Looking For Mastiff Puppies For Sale? - Where To Start

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Yep, there's no doubt about it, you're hooked. You think that the mastiff is just the coolest dog that ever lived (and lets face it, we're not about to argue with you!). What that now means is that your quest for a purebred mastiff puppy of your own is just about to begin.

But the question is: Just where do you start?

Your primary thought, is of course to try searching locally. And there's nothing wrong with that. By all means look around for a mastiff locally.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 who are showing their dogs at the show might well be breeders or know of good breeders. Go ahead, take your time. These "dog people" love to talk "mastiff." They'll be happy to show their passion. And they'll be more than happy to guide you in the right direction of a reputable breeder.

Why should 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 third rate 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 chat with the people that you meet, it is inevitable that you will collect several business cards from different breeders. You should follow up on these, just give them a call and chat for a while about the breed, your likes and dislikes etc. This doesn't mean you are commiting to anything, it's just fact finding.

What should you be getting from this conversation? You're getting a feel for the breeder's "dog ethics" as well as their commitment to the mastiff as a breed. Don't worry that you may not be one hundred percent clear what answers you are looking for or even what questions you need to ask. Right about now you're going on your intuition. Trust me, you will know.

If the breeders sights seem to be set more on the value of the dog, then maybe his commitment and love of the breed isn't quite strong enough. On the other hand if they don't stop boasting about how smart, or how "adorable" or how good the bloodline is of their pups...well, maybe you just hit upon a good/high-quality breeder. You will also get a sense for their quality by the way they answer your questions, and the way in which they put any of your fears or doubts to rest.

You should make as many calls as it takes. This is not a time to make snap decisions. When you do at last find one with whom you're comfortable, who either has a litter available or whose dog is expecting, make an appointment with him. Be well prepared though. He'll probably ask you at least as many questions as you plan on asking him. That is a great indication that he's caring and loves his mastiffs, he'll interrogate you (or it'll at least feel that way!)

Here though are a few tips in the way you may want to guide the conversation. For sure you will want to ask how long he's been a breeder. Ask why he owns them. Are his mastiffs show dogs or house pets? Don't be afraid to ask about the health issues associated with the breed. All breeds have some distinguishing health concerns. It's always a good idea to know what the issues are before adopting. Ask the breeder what the mastiff's most important single characteristic is. This alone will give you an insight into their thinking and views on the breed.

As you fine tune your choices in the way of possible breeders, don't narrow it to just the one. Make a list of several and then prioritize that list by your initial preferences. You may have to wait until other potential owners have made their adoption selections. After all, it's a first-come, first-serve in the world of dog breeding. Once you find the breeder and "mom dog" of your choice, you're probably be placed on a waiting list for the babies. 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

Finally, you get that call you've been longing 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 puppies will readily display their unique personalities. you will also be able to observe how these little guys (relatively speaking) interact with you and your family.

Yes, completely, you should take the whole family along for this viewing session. It is absolutely core to the happiness of the dog and your family that everyone gets a chance to participate in the decision.

The pup you eventually choose reflects, by the way, why precisely you want a mastiff to start with. If you have hopes on showing him at dog shows or you have ideas on breeding yourself, then you definitely want a dog who physically meets all the 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.

Now that you've come to your decision, all that's left to do is make the final arrangements on the price, and eventually take him home with you. Be aware that depending on your puppies 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 wonderful time with your new "baby"!

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