Are St. Bernards good dogs!?

Question

Tell me of your experiences!

Answer 1

Dogs are only as good as their owners.

Having said that...
St. Bernards are very gentle giants. They are often fond of children and are loyal to their family, but, as with any dog, should not be left unsupervised with young children. It is highly recommended that owners be very patient because this breed of dog can be very stubborn. It is imperative that St. Bernards should also remain very socialized because they can become overly protective of their territory. They are also very prone to anxiety if left alone for long periods of time and may destroy their owner's belongings. It is recommended that a suitable safe environment be made available during times that the owner cannot be home. This could range anywhere from a fenced yard to a suitably sized crate (normally Extra Large). They commonly get along very well with other dogs and love high amounts of attention.

Answer 2

While I was growing up, we had, I think, a total of 4 or 6 St Bernards. They are pretty high maintenance dogs. Need at least weekly brushing, even with a short coat. They need a lot of exercise....and then there's the slobber. You will have to come to terms with the fact that you will get slimed. Everyday. At least once....and usually when you're leaving to go to work! ;) Some people have their jowels shortened to stop the slobbering, but it does nothing, and is just cruel!! They are fantastic, gentle, smart dogs. Cleo, who we got when I was 4 years old, was always my "babysitter." We would play in the yard for hours. If a stranger came into the yard, Cleo would knock me over, and stand over me until the stranger left, or my parent's came outside. Very protective. The larger the dog, the shorter the life span, also. I believe the average life expectancy is 8 years. Purebred Saints can have some huge health issues though. 3 of our Saints have gotten arthritis in their hips, and cataracts. However, they were all older than 8 when the arthritis started. Our current Saint is 11, and we've had one for 16 years. Our average is 13-14 years. Two of our puppies (we never breed, bought some females from a breeder, adopted others) were closely inbred ( I believe mother/son mix) and one of our pups had a defect that she could lock her jaw like a pitbull. Unfortunately, we were forced to put her down because of this. The same two puppies had their eyelids herniate (their already droopy eyes drooped so much they couldn't see!!), so we had to get them surgery for that when they were around 1 year old. All in all, they are fantastic dogs. They are definitely my favorite breed, and I'd have at least 2 of them if I had the space, time and energy. If you decide to get one, good luck! Buy a lot of lint removers, and keep wetnaps in your car for slobber streaks on your clothes!!! :D

Answer 3

They are WONDERFUL and my favorite dog!!!!!!!
Now, the rest of the story is: they will need training at a very early age. They grow quickly and if socialized be very good around others, kids too! They dooooooooo slobber !!!!!! They do need daily brushing and the occasional trip to the groomers. If you have dark rugs, furniture or car interior IT WILL have hair on it!!!!!! Be very careful not to allow them to over eat (bloat is common) at one time. Always feed Saints twice a day when adults. I pick up water bowls just prior and after eating as a precaution. You will be grateful for the work you put in. They make wonderful watch dogs because of their size and movies like Cujo, people are intimidated. It is almost impossible to find any of that stuff like car magnets and chew toys that will last.
They are very destructive as pups and must be watched carefully and crated when you're gone. Trust me on this.....Leave a Saint pup alone for one hour and you wont have a couch when you return. I have cats and other dogs and they get along well with them. They can be very stubborn and you must show them you are in control early. I have one now that is trying to give me a run for my money. Nice temperament, looks but at times dumb as a stump!!!!!! Very impulsive,not a good thing. I love big fuzzy block headed dogs!!!! I think they are beautiful and will always own Saints.

Answer 4

Yes! I had one as a child. He was very loving, smart, loved to play football, lay in your lap and was great with our shih-tzu mix, but he hated cats. When other dogs came into the yard, our St. Bernard would not even bother to get up, so our shih-tzu would stand on his back and bark.

Answer 5

saints are fabulous dog to own but not for the faint hearted my two boys slobber and and think they are the size of a yorkie and try to "cuddle" on my lap!!! they take some work (grooming,eyecare,feeding,exercise etc.) as do any breed -temperament wise they are gentle giants who get on with most other breeds and cats !! and love human contact and a good game of rough and tumble there also great with kids it only there size that's intimitating and the sheer size of there heads looking over a wall is a sight to behold especially when you have a pair !!! i adore my boys but whether you decide on a saint or a chiuwawa think long and hard before buying one and take your lifestyle into consideration good luck

Answer 6

Be prepared to spend time daily brushing. And carry a hand towel with you. If you can handle that you will love it. There are several rescues for you to get one.

Answer 7

if they are socialized and trained they are gorgeous, clever and brave dogs, who make wonderful companions. But hard work training them, they are also big, goofy clumsy puppies that need supervision and teaching

Answer 8

my friend bobby, he has one and it is very loyal and loving...
if u like that in a dog

Answer 9

Yes, they always carry a barrel of whisky for travellers in need.

Answer 10

As long as you take care of them...