Saint Bernards (house, club, food)

[ashley19]

Does anyone know anything about Saint Bernards? A lady at work is trying to get me to take a 6 month old one but I have my doubts. I was not in the market for one but once I mentioned it to hubby, he is all for it. I know how big and messy they are but I would like to know about the tempermaent, if they are good with cats (I have 3), and how they are with children. My niece also is trying to get us to take a Brittney Spaniel, which I personally would rather, but hubby always wanted a bigger dog that he could roll around with. Any help on either breeds would be helpful. Thanks!

[poconosmama]

I remember my neighbors in NY having one. It was really a beautiful dog but he had alot of health problems and honestly didnt last too many years. Not sure if it was just the dog or the breed. Hope someone can help you! Can always call the humane society and ask them.

[I LOVE PA!]

Yes, I don't think St. Bernards have much of a life span. They do need room to run or they will encounter hip problems. As far as temperment, it all depends on how closely it was bred.

[okaydorothy]

They also eat a lot. I remember a neighbour St. Bernard at home and it ate and ate and ate so much.

They are gorgeous though.
dorothy

[weluvpa]

They are great dogs but they have a life span of about 8-10 years and will obtain a weight of close to 200lbs. They do have hip problems due to their size. If not properly trained they can be a very hard dog to control again due to the fact that they are huge. Temperments are hard to judge until the dog matures but close breeding can be a issue. If you do not have a dog or if you have never had a dog a larger breed like this can be alot to bit off the first time.

[BLUEDIAMOND64]

When they pass wind watch out.....also they can be nasty and protective towards their owners. My best friend had one and I wouldn't go into her house unless the dog was locked up. His name was Brutus.

[I LOVE PA!]

Our spoiled St. Bernard ate a whole chicken and 4 cups of dry food EVERY day. He was huge, even as St. Bernards go. Could easily put his paws on my 6'2" Dad's shoulders and his head was bigger than a large bucket!

[Mom2Five]

I highly recommend learning everything you can about BOTH breeds first, start here for the breed standards:

American Kennel Club - Saint Bernard

American Kennel Club - Brittany

Then for the real low down I find breed club & rescue websites in general to be the most informative. This will start you out & you can google for more.

Saint Bernard Club of America

American Brittany Rescue :: American Brittany Rescue

Good Luck! They're both great breeds, you just need to pick out which one will be the best fit for your family

[MermanMike]

I Love Pa!--did you do the raw diet with your dog? I've been doing raw chicken wings and necks with my havanese for a few years and I think it' a fantastic diet.

[I LOVE PA!]

Originally Posted by MermanMike

I Love Pa!--did you do the raw diet with your dog? I've been doing raw chicken wings and necks with my havanese for a few years and I think it' a fantastic diet.

RAW???!!! Never heard of such a thing...
I haven't done raw, but my dog has ate the little 'pad' that comes in the package of chicken to soak up the fluid after it was thrown in the garbage

I was a kid when we had the St. Bernard, but I am almost embarrassed to say that my Mom roasted the chicken every night for the dog and picked it off the bones and mixed it with the 4 cups of dried food. He was a HUGE dog, probably 50% bigger than the biggest St. Bernard you can think of.