Reputable St Bernard breeders should be your first contact if you are looking to purchase one of these beautiful dogs. Genuine breeders will have had their stud dogs screened for genetic diseases. They will also want to ensure that the gentle, protective temperament of the breed will be passed on. Pairings will be made with an eye to matching dogs which will complement each other to produce even better progeny.
The St Bernard is one of the world's biggest breeds of dog. The American Kennel Club sets the upper height limit at 28 inches and weight between 130 to 180 pounds. They originated from dogs kept by monks on the Swiss/Italian border. The monks kept rest-houses for travellers crossing the mountain passes between the two countries. The dogs gained a reputation as being able to locate people who had lost their way in the cold inhospitable countryside.
The breed is still used for search and rescue. They are intimidating guard dogs. Pets are used for carting, weight pulling and obedience. They are big eaters and not suited to apartment living. It can be expensive to feed. Several genetic disorders can be passed on to progeny. If planning to buy a St Bernard, it is important to buy from a registered breeder who will only breed from healthy animals.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are sometimes passed on to progeny. This can lead to arthritis as the dog ages. Potential breeding stock can be screened for these disorders. Ask to see evidence of the parents' scores when viewing a pup. Ectropion (outward turning of the eyelid) also affects many dogs of this type.This may result in episodes of conjunctivitis. Bloat is also quite common in large dogs. Divide food into two or three meals rather than one.
These massive dogs have large heads with dark brown, intelligent eyes. They may have rough or smooth coats. The fur is very dense and regular grooming is required. All St Bernards are messy eaters and slobber a lot. Purebred dogs will be brindle, red-brindle or mahogany with white blazes on a black face. The chest, collar and forelegs are also white as is the tip of the tail and nose.
The St Bernard sheds twice a year. A bristle brush is good for removing hair at these times. Bathing should be restricted as it removes the natural oils which help water-proof the coat. If a bath can't be avoided, use a mild soap. Being so large and having such a thick coat makes the breed sensitive to extremes of heat. Shade and water should always be available and dogs should not be exercised in the middle of the day. Ten years is about the maximum life expectancy.
Even when half-grown, these dogs are still very heavy. Obedience training and socialization is imperative as an uncontrollable dog of this size is not a pleasure to own. Luckily they have a gentle, patient nature and are highly intelligent.
Strong, muscular legs and well-formed feet are necessary to support a dog of this size. These are loyal, loving companions. By approaching registered St Bernard breeders, you will be given help to choose a dog to suit your needs.
The St Bernard is one of the world's biggest breeds of dog. The American Kennel Club sets the upper height limit at 28 inches and weight between 130 to 180 pounds. They originated from dogs kept by monks on the Swiss/Italian border. The monks kept rest-houses for travellers crossing the mountain passes between the two countries. The dogs gained a reputation as being able to locate people who had lost their way in the cold inhospitable countryside.
The breed is still used for search and rescue. They are intimidating guard dogs. Pets are used for carting, weight pulling and obedience. They are big eaters and not suited to apartment living. It can be expensive to feed. Several genetic disorders can be passed on to progeny. If planning to buy a St Bernard, it is important to buy from a registered breeder who will only breed from healthy animals.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are sometimes passed on to progeny. This can lead to arthritis as the dog ages. Potential breeding stock can be screened for these disorders. Ask to see evidence of the parents' scores when viewing a pup. Ectropion (outward turning of the eyelid) also affects many dogs of this type.This may result in episodes of conjunctivitis. Bloat is also quite common in large dogs. Divide food into two or three meals rather than one.
These massive dogs have large heads with dark brown, intelligent eyes. They may have rough or smooth coats. The fur is very dense and regular grooming is required. All St Bernards are messy eaters and slobber a lot. Purebred dogs will be brindle, red-brindle or mahogany with white blazes on a black face. The chest, collar and forelegs are also white as is the tip of the tail and nose.
The St Bernard sheds twice a year. A bristle brush is good for removing hair at these times. Bathing should be restricted as it removes the natural oils which help water-proof the coat. If a bath can't be avoided, use a mild soap. Being so large and having such a thick coat makes the breed sensitive to extremes of heat. Shade and water should always be available and dogs should not be exercised in the middle of the day. Ten years is about the maximum life expectancy.
Even when half-grown, these dogs are still very heavy. Obedience training and socialization is imperative as an uncontrollable dog of this size is not a pleasure to own. Luckily they have a gentle, patient nature and are highly intelligent.
Strong, muscular legs and well-formed feet are necessary to support a dog of this size. These are loyal, loving companions. By approaching registered St Bernard breeders, you will be given help to choose a dog to suit your needs.
About the Author:
Check out www.vonduewerhaus.com for a summary of the benefits of owning a St Bernard, now. You can also get excellent tips for choosing St Bernard breeders at http://www.vonduewerhaus.com today.
0 comments:
Post a Comment