Saint Bernard Dogs and Saint Bernard Puppies
Saint Bernard dogs and even Saint Bernard puppies are large and strong, and were originally bred as mountain rescue dogs. The smallest of the breed stands at 27 inches and weighing 165 lbs. Good Saint Bernard information is vital before contemplating welcoming one of these gentle giants into your life. All of these dogs shed large amounts of hair, although the rough coated Saint Bernard, the result of out-breeding with the Newfoundland, requires more grooming than the smooth coated original Saint Bernard variety. Saint Bernard puppies can become shy or even nervous if not socialised with and accustomed to people and other pets from an early age. They will also need training... from an early age they are already capable of pulling people out of snow drifts! Despite their size they are very gentle, seem to understand children and their needs very well, and have a good attitude to other dog breeds and even cats if properly acclimatised, so they make an excellent family dog in every way. Saint Bernard Dogs At a GlanceSuper-sizedLove all the exercise you can give them and more! Wonderful with children and could almost babysit for you! Need a good daily brush. Famous Owners and Famous Saint BernardsBarry der Menschenrether (1800 – 1814), the original mountain rescue dog.Gumbo, the official mascot of the New Orleans Saints. Saint Bernard dogs were used to advertise Hennessey Cognac in the 1950s. Marge Schott, the former owner of the Cincinnati Reds, and the Saint Bernards Schottzie and Schottzie 02. ‘Gumbo’ a fictional St Bernard in UK soap Eastenders is played by Shamus. The Beethoven films told the story of a family who shared their home with a Saint Bernard called Beethoven. Bernie Winters, owner and trainer of Schnorbitz. 
Barry, the legendary Saint Bernard Dog,is said to have rescued a little boy who was lost in the snow, and carried him home on his back. Common Health ProblemsSt Bernard dogs have a tendency to suffer from:Bone and Joint problems including hip and elbow dysphasia. Eye Problems Heart Problems Epilepsy Bloat Heat Stroke Ideal Family Dog? Yes...and No!A Saint Bernard pup would make the ideal dog for someone who worked from home. Although they require lots of exercise, loving to run and gallop through open countryside, when in the home they are perfectly content to laze around at the feet of their owner. However, if left alone for long periods Saint Bernard dogs can become destructive and shouldn’t be exercised too vigorously until they are two years old to allow their bones to strengthen, helping to prevent the bone and joint problems that the breed is susceptible to.Saint Bernard dogs have lots of fur that will shed all over your home. Regular grooming can reduce this, for remember that this is very much not a hypoallergenic dog. They need grooming at least once a week for the smooth coated, (or short haired) variety and the rough coated, (or long haired) variety. It can be useful to have their undercoat removed when approaching the hotter part of the year as the breed is susceptible to heat stroke. Many owners find it helpful to carry a ‘slobber cloth’ with them as excessive drool is a fact of life with a Saint Bernard. A Saint Bernard makes an ideal dog for a family with young children as they have an innate understanding of children, and they are incredibly gentle and protective over their family members. If a family member is talking to an individual the dog does not like, the Saint Bernard will quietly place his body between the two people and gradually shepherd the loved one away from danger. However, because of their sheer size, these dogs could accidentally knock over a small child. For those who have the time and outside space a Saint Bernard can be an amazingly loving, gentle and protective member of the family. You could think of them like some human teenagers... they take up large amounts of space within the home and leave evidence of their presence in the form of slobber and hair where ever they go! But seriously, the gentle personality of this breed will win you over every time. After all who wouldn’t want a truly heroic dog breed in their lives? So, if you have the space, and the time, and the money for all that food, then Saint Bernard dogs, and Saint Bernard puppies too, will make a family friend you will never forget!
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