Dog care - Be careful not to overexercise

Be careful not to overexercise your Saint Bernard puppy in its first two years of life, when its delicate bones are still forming.

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Dog care - Take your Saint Bernard on daily walks

Take your Saint Bernard on daily walks, but keep it on a leash. Because of its size, a Saint Bernard can quickly become unmanageable if it so desires. Bear in mind that they are slow-moving.

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Dog care - Train your Saint Bernard early in life

Train your Saint Bernard early in life to socialize with children, people and other pets. Although a loyal and obedient dog by nature, the Saint Bernard can be difficult to manage because of its size alone.

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Dog care - Concern about hip dysplasia

Contact the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to learn more about hip dysplasia.

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Dog care - Give your Saint Bernard high-grade dog food

Give your Saint Bernard high-grade dog food. The first ingredient should be meat if you want a quality product. Crude protein should be no less than 30 percent, and crude fat no less than 20 percent. Also, the fiber content needs to be 4 percent or less.

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Dog care - Plan to feed your Saint Bernard

Plan to feed your Saint Bernard 6 to 12 cups of food a day. Because the Saint Bernard is prone to bloat, remember to give it two or three small meals a day, as opposed to the normal one to two daily meals.

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Dog care - Vaccinate your Saint Bernard

Vaccinate your Saint Bernard and follow up with yearly booster vaccinations to maintain the dog's immunity to diseases. Worm your adult dog every three months, and consult your veterinarian about defleaing products.

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Dog care - Remember that Saint Bernard does not like to be alone

The secret to success with the Saint Bernard, as with any large dog, is early training. Teach it to obey as a puppy, and its large size will be quite manageable when it matures. Remember that the Saint Bernard is a family dog and does not like to be alone.

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Selection guide - Plan to spend a lot of money on food

Plan to spend a lot of money on food. A Saint Bernard eats 6 to 12 cups of food a day.

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Selection guide - Be aware that Saint Bernards are only truly happy when they are with the family

Be aware that Saint Bernards are only truly happy when they are with the family. If you plan to keep yours outside, this may not be the dog for you.

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Selection guide - Note that a Saint Bernard will reach an impressive size

Note that a Saint Bernard will reach an impressive size. Males grow to heights of 27 inches and weigh between 110 and 180 pounds. Females will reach heights of at least 25 inches and will also weigh between 110 and 180 pounds.

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Selection guide - Look at potential breeders very carefully

Look at potential breeders very carefully, being sure to ask whether they are members of breed clubs, specialty clubs or obedience clubs. Affiliation through a club means you can check their references to make sure they are not a puppy mill (a place where puppies are constantly bred for financial gain without consideration of the integrity of the breed).

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Selection guide - Understand the health problems that a Saint Bernard is prone to

Understand the health problems that a Saint Bernard is prone to. These include wobbler syndrome (a spinal disorder), heart and skin problems, hip dysplasia (a malformed ball and socket in the hip joint) and extropion (folding eyelid). Talk to a breeder to find out what type of screening they have done for these health problems.

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Selection guide - Check out a Saint Bernard's features before you get one

Check out a Saint Bernard's features before you get one. There are two varieties: longhaired and shorthaired. Their coats are white with either tan, red, mahogany, brindle (gray or tawny with darker streaks or spots) or black markings on it. Overall, the Saint Bernard should appear large and muscular with a bright and friendly expression.

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Selection guide - Realize that despite the Saint Bernard's size

Realize that despite the Saint Bernard's size, it is well-behaved indoors and not overly active. It does well in apartments, as long as it gets plenty of exercise.

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Selection guide - Saint Bernard is a family dog

Remember that a Saint Bernard is a family dog and very playful, loving and watchful with children. However, should you decide to get one, it must be supervised with children so that it doesn't knock them over.

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Selection guide - Choose a Saint Bernard if you are looking for the granddaddy of watchdogs

Choose a Saint Bernard if you are looking for the granddaddy of watchdogs. Its size alone makes it a formidable presence to strangers.

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Owner guide - Good temperature for Saint Bernard

This breed does not do well in the heat, so be sure that Saint Bernard remains cool.

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Owner guide - Health of Saint Bernard

Make a definite effort to understand the health problems that a Saint Bernard is prone to. These would include wobbler syndrome (a spinal disorder), heart and skin problems, hip dysplasia and extropion (folding eyelid).

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Owner guide - Clean your Saint Bernard's eyes

Clean your Saint Bernard's eyes frequently with a moist cotton-wool pad. Be sure to use a new one for each eye.

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Owner guide - Groom your Saint Bernard

Brush your Saint Bernard's coat with a firm-bristled brush, as and when required. Bathe your dog as often as possible. Keep in mind that they do shed a lot, so the more often you brush, the easier it is to handle the large amounts of fur.

