I bet you’ve seen that movie, “Beethoven”, haven’t you? The one with the big, slobbery Saint Bernard causing all kinds of hilarious trouble? Well, that Hollywood depiction might have lightened up your day, but it might not have given you the genuine picture of a Saint Bernard. This breed, aside from being colossal in size and bear-like, is marked by its patience, gentleness, and loyalty. They’re like cuddly giants on four legs, but is a Saint Bernard a good pet? Let’s find out!
Did you know that the Saint Bernard breed originated in the Swiss Alps, serving as an alpine rescuer? These dogs were trained to locate and save lost or injured travelers. There are impressive tales of Saint Bernards saving humans from avalanches and snowstorms. They definitely have a superhero past, but can they fit into your everyday life?
Saint Bernard dogs, despite their huge size, are seriously gentle and calm. They’re the epitome of the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. Traditionally known for their rescue jobs, these dogs have naturally protective instincts that make them superb watchdogs. Albeit it might not necessary to save you from an avalanche (I hope!), their protective nature can be comforting. And good news for families with children – Saint Bernards, with their extreme patience, make excellent pals for kids.
Remember, though, that owning a large breed like the Saint Bernard comes with its own set of challenges. Yes, their slobbering is legendary, but so are their hearts! These dogs are sociable and love being part of a family. But keep in mind, they’ll need enough indoor space to move around comfortably. If you dwell in a small apartment, you may want to think twice, as these dogs weigh between 140-260 pounds and stand 28-30 inches tall. That’s a whole lot of dog!
Training a Saint Bernard may not be as easy as training, say, a Labrador Retriever. They can sometimes be a bit stubborn and hard-headed. Their size and strength also mean that they can sometimes be a bit clumsy, even knocking over furniture or small children by accident. However, with consistent, gentle training methods, these dogs can prove to be quite obedient.
The saying, “You can’t have a rainbow without a little rain” suits Saint Bernard ownership perfectly. These giants are prone to certain health conditions due to their size, such as hip dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, and certain skin conditions. A Saint Bernard typically lives between 8-10 years, which is generally shorter than smaller breeds. Moreover, they eat a lot – these dogs need around 5-6 cups of high-quality dog food a day, so be prepared for food expenses. It’s a considerable commitment but one that brings with it boundless rewards.
Saint Bernards are great companions and could adapt well to both single-person households and families. However, they need a careful, dedicated owner who is ready to invest time in training, give them space to roam, and attention to their health needs. Considering their size, your Saint Bernard will need relatively less exercise than some breeds, yet daily walks and mild play sessions are necessary to keep them fit and happy.
And hey, if you are in an area with access to snow, why not let them recreate their past rescuing moments? They would love playing and frolicking in the snow – why not build a snowman together, or have a playful snowball fight?
In a nutshell, Saint Bernards, with their deep-set eyes, gentle demeanor, and mop-like fur, can bring joy, personality, and cuddles into your life. In return, they demand love, care, and occasional slobbery kisses!
Remember, owning a pet, especially a breed as magnificent as the Saint Bernard, isn’t about adapting them to your life, but about adapting your life to accommodate them. So, is a Saint Bernard a good pet? To answer that, you should ask yourself – are you ready to provide a good home to a Saint Bernard? If your answer is yes, then prepare for a life ready to be eternally filled with love, warmth, and teddy bear cuddles!
So, what say? Are you keen to bring home your very own furry mountain rescue team member?
