St Bernard breed

[blowinahoolie]

Looking into buying a St Bernard puppy next year. Off to visit a breeder at some point in near future when it's safe to do so with Covid 19 restrictions. Been to see a breeder in September and her dogs were amazing, fantastic temperaments. We all got on great. DC loved the dogs.

Pros/cons to the breed for those who already have a St Bernard?

The breeder said that they would be ready to go before Christmas but she is keeping them all with her until January as it's not a good time to be selling puppies before Christmas as we all know for obvious reasons...

We are not in a massive rush and like to see parents first and the environment before jumping into anything. Glad to see others enjoy large breed dogs too.

It's a shame small dogs feel threatened as they are usually big softies the large breeds.

Many small dogs don’t feel threatened. Especially if they are well socialised and have met giant dogs who are calm and gentle.
Breeder keeping them until after Christmas sounds good. My last puppy could have come home before Christmas but the breeder kept her a few days more. It’s so important to have the support of a breeder. They have so much knowledge.
Good luck!

Thanks Wolfie. Glad to hear that about smaller breeds not always defensive. I am guessing that you are an owner of wolf hounds then? Do they need a lot of walking?

Yes, this breeder and previous one we met also supportive. Don't think I would feel comfortable buying a puppy from a breeder who doesn't support you and your puppy for its whole lifetime.

Nothing to add really, as I have no giant breed experience (not brave enough 😂) but just wanted to say how refreshing it is to read about someone planning a puppy who has clearly done their research, and will offer a decent home. Good luck with everything!

Shamelessly joining in because these dogs are just so damn gorgeous!

Sorry, I’m probably one of those annoying people - I would never take a photo though someone has a beautiful dog in our village, although I am not sure of the breed. He always looks as if he is smiling

Many small dogs don’t feel threatened. Especially if they are well socialised and have met giant dogs who are calm and gentle
I have to say that in my experience, smaller dogs very often are intimidated by bigger ones.

I regularly see say, a group of poodle mixes and small terriers playing together or golden retrievers playing together but its rare that I see dogs of obviously different sizes playing together.

I get stopped a lot with my dogs and I mostly love it. I'm proud as punch when I'm out with my beautiful dogs.

I also stop to talk to other dogs, usually big ones. I was at a swimming pond a few months ago and saw a Newfoundland swimming. He was so fast and powerful, it was stunning to watch. ❤️

They need to stretch their legs! They are very like greyhounds. Rave about then crash out for the day. Here’s the girls!

What gorgeous dogs❤️

I think its great you are getting one, I just love the less common breeds, it would be a wolf hound for us if we have the room, the breeder you mentioned sound very good, holiday cover is great to have too

Is the breeder ‘Ourfairview’ OP?
Me and DH considered a St Bernard from her, lovely, lovely lady.

Just a note in large breeds threatening small - I find the reverse is true! I have 2 larger dogs (although relative minnows at 45kg+ each!) & it’s the smaller ones that come at you with bared teeth while my big pillocks try to jump into my arms.

I’ve always had larger dogs, but added a Yorkshire Terrorist who had a vile temper if he was in the mood for a barney. Loved him dearly, but crumbs. Give me something huge, shambling & drooling any day!

You do need to be on point with your training as people will have a greater fear of a larger dog (I’ve seen people dive for cover when walking, or rather shambling, my sister’s in law’s 2 Tibetan Mastiffs down the road). Mind you, all owners should be on point with their dog training!

If you have a big enough home, heart & lap then go for it. We’ve now got giant doods (cuts a little off the vacuum budget, and no drooling).

Just a note in large breeds threatening small - I find the reverse is true! I have 2 larger dogs (although relative minnows at 45kg+ each!) & it’s the smaller ones that come at you with bared teeth while my big pillocks try to jump into my arms
I’m not sure that is what the comments about small dogs being threatened meant at all.
Certainly I didn’t mean that.
I meant that small dogs often find bigger dogs scary and so, the smaller dogs react aggressively towards the big one, because they are scared of them.
I think that is what the other poster meant too.

MrsJunglelow no not that one. We are in Scotland if that makes any difference

Not as many breeders in Scotland as elsewhere.

I too read it as smaller dogs feeling threatened.
If you’re going to have a giant breed then it’s imperative to work hard on training. A pug jumping up? No one will care much. But a giant dog? Call the police! By law a person only has to say the dog make them feel threatened/scared and they can be labelled a dangerous dog.

Ah, just wondered as Cheri (Ourfairview) also does holiday boarding and training and keeps in touch with new owners, even so far as organising a yearly BBQ for all the puppies ever sold!

Good luck with your new puppy anyway 😊

That sounds like a ideal breeder MrsJunglelow👌 who doesn't love a catch up with a BBQ! Can imagine this breeder we are soon to meet probably has something similar going on. Will ask them. It's a good way to get meeting others and sharing the highs and lows of dog ownership.

*an

I know about 3 around here and a Pyrenees mountain dog. I adore those gorgeous breeds.
I would go with a Leonberger; gentler, kinder, easier temperament, smarter, easier to train, a bit more playful.
One of the local St. Bernards I used to know was aggressive and had an absolute problem with my dog. The SB was off lead and always went for my dog. It was terrifying. I no longer walk that same walk at that time because of this dog. So, that solved my own issue. But the other two local SBs are amazing! Never had an issue with them.
The training will be absolutely key. You cannot slack with one of these breeds. They will be feared and judged, so you'll have to ensure they're exceptionally well trained (as all dogs should be, tbh).

Two negatives:

1. the drool
2. like all giant breeds, lifespans tend to be short :(

I know Ellmau, we have weighed this up too, but after visiting a local family with a St Bernard puppy a few months ago and their positive experiences (and the negatives too!) we feel it's the right breed for the family.

As for the drool we were told that the drool isn't that bad, it isn't like Beethoven the film which is okay. I don't mind mess, used to my house being a hovel😂

Got to visit the breeder today - saw the mum and dad of the litter. Both friendly and calm, relaxed dogs. We are going back for a second visit to walk the dogs and spend more time asking more questions etc. We picked out our puppy. Decided to go with a bitch. Absolutely adorable dogs, was so difficult to pick but this wee one kept tugging at my sleeve 😂

@blowinahoolie Can we see a pic of your pup pretty please?? 😍