool off and can quickly become sick from heat.

Saint Bernard's are high maintenance and expensive. But, in my opinion, these noble, loyal, and loving companions are worth it. Saints need lots of love and affection, and they return it tenfold.

I have had my Saint for a little over 4 years. He is loving, compassionate, smart, loyal, usually obedient, and wonderful with my children. I would not trade him for the world!

If you were thinking of adding a Saint Bernard to your family, I hope that this article has helped you to decide. Good luck!