Welcome to our guide to the Saint Bernard.
The DogExperts.info website aims to ask questions to breeders, vets and experienced owners to get the answers to your most frequently asked questions about the Saint Bernard breed of dog.
You can also help too!
If you can answer any of the questions below, then please add your comments to the box at the bottom of the page or you can email us at sales@dogexperts.info.
We would love to feature your dog and publish any photos or pictures of your Saint Bernard you would like to email us.
Are you looking to buy a Saint Bernard – then see our list of Saint Bernard breeders.
Why Choose a Saint Bernard?
What type of owners buy a Saint Bernard?
What in your opinion are the best things about the Saint Bernard breed?
Why do you think the Saint Bernard is special?
What are your favourite things about the Saint Bernard?
Are you glad you choose to buy a Saint Bernard and not another breed?
How would you describe the Saint Bernard temperament?
What advice might you give to people thinking about whether they should buy a Saint Bernard over other breeds?
History & Origins
What are the history and origins of the Saint Bernard?
About The Breed
What colors of Saint Bernard are most popular?
What does the Saint Bernard look like?
What are the pros/cons of the Saint Bernard breed?
What can a new owner expect in terms of differences between the Saint Bernard and other breeds?
Do they attract a lot of interest and curiosity from the public?
What type of typical personality does the Saint Bernard have?
Is it possible to describe a fairly typical Saint Bernard?
What is the breed standard/description for the Saint Bernard?
Were there particular colors people preferred and that maybe you focused on?
Are there any downsides to owning a Saint Bernard that prospective owners should be aware of?
Is the Saint Bernard breed of dog suitable for first-time dog owners?
Some breeds can be described as greedy and prone to weight issues, would this apply to the Saint Bernard?
What are the key differences when compared to other breeds?
Is the Saint Bernard breed suitable for a person or family that are out at work all day?
Some owners seek a breed suitable for barking and offering a guard dog role – how does the Saint Bernard match up to that role?
Are there myths about the Saint Bernard – in other words do new potential owners come to you with misconceptions about this breed?
We asked a number of breeders in the UK and America what essential advice they would give to new owners of Saint Bernard puppies and this is what they said:
What types of questions do you get once owners get their Saint Bernard home?
Can you tell us something most owners would not know – tips, secrets etc from your years of experience?
What is the typical temperament of a Saint Bernard, so people know what to expect from their new pet?
When fully grown how much on average does a Saint Bernard weigh?
When the Saint Bernard is full grown in size what is the maximum height and length expected to be?
Is the Saint Bernard ever crossed or mixed with other breeds of dog?
Does the Saint Bernard smell or drool a lot?
Do you have a Saint Bernard growth chart?
What breed group does the Saint Bernard come under?
What type of coat do they have?
Can they swim?
What does the movement of the tail show, does it mean they are trying to ‘talk to us’ or give us some message?
Suitability
Are there some types of people that you can suggest the Saint Bernard is not suitable for, perhaps families?
How is the Saint Bernard with children?
Do you think the Saint Bernard is suitable for families with young children?
How does the Saint Bernard get along with other (existing) pets and do you have any tips or advice for new Saint Bernard owners in terms of successful integration?
Is it better to buy one Saint Bernard or two?
Should prospective new owners be aware of any differences between males and females?
Would the Saint Bernard be suitable as a guard dog?
Can I leave my Saint Bernard during the day while I go to work?
Lifespan
What is the expected average lifespan of the Saint Bernard?
In terms of life expectancy, how long on average would the Saint Bernard breed live to?
Food & Diet
Do you have any special feeding routines or diet?
Do you have any feeding advice or brands that you prefer?
How to handle the Saint Bernard puppy to start off – how much food, what type, how often?
What feeding routines and types of food/supplements do you recommend?
What to buy in terms of equipment? Bowls etc
Do owners need to consider supplements for their Saint Bernard?
How about for older dogs?
Buying – How Much Do They Cost?
How much did your Saint Bernard cost to buy?
Can you offer advice to people looking to buy a Saint Bernard and how much should they spend?
What advice would you offer new Saint Bernard owners?
What types of people are buying the Saint Bernard and why?
Where can I buy Saint Bernard rescue dogs or find a Saint Bernard for adoption? Please note that buying or searching for a ‘cheap’ Saint Bernard can be false economy as they may have health issues that cost you far more in the long-term – always buy from a good and responsible breeder!
Do I need public liability insurance or a license?
Puppy
How would you describe the Saint Bernard puppy to potential new owners?
What types of owners are best suited to owning a Saint Bernard?
What colors and sizes are most popular?
Are there things new owners do that perhaps frustrate you?
What can people expect when they become a new owner?
What inspired you to become a breeder and did you start with the Saint Bernard?
As a Saint Bernard breed expert, are there any ‘essential’ tips you would like to share with new owners?
Are there specific times of the year that you breed?
Choosing a puppy from a litter, what advice could you offer potential new owners in terms of selecting ‘the one’?
How long does it take to housetrain/potty train a Saint Bernard?
When can you take them out in public and how do you handle them around other dogs?
