Finding Mastiff Puppies for Sale | Dogs

By BruvalKrislin
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Do you love Mastiffs? Need to find that perfect puppy? Well if you're like us, you feel Mastiffs are the best dogs ever!

How to you find this elusive "perfect puppy"?

Your first instinct, of course, is to search locally. And that's not a bad idea. By all means look around for a Mastiff locally.But don't let proximity of breeder be the tipping point in your adopting your new friend. A good dog is definitely worth traveling for.

So even before you look through the ads 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'll be happy to show their passion. And they'll be more than happy to steer you in the proper direction of a reputable breeder.

Why would a show dog owner want to share their knowledge? Several reasons: they just love Mastiffs and are committed to the breed, they want quality maintained in Mastiff bloodlines, and they enjoy bragging on their baby! Collect information about breeders so you'll have a list from which to research.

What should you be getting from this conversation? You're getting a feel for the breeder's" dog ethics" as well as his or her commitment to the Mastiff as a breed. Don't worry that you may not be exactly sure what answers you're looking for - or even what questions to ask. Right about now you're going on your intuition. Trust me, you'll know.

If the breeder is too worried about the monetary value of the dog, then perhaps his commitment and love of the breed isn't quite strong enough. But if you can't 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'll 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 is necessary. This is not a decision to be made casually. When you do finally find one with whom you're comfortable, who either has a litter available or whose dog is expecting, make an appointment with him. Be prepared though. He'll probably ask you at least as many questions as you plan on asking him. That's a dead giveaway that he's conscientious and love his Mastiffs - he'll interrogate you (or it'll at least seem that way!)

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? Don't be afraid to ask about the health issues associated with the breed. Every breed has some distinguishing health concerns. It's 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 thinking.

Also, expect the breeder to ask as many questions or more than you. Expect to be interrogated--that's a good sign.

As you narrow your choices in the way of possible breeders, don't narrow it 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's a first-come, first-serve world in 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. 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've 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 of Mastiff breeders.

Finally, all the research and waiting is about to pay off--the puppies are here! Make arrangements for a visit. You may or may not take the puppies home, depending on their age.

And make sure the entire family participates in the selection process.

The puppy you ultimate choose reflects, by the way, why exactly you want a Mastiff to begin with. If you have plans on showing him 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 who is going to be a loyal family pet, then it's not as important that the dog meets all the physical criteria of the breed. You're looking for the most lovable pup in the litter.

Make your decision, then agree on the price. Of course you may need to wait to pick up your puppy. Take this time to prepare your house. What's a little more waiting?

And one more thing--enjoy your new puppy!

About the Author

Get more advice about Mastiffs subscribe for my free e-course pertaining to mastiff training. Find the perfect mastiff puppy here: Finding Mastiff puppies

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