SO YOU WANT A SAINT BERNARD PUPPY?
You have looked around at a few different breeder/kennels and their dogs. You need to look at the environment in which the pups are raised - this should be a clean, safe and dry area with good shelter and clean drinking water provided. Pups that you might look at should be clean, happy, playful and confident. Their eyes should be clean and clear, their stools should be healthy looking in colour and texture.
All adult dogs at the breeders/kennel should be in good health. Remember that assessing the temperament and physical soundness of the sire and dam is important in selecting a puppy. Dogs can have congenital inherited defects, so when you go to buy the puppy you should be mindful of this and remember to use your eyes. Please seek advice and don’t just trust what you’re told. Always buy a puppy subject to a veterinary check.
Male vs. Female
This is strictly a matter of personal preference. Both are equal in pet qualities. The male, being larger, is more impressive when first viewed. The female, however, must be considered his equal in all other respects. Modern veterinary practice recommends neutering of non-breeding animals of both sexes as a means to a healthier, better pet.
Show Quality vs. Pet Quality
Decide before you buy whether you want a pet quality puppy. A pet quality puppy is a healthy example of the breed which falls just a little short of the standard of perfection in some way. A show potential puppy is one that measures up strongly against the Breed Standard and has no disqualifying faults. The quality of a show puppy cannot be quantified by additional money you may pay. If you intend to show your dog, study the Breed Standard carefully, visit several breeders, and observe the products of different breed lines at Dogs NSW sanctioned matches and shows. (For more information please go to the Show section of this website and refer to So You Want To Show? page).
The Breed Standard
The Breed Standard is the description of the desired characteristics of a breed. A reputable breeder uses the standard to ensure they are producing Saint Bernards that have these desired characteristics and will continuously measure the quality of their dogs against this standard of excellence. You should read the Standard closely before you visiting the first breeder or kennel. Particularly if there is a chance you may become interested in showing later. Please see The Breed Standard Page for the Standard on this website. It is to the FCI Standard No. 61, to which we adhere in Australia.
All adult dogs at the breeders/kennel should be in good health. Remember that assessing the temperament and physical soundness of the sire and dam is important in selecting a puppy. Dogs can have congenital inherited defects, so when you go to buy the puppy you should be mindful of this and remember to use your eyes. Please seek advice and don’t just trust what you’re told. Always buy a puppy subject to a veterinary check.
Male vs. Female
This is strictly a matter of personal preference. Both are equal in pet qualities. The male, being larger, is more impressive when first viewed. The female, however, must be considered his equal in all other respects. Modern veterinary practice recommends neutering of non-breeding animals of both sexes as a means to a healthier, better pet.
Show Quality vs. Pet Quality
Decide before you buy whether you want a pet quality puppy. A pet quality puppy is a healthy example of the breed which falls just a little short of the standard of perfection in some way. A show potential puppy is one that measures up strongly against the Breed Standard and has no disqualifying faults. The quality of a show puppy cannot be quantified by additional money you may pay. If you intend to show your dog, study the Breed Standard carefully, visit several breeders, and observe the products of different breed lines at Dogs NSW sanctioned matches and shows. (For more information please go to the Show section of this website and refer to So You Want To Show? page).
The Breed Standard
The Breed Standard is the description of the desired characteristics of a breed. A reputable breeder uses the standard to ensure they are producing Saint Bernards that have these desired characteristics and will continuously measure the quality of their dogs against this standard of excellence. You should read the Standard closely before you visiting the first breeder or kennel. Particularly if there is a chance you may become interested in showing later. Please see The Breed Standard Page for the Standard on this website. It is to the FCI Standard No. 61, to which we adhere in Australia.
Club Puppy Register
The Club has a Puppy Register where people looking for puppies can leave their details by filling out the Puppy Enquiry Form (see below). The Club representative managing the Puppy Register will pass those details on to ALL Member Breeder/Kennels who list on the Puppy Register.
Please keep in mind we are passing on your details only - the Club does not sell puppies or make referrals to breeders or kennels. If you wish to make any general enquiries ONLY regarding the breed or the Club, please e-mail secretary@stbernard.org.au
Members who list on the Puppy Register must have their dogs hip scored and elbow scored. Also, Members listing breeding stock on the Puppy Register must have a total combined hipscore for a dog and bitch not exceeding a total of 1.5 times the current breed average as published by the Australian Veterinary Association.
Breeders who list are financial members of the Club and have financially subscribed to this listing. The Club offers no warranty of any kind in relation to the standard of any dog or puppy offered for sale by any breeder regardless of their membership status.
Breeders wishing to join this listing must be current financial Members of the Club and are welcome to contact the Club Secretary.
Please keep in mind we are passing on your details only - the Club does not sell puppies or make referrals to breeders or kennels. If you wish to make any general enquiries ONLY regarding the breed or the Club, please e-mail secretary@stbernard.org.au
Members who list on the Puppy Register must have their dogs hip scored and elbow scored. Also, Members listing breeding stock on the Puppy Register must have a total combined hipscore for a dog and bitch not exceeding a total of 1.5 times the current breed average as published by the Australian Veterinary Association.
Breeders who list are financial members of the Club and have financially subscribed to this listing. The Club offers no warranty of any kind in relation to the standard of any dog or puppy offered for sale by any breeder regardless of their membership status.
Breeders wishing to join this listing must be current financial Members of the Club and are welcome to contact the Club Secretary.
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