Buying A Puppy Suggestions - continues

You should make sure you have contact information for the breeder you buy from.  Phone numbers for land lines and cell numbers are very important.  Take the time to write down the physical address of the breeder.  You should also have their email address.  If they have a website, add it to your favorites.  Find out if they are on Facebook or other social network sites.  Ask for a backup person that you can contact just in case you are unable to reach the breeder.

Brandykegs Saint Bernards

Buying A Puppy Suggestions - cont.

Some breeders require you to sign a contract.  The contract can be for a variety of reasons.  If they are selling you a pet, they may require that you spay/neuter by a certain age and that you provide them with proof that this was done and when.  If they are selling you a show dog, they may require that you show the dog by a certain age, they may want to determine when, if, and who regarding breeding of the dog.  Sometimes co-ownership contracts are drawn up.  Be sure that you understand all conditions of any contract before signing them.  Never agree to any oral contract; always get it in writing.

Brandykegs Saint Bernards

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

New fabric design on this dog drool bib from Brandykegs. Various dog breeds, including the Saint Bernard, are depicted on this fun fabric, color coordinated terrycloth fabric on the underside of the bib.  Free USPS shipping on all orders.

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

Hand-stitched "Pick Of The Litter" mat surrounds poem. Adorable Saint Bernard puppies are in baskets or standing in this unique handmade mat.  Visit Brandykegs Store for more details and to purchase. Free USPS shipping on all orders.

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

Hostess gift idea to thank someone for their holiday party.  Cloth napkin set with fun holiday themed fabric, machine washable.  Visit our store to purchase.  Free USPS shipping on all orders.

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

Does Fido need a new padded quilt for his crate?  Brandykegs has several crate quilt patterns for you to choose from.  Free USPS shipping on all orders.

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

Great idea for the office gift exchange, attractive geometric pattern on this pocket calendar and matching credit card holder.  Inexpensive gift idea, visit Brandykegs Store for details.  Free USPS shipping on all orders.

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

Colorful hinged train with gifts and Santa on board.  Go to our store to purchase. Free USPS shipping on all orders.

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

Adorable Santa Sleigh with a stuffed Saint Bernard on board.  Check out Brandykegs Store for this gift idea and other Saint Bernard related items.  Free USPS shipping on all orders.

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

Brandykegs has a limited amount of these barrels for the holidays, shop early.  Free USPS shipping on all orders!

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

Office gift exchange idea, attractive geometric pattern hinged box.  Go to our store for details.  Free USPS shipping on all orders.

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

Hostess gift idea to thank that special someone for hosting a holiday party.  Happy Holidays sign in vibrant green and red.  Go to Brandykegs Store to purchase.  Free USPS shipping on all orders.

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

Office gift exchange idea, pocket calendar with matching credit card holder depicting the lovable Saint Bernard Breed.  Visit our store for more information and to purchase.  Free USPS shipping.

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

Adorable welcome sign held by three snow people.  Hostess gift idea, go to Brandykegs Store to purchase. Free USPS shipping on all orders!

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

Attractive black photo frame adorned with gold filigrees, holds your favorite 4" by 6" photo.  Visit our store to purchase.  Free USPS shipping on all orders.

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

New fabric pattern from Brandykegs dog drool bibs. This dog drool bibs depicts a variety of dog breeds, the Saint Bernard is part of the group.  Free USPS shipping on all orders!

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

Attractive geometric pattern on this hand-stitched pocket calendar and credit card holder.  Great holiday gift idea, non gender specific.  Visit Brandykegs Store for more information and to purchase.  Free USPS shipping on all orders.

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

Hand-stitched framed mat, new item from Brandykegs. Saint Bernard is patiently waiting on the rooftop for Santa Claus.  Free USPS shipping on all orders.

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

This dog collar barrel has beautiful butterflies on it, making it unique.  Brandykegs has a limited amount of barrels this holiday season, so shop early.  Free USPS shipping on all orders!

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

Great gift idea for that patriotic friend or family member.  For more information and to purchase visit our store. Free USPS shipping on all orders.

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

Tissue box cover, Saint Bernard with its brandy keg on two sides and wild flowers on the other side. Visit our store to purchase.  Free USPS shipping on all orders!

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

Christmas red photo frames, holds a 5" by 7" photo.  Brandykegs Store has other frames to choose from as well.  Free USPS shipping on all orders!

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

Adorable Saint Bernard puppies are on each side of this tissue box cover.  Hostess gift idea, just a little something to thank someone for hosting a holiday party.  Go to Brandykegs Store to purchase.  Free USPS shipping on all orders.

