Top 10 Things to Know Before Getting a Saint Bernard

 

The Saint Bernard, a colossal canine with a heart of gold, has captured hearts for centuries. These gentle giants, known for their bravery and loyalty, were originally bred to rescue stranded travelers in the treacherous Swiss Alps. But are Saint Bernards the right fit for your home? Before welcoming one of these furry friends into your life, here are 10 crucial things to consider:

Size Matters: Embracing a Gentle Giant’s Footprint

Saint Bernards are undeniably massive. Males can reach a staggering 28-30 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh a hefty 140-180 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, typically standing 26-28 inches and weighing 120-140 pounds. This translates to a significant amount of space needed.

·Living Quarters: Can your home comfortably accommodate a Saint Bernard? They’ll need ample room to move around without knocking things over. Consider furniture size – couches and beds may need to be upgraded to giant-breed standards.

· Car Considerations: Think about your car’s size. Will your Saint Bernard fit comfortably and safely? Large SUVs or station wagons are ideal.

Gentle Strength: Training Your Saint Bernard

Despite their gentle nature, Saint Bernards are powerful dogs. Early training is crucial to ensure a well-behaved and manageable companion.

·Start Early: Begin training your Saint Bernard puppy as soon as you bring them home. Use positive reinforcement methods – Saint Bernards are eager to please.

· Focus on Control: Basic obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “heel” are essential for managing their size.

Shedding Season: Keeping Up with a Saint Bernard’s Coat

Saint Bernards come in two coat varieties: short-haired and long-haired. Both types shed seasonally, and the longhaired variety requires more frequent brushing.

·Regular Brushing: Brushing your Saint Bernard 2-3 times a week will minimize shedding and keep their coat healthy.

·Bathing Basics: Saint Bernards don’t require frequent baths – every 2-3 months is sufficient. Use a high-quality dog shampoo designed for their coat type.

Budget for a Big Dog: The Cost of a Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard puppies can be expensive, with reputable breeders charging anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 or more. This doesn’t include the ongoing costs of food, vet care, pet insurance, and other supplies.

·First Year Expenses: Factor in the cost of puppy food, vet checkups, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, training classes, crate, leash, collar, bed, food and water bowls, and toys.

·Lifelong Costs: Consider the ongoing cost of high-quality adult dog food, annual vet checkups, parasite prevention, potential medications, grooming (if you choose professional grooming), pet insurance, and treats.

A Gentle Appetite: Feeding Your Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards require a diet specifically formulated for large breed dogs.

·Choose Wisely: Select a dog food rich in protein and glucosamine to support their growing bodies and developing joints.

·Portion Control: Don’t overfeed your Saint Bernard. Obesity can exacerbate joint problems common in large breeds. Consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate food amount and feeding schedule.

·Bloat Risk: Saint Bernards are susceptible to bloat (gastric torsion), a life-threatening condition. Avoid strenuous exercise immediately after meals and feed them from a raised food bowl.

Exercise Needs: Keeping Your Saint Bernard Active

While Saint Bernards aren’t high-energy dogs, they still need regular exercise to stay healthy and prevent boredom.

Moderate Activity: Aim for daily walks or playtime in a secure, fenced-in area. Avoid strenuous activities until your Saint Bernard is fully grown (around 18 months) to protect their developing joints.

Mental Stimulation: Don’t forget mental stimulation! Puzzle toys, food puzzles, and scent work can help keep your Saint Bernard mentally engaged.

A Lifespan of Love: Saint Bernard Health Concerns

Saint Bernards have a lifespan of 8-10 years. While generally healthy, they are prone to certain health conditions:

Hip dysplasia is a prevalent hip joint ailment in large breed dogs. The risk can be decreased by eating a healthy weight and exercising frequently.

 • Elbow dysplasia: This condition affects the elbow joint, much as hip dysplasia.

• Bloat (also known as gastric torsion): A potentially fatal illness in which the stomach twists.

Eye Problems: Entropion (eyelids fold inward) and ectropion (eyelids fold outward) are common eye concerns. Regular vet checkups can help identify these issues early.

Living with a Saint Bernard: Family Life Considerations

Saint Bernards are known for their gentle and loving nature, making them excellent family companions. However, their size requires some special considerations:

Children: Supervise interactions between young children and Saint Bernards due to their size. Teach children how to respectfully interact with dogs.

Other Pets: Saint Bernards generally get along well with other pets, but proper introductions are crucial.

Finding Your Forever Friend: Choosing a Saint Bernard Breeder or Rescue

If you’ve decided a Saint Bernard is the right fit for you, consider adopting from a reputable rescue organization or breeder.

Rescue Organizations: Many Saint Bernard rescues exist, offering loving dogs in need of a forever home. Rescues often screen dogs for temperament and may have already begun basic training.

Breeders: Choose a reputable breeder who prioritizes health testing and proper breeding practices. Ask to see the parents and inquire about health clearances for genetic conditions.

A Lifetime of Love: The Joys of Saint Bernard Ownership

Owning a Saint Bernard is a rewarding experience. These gentle giants offer:

Unwavering Loyalty: Saint Bernards are known for their devotion to their families.

Gentle Companions: Their calm and patient nature makes them excellent companions for families with children (with proper supervision).

Protective Instincts: Saint Bernards possess a natural instinct to protect their loved ones.

Conclusion: Are You Ready for a Saint Bernard?

Saint Bernards are magnificent dogs with a lot to offer. However, their size, needs, and potential health concerns require careful consideration. By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether a Saint Bernard is the perfect furry friend for your lifestyle.

Looking for More Information?

Here are some helpful resources to learn more about Saint Bernards:

·         The Saint Bernard Club of America: https://saintbernardclubofamerica.club/

·         The American Kennel Club: https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SaintBernard.pdf

Remember, adopting a dog is a lifelong commitment. With proper care, training, and love, a Saint Bernard can be a cherished member of your family for years to come.