Buying a St Bernard Puppy
What to expect from a breeder who puts Health, Welfare and Temperament first.
Giant breeds of dog tend to have shorter lifespans and may have health problems linked to their extreme size. Avoid a puppy whose parents have excessive loose facial skin, so that their eyelids do not function properly.
Essential Documents
- Heath Certificates (both parents)
- Signed AWF Puppy Contract
- KC Registration Certificate (if applicable)
- Microchip Registration Certificate
- Temporary Pet Health Insurance
- Vaccination Certificate
A Good Breeder Will:
- have socialised and habituated the puppy
- provide a supply of food
- provide a blanket smelling of Mum
- follow the Code of Practice for Dog Breeding
Official Health Schemes
- BVA/KC scheme for hip dysplasia (HD)
- abnormal formation of the hip joint – pain and lameness
- BVA/KC scheme for elbow dysplasia (ED)
- abnormal formation of the elbow joint – pain and lameness
- BVA/KC screening scheme for eye disease. DBRG recommends that all dogs should be visually examined by an ophthalmologist before breeding (includes checks for many inherited and conformation-related diseases)
- the scheme checks for many inherited and physical abnormalities that can cause progressive blindness or pain
Other Diseases
No current health scheme or DNA test available.
- Bloat/GDV (gastric dilation and volvulus)
- where the stomach inflates with air and twists, sometimes fatally
- Dermatitis
- inflammation of skin, more likely if excessive loose skin
- ‘Cherry eye’
- protruding gland of third eyelid in young dogs, may require surgery
- DCM – Dilated cardiomyopathy
progressive enlargement of heart, - often fatal
- Ear infections
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- Ectropion
- drooping lower eyelids
- Entropion
- inward turning eyelids that rub on eyeballs (may be combined with ectropion)
- Osteosarcoma
- bone cancer
DNA Tests Relevant to Breed
- Polyneuropathy and juvenile-onset inherited laryngeal paralysis
- progressive muscle weakness and/or breathing problems
Other Tests
- None
Further Information
None.