Should I Get A Saint Bernard?

Do you have a lot of room that Saint Bernard needs?

Can you provide a proper balance of exercise that giant breed needs?

Can you provide a lot of socialization that Saint Bernard requires?

Do you mind having a dog that cannot be trained easily?

Can you deal with a lot of shedding and slobbering?

Do you mind having a pet that has a short lifespan and is predisposed to many health issues?

Saint Bernards belong to the giant dog breeds. They are very bulky dogs that take a lot of space in homes. Having a backyard is almost a requirement for these dogs.

Young Saint Bernards need enough exercise to keep them lean and healthy, but they have soft growing bones, joints, and ligaments that can become over-stressed and damaged if the exercise is extensive. Adult Saint Bernards need more exercise to keep them in shape, but not in hot or humid weather because they can overheat easily. The proper amount of exercise can be difficult to regulate in giant breeds.

Many Saint Bernards need extensive exposure to people to learn to recognize the normal behavior of people. Without careful socialization, they may become shy, suspicious of everyone, or fearful of strangers which is difficult to live with, especially with a giant dog.

Saint Bernards are good-natured dogs, but they can be very difficult to raise and train. Some individuals, especially males, are stubborn and dominant and will make owners prove that they can make them do things. Owners must show that they mean what they say through absolute consistency.

Saint Bernards shed a lot. Owners can expect to find hair and fur all over their clothing, upholstery, carpeting, under furniture, on countertops, and even in their food. They also slobber and drool quite a bit. When they shake their heads after eating or drinking, saliva and slime can fly in every direction.

The lifespan of a Saint Bernard is short, and an alarming number of these dogs are crippled by bone and joint diseases and/or succumb to cancer in middle age.

If you want a massive, heavy, and powerful dog who's usually kind and steady-tempered with everyone and that loves pulling carts and sleds and romping in cold weather a Saint Bernard may be the right choice for you.