Information on Saint Bernard Puppies

With a history of locating helpless travelers during snowstorms in the frigid Swiss Alps, the Saint Bernard is an intelligent breed with a gentle and dignified temperament. In a home setting, Saint Bernard dogs make wonderful family companions, but due to their bulky size and need for exercise, they do best in a suburban or country setting. If you are contemplating the idea of adopting a Saint Bernard puppy, good research is a must, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises before living side-by-side with these gentle giants.

  1. Saint Bernard Size

    • Saint Bernard puppies grow in the blink of an eye.

      The most striking feature of Saint Bernard dogs is obviously their size. New puppy owners may not realize how big these dogs become until they start growing. An adult Saint Bernard can easily stand 27 inches tall with a weight averaging between 130 and 180 lbs. This translates into a dog that will take up a lot of space in your house and car and that will eat significant amounts of food, not to mention the breed's tendency to sit on your feet and lean its weight against your leg!

    Saint Bernard Exercise Needs

    • A tired Saint Bernard is a good Saint Bernard.

      Expect rowdiness and exuberant jumping when your Saint Bernard puppy is young. The breed requires an appropriate exercise regimen, but puppies must not be overexercised to avoid putting too much strain on their soft, growing bones, joints and ligaments. These exercise limitations may therefore, lead to pent-up energy, causing your Saint Bernard puppy to romp around your living room with uncoordinated gawkiness. Providing your puppy with the proper amount of exercise and mental stimulation is a must, but outdoor romps on hot and humid days should be avoided to prevent overheating.

    Saint Bernard Temperament

    • Expect some males to show an independent streak.

      Saint Bernard puppies may look soft and cuddly, but do not fall for their teddy bear-like appearance. As the puppy matures, you may start noticing a distinct stubborn streak, especially in dominant males. Saint Bernards are not easy to raise and train, points out Michele Welton, a dog obedience instructor and canine behavioral consultant. They may engage in testing behaviors where you will have to be a strong leader and prove to them that you really mean what you say.

    Saint Bernard Training

    • Good leash manners are a must for safety reasons.

      Saint Bernard puppies tend to mature slowly, so you will likely end up with a 6-month-old puppy weighing 100 lbs. but still equipped with a puppy mindset. Start training early when your puppy is more manageable; a disobedient Saint Bernard can literally drag you down the street. Equipped with a good nose, a Saint Bernard puppy tends to get easily distracted and may have trouble focusing. A firm, yet patient, training technique is a must with this breed, and training classes are highly recommended.

    Saint Bernard Health

    • Saint Bernards are prone to several hereditary disorders.

      It is very important to purchase your Saint Bernard puppy from a reputable breeder. The breed is prone to hereditary problems that may become apparent only once the puppy grows older. Disorders common to this breed are hip and elbow dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism, epilepsy and several eye problems. Reputable breeders will screen their breeding specimens for hereditary disorders and should supply new puppy owners with proof of health clearances and a health guarantee.