Need Held Finding A Saint Bernard In CT!

[BriannaLeigh92]

I am looking for a young Saint pup (up to 2) to have trained to be my service dog! I am having a hard time finding these pups for a reasonable price, and not very many rescues have full breed saints. I tried the New England Saint Rescue, but I am only 20 therefore cannot adopt from there. Please Help! I am looking for something reasonable.

[frostfell]

Saints live even shorter lives than Berners, are typically less trainable, and are bigger *thumbs down*

[BriannaLeigh92]

But that is the dog that my family decided on...unfortunately I can't tell my parents no because they are the ones that will be paying for the training...

[frostfell]

Do they know they are paying for training that will only last you 2 maybe 3 years, and that they will then need to pay for training all over again, with another dog, and again and again, every 2 years?

[Hillside]

Originally Posted by BriannaLeigh92

But that is the dog that my family decided on...unfortunately I can't tell my parents no because they are the ones that will be paying for the training...

Well actually.......you could point out all the reasons why a Saint Bernard would be an unsuitable choice. Short, SHORT life span, even shorter working career, sheer size makes it hard for them to go/be a lot of places.

[Julee]

What happened to the Saint in RI?

It seems like you are jumping breeds pretty quickly, I'd have a sit down with your parents with a list of breeds that are truly suitable and go from there. I know I sent you at least four that sounded like good fits.

[AdrianneIsabel]

I am sure if your parents are calling the shots they can adopt from the rescue with no age restrictions.

[JessLough]

Do they realize that, especially if you get a 2 year old, the dog will be working for 1 year before you need to get and start training another dog?

[Romy]

Originally Posted by BriannaLeigh92

But that is the dog that my family decided on...unfortunately I can't tell my parents no because they are the ones that will be paying for the training...

You need to find a trainer first and that trainer should be involved in evaluating any individual prospects before you buy or adopt them. I know your family is paying for it, but they might as well flush their money down the toilet the way they're going about it.

ETA: If you and your parents are really set on a big molosser, I strongly urge you to take them to meet some leonbergers. They have the giant size, are more healthy, more even tempered and trainable, and don't drool.

This breeder is in MA but on their website it says they have placed puppies in homes in CT and that their owners are open to people coming to visit and meet their dogs.
http://www.leosbythesea.com/available.html

[Saintgirl]

Just wanted to clear up some info here.

Saints do generally have a longer life span than a Berner. The average lifespan of a Berner is 6-8 years while a Saint has a lifespan of 8-10. If you go with a well bred Saint 10 years is not a hard come by age. Cancer is the number one killer in the Bernese Mountain Dog breed reportedly as much as 50%.

Saints are highly trainable, infact they have a high drive to please their owners. A quick google will clear up this misinformation. Are they the smartest dogs out there---far from it!!! But I think that adds to their trainability and unbelievable loyalty.

Are they the best service dogs? The short answer is no.

They are wonderful mobility dogs but if you need a dog who is able to accompany you everywhere you need to look at other breeds. I can't even turn around in a pet store aisle without having to worry that Boe won't knock something off of a shelf. Also the drool factor is one to take into consideration. All Saints drool. Will people be comfortable with you taking a service dog places when they WILL be tossing slingers about? They draw ATTENTION wherever you go. Everyone will flock to your side to meet your dog. They are bloody expensive dogs to own. When we first got involved in the breed we had to get rid of our car and buy a minivan. We now own a full sived SUV to transport our whole family around. Don't get me started on vet bills....OH THE VET BILLS!!! And while they do not eat as much as one would expect they still eat alot. A poorly bred Saint can have a horrible temperament. The CDC had them listed in the top ten dog breeds for fatal human attacks. If this isn't enough to get you to stray from the breed for a service dog then I could certainly continue!

Don't get me wrong, in the right home these are unbelievable dogs. I can't imagine a day in my life without one. But if I needed a service dog I would be looking at adding a different breed to my household because of the poor choice they make as a service dog.