Will they run off – when is it safe to let them off the lead?
We invite you to email us your Saint Bernard’s pictures, in particular we are looking for photos showing Saint Bernard puppies at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 weeks old as well as early pictures such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 months old to a year old.
Do they have any nicknames or does the Saint Bernard have popular names?
If my Saint Bernard is pregnant what might the litter size be?
Could the Saint Bernard be dangerous around young children?
Problem Behaviors
How do you deal with a problem barker – any tips and advice to new owners?
How do you prevent a Saint Bernard biting?
How do you prevent a Saint Bernard chewing?
How do you stop a Saint Bernard jumping up?
Does the Saint Bernard have an issue with excessive digging?
Why does my Saint Bernard keep growling and barking?
Is there a reason my Saint Bernard dog is often scratching excessively?
Do they suffer from separation anxiety and how can I prevent this?
Exercise
In comparison perhaps to other breeds what can you say about the Saint Bernard and their exercise needs and do you have any tips or advice for new Saint Bernard owners?
As a breeder of the Saint Bernard , do you prefer a collar or harness?
As an expert of the Saint Bernard breed do you prefer a standard leash or retractable?
Can you offer any dog walking tips for Saint Bernard owners?
Playtime & Tricks
What games and toys can you recommend for the Saint Bernard?
Are there toys you suggest avoiding?
How intelligent is the Saint Bernard compared to other dog breeds?
How much can they understand?
Grooming
Do you have any special grooming routines or tips and advice for new Saint Bernard owners?
How much time is involved?
What accessories are required to be purchased for grooming a Saint Bernard?
Any advice/tips you can give concerning maintenance of nails?
How much do Saint Bernard shed and how do I maintain their hair and how often?
How can I prevent or cure ear infections?
Do you have any tips for eye care?
Is the Saint Bernard a hypoallergenic breed?
Bathing
Any advice/tips you can give concerning cleaning and bathing your Saint Bernard?
Can you offer new Saint Bernard owners advice concerning fleas and maybe products you use in treatment and prevention?
Showing
What advice and tips could you offer to owners who might wish to follow your path in showing the Saint Bernard?
What started your interest in showing the Saint Bernard?
If a new owner perhaps wanted to meet other owners or find out more – perhaps they have an interest in joining a local club or maybe they wonder how they can start showing their Saint Bernard – where would they begin?
Can you offer any advice to others who may be wondering if they can also start showing?
How would an owner know they have a show-quality Saint Bernard and how would they start off?
Can you give away any of your secrets?!
Is showing very expensive and why do you think people like to do it?
What do judges look for in a winner?
Breeding
What inspired you to become a breeder and did you start with the Saint Bernard?
What official organisations are there for the new Saint Bernard owner and what benefits or services do they provide?
In buying a Saint Bernard, can you offer advice and tips to new owners?
How did you go from being an owner to getting into breeding?
Do you think the breed’s popularity has increased, decreased or remains the same?
How did you progress to becoming a breeder and why focus on breeding the Saint Bernard out of all the breeds you could have chosen?
What do you think makes the Saint Bernard special to you?
Are there things that you see owners doing that frustrate you?
As a breed expert, are there any ‘essential’ tips you would like to share with new owners?
Training
In comparison perhaps to other breeds what is it like to train a Saint Bernard and do you have any tips or advice for new Saint Bernard owners?
How should new owners approach bringing a new Saint Bernard home, any advice and tips you can give?
Should I allow my Saint Bernard to sleep in my bed or elsewhere in the house?
Do you recommend crate training and how long does this take?
Should my Saint Bernard sleep in a kennel or crate?
Health
Health is always a major concern when buying a dog, do you have any advice for new Saint Bernard owners to be aware of in particular?
Are there any health-related tips you can give to owners?
What sort of health issues should owners be on the lookout for?
What is the recommended schedule for vaccinations for your Saint Bernard?
Can you offer any advice on how to treat and prevent worms?
What type of health issues can a Saint Bernard have and how do you deal with preventing these?
Why does my Saint Bernard have diarrhea?
Do they suffer from itchy and sensitive skin and if so why?
Why is my Saint Bernard vomiting and do I go to the vets?
When should I take my Saint Bernard for vaccinations and which ones do they need and how often?
How often will my Saint Bernard be in heat?
Should I consider getting my Saint Bernard spayed or neutered and when and how much does this cost and what are the benefits?
My Saint Bernard is limping, what should I do and should I go to a veterinarian surgeon?
Do they suffer from allergies?
Why is my Saint Bernard not eating?
How much does it cost to insure my Saint Bernard?
What healthcare issues or diseases might be excluded from companies that provide Saint Bernard dog health insurance?
Old Age
What age would you class as an ‘older or senior’ Saint Bernard?
Do you notice any changes in their behaviour?
What changes in food and diet would you suggest making for an older Saint Bernard?
Do you feed any supplements to an older Saint Bernard – or anything else which helps them as they age?
Are there any health issues particular to a senior Saint Bernard dog?
Do you have any advice for owners of an older/senior Saint Bernard or tips you can pass on?
Here is an interesting video on the Saint Bernard.
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