Want a Saint...what can u tell me?

hello there well l have a 4 month old st bernard mix l adopted him from a rescue there are very sweet natured dogs my pup was very easy to trian no problems my friend also has a male st bernard very sweet gentle giants she's owned st. bernards all her life they are great with kids and other animals if l was you l'd go for it the breed they are awesome

1. What do you like most about the Saint?
They tend to be tolerant of children.

2. What do like the least about them?
Slobber

3. In your experience was he/she easy to train?
I don't own one, but I'm a trainer.  Saints are trainable, but sometimes it takes a while, after you issue a command, for the body to respond.  So, you need to have the patience required to wait a moment to let that happen before you assume the dog either doesn't understand the cue or is being disobedient.

4. Smooth or Rough coat...which do you prefer and why?
Rough - nicer to pat)

5. What about drool factor? Is it just drool or a foamy gross mess?
Depends on the dog - some are fairly "dry", and others - well, it's why you often see Saint owners with towels hanging from their back pockets.  Oh, and invest in Swiffer!

6. I've read they are pretty easy going....did you have any trouble with them and other pets? Cats in particular.
I have not found much problem with puppies that are raised with cats.  With adult dogs, you would want to ask the shelter or rescue if the dog can be tested with other pets (and even with dogs - you don't want an undersocialized Saint if you are concerned enough to have asked []).

7. How much to exercise? I walk Sampson every day for 3 miles...is that too much for a Saint?
Not if you work up to it and the dog has been cleared by the vet.  Saints, and other large breeds, are subject to hip dysplasia and other ailments - best to be sure before starting strenuous or lengthy exercise.

8.  Finally,  is the shedding managable?  I tend to be a little lazy with brushing,  that would probably need improving.
I don't worry about shedding (and I have Sioux - see all that coat in the photo...) because I bought a Dyson Animal vacuum.  It never clogs!!!

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I don't have much to add, because I don't really have any experience with Saint Bernards. Unless you've already seen it, I like this site for their breed reviews. They are usually pretty accurate.http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/saintbernards.html

Hope this helps.

I have an 8 and a half month old purebred male Saint.  He's a dream come true, everything great about the breed you've ever heard is exactly what he lives up to.  He's smart and loyal and so kind hearted.
1.  What do you like most about the Saint?
  The Size, amazing creatures

2.  What do like the least about them?
  The yard cleanup (if you know what i mean) and the food bills

3.  In your experience was he/she easy to train?
   Very trainable, he was far ahead of the pack in his beginner and intermediate classes and is starting an advanced course on the 28th.

4.  Smooth or Rough coat...which do you prefer and why?
  My boy is a Short coat, but i feed him a top quality food so his coat is incredibly soft and i wouldn't want it any other way.  He makes a great floor pillow.

5.  What about drool factor?  Is it just drool or a foamy gross mess?
  I was worried about drool, but my saint only drools when he sees treats, plays or exercises a lot with other dogs, and after he has had a drink of water.  Beyond that he's drool free, but i've heard they can be much worse.  Its pretty hilarious to see him have a drink of water and then sit there with drool from his chin to the floor.

6.  I've read they are pretty easy going....did you have any trouble with them and other pets?  Cats in particular.
  He was good friends with a cat when he was younger, then the cat stopped coming around.  This is like any dog, socialize them at a young age and you won't have any problems with temperment.  One issue with children, smaller dogs, and cats is that Saints are huge, small dogs are intimidated by them, and if they take a playful paw swipe at a dog or cat (a natural behaviour), it has the potential to hurt just because they're so big.  But as far as around the house temperment with other pets and cats, couldnt be better. (Socialize!!)

7.  How much to exercise?  I walk Sampson every day for 3 miles...is that too much for a Saint?
   Three miles is too far for a growing saint.  Its too hard on their joints when they are young because they are growing so fast.  Longer walks at a young age could cause joint problems later on.  As they get older and their growing slows down you can start to take them on longer walks.

8.  Finally,  is the shedding managable?  I tend to be a little lazy with brushing,  that would probably need improving.
   Get a short hair Saint and thank me later.

Such beautiful animals, can't say enough good things about him
 

Thank you everyone for your replies.  I think they are such a gorgeous dog and have always admired them.

No problem. Good luck with your search!