|
|
| BUYING A SAINT BERNARD |
|
Do you want a Saint Bernard?
The "Pros", if you want to purchase a Saint Bernard for your family, please consider this. The breed is lovable, highly intelligent and enjoys family life. It loves to be around its people and enjoys the opportunity to travel around.
The "Cons" are: they do slobber (there is no such thing as a "dry mouth" Saint), they
do shed fur (twice a year, can be blizzard proportions), and they grow into an extremely large dog.
If you think you want a Saint Bernard, then watch the "Beethoven" videos. If you think you can handle this breed, then seek out advice from registered breeders of the
Saint Bernard.
Why a Registered Breeder?
Registered breeders must abide by a "Code of Ethics" from the State Canine Association they are affiliated with. Backyard breeders, whilst they may breed a pure breed Saint Bernard, cannot offer you the pedigree of the puppy's parents.
A registered breeder can give you the Main Register Papers for the puppy. Main Register and Limited Register papers can only come from the State Canine Association, the breeder is registered with.
Also registered breeders, do such things as x-ray their dogs hips and elbows for Hip
Dysplasia and other joint diseases. Some breeders even offer a health guarantee on the puppy's they breed. A registered breeder will provide a diet sheet for your puppy and will offer advice and guidance on how to raise your new Saint Bernard.
|
|
How do I find a Saint Bernard breeder?
You can contact the State Canine Association, in the state you live in for details of Saint Bernard breeders in your state. Alternatively, you can ask for the Saint Bernard Club in your state from the Canine Association. Both will refer you to breeders.
Obviously, you can find breeders in newspapers or on the internet. Please for the sake of our wonderful breed, if the breeder claims to be a member of a club and/or
State Canine Association, make a quick telephone call to confirm this. All breeders
are given a registered number by their association. Ask the breeder for their registered number and kennel prefix. In no more than 5 minutes you can confirm that you are dealing with a reputable breeder.
There are some backyard breeders who advertise their puppy's for sale, and who claim to be a member of a club or state canine association. In order to avoid a possible "fly by night" breeder, telephone the state canine association and confirm the breeders details.
What to look for!
Check your potential puppy's social skills with the other puppy's you are viewing. Check to see how your potential puppy handles it parents. More important, you should always view the parents and puppy's together. At the very least you should see the puppy's together with the mother (the father may owned by another breeder).
Gently, play with your selected puppy's and view its reactions, particularly if you have children. It should be happy to accommodate you and it should respond to you positively, not ignore you or cower from you. Is your puppy clean, well fed. There should be no signs of illness, eg: runny nose, watery eyes, bad breath.
Once you have brought your puppy from the breeder, have the puppy checked by a vet within 7 days of purchase. If there are any problems discovered by the vet, refer back to the breeder. A good reputable breeder should be able to discuss the problems, offer advice and if necessary take the puppy back from you.
Cost!
Presently, a pedigree Saint Bernard with Main Register papers, will cost you around $1200.00 upward.
Reward
In owning a Saint Bernard, you have elected to purchase the "Rolls Royce" of the canine world. The Saint Bernard has earned its wonderful reputation as a "Rescue
Dog", with selfless acts of heroism.
The breed is a giant amongst dogs and other animals, yet the breed is renowned for its gentle and patient nature. Owing a Saint Bernard is one of life's great pleasures, the breed will give you immense pleasure over the lifetime you own one of these great animals. |
|
|
|
| Last Update: 06/02/07 16:56 |
Views: 3751 |
|
|
