Spotlight Breed: Saint Bernards
January 23rd 2011 00:56
I am a little partial here I am not going to lie. I love Saint Bernards my family and I have owned them for over 30 years. We also breed Saint Bernards.
Many people know St. Bernards from movies like Cujo, Ivan Hoe, and of course Beehtoveen. Saint Bernards not only have graced the movie screen as actors but as illustrations in cartoons as well, one memorable one is Nanna in Peter Pan and also early cartoons have a Saint Bernard as Donald Duck's pet. I bet you did not know that they are football fans also. The New Orleans Saints mascot is of course a Saint Bernard named what else but Gumbo, he has been the mascot since 1967. Of Course Gumbo is not a real Saint Bernard.
Saint Bernard dogs were bred to rescue people in the Swiss Alps by monks, because they are said to be able to smell a person up to 20 feet in the snow. While technology is replacing Saint Bernards as avalanche rescuers, the breed makes wonderful pets and companions.
The first thing people notice about Saint Bernards, other than their remarkable beauty is their astounding and sometimes intimidating size. Saint Bernard dogs typically stand at least 26 inches tall for females and at least 28 inches tall for males. These dogs typically weigh in between 130 and 180 lbs. Although they are a large breed, Saint Bernards are extremely gentle and wonderful with Children. Another thing to think about before adopting or purchasing a Saint Bernard is that all Saint Bernard's drool, some more than others an easy way to tell how much they drool is to look at the adults lips size, the larger and looser the lips the more drool. Most Saints only drool after they drink or when they are really excited, if you keep a couple of drool rags or towels around it is nothing to worry about. Three Saint Bernards are int the Guinness Book of World Records. One for largest litter born, 23 pups, and heaviest dog weighing in a 305 pounds.
Saint Bernards are happy dogs who love people and seek companionship. I believe the happiest dogs are those with jobs, St. Bernard dogs are great at pulling wagons, carrying baskets and buckets, and using dog backpacks to carry things. Saint Bernards grow quickly from one pound and 4-6inches at birth to nearly full size in a year to 18 months. This quick growth can lead to growing pains and to joint pain. Health problems typical of Saint Bernards are hip dysplasia, so be sure to ask about hip issues of the parents and grandparents if known when purchasing a puppy.
Saint Bernard dogs typically shed twice a year once before summer starts and then after summer ends, so they do need brushing especially during those times of year. Brushing a grown Saint Bernard to get rid of all the excess shedding hair typically takes an hour to an hour and a half. It is best to brush them in the yard because they will shed a lot of hair during this brushing. Keep bathing your Saint to a minimum as they have natural oils on their skin that are important to their health.
Exercising your Saint Bernard requires some walking but not extensive walking, be receptive to your dogs needs, when he is tired let him rest. Begin walking your Saint Bernard on a leash at a young age, when they are easier to handle and weigh less.
Colors that are acceptable to the standard include orange, mahogany-brindle, red-brindle, or white with patches of any of these colors (also known as a splash coat)
What to look for in a puppy or dog...
When purchasing a puppy, try to get to know the parents and their personalities and dispositions.
Understand that puppies tend to be a little rambunctious at times but once they grow up will mellow out and be more careful.
Saint Bernard's do not bark a lot, and typically not without cause.
While having a fenced in yard is optimal they make great inside dogs too. Inside dogs will require walking and house breaking but both are done relatively easy.
If you live in Texas, we are located just South of Houston, Texas and we have litters two to three times a year. Email me if you are interested in our puppies I have added photos of previous puppies and our parents on this blog.
cmconerly@gmail.com
Many people know St. Bernards from movies like Cujo, Ivan Hoe, and of course Beehtoveen. Saint Bernards not only have graced the movie screen as actors but as illustrations in cartoons as well, one memorable one is Nanna in Peter Pan and also early cartoons have a Saint Bernard as Donald Duck's pet. I bet you did not know that they are football fans also. The New Orleans Saints mascot is of course a Saint Bernard named what else but Gumbo, he has been the mascot since 1967. Of Course Gumbo is not a real Saint Bernard.
Saint Bernard dogs were bred to rescue people in the Swiss Alps by monks, because they are said to be able to smell a person up to 20 feet in the snow. While technology is replacing Saint Bernards as avalanche rescuers, the breed makes wonderful pets and companions.
The first thing people notice about Saint Bernards, other than their remarkable beauty is their astounding and sometimes intimidating size. Saint Bernard dogs typically stand at least 26 inches tall for females and at least 28 inches tall for males. These dogs typically weigh in between 130 and 180 lbs. Although they are a large breed, Saint Bernards are extremely gentle and wonderful with Children. Another thing to think about before adopting or purchasing a Saint Bernard is that all Saint Bernard's drool, some more than others an easy way to tell how much they drool is to look at the adults lips size, the larger and looser the lips the more drool. Most Saints only drool after they drink or when they are really excited, if you keep a couple of drool rags or towels around it is nothing to worry about. Three Saint Bernards are int the Guinness Book of World Records. One for largest litter born, 23 pups, and heaviest dog weighing in a 305 pounds.
Saint Bernards are happy dogs who love people and seek companionship. I believe the happiest dogs are those with jobs, St. Bernard dogs are great at pulling wagons, carrying baskets and buckets, and using dog backpacks to carry things. Saint Bernards grow quickly from one pound and 4-6inches at birth to nearly full size in a year to 18 months. This quick growth can lead to growing pains and to joint pain. Health problems typical of Saint Bernards are hip dysplasia, so be sure to ask about hip issues of the parents and grandparents if known when purchasing a puppy.
Saint Bernard dogs typically shed twice a year once before summer starts and then after summer ends, so they do need brushing especially during those times of year. Brushing a grown Saint Bernard to get rid of all the excess shedding hair typically takes an hour to an hour and a half. It is best to brush them in the yard because they will shed a lot of hair during this brushing. Keep bathing your Saint to a minimum as they have natural oils on their skin that are important to their health.
Exercising your Saint Bernard requires some walking but not extensive walking, be receptive to your dogs needs, when he is tired let him rest. Begin walking your Saint Bernard on a leash at a young age, when they are easier to handle and weigh less.
Colors that are acceptable to the standard include orange, mahogany-brindle, red-brindle, or white with patches of any of these colors (also known as a splash coat)
What to look for in a puppy or dog...
When purchasing a puppy, try to get to know the parents and their personalities and dispositions.
Understand that puppies tend to be a little rambunctious at times but once they grow up will mellow out and be more careful.
Saint Bernard's do not bark a lot, and typically not without cause.
While having a fenced in yard is optimal they make great inside dogs too. Inside dogs will require walking and house breaking but both are done relatively easy.
If you live in Texas, we are located just South of Houston, Texas and we have litters two to three times a year. Email me if you are interested in our puppies I have added photos of previous puppies and our parents on this blog.
cmconerly@gmail.com
| 32 |
| Vote |
Comments (4)
Add Comments
