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If
you are looking for a friendly, loving, smart, and
well-behaved dog, the Saint Bernard is an excellent
choice. However, just as with any breed, you want to
purchase your dog from a reputable breeder, someone
who specializes in raising Saint Bernards. Remember,
you are looking for a dog with which to have a
lifelong relationship so choosing the right puppy is
essential. The most important thing any buyer can do
is ask tons of questions. If the breeder is
offended, too bad – while that might sound harsh,
the truth is that any breeder that bulks at
answering questions would raise some doubt.
Keep in mind that all reputable breeders are more
than happy to answer any question you might have. As
the potential buyer, you have the right to ask
questions pertaining to the mother and father dog,
the puppies, and breeding practices. In addition,
you should expect to be asked questions as well. A
good breeder would want to make sure the Saint
Bernard puppy is going to a good, loving home so be
prepared to provide information to the breeder as
well.
As
a general rule, breeders should follow the following
guidelines in accordance with the official
standard set by the American Kennel Club. In this
regard they shall:
A. Maintain high standards of health, care, safety
and humane treatment of their dogs.
B. Remember that a very small percentage of St.
Bernards are of breeding quality.
C. Use only physically sound stock, free from
crippling hip dysplasia, eye malformations and poor
temperaments. Saint
Bernards with outstanding defects should be spayed
or neutered.
D. Refuse stud service to any bitch that is
unregistered or shows any of the above obvious
defects.
E. Study and know the good and bad points of their
own stock never doublingup on known or visible
faults, or faults
represented in the pedigrees of the dogs concerned.
F. Ideally, Xray for evidence of hip dysplasia at
the age of one year or older, treating the mild
cases as they would any other
fault, and excluding from breeding programs dogs
with evidence of severe hip dysplasia. Xrays should
be read by
recognized authorities on the disorder. Not every
veterinarian is competent to take or pass upon such
xrays.
G. Refrain from breeding the bitch until her second
season, preferably waiting until at least 18 months
of age. A bitch shall br
bred no more than two out of three seasons; this
depending upon the size of the litter whelped and
her condition. It is
suggested that in most cases a period of one year
lapse between litters.
You definitely want to buy your Saint Bernard from
a breeder – never a pet store. The reason is that
the puppies sold at pet stores often come from
backyard breeders or puppy mills, which means people
out to make a buck and not so much interested in the
quality of puppy produced. Most often, puppies
coming out of pet stores will have issues pertaining
to temperament and health. Therefore, find a
qualified breeder through a Saint Bernard club, the
American Kennel Club, or even your veterinarian’s
office.
One excellent option for finding a Saint Bernard
puppy is by attending a pet show in which this breed
will be featured. There, you should have plenty of
opportunity to talk to a number of breeders. Just
remember, these people are busy so ask for
information about breeding and obtain contact
information rather than standing there asking tons
of questions. In addition, if a breeder insists you
talk at the car, you probably want to look for a
different breeder. True, the breeder may find time
to talk outside but this could also mean the breeder
has something to hide.
If the Saint Bernard breeder is USDA licensed, you
should be wary. The reason is that this type of
licensing is what people have when selling to pet
stores. Instead, you want a breeder that has a
strong reputation for producing quality puppies.
Although seeing the father dog can be difficult, you
should definitely see the mother and preferably,
both parents. You then want to look at the Saint
Bernard’s pedigree so you can see the bloodline. If
you see any breeding done between a brother and
sister, or a father and daughter, move on.
The best option for buying a Saint Bernard is
finding a breeder that is registered through the
American Kennel Club. This way, you know the breeder
follows very strict breeding practices. Although you
might pay a little more for an AKC dog, it is well
worth the investment. Finally, learn the markings of
the Saint Bernard, looking for puppies that match,
especially if you plan to show or breed the dog.
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