Puppy Information

---

All interested puppy buyers must complete a questionnaire, have a traditional fully fenced yard and understand the needs of raising, loving, and living with a giant breed dog.  Our prices start at $4,500 and include their AKC registration completed for you, microchipping with AKC Reunite chips, formal vet checks, age appropriate shots, wormings, and a health warranty. 

We offer limited AKC registration to companion homes and full AKC registration is available to show homes on a co-ownership.  We are more than happy to help mentor those wanting to try AKC conformation shows for the first time, please inquire for further information.  Showing is a ton of fun, great bonding and a wonderful way to carry on the traditions of the this grand breed.

Puppies are placed starting at 8 weeks after formal evaluations have been completed.  Show potential puppies are either kept back at Thunder Keg or placed in show homes to carry on the very best of our genetics for future generations.  Companion puppies are placed according to which puppy evals out the best match for each home on our waiting list.  

We prefer in person pickups if possible.  We do have a wonderful flight nanny that our buyers can hire, as well, to fly your puppy in cabin directly to your nearest airport.  

In your search for a reputable breeder, inquire if they have done the Saint Bernard Club of America's recommended tests on the parents:  OFA hips or PennHip, OFA Elbows, OFA Eye (CAER), OFA Cardiac by a boarded Cardiologist, and DM (genetic test).  There is also a new test developed by the University of MN that can identify the gene responsible for a form of polyneuropathy (LPN1), all of our stock at Thunder Keg has also been tested for this preventable genetic condition.  Many breeders claim to health test their stock, but very few follow through.  There is no perfect dog and no perfect pedigree, but stacking the odds for the healthiest puppies possible should be an important goal of any breeder.  Temperament is also a paramount factor in a breed this large.  AKC titles on both sides of a dog's name ensures their versatility and  stability to perform in various venues.

Saint Bernards, as a giant breed, may be more prone to certain conditions compared to some other, smaller, breeds.  Unfortunately, many conditions such as joint disorders/dysplasia, epilepsy, and early onset osteosarcoma are complex polygenetic conditions (with an environmental aspect) that may show up unexpectedly even from what appears to be a clear pedigree with no direct known family history.  As such, we cannot reasonably guarantee against any of those conditions that are out of our control.  Keep in mind you are buying a living being and your breeder can only control so much, the rest is up to mother nature and their rearing.

We may, on occasion, have an adult that can be placed into the right retirement home for a small adoption fee.  Adult dogs can be the perfect fit for a family not wanting to tackle puppy silliness and training.