We Want a Dog...Maybe This Kinda Dog

Jeremy and I have been wanting a doggie for awhile now. We've gone over the pros and cons many times and have ultimately decided that we would like to get one eventually, hopefully once we buy a house.

Yesterday afternoon, we were looking at a house and found that the owners were the proud parents of an ADORABLE, 3-year-old Saint Bernard! He was HUGE, but such a sweetie. No joke...his head was about the size of a beach ball and he weighed 180lbs! Though I've been rather opposed to a Saint Bernard, I was taken back by this four legged giant. Plus, who could resist a face like that?!

My areas of concerns for a Saint Bernard are:

1. Huge Furry Snow Dog vs. the AZ summer heat

2. Huge Furry Snow Dog vs. Neat Clean Husband who says he doesn't want an "inside" dog and yet lives in AZ where it's too hot to keep it outside and still wants a Saint Bernard (!?)

3. Huge Furry Dog vs. Neat Clean Husband

4. Huge Drooling Dog vs. Neat Clean Husband

5. Huge Furry Dog vs. Neat Clean Husband who is intimidated by Huge Furry Dogs and yet really wants a Saint Bernard (?!)

6. Huge Dog = Huge Poop

I was reassured a bit, by the owner who says that her dog does well in the AZ heat, but stays inside mostly during the summer. Plus, I was also encouraged by Jeremy's positive reaction to the huge dog. Maybe a Saint Bernard would be alright...not to mention, totally fun! So, the talks of getting a dog have resumed and I've been doing a little bit of research on the breed. Here's some fun facts for you all and if you come across a Saint Bernard for sale, or preferably at the pound, please let us know! :)

The Saint Bernard is a very large, strong, muscular dog, with a powerful head. There are two types of coat: rough, and smooth, but both are very dense and come in white with markings in tan, red, mahogany, brindle, and black - in various combinations. The face and ears are usually shaded with black and the expression is intelligent and gentle. In the rough-coated dogs, the hair is slightly longer and there is feathering on the thighs and legs. The feet are large with strong well-arched toes, making the Saint Bernard's sure-footed in the snow and ice. They have a highly developed sense of smell and also seem to have a sixth sense about impending danger from storms and avalanches.

Temperament
They are extremely gentle and friendly and very tolerant of children. The Saint Bernard is slow moving, patient, and obedient. Extremely loyal, this breed wants to please. Since this dog is so giant, be sure to socialize it very well at a young age with other people. It is highly intelligent and easy to train, however training should begin early, while the dog is still a manageable size. The Saint Bernard is a good watchdog. Even its size is a good deterrent.

Height: 25.5-27.5 inches

Weight: 110-200 pounds

Living Conditions
The Saint Bernard will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard is sufficient. They can live outdoors, but would much rather be with their family. They have a low tolerance for hot weather, warm rooms, and cars.

Exercise
A long walk each day is needed to keep the Saint Bernard in good mental and physical condition. Puppies should not have too much exercise at one time until their bones are well formed and strong. Short walks and brief play sessions are best until the dog is about two years old.

Life Expectancy
About 8-10 years