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Owner guide - Exercise for Saint Bernard

As lazy as Saint Bernard’s may be, be careful not to over-exercise them. This is essential especially in its first two years of life, when its delicate bones are still being formed.

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Owner guide - Control your Saint Bernard

Like all other dogs, take your Saint Bernard out for daily walks, but keep it on a leash. Because of its size, a Saint Bernard can quickly become unmanageable if it so desires. Bear in mind that they are slow-moving. Also you could proof your house bearing in mind that he is around as there could be any amount of damage done by him thanks to his size! It’s best if you would keep your expensive cutlery, crystal and show pieces away from his reach, or else one whiff of his tail and your dollars go in the drain.

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Owner guide - Train your Saint Bernard

Train your Saint Bernard early in life to socialize with children, people and other pets. Although a loyal and obedient dog by nature, the Saint Bernard can be difficult to manage because of its size alone. Its best to keep him busy either with some task or with the kids, that way he’ll be able to manage his moods, and yes they get moody too and also be occupied all the time.

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Owner guide - Hip dysplasia in Saint Bernard

Contact the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to learn more about hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a skeletal defect in Saint Bernard. The ball portion in this condition (especially the femoral head) of the hip is not securely seated in the socket portion. This condition is quite common in working and sporting breeds of dogs. It would be typically essential to check a saint Bernard for that matter!

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Owner guide - Food for Saint Bernard

Of course it’s needless to say that you need to provide Saint Bernard with high-grade dog food. The first ingredient should be meat if you want a quality product. The protein, crude protein in this case should be no less than 30 percent, with crude fat no less than 20 percent. Also, the fiber content needs to be 4 percent or less. Protein would provide Saint Bernard with energy and crude fat necessary.

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Owner guide - Plan to feed your Saint Bernard

Plan to feed your Saint Bernard 6 to 12 cups of food a day. This breed is more like us, humans. Best to feed them with frequent small meals rather than allow him to bloat. So in case you’re planning to lose weight and keep his weight and activity level high, don’t force down his meals to one or two in a day. Feed your Saint Bernard several small meals.

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Owner guide - Vaccinate your Saint Bernard

Vaccinate your Saint Bernard and follow up with yearly booster vaccinations to maintain the dog's immunity to diseases. Like babies, its essential that you worm your adult dog every three months, and consult your veterinarian about defleaing products. Thanks to their playful nature, like the Labrador, the Saint Bernard can catch ticks and fleas because of their sole purpose in life is t laze around; amongst people.

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Owner guide - Saint Bernard's behavior

At first what may seem as the toughest job to do, might turn a pleasure for Saint Bernard, especially as large and bulky size may intimidate you when he grows. Saint Bernard is a family dog and does hates to be alone. Most kids love him and surprisingly he/she’s most palpable with females. Probably a good reason for this behavior is that women get cuddly faster than males. Moreover, Saint Bernards are treated as equals along with children.

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DOG FAQ - How big do the dogs saint Bernard get?

The weight of Saint Bernard dog is: Male up to 150-200 lb. and Female up to 110-160 lb.

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DOG FAQ - Do saint bernard dogs shed?

Yes. Saint Bernard belong to the kind of dog that are heavy shed. If you have one, make sure to brush your dog constantly.

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DOG FAQ - Are Saint Bernard good pets?

Saint Bernard is extremely gentle and friendly and very tolerant of children. Slow moving, patient, and obedient.

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DOG FAQ - What is the average weight for a Saint Bernard?

The average weight of a Saint Bernard is 110-200 pounds.

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DOG FAQ - How much is it for a Saint Bernard?

Saint Bernard puppies sell in the range of $650 to $1200 according to breeding.

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DOG FAQ - Do saint Bernard drool a lot?

While there no such thing as a "dry mouthed Saint", but most Saint Bernards do not drool to a offensive degree.

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DOG FAQ - Are there all black Saint Bernard?

Full blooded Saint Bernard is typically tri-colored. A full black Saint Bernard most likely has a different type of dog mixed.

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DOG FAQ - What is the lifespan for Saint Bernard?

The life expectancy of a Saint Bernard Dog is about 8-10 years.

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DOG FAQ - What should I do when bringing home a new Saint Bernard puppy?

Keep that diet during the first days, to avoid some digestive upsets, and change it gradually, never abruptly. Check the vaccines already applied to the Saint Bernard puppy, and if possible, ask breeder for a certificate indicating date and type of vaccine, which, in the future, could be of great help for your veterinarian, specially because now there are all sorts of vaccines available. It's also important to know how many times the Saint Bernard has been treated against parasites, and the date of the last one. In case of pedigree dogs, appropriate certificates will be given to you: the pedigree. That is the genealogy tree of the animal, and all the details of the register or a transfer card declaring the property cession to the competent authorities. This is very important for dogs that in the future, could be presented in exhibitions, cause if they are not properly registered they will be considered mixed-breeds.

