Does anyone know anything about St Bernards?

[missymoomoomee]

I have thought very long and hard about getting a St Bernard, I absolutely adore them, my house is big enough, have a fairly large garden, plenty time for walks etc, I just don't know anyone who has one and would like to know if there is anything I should know. I have done lots of research but haven't spoken to anyone who actually owns one. The only dogs I have previously owned have been huskys (many years ago now) and they are obviously quite different and unsuitable for a young family. Any help would be great thanks.

Hmm am sure that is very sensible and will save you thousands...not that I show any sense in my choices!

Good luck with your next plan...I do commend your thorough approach.

missymoomoomee I just wanted to say how massively commendable and refreshing your approach (and tbh you decision too) is.

I hope you do decide to get a dog in the future as you sound like you would make a brilliant owner

Yes my DH breathed a sigh of relief at the money situation but it wouldn't have bothered me had it been the right breed for us. (He is a misery though), I'm not sure what my next plan is really, I'm sure I'll be back when I have a little think about it.

Thanks Gobblers, I had a quick look on gumtree and the pet selling sites last night and there are a fair few St Bernards on there, all seemed to be about 7 months old and it seems their families can't afford them/don't have time for them/have developed and allergy all of a sudden. It pisses me off beyond belief that people don't do research before they get a dog. (pissed me off even further that I can't take them all in and give them the amazing home they deserve). I will be getting a dog without a doubt, just need to decide on the breed now.

Sounds like a Rottie or GSD might suit your family? Nice and big, good with kids and would enjoy the active lifestyle you describe. Lucky dog whatever you choose, you sound like a really great owner :)

missymoomoomee, I think you will be a wonderful dog owner when you have found the right dog for you. I think St Bernards are a lovely breed and it is so sad (and disgraceful) that there are so many problems with it.

ScarlettOHara and beancurd, thanks for answering my q on bloat.

Thanks redwing and mrsm. I am going to go and do some research on getting a GSD I think, thats a great suggestion.

Can I please make a suggestion of an otterhound? You sound ideal for one big dogs, but not too big, absolutely wonderful with children. I miss mine

I have just had to google Otterhounds I've never heard of them before, they are GORGEOUS to say the least. DH has just told me his Gran had one when he was younger and they have a really deep bark??? thats all he can remember. Thank you for the suggestion I am going to do a bit of research on them as well.

Hi Missy. I've just been having a look at the rescue site Many Tears, and then read your thread. There a couple of boxer x puppies on there that look adorable. I've had three boxers and they are wonderful dogs and especially good with children imo. I'm on a phone at the moment so can't link but perhaps someone else could. If you are serious about getting a dog I'd seriously consider having a look at them.

Many Tears Boxer cross altogether now, awwwwwww

If you are looking for breed suggestions, what about an Irish Water Spaniel? I have a good friend who used to breed (and still does judge and show) them, her dogs are amazing and if I ever have the space and lifestyle I would definately consider one.

Oh yes, mine hardly ever 'gave voice', but when she did you knew about it! Vocal in different ways, such as groaning, grunts and singing. They do sing! Very, very gentle hounds emotionally and physically. For example mine used to lie down when children approached her, we didn't train her to do this, and she loved them climbing over her! You can let them off the lead but with patient training. You will ALWAYS get compliments and stopped by people wanting a cuddle. They curl up surprisingly small on a settee! I adore the breed, absolutely love them. Well worth waiting for. Also insurance was cheaper than a lab with no problems.

Rottie puppy

That picture is the exact reason I don't go onto rescue sites I want to home every one of them, that little boxer x is so adorable. My dh would love a boxer (he says its a 'manly' dog whatever that may be).

I'm not quite ready for a dog yet, I need to decide on what flooring will be best to put down 1st, I was originally going to put laminate down (for ease of cleaning) and hadn't considered about the dog slipping on it so I'm looking into what other (less slippy) options there are. All I know is that I want a large breed, those water spaniels are just gorgeous too. Its so hard to decide on a breed. I think most of my problem is that when I'm looking into it none of the sites have the negative aspects on any breeds aside from health issues (unless I'm looking in the wrong places) and I want to be fully aware of both the good and bad before I decide. From what I had read online I would have been perfectly happy getting a St Bernard, and had I not asked on here I wouldn't have known about a lot of the downsides. Thank you for your suggestions, I am looking into them all very carfully and will be back to blame every one of you when I end up with 27 puppies because I can't decide on 1

Another 'biggie' to throw in the mix, that you might not have considered

Italian Spinone

Spinones, Water Spaniels and Otterhounds are all very 'natural' breed that shouldn't carry too many health problems. Most good breed sites (ie not wiki or someone who is home breeding, but the actual club website) should give you the negatives as well as the positives. In all honesty good breed sites are more about putting people off rather than encoraging people

Another thing to consider if you are not in a rush is going to crufts next March where they have a 'Discover Dogs' section where you can meet represetitives of 150 breeds and more importantly quiz their breeders and owners. Might be a good thing to do if you get it down to a shortlist.

Thats a brilliant idea Gobblers I'm not in a hurry at all, its a massive commitment so I want to be really sure. Although I may end up with 150 puppies instead . Sounds like I am looking on the wrong sites for information too.

If you you want any more help, do ask, I am a walking breed (and general dog nonsense) encyclopedia

If you haven't been to Crufts before it is quite an experience, I have been every year for the last 14.

Thank you I really appreciate that, I really don't know anything about dogs (besides huskys) I haven't had a dog in 10 years. If you were in my position - 4 kids aged 10, 8, 4 and 2, home studying and will be working from home so I will be here all the time, and have 5 cats - what large breed would you choose?

I've never been to cruft, have just informed dh I'm going next year only to be met with another eyeroll and a 'yes dear' haha.

Thanks Lemarch I am putting spinones on my short(yet ever increasing)list. They are beautiful dogs.

Tell me first,

How much time do you want to spend a day exercising?

Do you want a steady, reliable, gentle, cushion for the kids type dog, or a fun, busy, fetch the ball, run around the garden being 'trained' over jumps by the kids type dog?

Are you prepared to commit to some kind of weekly activity, obedience, agility, flyball etc (would be great with the older kids)?

How much time a day do you have to groom?

How much time a day do you have to train?

Do you want a kitchen/downstairs 'in your basket' dog, or a sofa/bedroom, I would like to be with you all the time dog?

How important is it that you dog is (or appears to be) very well behaved?

No right or wrong answers, just be honest

That rottie is lovely.
Sadly I can't get a puppy now - bloody dog's getting old.
Gobblers, what do you think of Leonbergers?

Realistically I would have about 3-4 hours a day free for walking/training/grooming probably more but thats the time I would have to concentrate soley on the dog, the dog would never be alone really apart from possibly the occassional couple of hours. I want a dog that is going to be a massive part of the family and will be treated as such so not really a 'basket' dog, I have been looking into obedience classes and there are a couple around here but would be able to take the dog as much as needed but would probably do most of it myself (with my huskys it was daily obedience training and constant hard work) I would prefer a calm sort of a dog because my youngest is still little really.

I do love labs but I would ideally like a bigger dog really. I love long haired gsds they are just beautiful dogs someone in my street has one and I'm always finding excuses to go out when its walkies time to pet him (the dog not the neighbour lol)

coffeeinbed, quite a big fan actually, they seem to suffer far fewer problems then many other 'giants' and are relatively long lived. They make brilliant companion dogs and are good 'all rounders'. Need a substantial amount of exercise though.