What are St. Bernard’s like?

King Kong is quite attracted to the family cat, who would prefer that King Kong not be so fascinated with her.   St. Bernard’s can get along with other pets if they are raised together, according to Michele Welton on Your Pure Bred Puppy.  Actually,they are quite accepting of almost everyone.  He is generally relaxed, calm (when he’s an adult) and patient.  Because of his massive size, do train him to heel on command.  And start early when his size is still manageable.

A work dog

St. Bernard’s were bred to be working dogs.  They are happy when they have something to do, suggests Michele.  Let him carry a backpack or pull the children on a sled in the snow.  He is a very social dog and needs your companionship, so don’t leave him alone too long.  It would be best if he lives in a home with a yard to run around.  If you live in an apartment, like the family in this video, you’ll need to take him for a long walk everyday to keep him in shape–for an adult, that is.

Exercise needs of a St. Bernard

For a St. Bernard puppy whose bones, joints, and ligaments are still growing, keep the exercise to a level that would not over-stress their body but still keep them healthy.   St. Bernard’s don’t do well in heat, so be sure not to exercise them in the heat of the day. If you are thinking about getting a St Bernard, keep in mind that this is a drooler, especially after he drinks or eats.   And they shed!  You’ll probably need to vacuum everyday.   You can read more about St. Bernard here.  Enjoy watching King Kong in his everyday activities.

If you like this video, here is another video of a big Saint Bernard being carried down the ladder.

Article source:  Michele Welton on Your Pure Bred Puppy

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It is estimated that 2000 lives have been saved during the 3 centuries that St. Bernards helped monks at the St. Bernard Pass (between Switzerland and Italy).  The monks discovered that the highly developed sense of smell in Bernies help them locate travellers who were freezing and helpless.  Thank YOU, St. Bernards!

Characteristics of a St. Bernard

Today it’s easier to use a helicopter for these rescues.  So we welcome St. Bernards into our home as companion, playmate for our children and guardian, and as show dogs.

AKC suggests that before you decide to bring home one of these wonderful dogs, know that they drool, shed, and possibly outweigh you.   Case in point–the dog in this video.   If you like a very tidy home, and don’t want to constantly vacuum or get hair on your furniture, keep looking for another dog.

Train Saint Bernards when they are puppies

Even though he may look manageable in size when he comes home as a puppy, start training him immediately.  Train him not to jump on people (because one day, he’s going to be eye-level with your visitors if he stands on his hind legs to greet them.)  Train them to be cautious near the young children so he doesn’t knock them over accidentally.

Be careful of the puppies’ joints when they exercise

And as they get larger, they’ll figure out that it is easy to steal food off the dinner table.   That’s why training them as a puppy is so important.  Many local clubs offer kindergarten classes for puppies.  Do not force a puppy to exercise until he’s full grown because that weight on joints that are not fully developed can cause injury.  It’s best to have St. Bernards in the country or suburbs where they can have space to stretch out.  You can read more about Bernies here.

Article source:  AKC

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Characteristics of a Saint Bernard

AKC shares that if the Bernie is bred by a responsible breeder, their temperament is lovable, trustworthy, trainable, and very loyal.  Saint Bernard’s size would be more suitable for a family with a yard for them.   Can you imagine a St. Bernard in a small space?  They need to be exercised everyday, although, when they are puppy, do not force exercise on them til they are ready. That is because the growing puppy joints that support a large body need to have tender loving care while it’s still growing.   St. Bernards are gentle and patient with children, as you can see in this video.  If you get them as a puppy, start taking them to kindergarten class as soon as they have had all their shots.  Many local dog clubs have kindergarten class so puppies can learn socialization skills when interacting with other dogs.  St. Bernards are very intelligent.   They need very good nutritional food their entire life. Both long and short-haired St. Bernards shed, and they need to be groomed regularly.  If you are thinking about getting a Bernie, take this into consideration.  Enjoy this sweet moment of friendship between Huey and Lucas

Article source:  AKC

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