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DOG FAQ - How to choose healthy Saint Bernard puppy?

Is his place clean? Feces should be, more or less, solid, unless Saint Bernard has been treated against parasites recently. Healthy Saint Bernard puppies are usually fat, and if you catch them they will slip out of your hands easily with great flexibility. Starting by the head, look at his eyes. These should be clear and free of any substance than can damage his skin, specially in those parts of the eyes closer to the nose. The nose should be moist, and his ears clean. Give great attention to the skin, watch it carefully to detect some signs of fleas or lice. Ribs can be checked with your hands, but it's not so clear when you are carrying the dog in your arms.

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DOG FAQ - When should I buy a Saint Bernard puppy?

Probably the best season to be looking to buy a Saint Bernard puppy is spring. Once he has been vaccinated and can be trained out of home. Do not choose a puppy in the summer when you are planning to go out on vacations, cause his training will be interrupted, and most of the canine residences will not accept a non vaccinated animal.

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DOG FAQ - Can I trust Saint Bernard breeders?

An honest Saint Bernard breeder will appreciate your interest in a determined breed and will give you a date. Try always to visit the place; even if it is far away, cause it is better to travel some distance rather than receive a wrong bred dog or a sick one. Breeders working at small range always have litters of Saint Bernard puppy living at their homes. This guarantees that these Saint Bernards are used to domestic life since their birth. Temperament will change from one dog to another, and some will be more dominant than others. The most dominant are usually the first at the time of eating, pushing his brothers away from food. Puppies sleep for long periods, so that doesn't mean they are sick. Watch them all for a while before making up your mind.

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DOG FAQ - Choosing a Saint Bernard for Family, Adult or Puppy?

When choosing a Saint Bernard for family, you need to consider the dog's age. A young Saint Bernard settles down easier than a grown one, and is better suited for a house with kids. Grown dogs can be uneasy, specially if they have had some other homes before, so they need more time to adapt to their new family. Some problems that can arise are, for instance, to respond to their new names or to stand by their new owners once they are without a leash.

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SAINT BERNARD AND CHILDREN

The Saint Bernard is usually a gentle giant and plays well with children and other dogs. However, a young Saint Bernard and small children is usually a bad combination, since these dogs make awkward, clumsy puppies. More than one toddler has been accidentally knocked down and injured when trying to play with a Saint Bernard puppy. Older dogs are usually more graceful and are careful not to knock children down.

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TRAINING

Saint Bernard's are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their masters, so training them is usually quite easy. However, it's still very important to begin training your Saint Bernard while he is quite young. Because he will grow to be so large, he can be impossible to manage when he is fully grown if he is not properly trained.

Training a Saint Bernard requires gentleness and patience. Because they are so loyal and eager to please, they can get discouraged if they believe that you are becoming frustrated with their behavior. It is important to be calm, gentle and consistent when you're teaching them. If they perceive training to be an enjoyable activity where they're sure to win your praise, they'll be quite happy to learn any skill you'd like them to have.

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FEEDING

Feeding : Saint Bernard puppies (three to eight months old) must be fed three times a day: breakfast and dinner will be the most complete meals, while lunch can be just a light meal. You should monitor the quantity (that should be determined upon the weight and general conditions of the dog), but most of all the quality of the food.

For adult Saint Bernard has no particular alimentary problems. As the Saint Bernard is a dog of gigantic size, naturally he eats a lot: but you shouldn't think he eats like a lion or a panther. By establishing a relation between his weight and daily supplies needs, you'll see a greater size dog needs less food than a medium size one, as the smaller one moves more hence burns more calories. Of course the food must always be of best quality and of the proper type for the dog's activities: a sedentary adult (as the one living free in the garden) should not be overloaded with energy, while work-type dogs, in particular if living in very cold environments, should feed on a diet rich of proteins and fat, and the same goes for pregnant or suckle females.

The latter ones should be fed on a diet very rich of calcium, with eventual integrators aside from the usual meals. As for somministration we advise you to consult the paragraph about stomach torsion.

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HEALTH INFORMATION

Health Concern : In general, the Saint Bernard is quite healthy. However, they can be prone to Wobblers Syndrome. The correct name for this problem is cervical vertebral instability. It is common in very large, fast growing dog breeds. Wobbler Syndrome causes the dog to wobble when they walk, particularly around the back end. They may also have difficulty with their front legs which may make them take short, choppy steps. If your dog has Wobbler Syndrome, your veterinarian may recommend kennel rest for a period of time and may prescribe pain medication as well as anti-inflammatory medications.

