Ever since I was a little girl, I've always wanted a St. Bernard's. I'm currently in college, so I can't get one at the minute, but when I get a stable job and my own home, I'm definitely going to buy one.

There are a few questions I have about them though ...

*) Even though I would be training the dog thoroughly before it gets full grown, are there any known complications with a St. Bernard's behaviour, or are they overall friendly animals (given that you train them well)?

*) Do they get on with other dogs, because I visit my parents often and they have two Labradors?

*) Is it very difficult to train them?

*) How long do their walks need to be everyday? I don't mind how long or far, I love walking. It's just that when I took the Labradors out when they were puppies, I couldn't walk them too far or their bones would deform or something.

Thank you, detailed answers are greatly appreciated!

Hi, I'm no St. Bernard expert but I hope I help out :

pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

1. As with any breed, early training and socialization is a priority. The lack in failure results in an disobedient dog. The Saint Bernard is known for being extremely tolerant to children, friendly and gentle. Training the dog at a young age is extremely important because the dog is smaller in size than when full grown. In doing so, they will have mastered not to jump on an eleven year old weighing in about 110-200 pounds! Heeling is very important as well because just imagined an untrained dog without a leash in a public area. Daily obedience is ideal.:)

2. St. Bernards are good watch dogs. When introducing your St. Berbard with your parents labrador, be careful because he/she might put on a protective trance. Or he/she may want to feel the "pack leader" of the group.

3. They are highly trainable and easy to train, for the most part .

4. A long walk for SBs is good, daily exercise to develop a healthy dog. Just don't exercise a dog TOO much at one time until their bones are well formed and strong. Short walks and brief play sessions are best until the dog is about two years old. pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

* I would recommend joining a St. Bernard forum and see messages by SBs owner themselves and many of your questions may be answered. They have had SBs as their pets, so they may provide you more of an insight on this breed: http://www.dogster.com/forums/saint_bern ...

I am planning to do the same thing, but for another breed, though SBs are lovable dogs. My parents don't want a dog and I understand. So, as soon as I'm through with college (Freshman year) I am also going to get a dog:)

Good luck!

I don't know much about St Bernards , but I think your best be would be going to the breed club website, saintbernardclub.org.
They will have a ton of info about raising and training, general temperament, all of that kind of thing. It will also link to reputable breeders that would can get in contact with. Perhaps one might be in your area and you can go meet the breed, and see how they are in a real, home setting.

Hi.Early training is a MUST with Saints because they grow so fast!! They love other dogs as long as they are properly socialized, and they are extremely quick learners! My St. pups know "sit", "down" & " come "by 9 weeks, puppies are little sponges and love to learn, and Saints LOVE to please!! My 2 year old male" Rudy "thinks he is a Greyhound, I swear, he loves to run! I was walking him up to 2 miles a day, and he would come home get a drink, and be ready to go again, but i was exhausted! Now, I take him to the dog park every morning for at least 90 minutes, so he can burn off some of his energy! Most Saints are not like this, Rudy is just special!! My female hates walks & hates the dog park, "Ladybug" would rather stay home on the sofa & watch TV! Walks are great exercise while they are young, because it is not too much stress on their joints and growing bones. Around 1 year of age, they can start to exercise & run off leash for longer periods of time, but you still don't want to over due it , while they are growing! Saints are extremely easy to train, and they will become very comical & catch on quickly to things that make you happy, and laugh! Saints are the best dogs ever, I love them, and have had them my whole life!
My parents tell me, that I learned to bark before I could speak! The only down fall is their short lifespan, which is the case in all giant breeds!! And you have to be carefull of HD. My dear sweet lovable best Saint ever, "Champ" had severe HD, we had a complete hip replacement done on him when he was 4 years old, I had to put him down in March 2010, at the age of 51/2! It broke my heart, and will start to cry still, when I think about him & the pain that he suffered, and never, ever complained!! They are the most loyal dogs & they are great watch dogs, even though they love everybody they meet, they will risk their own lives to save yours!! I wish you lots of luck & lots of happy years together when you get your first Saint! Your pup will steal your heart & you will be in love, from day one! All the hair & slobber are so worth it, when you realize how much love & devotion they return!!