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

Looking for something unique for the office gift exchange.  How about a pocket calendar and key chain depicting the lovable Saint Bernard?  Go to Brandykegs Store for more details.  Free USPS shipping on all orders!

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

Set of ten adorable ceramic Christmas ornaments for your tree, or for gift giving.  Visit Brandykegs Store to purchase.  Free USPS shipping on all orders.

Cyber Monday Gift Ideas

Visit Brandykegs Store for some unique gifts ideas for family and friends.  Many items are themed around the lovable Saint Bernard Breed.  Free USPS shipping on all orders!

Buying A Puppy Suggestions - cont.

The breeder should provide you with details regarding any vaccinations your puppy has received and when they were given, the same is true about worming.    Your veterinarian will ask for this information when you bring your puppy in for its first examination.   Some breeders provide you with a purchase receipt, guarantee for a healthy puppy is usually stated on the receipt.  You should also receive the necessary paperwork to register your pure bred puppy with the American Kennel Club.  It is very important that all pure bred dogs are registered whether they are pets or show dogs.

Brandykegs Saint Bernards

Buying A Puppy Suggestions - continues

You should use a quality puppy food for your Saint Bernard puppy.  Be sure to find out what the breeder is feeding them; they should provide you with a small amount of food when you take your puppy home.  The breeder will tell you how often to feed them and the amount.  If you want to change your puppy’s food, be sure to slowly introduce the new food.  This type of change can be very upsetting to their system and cause diarrhea.  Puppy food is more expensive than adult food; the puppy food contains the right amount of nutrients necessary for healthy growth.  I have always fed puppy food for the first year, and then gradually change to the adult formula.  I do know that many breeders do not recommend using puppy food for the entire first year.  This is something you will have to decide for yourself, consult your veterinarian.

Brandykegs Saint Bernards

Buying A Puppy Suggestions - continues

Ask if there have been health issues with any of the dogs in your puppy’s pedigree.  Heart disease, epilepsy, bloat, cherry eye, pyometra, cancer, hip dysplasia, behavior problems like aggression; are just a few to ask about.  Try to find out the longevity of the dogs in the pedigree.  The average lifespan of a Saint Bernard is 8 to 10 years, some live longer than this and some lives are shorter.

Brandykegs Saint Bernards

Buying A Puppy Suggestions - continues

Come prepared with questions for the breeder.  Ask to see the puppy’s sire and dam; if additional members of their pedigree are on sight ask to see them as well.  This will give you a glimpse as to how your puppy might turn out.  It will also show you the adult size, coat colors, and temperament.  There are two coat types with the Saint Bernard breed, smooth or short-haired and rough or long-haired.  The coat type is a personal preference.  It is not true that a smooth or short-haired Saint Bernard will shed less than a rough or long-haired Saint.  It has been my experience that the opposite is true, when you keep your Saint Bernards in your home.  My smooths have always shed far more than my roughs.  If you keep your Saints outdoors your experience will probably be different.  Saint Bernards drool, some drool a little and others drool a lot.  If you meet the sire and dam, you will have a better idea as to whether you will have a heavy drooler or a light one.

(more tomorrow)

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from Brandykegs!

Buying A Puppy Suggestions - cont.

The reputable breeder will invite you to their kennel.  They want to get to know you; the experience is often similar to a job interview.  They should willingly show you their kennels and dogs.  The breeder wants to insure that their puppies are placed in the right hands; so they will ask a lot of questions.  Some breeders will even want to see your home environment.

continues on 11/25/2011

Buying A Puppy Suggestions - continues

I would not buy a Saint Bernard puppy from a pet store.  Caution should also be used about buying from backyard hobby breeders; most of them ask far less for a puppy than a reputable breeder.  Producing healthy puppies, with sound bodies, and good temperament requires a great deal of knowledge and experience with the breed.  Rescue organizations sometimes have puppies as well, you probably won’t know a lot about their pedigree though.  You may be happy with a puppy from any of these sources; ultimately it is your choice. 

Buying A Puppy Suggestions - cont.

Many breeders will ask if you are looking for a show dog or a pet.  Some breeders are only interested in selling to individuals who are looking for a show dog.  I never quite understand that logic, not every Saint Bernard is a show dog.  You should decide before you start talking to breeders whether you want a pet or a show dog.  Some of the breeders focus only on the show environment and they can be difficult to work with.  Try to find a breeder that offers pets as well as show dogs.  The reputable Saint Bernard breeder strives to produce puppies that meet the Saint Bernard standard or improve upon it.  

(more tomorrow)

Buying A Puppy Suggestions - continues

The Saint Bernard is one of those easily recognized breeds; and so there are always a lot of looky loos.  The same questions are asked over and over again.  How much food do they eat?  How much do they weigh?  Do they drool?  Are they friendly?  However if you want to buy a Saint Bernard puppy; then you better have more questions than that. 