Saint Bernard is also more prone to bone cancer than many other dog breeds, and the tendency has been found to be hereditary.
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Saint Bernard can also be prone to hip dysplasia, another problem in large, heavy dogs. Check with your breeder to find out about either of these problems in the lineage of any Saint Bernard you're considering Saint Bernards have a tendency to experience Bloat. For this reason, it's better for him if you feed him two small meals each day rather than one large one.

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TEMPERAMENT

Saint Bernard is a sweet and gentle dog. Though they are one of the larger breeds of dog, they still make one of the best pets for families. Bred originally as a working rescue dog, they are patient and tolerant of children and they are not at all prissy. They also get along very well with other pets in the home.


Saint Bernard is very intelligent and very eager to please their masters, so they are typically quite easy to train. However, because of their size and strength, adequate training is a must. They are fiercely loyal and very protective of their owners, making them a great watchdog. In fact, even though they are so even tempered and sweet, many strangers will fear them simply because of their size. They are often quite slow moving but they are extremely strong and have a great sense of smell.

This breed of dog rarely barks unless there is some real reason to do so. This is one reason (accompanied with their size) that they make great guard dogs even though they are very gentle natured. If your Saint Bernard barks, you should check out what he's barking at.

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GROOMING

Grooming a Saint Bernard is fairly simple, as their coats are not subject to getting matted or tangled, even if they have long hair. Brushing with a firmly bristled brush once or twice a week is usually sufficient. Because they are bred to withstand snow and cold, their coats have a water resistant oil to them. Over-shampooing a Saint Bernard's coat can cause them to lose this protective oil. For this reason, it's important only to shampoo your Saint Bernard when absolutely necessary. When you do shampoo him, be certain to use a mild shampoo formulated for dogs. Saint Bernard's shed twice a year, and will require more brushing during this time.

You'll also find that your Saint Bernard tends to drool and his eyes tend to water. Simply drying them with a tissue periodically will keep his eyes clean and free of irritants and keep the messy drool to a minimum. Drooling is especially frequent after eating.

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COAT AND COLOR

Coat Color
The base coat color is white, but it is well marked in tan, red, mahogany, brindle, and black. The face and ears usually have shadings of black.

Coat Type
Saint Bernards have two different coat types: rough (Long-haired) and smooth (Short-haired). Both coats are dense and warm. The Shorth-haired or Smooth-coated Saint Bernard’s coat lies smoothly over his body. The thighs are slightly bushy and the tail appears bushy. The Rough or Long-haired coat is longer than the smooth coat and slightly wavy. With the rough coat there is feathering on the legs and tail.

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GENERAL APPEARANCE

Appearance : The Saint Bernard is a huge animal with a muscular build, yet he has a very docile, almost sad look about him. These dogs come in both long haired and short haired varieties. The former has a coat of medium length, which is rough in texture. The latter has a short, close fitting coat, which is also rough to the touch. The coloring of the coat is red and white or white and red, depending on the markings. The weight of Saint Bernard is around 125-180 pounds, and in height females can reach around 25-30 inches, and males 27-33 inches.

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START TO KNOW

The ancestors of the Saint Bernard share a history with the Sennenhunds, also called Swiss Mountain Dogs or Swiss Cattle Dogs, the large farm dogs of the farmers and dairymen of the Swiss Alps, which were livestock guardians, herding dogs, and draft dogs as well as hunting dogs, search and rescue dogs and watchdogs. These dogs are thought to be descendants of molosser type dogs brought into the Alps by the ancient Romans, and the St. Bernard is recognized internationally today as one of the Molossoid breeds.

The earliest written records of the St. Bernard breed are from monks at the hospice at the Great St. Bernard Pass in 1707, with paintings and drawings of the dog dating even earlier.

The most famous Saint Bernard to save people at the pass was Barry (sometimes spelled Berry), who reportedly saved somewhere between 40 and 100 lives. There is a monument to Barry in the Cimetiere des Chiens, and his body was preserved in the Natural History Museum in Berne.

The classic Saint Bernard looked very different from the St. Bernard of today, because avalanches killed off many of the dogs used for breeding between 1816 and 1818. Severe weather during this period led to an increased number of avalanches that killed many St. Bernards while performing rescue work. In an attempt to preserve the breed, the remaining St. Bernards were crossed with Newfoundlands in the 1850s, and so lost much of their use as rescue dogs in the snowy climate of the alps because the long fur they inherited would freeze and weigh them down.

The Swiss St. Bernard Club was founded in Basle on March 15 1884. The St. Bernard was the very first breed entered into the Swiss Stud Book in 1884, and the breed standard was finally approved in 1887. "Since that time the Saint Bernard has been a Swiss national dog."

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INTRODUCTION

Welcome to my Saint Bernard dog blog. Here you will learn about Saint Bernard health care, any tips and you can find good experiences from many people who love Saint Bernard.

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