English Mastiff Breeders – How to Find Reputable Breeders

Before choosing your new English mastiff as a family companion, take into consideration that an English mastiff will live 10 - 15 years, so you should ensure that your choice of breeder is reputable, trust worthy and you can refer back to them in times when you and your mastiff need them most. This process is not to be rushed; if you want a happy and healthy mastiff then you're going to find one by having high quality breeder first. Here's how you find breeders and screen out the good ones.

Good Places to start looking for a reputable English mastiff breeder.

1. A dog show; find out about community dog shows happing in your area and go check them out. If you see the English Mastiff on display then approach the person demonstrating the dog and ask if they can refer you to a good breeder.

2. Veterinarians; There may be several vet's in your town or city so you can just go through a list in the phone book and call up a few to see if they recommend any breeders.

3. Online directories; do a regional search "English mastiff breeders your-city"

Screening out a good English mastiff breeder

When screening a breeder you're generally looking for someone that has a genuine love and enthusiasm for the English mastiff. Everything else follows this and after you do a few screenings of some breeders you know exactly who you can trust with providing you with a puppy.

So how do you tell if a breeder loves their English Mastiffs?

The breeder will be selective to whom they sell, you'll almost need to sell you're self and your home as a good place for the puppy to grow up in.

They'll keep the dog in a family environment, some breeders might keep them in the house but others will have a kennel setup that should be obviously seen as comfortable and well maintained; clean, good bedding, and heating. Ask to see where all the dogs are kept, a good breeder that has nothing to hide and will gladly show you.

Upon visiting the mastiffs should be happy to see you, friendly and comfortable around you. They will not shy away or cower (that's a sign of mistreatment). A good breeder will encouraged you to "get to know" the puppies and parents.

A breeder who loves their English mastiffs will provide them with the best food possible to ensure good health. The mastiff should have a healthy shine to the coat, looks well fed and has a good energy level. Ask the breeder what type of food is given to the dogs; it should be a high quality premium food.

Test the breeder's knowledge of the English mastiff

The level of knowledge someone has shows the level of interest, so ask some open ended questions; a good breeder will respond confidently, without hesitation.

Ask what type of genetic health problems English mastiffs usually have and if there Is a lower risk in her breeding bloodline.

Ask them how long they usually live, how much do they weigh, how long have they been breeding English mastiffs, how often must they eat, what kind of clubs and associations they belong to, are the puppies going to be show quality, how long does it take for them to reach a full body weight, and etc..

What to expect from the breeder

Expect the breeder to have expectations of you, this is a sign of a breeder that ensures the mastiffs health and safety when entrusting it to someone else (you).  Don't be surprised if the breeder asks you to provide proof of adequate living conditions for the dog, provide proof of permission from a landlord to have a "large dog", sign a contract that ensures you spray or neuter, explain why you want a English mastiff as a companion, provide a veterinarian reference, enter into a contract that holds you to return the mastiff in case you cannot keep it any longer, and to tell them who will be primarily responsible for the pet.

Some other clues to the quality of a English mastiff breeder is if they exclusively breed them, they hold records of veterinary visits and vaccinations, are willing to provide you with assistance after you have purchased and have taken the puppy home, will not hesitate to provide you with references, and will provide you with a guarantee of the puppies health.

That about it, if you follow this advice you find a breeder that stands by their mastiff and by you. You'll be glad you did.