(suggestions continues on tomorrow's blog)

Buying A Puppy Suggestions - cont.

It is a good idea to go to a dog show; all breed shows or a specialty show, just for Saint Bernards.  You will see a lot more Saint Bernards if you attend a specialty show.  Keep in mind that you should never disturb a handler or a dog before or while they are in the show ring.  The handler and dog are focused on the task at hand, winning in the show ring.  Once the judging is over, then you can approach people with your questions.  Some breeders have puppies there at a show and are willing to talk to people.  Some individuals at dog shows handle other breeds and do not have a lot of free time.  All you can do is approach people with Saint Bernards and see if they are available to talk to you.  

(more tomorrow)

Buying A Puppy Suggestions

The holidays are fast approaching and many of you are thinking about buying a puppy.  Many individuals will advise you against buying a puppy at this time of year; however I think it's up to you.  So if you are looking or thinking about looking; here are some tips for you from Brandykegs.

If you are looking for a Saint Bernard puppy, then do your homework.  I suggest looking at the SaintBernard Club of America’s website as well as the American Kennel Club.  These two sites can provide you with general information regarding the Saint Bernard breed, historical information, local clubs and breeders.  

(more information on tomorrow's blog)

Holiday Gifts At Brandykegs

Brandykegs offers a variety of unique, hand crafted gifts for this holiday season; many themed around the lovable Saint Bernard.  We invite you to stop by our online store; we are always open.  We offer free USPS shipping on all our orders.

Brandy Kegs For Dogs

Brandykegs only has a limited number of these brandy kegs for dogs this holiday season, so shop early.  Brandykegs offers free USPS shipping on all orders.

Crate Quilt

Does your furry friend need a new blankie?  Look no further,  Brandykegs has several different hand made colorful crate quilts.  Visit our store, free USPS shipping on all orders.

Gift Exchange Gift Idea

Looking for an unique gift idea for the office Christmas party, how about a calendar/credit card set with hand stitched Saint Bernards.  Go to Brandykegs' Store for details, free USPS shipping on all orders.

Hostess Gift Idea

Inexpensive and cute hostess gift idea.  Adorable Saint Bernard puppies on the four sides of this handcrafted tissue box cover (box of tissue included).  Go to our store to purchase, free USPS shipping on all orders.

Framed Pick Of The Litter Poem

Hand-stitched mat with Saint Bernard puppies surrounds the poem "Pick Of The Litter" by Kathy Jeffers.  This is a unique gift for the Saint Bernard lover or you may just want this for yourself.  Go to Brandykegs' Store for purchasing details, free USPS shipping on all orders. 

Veterans Day

Today, we honor our military veterans.

Holiday Train

Brightly painted holiday train carrying Santa and gifts.  Inexpensive gift idea, go to Brandykegs' Store for more details, free USPS shipping on all orders.

Holiday Snowman

This snowman is colorfully attired and setting among the evergreen trees, great for gift giving or to keep for yourself.  Visit our store to purchase, free USPS shipping on all orders.

Election Day

Vote, it's your civic duty!

Gingerbread Serving Tray

Cute tray you can use to leave the late night snack for Santa Claus.  For purchasing details visit our store, free USPS shipping on all orders.

Daylight Savings Time Ends Today

Daylight savings time ends, you get an extra hour this weekend.

Happy Holidays Sign

Happy Holiday sign, the letters are alternately painted Christmas red and green.  Give as a gift or keep for yourself.  See Brandykegs' Store for purchasing details, free USPS shipping on all orders.

Christmas Ornaments

Colorful ceramic ornaments, ready to hang on your tree.  There are ten ornaments in this set, great value!  Shop our store to purchase, free USPS shipping on all orders.

Stuffed Saint Bernard In Wicker Basket

Cute stuffed Saint Bernard with its own brandy keg, sitting in a wicker basket; ready to be wrapped and put under your tree.  Visit our store to purchase, free USPS shipping on all orders.

Welcome Sign With Snowpeople

Colorful welcome sign with a trio of snowpeople.  Visit Brandykegs' Store to purchase.  Free USPS shipping on all orders.

First Breeds Recognized By AKC

Do you know what the first breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club back in 1885 were? Here is the list.

1. Saint Bernards were among the first fifteen breeds recognized by AKC back in 1885
2. Basset Hound
3. Beagle
4. Bloodhound
5. Bull Terrier
6. Collie
7. Dachshund
8. Fox Terrier
9. Greyhound
10. Harrier
11. Irish Terrier
12. Mastiff 
13. Pug
14. Scottish Terrier
15. Yorkshire Terrier