Home-Raised St Bernard Puppies

1. Veterinary Examination: Each puppy undergoes a comprehensive examination by a licensed veterinarian. This includes checking the puppy’s weight, temperature, heart rate, and overall physical condition. The vet also assesses the puppy’s coat, skin, ears, and dental health to ensure everything is in good shape.
2. Vaccinations: We ensure that all puppies are up-to-date on their core vaccinations to protect them from common diseases. The vaccinations we administer include:
   • Distemper: This vaccine protects against a highly contagious viral disease that affects the respiratory and nervous systems.
   • Parvovirus: Essential for preventing a severe and often fatal gastrointestinal illness, particularly in young puppies.
   • Adenovirus (CAV-1 and CAV-2): Protects against infectious canine hepatitis and some respiratory illnesses.
   • Parainfluenza: Helps prevent a viral infection that can lead to kennel cough, which is particularly important for social dogs.
   • Rabies: Administered at the appropriate age (usually around 12 to 16 weeks), this vaccination is crucial for preventing a potentially fatal virus that can affect both animals and humans.
3. Deworming: To ensure the puppies are free from intestinal parasites, we provide multiple deworming treatments. This includes testing for common parasites and administering medications as needed, which helps maintain their overall health.
4. Health Certificate: Upon completion of the health checks and vaccinations, we provide a health certificate issued by our veterinarian. This document confirms that the puppy is healthy, free from communicable diseases, and fit for adoption.
5. Hip and Elbow Evaluation: Given that Saint Bernards are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, we conduct preliminary evaluations to identify any potential issues. While formal scoring is done at a later age, early assessments can help ensure you are aware of any concerns.
6. Heart Health Check: We perform a basic evaluation of the puppy’s heart to check for any congenital heart defects. This may involve listening for abnormal heartbeats and ensuring the puppy shows no signs of respiratory distress.
7. Eye Examination: A thorough eye examination is conducted to check for any visible hereditary eye conditions, such as cataracts or other abnormalities. This ensures the puppy has clear vision and is free from potential issues.
8. Behavioral Assessment: In addition to physical health checks, we also observe the puppies’ behavior and temperament. This allows us to ensure they are well-socialized and prepared for life in a new home. We expose them to various stimuli, including different sounds and environments, to help them adapt easily.

By conducting these comprehensive health checks, we aim to provide peace of mind to prospective puppy owners. We want to ensure that each Saint Bernard puppy is healthy, happy, and well-prepared for the transition to their new family. If you have any questions about our health checks or the adoption process, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Choosing Our Breeding Pairs

Choosing the right breeding pair is a crucial process that ensures the health, temperament, and quality of our Saint Bernard puppies. Here’s a detailed overview of how we carefully select our breeding pairs:

1. Health Testing

We prioritize the health of our breeding dogs by conducting comprehensive health screenings. This includes tests for common genetic conditions specific to Saint Bernards, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, heart conditions, and eye disorders. Only dogs with clear health results are considered for breeding to minimize the risk of passing on hereditary issues.

2. Temperament Evaluation

Temperament is essential in breeding. We assess the personalities of both the male and female dogs to ensure they have friendly, gentle, and stable temperaments. We believe that well-adjusted parents are more likely to produce puppies with similar traits. This evaluation includes observing their behavior in various situations, such as interactions with children and other pets.

3. Pedigree and Lineage

We carefully review the pedigree of potential breeding candidates. This helps us understand their lineage, including any notable champions or health issues in their ancestry. By choosing dogs with strong, balanced pedigrees, we aim to enhance desirable traits in the puppies, such as conformation and health.

4. Physical Attributes

We consider the physical characteristics of the breeding pair, including size, coat quality, and overall conformation to breed standards. The goal is to produce puppies that not only look great but also have good structure and health. We strive for a balance between aesthetic qualities and functional traits.

5. Genetic Diversity

To promote genetic diversity and reduce the risk of inherited health problems, we look for breeding pairs that are not closely related. This helps ensure a robust gene pool, contributing to the overall health and vitality of the puppies.

6. Compatibility

We assess the compatibility of the breeding pair, considering factors like size, temperament, and energy levels. A harmonious pairing can lead to a smoother breeding process and a healthier environment for the puppies.

7. Previous Offspring Evaluation

If either of the dogs has been bred before, we review the health, temperament, and overall satisfaction of their previous litters. This information is invaluable in making informed decisions about future breedings.

8. Consultation with Veterinarians and Experts

We often consult with veterinarians and breeding experts to gain further insights into our breeding choices. Their expertise can provide additional perspectives on health, genetics, and breeding practices.

9. Lifelong Commitment

Finally, we consider our commitment to the puppies and their future families. We ensure that our breeding decisions align with our goal of producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs that will thrive in loving homes.

By following this thorough selection process, we aim to produce healthy, happy Saint Bernard puppies that embody the best qualities of the breed. If you have any further questions about our breeding practices or philosophy, feel free to reach out!

Accessing The Temperament Of Our Breeding Pair

Assessing the temperament of a breeding pair is a vital part of our breeding process, particularly for Saint Bernards, known for their gentle and affectionate nature. Here’s how we thoroughly evaluate their temperaments:

1. Behavioral Observations

We spend significant time observing the dogs in various situations. This includes interactions with family members, other pets, and new people. We look for signs of friendliness, confidence, and adaptability, which are key traits in Saint Bernards.

2. Socialization Experiences

Both dogs are exposed to different environments and stimuli, such as busy households, outdoor settings, and social gatherings. We assess how they react to unfamiliar sounds, sights, and experiences, ensuring they remain calm and well-adjusted in diverse situations.

3. Response to Training

We evaluate their responses to basic commands and training cues. A dog that is eager to learn and responds positively to training is often more adaptable and easier to handle, which is important for producing well-behaved puppies.

4. Interaction with Children

Given that Saint Bernards are often family pets, we observe how the dogs interact with children. Their ability to be gentle and tolerant is crucial, and we look for signs of playfulness and patience during these interactions.

5. Play Behavior

We facilitate play sessions between the breeding pair and other dogs. Their play style can reveal a lot about their temperament. Look for traits such as enthusiasm, gentleness, and the ability to share space and toys without aggression.

6. Stress Responses

We introduce mild stressors, like changes in routine or new environments, to see how the dogs cope. A stable temperament is indicated by calmness and resilience in the face of minor challenges, while a reactive dog may show signs of anxiety or aggression.

7. Health and Well-Being

Physical health can influence temperament, so we ensure both dogs are in optimal condition. Sometimes, health issues can lead to behavioral changes, so a clear health assessment is essential for an accurate temperament evaluation.

8. Consultation with Professionals

We may consult with trainers or behaviorists who have worked with the dogs previously. Their insights can provide valuable information about the dogs’ temperamental traits and behaviors.

9. Previous Offspring Evaluation

If either dog has produced puppies before, we assess the temperaments of those offspring. This can provide insight into the genetic influence of the parents’ temperaments on their puppies.

10. Owner Feedback

If the dogs are owned by us or trusted families, we gather feedback on their day-to-day behaviors and interactions. Long-term observations can reveal consistent traits that are essential for breeding decisions.

By combining these methods, we ensure a comprehensive assessment of the breeding pair’s temperaments. This careful evaluation helps us produce healthy, well-adjusted puppies that will thrive in loving homes. If you have any further questions about our assessment process, don’t hesitate to ask!

Available St Bernards For Sale

Click here to see all available Saint Bernard puppies for sale. Buy your St Bernard puppy today from a Licensed St Bernard breeder who adheres to ethical breeding pracitces