Mastiff Secrets 101
Everything You Need to Know About Buying, Raising and Caring for a Mastiff

Finding Mastiff Puppies for Sale

Yep, there is no doubt about it, you are hooked. You think that the mastiff is just the greatest dog that ever lived and quite frankly, we are not about to argue with you! So now your quest to find a purebred mastiff puppy to call your own begins.

But the question is: just where do you start?

Your first instinct, of course, is to search locally. And that is not a bad idea. By all means look around for a mastiff locally. But do not let proximity of breeder be the deciding factor in the process of acquiring your new friend. A good dog is definitely worth traveling for.

Before you look through the advertisements in your local newspaper, try visiting some dog shows. Those who are showing their dogs at the show may either be breeders, or know of good breeders. Go ahead, take your time. These "dog folks" love to talk "mastiff." They will be happy to share their passion with you. And they will be more than happy to steer you in the direction of a reputable breeder.

Why would they be so nice? First, they love dogs - and obviously mastiffs in particular. And they show mastiffs. They would not want any second rate or substandard breeder to be perpetuating inferior dogs. So you can count on these folks being pretty candid about the good and bad breeders they have encountered. As you talk with these people, you will undoubtedly acquire several business cards of different breeders. Follow up on these leads. If they have a website, check it out, breeders increasingly detail their achievements online. Telephone them. Chat with them for a while. Remember, this conversation does not commit you to even viewing a litter, therefore there is no reason to be nervous.

What should you be getting from this conversation? You are getting a feel for the breeder's "dog ethics" as well as his or her commitment to the mastiff as a breed. Do not worry that you may not be exactly sure what answers you are looking for - or even what questions to ask. At this point, you should be relying on your intuition. Trust your gut instincts, you will know if it feels right or not.

If the breeder is too worried about the monetary value of the dog, then perhaps his commitment and love of the breed is not quite strong enough. But if you cannot stop the breeder from bragging about the bloodline, or how "adorable", or smart or "picture perfect" his pups are... well, you might have hit upon a high-quality breeder. You will also have a sense of his reputation, by the way he allays your fears or doubts about your new venture.

Make as many phone calls as are necessary. This is not a decision to be made lightly. When you do finally find one with whom you are comfortable, who either has a litter available or whose dog is expecting, make an appointment with him. Be prepared though. He will probably ask you at least as many questions as you plan on asking him - he will interrogate you, or it will certainly seem that way! This is a dead giveaway that he is conscientious and loves his mastiffs.

Here though are a few tips in the way you may want to steer the conversation. Of course you will want to ask how long he has been a breeder. Ask why he owns them. Are his mastiffs show dogs or house pets? Do not be afraid to ask about the health issues associated with the breed. Every breed has some distinguishing health concerns. It is always best to know what the issues are before adopting. Ask the breeder what the mastiff's most important single characteristic is. This question alone gives you quite a bit of insight into his reputation and his way of thinking.

Do not be offended by the number of questions the breeder asks you - or even by the nature of some them. He is asking because he cares that much for his mastiffs, he wants them to go to a good home - and that is always a good sign.

As you narrow your shortlist of possible breeders, do not narrow it down to only 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 is a first-come, first-served world in dog breeding. Once you find the breeder - and "mom dog" - of your choice, you will probably be placed on a waiting list for the offspring. While this could be irritating, especially since you want your new puppy NOW, view this as a good thing. This is definitely a signal that you have chosen a quality breeder. If you believe that the wait involved is excessive - and only you can decide that - you can always decide to adopt from your second choice mastiff breeder.

Finally, you get that call you have been waiting for. The puppies are ready for viewing. By the time you get a chance to view your potential new friend, they will probably be eight to ten weeks old. At this age, the puppies will clearly display their various personalities. You will 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 is absolutely essential right from the start that each member of your family has a chance to participate in this decision.

The puppy you ultimately choose reflects exactly why you wanted a mastiff to begin with. If you plan to show them at dog shows, or you plan on breeding yourself, then you definitely want a dog who physically meets all the requirements of the breed. On the other hand, if you want a dog that is going to be a loyal family pet, then it is not as important that the dog meets all the physical criteria of the breed. You are looking for the most lovable pup in the litter.

Now that you have made your decision, all that is left to do is making the final arrangements on the price and eventually taking your new family member home with you. Be aware that depending on your pup's age, you may not take them home on that visit. No, do not be too disappointed. After all, you have waited this long, haven't you? Besides, the delay gives you time to get the house prepared for the new arrival.

Oh, by the way - have a great time with your new "baby"!