Where to Find Mastiff Puppies for Sale

So, you've discovered mastiffs, and want to get a purebred puppy of your own. However, you shouldn't just rush out and buy the first cute mastiff puppies you see for sale. Finding the right mastiff can take a little bit of work. If you're wondering where to start, here's some information to help.

Most people's first instinct is to start looking in their local area. This isn't a bad idea at all. However, don't let the fact that a breeder is close be the deciding factor in where you'll adopt your new puppy. A good mastiff breeder might be a little way away. Remember that a good dog is worth the travel to pick him up.

That means that before you even start looking at local newspaper ads, you should try going to a dog show or two. There are lots of knowledgeable people at shows who can help you learn about mastiffs, and recommend good mastiff breeders. Some of them will even be mastiff breeders themselves. Most people who love their mastiffs also love to talk about them. That means they'll be happy to point you toward a reputable, responsible breeder.

Anyone who loves mastiffs wants the best for them and for the breed. That means they'll be invested in making sure that you get a good dog. They don't want poor dogs or low quality breeders to bring down the mastiff breed. That means you can count on experienced people to tell you everything about the breeders they've run into – both good and bad. During the process of talking to them, you'll probably get a few business cards. Be sure to follow up on this. Phone these breeders and have a talk with them for a while. Remember that having a conversation with a mastiff breeder doesn't mean you have to buy, or even come see the litter.

Talking to the breeder allows you to get a feel for their personality and understand their ethics when it comes to dogs. You'll be able to feel out how committed this breeder is to mastiffs as a breed. You might not know exactly what questions to ask, or what's the right answer, but chances are that you'll be able to tell if you're talking to someone who's only interested in mastiffs for profit.

For instance, if the breeder mostly talks about how much the dog is worth, then he or she is probably breeding puppies for profit, not love. On the other hand, if the breeder is very proud of a good bloodline, friendly and healthy dogs, and smart, cute puppies, chances are you've found a good mastiff breeder. You'll also get a sense of whether this breeder is going to be around for a while, or plans to just vanish, depending on how your questions are answered.

You might need to make more than one phone call. After all, this is a big decision. Once you've found a breeder that you're happy with that also has a litter available or coming due, you can make an appointment. However, you should be prepared to have a good breeder interview you the same way you've interviewed him or her. That's because a good mastiff breeder is worried about who'll be adopting the animals that leave, not just how many mastiff puppies can be put up for sale. You might feel like you're under interrogation, but understand that the breeder isn't accusing you of anything. He or she is just making sure that you're a good pet owner.

There are a few methods you can use to direct the conversation. You can ask how long the breeder has been in business, why mastiffs are his or her choice, and get some facts about the dogs. Find out if the puppies from this breeder are intended primarily as show animals or as pets. Ask about health issues that come with the mastiff breed, and learn what veterinary care your breeder thinks is needed to combat them. It's important to know all the pitfalls before you adopt. You might want to know what the breeder thinks the most important characteristic of mastiffs is, as well. That'll tells you how he or she thinks about them.

Don't be offended by any question you may be asked, from the condition of your house to the money you have available for vet care. That's just the way the breeder finds out whether or not to give you a puppy. When a breeder doesn't interview you, it's time to get suspicious, because he or she might not care enough about the dogs.

When you start narrowing down your choices, keep your options open. Choosing only one breeder can lead to problems. For instance, if there's a waiting list, you might not get the dog you want. If you think the wait for your puppy is too long, or you aren't able to get the right puppy, you can always go to another breeder on your list.

Once you get on a list, you'll have to wait for a while. But eventually, you'll get the call that tells you the puppies are ready to be looked at. Generally, this is at about eight to ten weeks of age. Mastiff puppies will show their personalities at this age, and be enthusiastic and playful. You can see how they react with you and your family, and choose the right puppy.

Remember to decide in advance why you want a mastiff. Your priorities for getting a puppy will be very different if you're looking for a dog to show or breed yourself than if you just want a great pet. Show dogs must look the part. Pets can be a little odd looking, as long as they're lovable and fun.

Once you've chosen your puppy, it's time to sign any contracts, make arrangements to pay the mastiff breeder, and take your dog home. However, if your puppy is a little younger, you might have to wait for that last part. Mastiffs must be old enough to be away from their mothers before you adopt. However, you've already waited a while, and this will give you the chance to puppy-proof the house before your new mastiff comes home.

I could not go into great detail about how to find mastiff puppies for sale and how to avoid common mistakes. To get a much more in depth look at this or for an excellent source of Mastiff Care and Training knowledge I highly recommend taking a look at “Mastiff Secrets: Everything You Need to Know About Buying, Raising and Caring for a Mastiff!”. It goes into great detail. Grab your copy today by clicking the blue text link above.