Living with a large Saint Bernard

You should think about it carefully before deciding to adopt or buy a Saint Bernard puppy. They are a wonderful family pet, they are affectionate, loyal, they get along with others and they are excellent companions. They like other people and are very tolerant of other pets, but even though the puppy is small, it will eventually grow into a tall dog. This can create problems in a home for people who are not prepared for a dog of this size.

A Saint Bernard is a gigantic breed of dog, one of the largest breeds in the world. Prospective owners should be aware of this fact, as having a large dog can be problematic. A Saint Bernard will grow into a dog that once in adulthood stands between 27 and 35 inches tall and weighs between 150 and 200 pounds. A dog that is larger and weighs more than most people can become a threat to an owner who does not know it.

You must assess whether your home is large enough to accommodate such a large dog. Do you have enough space and ground clearance for a Saint Bernard to stretch out without stepping on? Do you have enough room for the large dog cage that will need to be used for housebreaking purposes? Is there enough space for the dog to eat and where will it sleep? If he is going to sleep in your room, if he lies in the middle of the floor, are you likely to trip over his body in the dark and hurt yourself?

If you have enough space to bring a Saint Bernard into your home, that’s great. Now take a look outside. Have a large, fenced-in backyard? A Saint Bernard doesn’t need a great deal of exercise, but he does need access to an area where he can be active and play with the family. Keep in mind that a fence must be quite tall because a Saint Bernard can and will probably jump a short fence. Also, the fence should be somewhat low on the ground, in case the dog starts digging.

If you live in an apartment that is the right size for a Saint Bernard, this is also acceptable. However, you need to make sure that the dog has the opportunity to exercise every day as it helps the dog stay healthy.

Keep in mind that a sizable breed of dog like the Saint Bernard also requires a large amount of food, which can be expensive. Saint Bernard puppies should not eat protein rich puppy food; they require a diet with a proportion of 22-26% protein and a proportion of fat of 12-15%. This will help prevent the dog from growing quickly and causing bone problems. This type of food can be difficult to find and quite expensive, so it is wise to evaluate your finances before adopting or buying a Saint Bernard puppy. Many Saint Bernard owners like to supplement their dogs to ensure healthy bone growth. Bone supplements, as well as a low-protein diet, can prevent hip dysplasia.