F.A.Q

Table of Contents

  1. Are your St. Bernards "dry mouthed"
  2. How much does a St. Bernard weigh?
  3. What is the difference between a long-hair and short-hair St. Bernard?
  4. Where's Molly's barrel?
  5. How much does a St. Bernard puppy cost?
  6. Why do your St. Bernard puppies cost so much?
  7. What is the difference between "show quality" and "pet quality"?
  8. Can I buy a puppy to breed?
  9. Can puppies be shipped?

 

Are your St. Bernards "Dry Mouthed"?

There really is no such thing as a "dry mouthed" St. Bernard.  A reputable breeder of St. Bernards is not likely to ever indicate that there is such a thing.  In a resting state some St. Bernards drool less than others, but all Saint Bernards drool around food, after drinking, and after running.  A rag or towel is almost an owner necessity...  <Grin>

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How much does a St. Bernard weigh?

The weight of an adult St. Bernard varies by sex and breeding.  A typical female St. Bernard may be between 100 - 150 lbs.  Males typically weigh-in higher with a typical male between 130 and 170 lbs.  Some St. Bernards have been known to top 200-230 lbs. 

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What is the difference between a short-hair and long-hair St. Bernard?

A single litter of puppies may produce both short-hair and long-hair puppies.   Short-hair puppies have a "tighter" coat of hair consisting of shorter strands of hair.  Short hair St. Bernards have a different appearance than their "long-hair" brethren, but are still easily distinguishable as Saint Bernards.   Both hair types shed.

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Where's Gus's barrel?

Historically, Saint Bernard's did not carry kegs around their necks.  However, due to popular demand, Gus does carry a keg in parades, showcases, fairs, and the like.   Barrels for St. Bernards can be purchased from St. Specialties Kegs.

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How much does a St. Bernard puppy cost?

This varies based on breeder's, pedigree, and much more.  Magic Mountain Saint Bernards typically are $800 for a "pet quality" dog, and $1000 for a "show quality" dog.  For the amount of time, and expense involved in whelping an exceptional litter, we'd be better off working for Burger King...  We do this for love not money- even at these prices.  Shipping is additional for out of area purchases.  In rare circumstances, price may be negotiable for exceptional owners.

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Why do your St. Bernard puppies cost so much?

We realize that some people are selling "St. Bernard" puppies for as little as $100.  When looking for a St. Bernard we encourage owners to seek out reputable breeders.  Breeders should be aware of what standards should be sought out or perpetuated in the breed.  Owners should ask a lot of questions:  Were both parents AKC registered?  Is a complete pedigree available?  How many recognized champions are in the line?  Do the puppies have their dew claws removed?  Are the puppies registered?  Are the puppies vaccinated?  Were the parents certified by the OFA against hip dysplasia?

Breeding St. Bernards is an avocation for us.  We are unlikely to ever pursue more than one - two litters in two years.  We also intend to keep an occasional dog for ourselves.  This means we are extremely interested in pursuing the best breed matches possible.  One litter, for instance,  involved "shipping" a female Saint from Denver to Seattle for nearly 2 weeks.  Expenses associated with travel, boarding, etc. are up front.  In addition, stud fees can exceed a $1000.  A small litter of puppies may, in fact, be a money losing proposition.  We strive,  however, to produce the best possible puppies- AKC registered with fine pedigrees and a history of champions!  In addition, we "guarantee" our puppies against any health defects that might make them unsuitable as pets for the first year.

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What is the difference between "Show Quality" and "Pet Quality"?

Some puppies may have traits that make them more likely candidates as "Champions" at dog shows.  Others may have qualities that could weaken their chances as "Champions".  For instance, a puppy with an extra curly tail might not be considered show quality.  Based on criteria like this, we make determinations about each puppy before selling it.  In addition, a pet quality dog is sold with the understanding that it will receive a limited registration and that the owner will spay or neuter the animal. 

Limited registration means that any litters produced by the dog are not eligible for AKC registration. The dog is eligible to compete in all AKC-licensed events except breed competition at an AKC-licensed dog show. The limited designation may be removed upon my written permission and upon submission of a form for that purpose which, is available from the AKC, and required fee. This is so, for when the dog has grown and you decided to show your dog in AKC breed competition, you have that option.

Show quality dogs are provided with full registration allowing their owner to show, champion, or breed their dog.  We encourage owners to pursue showing as proof of excellence before breeding.  In addition, a St. Bernard might be purchased as pet, but later have its registration upgraded after being evaluated further.

Some "Show Quality" dogs may still be sold as pet quality to owners that are still mainly interested in a companion dog without the need for showing or breeding.

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Can I buy a puppy to breed?

For those interested in breeding or showing their dogs, full registration is required.   For those with a history of showing or breeding, a show quality puppy may be sold out right.  For individuals new to St. Bernards, we offer a co-ownership contract.   Under this agreement, the purchaser will be listed as the owner of the dog and the breeder will be listed as the co-owner.  Because the AKC requires signatures of both the owner and co-owner for litter registrations this allows us to ensure responsible breeding while allowing the Owner to exhibit the dog competitively.  When the dog is 2 years old, certified against hip displasia by the OFA, and given a clean bill of health against disease by your veterinarian, co-ownership will revert to full ownership without additional cost.

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Can puppies be shipped?

Yes.  We have a crate available for shipping Saint Bernard puppies to your location.  Direct flights are most desirable to minimize travel time for your dog.   In addition, most airlines have strict requirements restricting travel to a day above 60 degrees, vaccinations, etc.  We will be happy to arrange your puppies travel plans, but the cost to ship, plus a  crate deposit equal to the cost of the crate must be received in advance.

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Magic Mountain St. Bernards
Copyright © 2000 Byron Ferguson. All rights reserved.
Revised: February 01, 2006.