27. What questions should I ask the breeder (and what answers should I get)?
Description
This article is from the Mastiffs Breed FAQ, by mmcbee@access.mountain.net (Mike McBee) with numerous contributions by others.
27. What questions should I ask the breeder (and what answers should I get)?
Before talking to a breeder, before you even start looking for a
puppy, DO YOUR HOMEWORK FIRST! Read this FAQ. Check out the books
and Internet resources listed in the Appendices. Read the FAQs on
'Selecting a Dog', 'Getting a Dog', 'Your New Puppy', 'Your New
Dog', 'Health Care Issues' and other subjects (these can be found
at http://www.zmall.com/pet_talk/dog-faqs/. Go to the library.
Read, read, read. Ask veterinarians what they see frequently and
what to be aware of. Go to some dog shows and talk to the
exhibitors. It is vital to have knowledge BEFORE you get or even
start looking for a puppy. Forewarned is forearmed.
This may seem like a lot of research, but you are undertaking a
long term commitment that may last 8, 10 or even more years -
longer than a new car, often longer than a house, or even, these
days, longer than a spouse! A Mastiff will quickly become a major
factor in your day to day existence, with significant influence on
your lifestyle. It is up to you to do everything you can ahead of
time to ensure that this influence will be a positive one.
A hastily or poorly chosen Mastiff can make your life miserable,
and, if subject to health problems, can cause a significant drain
on your financial resources.
Appendix G contains a list of questions that you should ask the
breeder of a Mastiff puppy that you are contemplating acquiring.
The 'Getting a Dog FAQ' at
http://www.zmall.com/pet_talk/dog-faqs/also contains more general
questions to ask a breeder.
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