Before you Buy
Research the breed
We encourage you to research the breed prior to making the decision to get a mastiff puppy. Although we are dedicated to this breed, we realize that the mastiff is not for everyone. Attend dog shows and speak with different breeders and owners. Please educate yourself on what the qualities of the breed are before you commit to ownership for the next ten years or so.
Are you prepared to care for a giant breed of dog? An english mastiff named Zorba was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the heaviest dog in the world, weighing in at 343 lbs. Zorba was 37" tall at the shoulder and 8' 3" from nose to tail. Although Zorba was very large even for mastiff standards, it may make you think twice!
There are some obvious challenges due to the enormous size of these dogs, consider the increased costs (food, vet bills & supplies). Yes, mastiffs do drool. You will notice it occurs mostly after drinking, on hot days or in anticipation of food, but some mastiffs are worse that others. Are you prepared to clean drool off your walls and furniture? Will the activity level and temperament of the mastiff fit your lifestyle well?
Getting a healthy well adjusted puppy
No matter if you want a Mastiff for a family companion or for competing in an assortment of canine events the health and temperament of your Mastiff will affect all aspects of its life. There are many health tests available to screen for inherited conditions. All breeding stock should be tested and only those with passing results should be used for breeding. This will help to minimize the chances of pups developing hereditary health problems. As more DNA health tests become available in the future, breeders will be better equipped to eliminate disease. Please see our "health" page for more information on health and testing. Ask about health guarantees. How is the breeder willing to compensate you if the puppy has a serious genetic disease? Pups should be raised in the house and with their area being kept clean and warm at all times. Equally important, breeders should have a socialization program for their pups to aid in the development of sound temperaments. Make sure your pup has had the best start to life possible!
What type of health tests should dogs have before being bred?
Eyes should be examined by a canine opthamologist and the results sent to the Canine Eye Registration Foundation. Two eye conditions affecting Mastiffs are PRA and CMR (Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Canine Multi-focal Retinopathy). A simple DNA test can completely identify these blinding diseases. A cardiac exam or echocardiogram should be performed by a veterinarian or cardiologist to rule out heart disease. Hips and elbows should be x-rayed and sent to the Orthopedic Foundation For Animals where they are graded by a board of veterinarians specially trained in evaluating canine x-rays. Mastiffs should also be tested for a disease called cystinuria. It is a simple urine analysis test performed by the University of Pennsylvania. The disease causes males to form stones in their urinary tract which results in the need for surgery or the dog will be on expensive medication for its entire life. Until the DNA marker for this disease is found all males that are used for breeding should have the urine test done once per year.
As you can see health testing is quite involved. A general vet exam is absolutely not an adequate method to determine if a dog is healthy enough to be used for breeding. General veterinarians just do not have the specialized knowledge required for a comprehensive evaluation. Always ask to see the health testing documents or verify the results with available online registries. Responsible breeders will take full advantage of every health test that they feel is valuable in their breeding program and will never be offended when asked to provide the original documents for verification.
Choosing a breeder
It is important to select a breeder you feel comfortable with. Choose a breeder you can depend on when questions arise about your Mastiff. You can expect ethical and responsible breeders to be honest and up front with prospective buyers and be willing to provide assistance throughout the entire life of the Mastiff. At Tailcreek Mastiff's we put our puppy purchase agreement in writing. This will prevent any future misunderstandings and will let both parties know what is expected of one another. A good foundation supports and promotes a positive relationship between breeder and owner.
If possible visit the breeders home. This will give you a chance to meet the dam and possibly the sire of your puppy. All dogs should be in good condition, be sociable and have clean living conditions. The breeder should be knowledgable and answer any questions you may have.
Does the breeder give back anything to the breed? Are they involved in rescue at all? Are they willing to take back dogs they have bred if the owners are unable to care for them? Are they well respected in the mastiff community?
I don't find much value in buyer testimonials. Any breeder can have at least a few satisfied buyers. In your search to find a reputable mastiff breeder in Canada check the Canadian Mastiff Club breeders listing. Members of the club are held to a high standard by the club's code of ethics which includes required health testing, limits on the number of litters produced and other key items.
Does the breeder show their dogs in conformation or participate in other kennel club events such as obedience?
You might wonder what this is and why it is important. Showing in conformation involves dogs competing against each other to see which one most closely conforms to the written breed standard. The breed standard can be thought of as the blueprint for the breed, it describes the ideal appearance, structure and temperament. The purpose of competing in conformation shows is to evaluate breeding stock. However, not everyone who shows their dogs will breed; some do it purely for the fun of showing. Once a dog has accumulated the required amount of points it will earn the title of champion and is considered to be a good representation of the breed. Some dogs will continue to be exhibited in the show ring to gain further titles and awards. Unfortunately not all breeders follow the breed standard and some have no regard for it whatsoever. The puppies produced from these types of irresponsible breedings can result in dogs that no longer look or act like a Mastiff and many negative effects can be seen in overall health and temperament.
Spend your money wisely
You may find a lower priced puppy from someone who has had an accidental breeding or from dogs that have limited health testing (aka a backyard breeder). However, it's almost a given that in the long run you'll pay a good deal more in veterinary bills. Not to mention the heartache if the dog has to be euthanized due to a health or temperament problem.
Most backyard breeders do not have the knowledge and support to raise a healthy, well-socialized litter. If you purchase from such a breeder, you are merely enabling them to continue to use their dogs as money making machines while contributing to the over population of pets in the world. Anyone can breed dogs, but it takes a truly ethical breeder to try and better the breed.
If you are unable to afford the cost of a purebred mastiff from a responsible breeder, please consider adopting a mastiff through rescue.
Please help preserve this special breed and put an end to puppy mills and backyard breeders by refusing to purchase from them.
