This isn't a question for the immediate future, but once Riley is full grown I'd like to get him a life-long dog companion. I've always loved Saint Bernards, but didn't have enough space for me to be sure that he'd be totally happy. I'm moving into a new place with more than enough space though, and am thinking this might be the right time to finally get one.

Do you guys think this is a bad idea? I know a Saint Bernard would never hurt Riley intenionally, but a 50 pound puppy is not the most coordinated thing in the world and may hurt him on accident. A 10 pound Havanese is 10 times tougher than a human of the same size though, so I'm thinking it might work out as well. My other choices are to adopt a smaller dog or get another Havanese.

So what do you guys think? As you can see I'm leaning towards the Saint Bernard, unless you can talk me out of it. I'm so glad I found this forum, I have no idea where I could ask this otherwise .

I think St. Bernards are great dogs and very calm and loving. However, I personally wouldn't have one with a Hav around... especially if you are considering getting a puppy. They really have no idea of their size and although you can train them to be good with small dogs, it would still require constant supervision. I might be overly cautious, but I wouldn't want to take the chance of something happening.

Btw, I say this based on my experience with my aunt's St Bernard. He does love small dogs but is never allowed to play with them alone.

My friend has a leonberger puppy and loves to play with Marley, but it IS kind of like an elephant in a porcelain store.... I've seen lots of big dog little dog combos, but I think it's the puppy stage of the big one that is going to feel looooooooooooong to you if you have to keep that puppy from trying to chew on or flatten your Hav' for months, even if it's in play.

So if you are stuck on the idea of getting a big one, I'd find a purebread rescue and see if there's one that connects well with your pup.

But are you SURE you want all that fur flying around?? I Love, love, love the non-shedding quality of the Hav's. Now you may be Mr. Super house man, but personally I am not a big fan of repetitive jobs around the house, and you can pretty much strap a broom to your side constantly if you get a big furry puppy!!

Alexa

Alexa, I think what scares me the most is the drool! I'm not sure that a fur and drool combination would work for me. LOL.

I think that they are a beautful breed of dog!! Although my biggest concern would be the size issue. If they grew up together, Iam sure they would get along well, but my fear would be the "accidental" play, or roll over. Havs like to play and if the two get going, there could be a tragedy. And that drool= and hair! Not for me, but I know people who love their Bernards. Hard decision.

I have a lab, and she weighs 80+lbs..and she is great with my havs....But, she was full grown 7 years old when I got my first hav...

I would not bring a large breed puppy into my home with my havs...

My lab was such a big, strong lug, when she was a puppy..there is no way a hav could keep up with her. She is great with them, and very gentle, when they were puppies..You might want to try and get an adult..


But I can say, the only thing better than a havanese another havanese...

Well, I would be careful in possibly getting a bigger dog......we have a lab but she is 12 years old so way past the puppy stage....they play very well together. My parents have a gshp that is very big but they play very well together but at times I can see where she would get hurt.....I would look into a rescue and maybe that would be the route to go....Keep us posted on what you decide!!!!

When I was in grade school, my mother raised poodles. That was when they were considered rare and commanded high prices. Regardless. my mother also had a Saint Bernard. It was loving and gentle. However, one day one of the males was irritating the St. Bernard. He had enough and grabbed the little guy and in almost an instant snapped his neck and killed him. Did he mean to do it? No, but a Saint Bernard outweighs a little poodle both in girth and strength. accidents happen.

I think I would have done it the otherway around honestly! I have a friend who raises Bernese Mountain Dogs. Even though our dogs are suppose to sniff each other out, Dora thinks every Berner is like Tempo (the one she did puppy class with!) and runs to them to play. While I have never met a mean or aggressive Berner, the Berner getting excited and jumping down, could really hurt her. Carol and David teach their Berners that when playing with little dogs they have to do a down. Seriously, Tempo would see Dora, get excited and lay on her stomach to play with her!

I just think it is really hard to teach a puppy who will be coming into your home 3X the size of your havanese to be gentle! I would say maybe if you could find a St. Bernard from a breeder who was older (1+), already socialized, etc. But would I ever take the chance of leaving that size difference home alone... nope! Just too much risk if they get into a fight over a bone, etc.

Dora is honestly double Belle's size and lets just say Dora could easily hurt her if she got really mad. Thank goodness Dora is the most easy going dog and adores Belle. She only sends Belle reminders when Belle is in crazy attack dog mode. She will stand over her and Belle quickly gets the hint.

And Bernard v. Havanese.... come on :P

Amanda

You could just get a Havanese that LOOKS like a Saint Bernard.....