Saint Bernard Kennel/Chihuahua Kennel/FAQ's

~FAQ'S~
Frequently Asked Questions-This page is constantly being updated...

We will display all questions that are frequently asked by other puppy buyers or potential puppy buyers; on this page. We will do our best to answer all questions.

If you have a question and would like us to post it on our website, or if you do not understand an answer or have more input on a particular question, please contact us.

***Please note that we will use the term "dog" here to mean a canine and not to indicate sex.

Q: What is the difference between AKC limited registration and full registration?

A: Limited registration means that your puppy/dog cannot be shown in conformation, must be spayed or neutered (as stated in BNH's contract), and any offspring produced or sired by a dog with limited registration cannot be registered. Dogs registered with limited papers can however compete in obedience.

Full registration means that you may show the dog in conformation, they do not have to be spayed or neutered, and any puppies produced or sired by the dog CAN be registered with AKC.

Limited registration can later be changed to full. However, only the breeder can change the type of registration.

Q: Is it normal for a Chihuahua puppy to have an open fontanel?

A: Yes, actually it is very common in the breed. Some will close up; while others will remain open for the Chihuahua's entire life. The size of the opening will vary, as well.

Q: Why do you require regular updates on your puppies, and what is considered regular?

A: We require updates on our puppies for several reasons. The main reason being that we want to know that are puppies are being taken cared for. Another reason is so we can tell if our pairing of the parents was a good choice.
We appreciate all the updates we receive. However, we are not going to consider you in breech of contract; as long as we hear from you a couple times a year.

Q: Is it true that Saints should not exercise right after eating?

A: Yes, it is best not to exert your Saint after a meal and let him/her rest for at least 30 minutes before playing. The reason for this is to help prevent any issues of bloat. You should also not offer water right after a meal.

Q: What is bloat in a Saint Bernard?

A: The correct name for bloat is Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus. Bloat is an extremely serious and potential fatal issue.
There is several causes for bloat and many are unknown. the stomach fills up with air and puts pressure on the other organs and diaphragm. The pressure on the diaphragm makes it difficult for the dog to breathe. The air-filled stomach also compresses large veins in the abdomen, thus preventing blood from returning to the heart. Filled with air, the stomach can easily rotate on itself, thus pinching off its blood supply. Once this rotation occurs and the blood supply is cut off, the stomach begins to die and the entire blood supply is disrupted and the animal's condition begins to deteriorate very rapidly. This is the reason immediate veterinarian care is a must if you suspect bloat.

Q: Do you recommend puppy training classes, and if so at what age should they be started?

A: Yes, I highly recommend puppy classes, especially with the larger breeds. I personally do not recommend taking your puppy to training classes until he/she has had at least 3 of his/her puppy shots. This way your puppy will be less susceptible to contracting a puppy disease like parvo.

Q: Are references available if needed, and if so what type of references do you have?

A: Yes, I would be more than happy to give out references. My veterinarian is my number 1 reference. Our vet's office is our home away from home :) We also have past puppy buyers who can testify how our puppies are raised and cared for. We are a licensed kennel in Mecosta county and do get inspected by our local animal control officer. We are also inspected yearly by AKC.

Q: Do you free feed your Chihuahua's or are they on a feeding schedule?

A: All of our Chihuahua puppies are free fed. As for our adults it depends on each individuals needs. However, most of our adult Chihuahuas are fed 3 times per day.

Q: How much does an adult St Bernard eat per day?

A: Again it depends on the individual dog. Most of our adult Saints are fed twice a day. To be honest, a Saint Bernard normally eats no more than any large breed. Saint Bernards might be a giant breed and massive in size, but they are extremely placid dogs. For this fact, they generally require less food per pound of body weight than most smaller, more active breeds.

Q: Do Chihuahua's bark a lot?

A: Yes, some Chihuahua's are very good door bells and will let you know when someone is at your door; even before they knock. While others are quite as can be. So, this depends on the individual dog.

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