26. How do I pick a Mastiff puppy?
Description
This article is from the Mastiffs Breed FAQ, by mmcbee@access.mountain.net (Mike McBee) with numerous contributions by others.
26. How do I pick a Mastiff puppy?
After you have chosen your breeder and your puppy's sire and dam,
you're ready to choose your Mastiff puppy. But which one? The most
important aspect of this choice is temperament. Puppies'
temperament's vary even within the same litter.
Many people will choose the first puppy that runs up to them and
pulls at their pant leg because they think this must be a more
outgoing puppy. Not every Mastiff is for every family and this
puppy may not necessarily be THE puppy for your family. So how DO
you choose a puppy?. You should choose a Mastiff puppy that has a
temperament that compliments your family's.
Ideally your puppy's breeder will use Puppy Aptitude Testing and
family profiles to match puppies with their new owners. Puppy
Aptitude Testing evaluates the individual temperament of each
puppy. A family profile consists of a series of questions which
allows the breeder to assess your family's situation and
disposition. The breeder may even ask to choose a puppy for you.
If the breeder is skilled in Puppy Aptitude Testing, they can
generally choose the best puppy for your family. If the breeder
does not perform these tests, you will need to know how to choose
the right puppy yourself.
First, look at your family's situation: Do you have small
children? Do you have elderly in your household? Is your family
quiet or of gentle nature? Do you already have another dog? Do you
feel guilty when disciplining your children or current dog?
If you have answered "yes" to any of these questions you may
prefer a puppy with a more subordinate temperament. A dog with
dominant tendencies would not fit into this particular family
situation. Dogs are pack animals and they will try to establish a
pecking order within their pack, and your family will be their new
pack.
Subordinate (submissive) does not mean shy or timid. A puppy with
a subordinate temperament will simply be closer to the bottom of
the dominance ladder (pecking order). A subordinate puppy will not
try to dominate the small children within your household, nor will
it be as apt to challenge your authority or to compete with
another dog for dominance. Note: Timidity (shyness) is a genetic
fault in Mastiffs.
If you already have a dog: Is it submissive or dominant? What is
its size? Is it male or female? With another dog already in the
family, especially a dominant one, consider a Mastiff puppy with a
more submissive temperament and/or one of the opposite sex. A
submissive puppy will be less likely to challenge your existing
dog for pecking order. Males seldom compete with females for
leadership position. Smaller dogs can be easily injured if they
are involved in disputes with a Mastiff.
Are you experienced with large breeds? Do you NOT have small
children nor elderly within your home? Are you comfortable
offering constructive criticism? Have you had any dog training
experience of any kind? Is your current dog a larger breed of
submissive nature? Do you have the time and are you planning to
train this puppy in either Obedience, Conformation, or for Canine
Good Citizenship? Is your family active and outgoing?
If you have answered "yes" to all of these questions you may wish
to consider a puppy with more dominant tendencies. Dominant does
not mean aggressive. A Mastiff with dominant tendencies is one
which would compete for its place higher up on the dominance
ladder. It will be more apt to challenge a child or another dog.
There is a difference between a dog with dominant tendencies and a
true Alpha dog. An Alpha dog, of any breed, may even try to
challenge YOUR authority. It is never a good idea to place a
dominant puppy into a home with another dominant dog, especially
of the same sex. Properly reared dogs with dominant tendencies can
be wonderful, loving family companions.
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