| St. Bernards are enormous and lovable dogs. As | | | | hot water hose and gently soak your dog's coat. |
| members of the working group of dogs, they | | | | Once the coat is thoroughly wet, shampoo your |
| were originally bred to help with mountain rescues | | | | dog with a mild pet shampoo. |
| in Switzerland. They are loyal, good-tempered | | | | You want to avoid using anything too harsh, no |
| dogs that are wonderful with children and make | | | | matter how dirty your dog gets. A gentle |
| great pets if you have the space. | | | | shampoo will not strip the natural oils from your |
| However, don't buy a St. Bernard unless you are | | | | dog's hair. It is recommended that you wash and |
| prepared to spend some time and/or money on | | | | rinse your St. Bernard with the shampoo at least |
| grooming. Since these dogs originated in snowy | | | | twice. |
| and cold Switzerland, St. Bernards have a thick | | | | Rinse thoroughly to avoid any residue left in the |
| dense coat. | | | | dog's undercoat. You can dry your dog to a damp |
| There are both longhaired and shorthaired | | | | dry state with towels and, depending on the |
| varieties of the breeds. The grooming is a little | | | | season, let the dog air dry or blow dry the coat. |
| easier for the shorthaired type. A bristle brush is | | | | Many St. Bernard owners use special varieties of |
| a good all-purpose brush for the breed but the St. | | | | shampoo to help brighten the white part of the |
| Bernard coat can also benefit from some | | | | dog's coat. The white parts of the coat can be |
| specialized brushes. | | | | stained by dirt of other debris. These products |
| A slicker brush can be used to remove matting | | | | can be added to the normal shampoo, or used in |
| and dead hair, especially during the shedding | | | | replacement of a regular dog shampoo. Certain |
| season. Your dog will shed its under coat twice a | | | | varieties of whitening shampoo need to be left in |
| year. To stimulate your St. Bernards circulation | | | | the coat for five to ten minutes before rinsing it |
| and remove a maximum amount of loose hair, | | | | out. |
| try brushing the coat opposite to the way it lays | | | | If you'd like to soften your St. Bernard's coat you |
| naturally. | | | | can use a small amount of human conditioner. As |
| Brushing your St. Bernard every day is key to | | | | a final step, you can use a flea rinse. Generally, |
| managing shedding and keeping your dog clean. | | | | flea rinses protect your dog for 10 to 14 days |
| The process, once mastered, should only take | | | | after use. |
| about 5 minutes a day. | | | | Be very careful when administering the flea rinse. |
| Bathing your St. Bernard can be a daunting task. | | | | Read all instructions carefully and dilute the |
| Unlike other smaller breeds, St. Bernards must be | | | | product properly. Avoid your dog's eyes when |
| bathed outdoors or in a full sized bathtub. Use a | | | | applying the rinse. |