Maintenance And Saint Bernards

Saint Bernards are a high maintenance breed, that is a big consideration for those of you contemplating this breed.  The Saint Bernard becomes very attached to their family, and if left alone day after day behavior issues can develop.  They do best if someone is at home.  Grooming the rough/long-haired Saint Bernards is an ongoing chore, quick brushes daily is a good idea.  If you do this daily, you won’t have as many tangles in their coats.  The smooth/short-haired Saint Bernards do not require as much brushing.  Many Saint Bernards are plagued with ear issues.  Keep their ears clean, the amount of attention to this will depend upon the Saint.  Some a weekly cleaning will do the trick, others you must clean daily.    Saint Bernards should have regular exercise, they love going on walks with you.  If you are looking for a running buddy then don’t choose a Saint Bernard, daily exercise of that type will only lead to problems on down the road.  Because of their size; training and socialization should be a constant.

Is Your Saint Bernard A Show Dog? (continues)

Having a Champion or Grand Champion dog is fantastic!  Everyone is proud of these accomplishments and wants to brag to others about it and we do.  The feeling is intoxicating and addictive, that is why show people keep showing time after time.

Is Your Saint Bernard A Show Dog? (cont.)

Whether you show yourself or have a handler, the goal is to win!  Everyone wants their dog to become a Champion and now they want them to become a Grand Champion as well.  Everyone is driven to win their majors and minor points, which means going to a lot of dog shows.  You go to All Breed Shows and Specialty Shows, some are local but many are far away.


(concludes tomorrow)

Is Your Saint Bernard A Show Dog? (continues)

Hiring a professional handler has its advantages if you have the funds.  They already have all the necessary equipment for one thing.  A professional handler also has the experience and knowledge and will be able to showcase your dog in the ring.  This often means placing your dog in their hands for extended periods of time.  A professional handler may be charging hundreds or thousands of dollars a month for showing and handling your dog.


(more on this tomorrow)

Is Your Saint Bernard A Show Dog? (cont.)

If you are showing your own dog, then you will need some equipment.  Crate for safely transporting your dog, grooming equipment, pop-up canopy, exercise pen, show collars and leads, large receptacle to carry extra water, small generator to provide power, etc., etc.  The lists of things you need to show a dog goes on and on, plus you will then need a large enough vehicle to carry all of this from show to show.  The cheapest thing to purchase of the items listed here would be the large receptacle to carry extra water, that you can find for under $10.00.


(continued tomorrow)

Is Your Saint Bernard A Show Dog?

Is your Saint Bernard a show dog?  If so, then you either handle your own dog in the ring or hire someone to show them for you.  Handling your own dog can be a very rewarding experience, but the same can be said about hiring a professional handler.  The amount of money you have to spend on this endeavor usually decides whether you do it yourself or hire someone.

(more on this tomorrow)

Saint Bernard Specialty Clubs - (continues)

In times where Specialty Clubs are seeing their memberships dwindle, they should be reaching out to the pet community and rescued animal owners.  They could enlarge their membership this way and promote their breed.   Some of the Specialty Clubs just focus on their next show and spend their entire meeting time on that and nothing else.  It’s time to mesh together the pet owners, rescued animals, and show people, the breed and you will be better for this.    

Saint Bernard Gifts - Brandykegs Store

Check out the Saint Bernard Gifts page on Brandykegs Store.  On the Saint Bernard Gifts page you will find items themed around the big lovable Saint Bernard breed.  Products on this page are hand crafted, most are one of a kind; not mass produced at a factory.  Visit us today!

Saint Bernard Specialty Clubs

Many of the Saint Bernard Specialty Clubs are lacking in activities for those of us with Saint Bernards as pets.  I encounter many owners of Saint Bernards who are pets; they are looking for a club that offers something for them.  The Saint Bernard pet owner wants get togethers of people and their Saints.  Some of the Specialty Clubs offer fun matches and many pet owners do attend these functions. The problem with fun matches is that it still has the element of competition and pet owners are usually not into that.  


(more on this later)

Is Your Saint Bernard A Pet?

Is your Saint Bernard a pet or a show dog?  It doesn’t mean one is better than the other, just different.  If your Saint Bernard is a pet, then most likely you consider him/her a member of the family.  Reasons for having a Saint Bernard as a pet are as varied as the families who have them.