Yep, there's no doubt about it, you're hooked. You think that the mastiff is just the coolest dog that ever lived (and to be honest, we are not about to argue with you!). So now your quest to locate a purebred mastiff pup to call your own begins.
But the question is: Just where do you start?
Your first instinct, is of course to try searching locally. And there's nothing wrong with that. By all means look around for a mastiff in your own area.But don't let the fact that a breeder is closer to you be the deciding factor in adopting your new friend. believe me a little traveling to get a good dog is well worthwhile.
I would go along to some of the dog shows, before you even look in the local paper. Those that are showing dogs may know of good breeders or indeed be breeders themselves. Take the time to chat. These "dog folk" will be only to happy to usher you in the right direction of a quality breeder, whilst chewing the fat about the "mastiff".
Why would they be so helpful? Well,to start with, they are dog lovers and without a doubt mastiffs in particular, also they show their mastiff and as a result would not want to see a substandard breeder perpetuating inferior dogs. You can count on these guys to be pretty up front about who and what is good or bad in the world of breeding. As you natter with these people, you'll for sure acquire several business cards of different breeders. Make sure you follow up on these leads. Telephone them. talk with them for a while. This casual chat does not commit you to even viewing a litter.
What should you be getting from this conversation? You're aquiring a feel for the breeder's "dog ethics" together with their commitment to the mastiff as a breed. Don't worry that you may not be exactly clear what answers you're looking for or even what questions you need to ask. At this point you will have to trust your intuition, and in most of us this is better than we realise.
If the breeder is too worried about the monetary value of the dog, it's possible his/her love and commiment to the breed is not as it should be. But if there's no way you can stop the breeder from boasting about the bloodline, or how "adorable" or clever or "picture perfect" his puppies are . . . well, you could well have hit upon a good-quality breeder. ypu will also have a feeling for his reputation, by the way in which he calms your worries or doubts about your new venture.
Make as many telephone calls as is necessary. This is not a decision to be made casually. When you finally locate a breeder that you're comfortable with, who either has a litter available or whose dog is expecting, make an appointment with him. But be prepared for them to ask you at least as many questions as you plan to ask them, this may seem a bit intimidating, but take my word for it, this is a good sign- it means they love and care for the dogs they breed.
Here though are a few tips in the way you may want to steer the conversation. Of course you'll want to ask how long he's been a breeder. Ask why he owns them. Are his mastiffs show dogs or house pets? Also don't shy away from asking if there are any health issues that might be associated with the breed. All breeds have some distinguishing health concerns, it goes with the territory but you should know beforehand what they are.. Ask the breeder what the mastiff's most important single characteristic is. This question alone gives you a good bit of insight into his reputation and his thinking.
As you whittle down your maybe's. don't leave yourself only one option. Make a list of several based on your initial preferences. It's possible you may have to wait for other potential owners to make their adoption selections . After all, it's a first-come, first-serve in the world of dog breeding. Once you've found the breeder and the "mother dog" that you are happy with, you will probably be put on a waiting list for the pups. Although this can be a little irritating, you should view this as a good thing, it's a great signal that you've chosen a good breeder. If you think that the wait involved is to much and only you can decide that you can always decide to adopt from your second choice of mastiff breeders
At last, you get that call you've been waiting for. The babies are ready for viewing. By the time you get a chance to view your potential new baby, he'll probably be eight to ten weeks old. At this age, the pups will easily display their various personalities. You'll also be able to see how these little guys (relatively speaking) interact with you and your family.
Oh, yes, by all means take the entire family to this viewing session. It's without a doubt essential right from the very start that each member of your family has a chance to participate in this decision.
The pup you eventually choose reflects, by the way, why precisely you want a mastiff to start with. If you plan to show the dog at events or maybe plan on breeding yourself, then you need a dog that meets all the phsyical requirements of the breed.
On the other hand, if it's a loyal family pet that you're looking for, then its not as important that the dog meets all the physical conditions of the breed. You are just looking for the most lovable pup in the litter.
Ok, you've chosen your dog, the only things left to do now are make the final arrangements on price, and take him home. Be aware that depending on your pup's age, you may not be able to take him home on that visit. No, don't be too disappointed. After all, you've waited this long, haven't you? Besides, the delay gives you time to get the house prepared for him.
Oh, by the way have a fantastic time with your new "baby"!
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