Read About Mastiff Breeders

Mastiff breeders specialize in raising this breed of dogs, which are sometimes referred to as 'gentle giants.' Here's everything you need to know about these breeders.

Mastiff Breeders - Breeder Facts

1. Professional Affiliations:

   There are several Mastiff clubs with which you can check out the breeder's reputation. One of these clubs is the US Neapolitan Mastiff Club (USNMC). There are many other local Mastiff clubs. Also check out whether the breeder is affiliated with the American Kennel Club (AKC) or not.

2. Why Use a Breeder:

   Breeders can breed the dog for particular temperaments. This is an originally aggressive dog, but it can be bred to be gentle.

3. How to Find:

   Breeder's information can be found by visiting Internet sites. Almost every reputable breeder has a website, with cataloged information of its Mastiffs on display. You can also find information in dog magazines and newspapers.

4. What to Expect:

   The breeders will have you fill out a form. In this you will have to fill in information about your income and what other pets you have had in the past. Mastiffs need to be kept in strictly hygienic surroundings and you will have to make arrangements for the same.

5. Breeder's Surroundings:

   You should pick your Mastiff only after a careful survey of the surroundings in which the breeder has kept the dogs. Even a little amount of filth in the surroundings can cause fleas, ringworms and digestive problems n Mastiffs.

Mastiff Breeders - Newborn Facts

1. Average Number of Newborns Delivered at Birth:

   The average litter size of a Mastiff is about eight puppies.

2. Age To Be Sold:

   Mastiffs can be sold when they are ready to be weaned -- this is about when they are two months of age.

3. What to Look For in a Newborn:

   Check young puppies for their temperament. A puppy that is aggressive when young will be a problem when it grows up. Also check for worms and other infections.

4. Registry:

   Mastiffs are registered with the AKC under the working group.

5. AKC Recognized Characteristics:

   The AKC characterizes this dog with a short, square but stocky head. The head had a black mask covers the eyes and muzzle. The body is overall stocky with the tail slumped between the hind legs. Allowed coat colors are golden fawn, light fawn, silver, tiger, apricot and brindle.

6. Expense to Purchase Newborn:

   A Mastiff puppy can be purchased for $1250 to $1500.

7. Dam and Sire Information of your Newborn:

   Mastiffs can suffer from genetic disorders like Cardiomyopathy, PRA and Hip Dysplasia. It is very necessary to check whether the parents are checked for PRA and Penn Hip tests.

Mastiff Breeders - Breeder Concerns

1. Breeder Reputation:

   Breeders must be reputable, because breeding a strong Mastiff with a gentle temperament is tricky business. You can get a fair idea of the reputation by checking out how many affiliations the breeder holds.

2. Pet Health:

   Mastiffs suffer from various infections and genetic disorders. They need clean surroundings to be healthy. They can bloat due to overfeeding and this will make them flatulent. They tend to wheeze and snore when asleep.

3. Assurances:

   The Mastiff breeder must provide a health guarantee on the Mastiff for a fair number of days.