G. Questions To Ask a Mastiff Breeder
Description
This article is from the Mastiffs Breed FAQ, by mmcbee@access.mountain.net (Mike McBee) with numerous contributions by others.
G. Questions To Ask a Mastiff Breeder
The following are offered as possible questions you should ask the
breeder of a Mastiff puppy you are considering acquiring. The FAQ
'Getting a Dog' contains additional, more general questions you
may also wish to ask.
1. Are the parents proven to be clear of the genetic problems
discussed in Appendix F? Have the suggested tests been
performed on the parents? What is the breadth of the testing
- just the parents? older siblings? grandparents? aunts &
uncles? The breeder should be willing and able to produce
copies of all test results, at least for the parents - if not
offered - ask for them!
If the breeder doesn't test, ask why. Do NOT accept the
answer that they don't test because they've never had a
problem with something - how can they know they don't have a
problem if they don't test? Do not accept their vet's opinion
on hip dysplasia x-rays - a regular vet is not a trained
radiologist - OFA uses three board certified radiologists to
examine all x-rays.
2. How old is the dam? How many times has she been bred? How far
apart were the breedings? A Mastiff bitch should not be bred
before 22 months of age nor after her 7th birthday; nor
should her breedings, other than in exceptional cases, be
closer together than 12 months.
3. Why did they choose the stud dog they used? What traits were
they looking for? What was the purpose of this breeding? What
improvements were they after? Are the breeders planning on
keeping a puppy from this litter? If not, why not? If yes,
how did they pick which one? A reputable Mastiff breeder will
have a good reason for every breeding, either to improve
their line or solidify and continue traits they already have.
A reputable breeder will NOT be breeding just to have puppies
to sell.
4. What faults do the dam and sire have? EVERY Mastiff has some
faults. How has this breeding served to correct these faults?
What are their good points?
5. What breed clubs do the breeders belong to? At a minimum,
they should belong to the MCOA and/or one of regional Mastiff
clubs, thus exhibiting an interest in supporting the future
and direction of the breed, as well as being willing to place
themselves under the oversight of their peers through the
mechanism of the clubs' Code of Ethics.
6. Have the dam and sire been shown? Conformation showing is
intended to identify the dogs that best fit the Mastiff
standard; if the dogs haven't been shown, how do the breeders
know, objectively, how well they are doing?
7. What are the living conditions of the breeder's dogs? Do they
have adequate living space and room to exercise? Are the
quarters clean and well kept? Is fresh water available?
8. What steps have the breeders taken to socialize the pups? Are
they used to children? Other dogs? Other animals? Public
places with lots of people? Early socialization is extremely
important for a Mastiff; the lack of adequate socialization
can cause serious problems later on.
9. What are the pups being fed? Are they being given
supplements? If so, why? Mastiff pups will eventually grow to
their genetically programmed size, it is much better for
their health if they do so slowly. Good, quality food is
usually all they need.
10. What are the terms of their contract? What guarantees do they
offer? What conditions do they impose on your treatment and
care of the dog? What penalties are imposed if you violate
the terms of the contract? See Appendix C, section 4 of the
MCOA Code of Ethics for a list of the minimum terms an MCOA
breeder must include in their contract as well as other
material they are required to supply to a puppy buyer.
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