Would a Saint Bernard make a good first dog?

Question

I have three children, the youngest is 4. My husband has previously owned a dog.

Answer 1

well a saint bernard is the biggest dog by mass in guiness book of world records, the only thing that beats them by height is the irish wolf hound. so you might want to consider size but if you dont mind a big dog that shouldnt make a difference, but if it is your first dog you may not know what to take in considerations

A) bigness
a) they jump up. so how much weight can you handle jumping up on you or could you get it already trained not to jumo.
b) they take up alot of space. they need a big bed or doghouse depending on inside or outside dog.
c)they will need alot of ready water so they can get enough to stay hydrated all day
B) type
a)they need alot of excersize because they were bred for working and help so they need excersize because of how big they are and because of the breed and they can get fat easily.
b) you will have to buy alot of food. they consume alot because of how big they are. they need to be fed adequately.
c) they shed alot drool alot, and they can be a bit messy.
C) temperment.
a) they are an easygoing dog. they are the top rated dog to raise children with because they are so passive. many todlers have taken their first steps with saint bernards and they will most likely not be a harm to your children.
b) they are usually lazy so if you want an energetic dog that plays alot i would recomend a lab or a golden retirever.
c) guard dog. they do not necisarily make for very good guard dogs because of their easy going temperment but any dog can have a sixth sense as to when people are bad and it would at least scare someone off. i know 200 pounds of a bull saint bernard coming at me if i didnt know it would make me nervous if i didnt know the dog.

i hate to reffer you to this movie because it doesnt take it down to a T but if you watch the movie bethoven about the saint bernard, the first one not the others that they made because those suck, it will tell you a little bit about them. dont take everything literally because after all it is a fiction movie but there are oviously some aspects of truth to it. really if you have had one dog you know how to take care of dogs and you said your husband has had one. dogs do differ from one to the other and there are things to be aware of but i would reccommend wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Bernard_(dog)

for this one because it is done by anyone and anyone can put info into it so chances are most of the info is contributed by people and their experiences. wikipedia helped me every time i was buying a new fish for my saltwater tank. i wouldnt reccommend it for an essay about wwII or anything but it is pretty good for pets. i hope you enjot whatever dog you get

Answer 2

Nothing against St. Bernards, but I have a suggestion. Have you considered ALL going to your local Humane Society shelter to take a dog (and YES they DO have purebreds there if that's important to you) to adopt? Besides the fact you'll be saving a life, you will get a dog for less than what a breeder or pet shop will charge, the dog will be spayed or neutered before you take him home, and he'll have all necessary shots and be certified as healthy. The other GREAT advantage is this: you can find a volunteer who is familiar with THOSE dogs and tell them what you want and they will know what dog or dogs fit the bill.

We've had three dogs. One when I was growing up was abused and the parents finally couldn't stand what the kids did to it and gave her to us. Greatest soul I've ever known, but we were lucky.

My second dog I got through someone who knew someone who was going to put her down. The love of my life.

Third and current dog I got just the way I suggested. I was frustrated that THE volunteer I needed didn't show up until the place was open for about an hour, but once Elaine came and I described what I needed (not too old, I am DEVASTATED when a dog dies) and can handle a LOT of love, she said, "I have THE dog for you." She did.

Breed temperment, care, etc. is useful and the volunteers are trained in that as well, but THE dog you will make part of the family trumps statistics every time. They also normally have a "get acquainted area" where you can socialize with your would-be family member before taking him home.

I've got to strongly encourage you to think about this approach--I would be surprised if you had regrets. (You may not want the kids to go through the cages with you. It's heartbreaking to look into those beautiful faces and know that owing to the irresponsibility of so many people, most of those dogs are likely to be killed. I got Max 6 1/2 years ago and I'm still haunted by that fact. God I wish I were rich with a LOT of land and employees who loved animals....) But the kids can still meet up with the potential candidate(s) in a cage away from the poor babes who won't be adopted in time.

Answer 3

Not a good first dog if you dont like dogs that are big and have shedding issues. The St. Bernard is a big dog that require alot of training and patience inorder for the dog to be officially happy. The breed also has alot of health issues in particular due to the massive size . The St. also does have major shedding issues . Not something you would want if you dont like alot of hair around the house and or if your kids have insane allergy problems . Any Mastiff grouped breeds should be trained and socialized during puppyhood . This goes for other dogs as well . Since this breed is massive , this would not be a great idea to have around a child under the ages of 12 due to mass. size . I would go with something medium . This is not a Large breed , this is an Extra Large breed and should not be dealt with if you have no large to X large breed experience .

Answer 4

I love our saint and wouldn't trade her for anything but she does shed ALOT. She is very strong and doesn't always get along with other dogs so walking her can be a challange. Bigger dogs mean bigger messes, bigger vet bills and bigger investment in training time because training is so important in the larger breeds. I don't know if it is a matter of whether a saint is a good first dog but rather what kind of (time and financial) committment are you willing to make to the dog. The Bernese Mountain dog is a breed known to have wonderful temperments when it comes to kids and they are almost as big as the saint of course the cost are probably similar. Hope this helps

Answer 5

High-maintenance dog with a heavy coat. They need weekly brushing and shed like a monster. They are heavy droolers, like any large hound, so a mess there. They are not really all that "sweet and sensitive" by nature - it's a 150-180lb dog that is pretty headstrong and independent - takes a strong master to keep it under control. With very small children? I wouldn't recommend it.

Sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog). About 30 lbs, very playful and energetic, very pretty, highly intelligent, good with children and other animals. They too take a lot of brushing and shed in the spring but they're a lot smaller, so much less work.

Answer 6

Hell no! No large dog is in my opinion a good first choice. Especially if you raise it from puppyhood. Damn you'll be in for a culture shock! Something like a jack russel cross, cocker spaniel, or Cairn Terrier, or Torkshire terrier is your best bet! That what I started on. Definitly start small and gain info, do a lot of reasearch, learn everything you can on dogs, then progress and experience it for yourself. Thats what I would say anyway.

Also maybe an adult dog would be better to get first (also what I got first), you don't have to worry about all the hassle and work of a puppy (and it is a surprizing amount of work!).

I reccomend a nice smallish or medium shelter dog. They will pick out the right dog for you at little or no cost, and if it dosnt work, you can exchange the dog, plus, you will be making rescue space, thus saving a dogs life. You won't have to deal with seeking out breeders, spending a LOT of money, and risking a breeder lying to you to make a sale.

I really think rescuing your best bet.


Good luck!!!
Frankie

Answer 7

My neighbor across the street has a Saint Bernard and the dog is uncontrolable now. When the teenage boy walks him and he sees another animal there is no stopping him. Saint Bernards are just too big in my opinion and would be a real hassle to take care of.

Answer 8

Yes. My family owed one when I was growing up
They are great with kids and very love-able.
Don't let anyone tell you that you will go broke feeding them. That's not true. People see a big dog and think that they have to feed them a lot. Feed the dog just enough. Talk to your vet about that. We loved are Saint Bernard very much.

Answer 9

i've got have been given 2 Bernese Mountain canines, comparable length and from a matching place and that i fall unwell of idiots announcing is that a St. Bernard? or does he have webbed ft? Grrrrrr! rich

Answer 10

Huge dog. Lots of poop. Lots of drool all over your children. Great personality but must be exercised and trained daily.

Boxer is also a good dog with children and not as large. Still must be trained and exercised.