my family and I are thinking of getting a Saint Bernard...

SAINT BERNARDS RULE!!

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These dogs are big gentle giants so they are great with children and other dogs. Just remember these are large dogs and need to be especially trained not to jump on people. Now a lot of people are going to say saint bernards drool A LOT. Not really, these dogs only drool after eating and drinking. Also remember, since saint bernards are a large breed they can have medical problems. they also prefer large yards but will do fine in a medium. these awesome dogs live for 8-10 years but if looked after properly can live to be 12.

Good Luck this is a great breed but remember to do your research!!

Any dog can be good with kids and other dogs, if they are properly socialized. If you get a dog from a rescue they will match the dog to your family. If you get one from a reputable breeder, they will answer the questions you have.

One of the biggest mistakes I know people make is feeding the giant breed dogs the wrong diet. A giant breed should never be on puppy food or large breed adult food. The protein percentage should never go beyond 23% if you are feeding kibble. These rules do not apply to a raw diet.

Avoid any dog food with corn, soy, wheat, Menadione.

www.bigdogsporch.com can help you with anything else you need to know about giant breed dogs. It is a forum dedicated to dogs in general, but specifically to the big dogs.

they are GREAT dogs! but make sure you get a healthy one. they can have some pretty killer health problems. and be prepared to feed them a great deal of food. but keep them in a healthy weight. b/c overweight st bernards are very prone to hip dysplasia and such.

even if you get a long haired or short haird one-there will be a lot of grooming

feel healthy food

some breeders have been able to breed the drool out of the dog. but drool happens and its not horrible. a lot of poop btw. my uncle used to breed them. and he had to pick up poop everyday as opposed to once a week.

make sure you get him trained at an early age-b/c they are powerful dogs and if they are pullers or chase after other animals- ur sol

the ones I have met have been pretty layed back. they seem pretty easy to train-but every dog is different. they are pretty good gaurd dogs and if you socialize them well they should be great with both other dogs and children. the ones I have met let children ride on them like a pony...lol

all dogs do better with a 'job' I know a lot of people put harnesses on them and they pull carts. which if you have small children-they would enjoy that. and they even have contests in some places for cart pulling. these can be loads of fun!

good luck!

Why do people answer questions like this when they don't know what they are talking about? Who said Sts. are good with kids? Read the fine print on "St. Bernards for Dummies." They are unpredictable, difficult to manage, prone to serious health problems, not to mention they are a "wet-mouth" breed. So if you value clean floors and walls, I recommend a different breed. If you like large, hairy breeds like the St., go with something like a Swiss Mountain dog. They are kid friendly and easier to train. The trick to keeping big working class dogs happy is to get them actually working! Train them on a pull cart or have them carry items in "doggie backpacks." They thrive on disipline and knowing their place in the family pack. A firm yet gentle hand.

My boss has one that runs loose on the property where I work..it's a short hair dry mouth..not a drop of slobber....but shed..oh my heavens does she shed!

She's the best dog I've ever seen (and I have 3) stays on the property, very friends knows tons of tricks, minds well...

Personal experience..with proper training they are wonderful dogs!

There are many who are aggressive. They slobber a great deal, as well. I work for a vet, and we have only seen one that had a nice personality, and it slobbered all over every wall it was near. There are other breeds which would be more trustworthy around children.

Yes - to all the above, but they'e BIG dogs, they eat BIG meals, and they leave BIG Piles, and when they have an accident in the house, it's a BIG accident.

saint bernards can be good dogs but they can also be unpredictable i wouldn't recommend them around little children i know two people who were attack by saint bernards as children and the dogs were friendly and all of a sudden just turned on them so if you do get one make sure you get it as a puppy so its used to all of you

They are great dogs but you need a lot of time and I mean a lot of time. Check this web site out..... A lot of slobber. lol.

awww i luv saint bernards

http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/saintbern...

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/stbernrd.html

hope these help!

good luck!