The Beast! (St Bernard)

Member Name: Budster2005

Product:	St Bernard
Date:	18/02/09 (123 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great Dogs, Loving + Caring

Disadvantages: Life Span

Probably the best 'teddy bearish' dog you'll find, we have had 2 with our latest one still around called Bonzo whos 2, our first was called Molly and she lived until she was 12 [she had to be put down] which is brilliant as their average life span is 7-9.

Looking After :

Alot of people seem to think that st bernards eat a donkey a day.....thats not the case im afraid all ours has is 5 scoops of biscuit mixed with a small amount of a chicken mix brought from a local pet store and a small amount of biscuit for breakfast, we have found out that feeding ours and our previous cooked meats can cause alot of mess in the garden...without goin into detail you wouldnt do it again.
Obviously a fairly large living area is required as these are VERY active dogs at around 1-3 and you may need locks on your doors as they learn to use their teeth to open door handles if they are face level, they are very clever but if told off do take it very seriously and may not pay attention to you for a few days becasue of there stubborness.

Walking :

As Bonzo is aged 2 he is very excited and active when taken out and we have invested in a mussel, not to stop him from biting anyone but to stop him choking himself, it goes around the front of his snout and ends at the top of his head. If like us you do have trouble controlling him invest also in a spray collar, its a simple device that attachs to the collar and if he/she starts playing up use the small control you get with it to spray a small amoutn of water into the face it soon controls them and teachs them to walk when you do.

Older Dogs.

When they turn about 5/6 you should notice they are not as active as they used to be simply due to their age span, they do get trouble in their throat and neck and the muscles do go weak which can cause problems when swallowing, i would recommend getting a raised feeder which is basically a platform to raise their water/feeding bowl and makes it alot easier for them to eat. Arthirits is very common in st bernards and walking becomes difficult and their daily walkign usually finish's within 5 minutes.

Thinking of getting one?

I would recommend a st bernard they are great dogs, they can be great friends and respond well to playing/talking but remember to have a good sized house/garden area and within good reach of a field for them to dart around in!

Summary: 5/5