cassie

They can be prone to cancer yes, plus other hereditary diseases. But their average life span is similar to other breeds of their size, approx 8-10 years. The oldest one I know of reached 14. ETA: Research is the key, which KitKat I know you're doing

RIP Bonnie you dear old soul, you will be sorely missed Very sorry for your loss Katie Thinking of you and your family

Damn can't make it to this one I want to see how much that bag of skin and bones has grown KHM

Ohh crap I forgot I even posted in here Kahlua I LOVE it!!! You've done a great job, thankyou so much!!! Of course I'll use it, it's beautiful, nice and simple just how I like em

In case you missed it

I think a Leonberger or Bernese Mountain Dog would suit very well. I never recommend my own breed unless it would suit, in your case I believe a Berner would

What a knob - was this woman fat by any chance? ;)

doesn't sound particularly big for a cross of giant breeds? Granted, I am used to heavier-set giant breeds so happy to be corrected. From memory my dane was around 14kg at 10 weeks. Yeah that's what I was thinking, my Saints and Berner have been around the same mark, I'd imagine Wolfies (pure) would fit in around there too.

I don't think she'll be small either, but to me this: doesn't sound particularly big for a cross of giant breeds? Granted, I am used to heavier-set giant breeds so happy to be corrected.

Keep in mind some people with their own dogs will also give your a wide berth because maybe THEIR dogs are the unfriendly ones, and they're doing it for your dog's own safety

$1000? That's cheap, I'd almost be wary of that price. $1500 is about standard, up to maybe $1800. These are pet prices

No do not go prodding into a dog's ear ever, they are not shaped the same as ours and you may injure them. Try shining a torch into it to get a better look. If he keeps shaking, I'd see the vet. Ears are sensitive spots on a dog, and you don't want to lose a grass seed or similar down there.

How exciting for you! Who is your pup coming from? Please come and join us in the Saint Bernard Thread Photos are essential!

I think that's great! If it puts some people off so to speak, well that's better than having them get into breeding for the wrong reasons

My dogs have access to inside and outside when I'm not home. On hot days I leave the aircon on for them. At night, we have a ceiling fan directly above our bed, and they ahh...sleep on the bed with us

If someone wouldn't mind doing one for me, I'd LOVE a new siggy These are the pics I'd like used, and would like the boys names on it too please Zephyr: Hudson:

Not sure if Sibes in general tend to be a "mouthy" sort of breed or not, but it is most definitely a puppy behaviour What you are doing is correct, each time she mouths you or anything else she's not meant to (furniture/shoes/whatever) give a firm "NO" or "Uhhh uh!" command and replace the item with an appropriate puppy toy. As well as this, each time she voluntarily chews her toy, give her light praise "good girl!" in a nice happy voice, so she knows she's doing the right thing. Soon enough she'll start teething and her need to chew may increase. During this time you can try giving her a frozen chicken carcass or other large bone as part of her daily food, which will help soothe her sore teeth. Do pop into the Sibe thread too and speak to the experienced owners in there Sounds like you're doing a great job so far!

She's just helping you out with the food bill Clever girl

Yes Noah's Crossing is IMO one of the best you can go to in SA They are experienced with taking such xrays and know about correct placement etc for an accurate reading. My Bernese breeder also uses the Willunga Veterinary Hospital, I had Zephyr scored there at 2 years old, she's been going there for 20 years or something and always been very pleased with their services. ETA: Both Noah's Crossing and Willunga send their xrays to Dr Wyburn in WA for scoring.

Sorry, another request How many Saints and Berners please

I didn't know such a thing existed, thanks Julie I'll be looking into this for sure

Ahhh cool :D My first thought from that one photo was Sibe x BC but didn't know if that was way off He's really nice looking though I like him

I think these are cool :D WP what sort of dog is Charlie? He's very handsome! ;)

Good luck, hope it's nothing :D

When I was looking into breeds for my first dog, a Newf was high on my list too. I ended up crossing them off because of the relatively demanding grooming requirements. I knew I still wanted a big hairy dog though, and that's when I found Berners They turned out to be an absolutely perfect first dog for me (I was 17 when I got Zephyr) and many other Berner owners I know have said the same thing. If you're willing to put time into training and being a good leader, then a giant breed is definitely "do-able" for a first dog. The main thing to know is to teach them everything from day one as you mean to go on for the rest of their lives. A 12kg Mastiff puppy may be cute climbing onto the couch for a cuddle, but a 100kg Mastiff adult doing the same thing may not be so cute