Is the Saint Bernard
the right Breed for you?

Bringing a dog, of any breed, into your life is a serious undertaking and requires much thought and planning. This is a living, breathing, feeling being that will be with you for many, many years and will be dependent upon you for all of its needs. This is not a toy that can be stuffed away after you tire of it. This animal will love you unconditionally with all of its heart and soul, and you must be preparedto love and care for it in the same capacity until death do you part.

Some things to consider before getting a dog...Do you have time for a dog? Do you have time for regular grooming, training, and exercise? Do you have room for a dog? Where will the dog sleep, eat, and play? Will you make sure to take your dog for regular vet checkups? What about costly medical emergencies that may come about? Can you afford to pay the vet bills? Can you afford the best quality food for this dog?

And, while I think the Saint Bernard is the most perfect breed of dog in the world, it is not the breed for everyone.

Saint Bernards drool...if the thought of being "slimed" makes you queasy, this is probably not the breed for you.

Saint Bernards shed...if you are a neatnik, or your don't have time for regular grooming, this is probably not the breed for you.

Saint Bernards are big...remember, that cute, fluffy, "little" puppy you bring home won't stay little for long. A primary reason Saints are dumped at shelters or relinquished to rescues is because, "we didn't think he/she'd get that big."

Saint Bernards need regular training from an early age...it is easier to train them when they are smaller than you. Saints are smart and eager to please, they don't need any fancy training; the basics of heel, sit, down, and stay are plenty for a family pet. But it must be done. A 150+ pound dog, who has not been taught "down", jumping on your sister-in-law is not appreciated (although it does cut those unwanted visits short!). It is also much more pleasant to walk your dog, than to be walked
by your dog.

Saints ain't cheap to keep...a Saint will cost more to feed and more at the vets than a smaller dog. You don't need a farm to own a Saint. They do very well in a house with a yard. Most Saints are laid back to the point of being lazy. They will follow you to the ends of the earth, but left to themselves, they'd prefer to snooze their lives away. They can be kept indoors or out, they don't mind cold, in fact, they love snow, but they are affected by heat...we keep a wading pool for our dogs to cool off in during the summer months.

Dogs, of any breed, but especially Saint Bernards, need companionship...if you are gone more than you are home, or if your plan is to keep your dog chained to a tree in the backyard, please DON'T get a dog, get a goldfish instead.