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Mastiff Breeding – Standards and Issues |
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Before you start your venture into mastiff breeding, you must know that there are some things which you must first consider.
Breeding is found by many first-timers to be exhausting, expensive. Even the female dogs have a hard time out of it.
It's one of those ventures where things that can go wrong will go wrong. So if you're not prepared to take be disappointed a lot, then you might want to give up this plan. Otherwise, read on and find out what else you need to be prepared for.
Obviously, you must already have be taking care of a mastiff pet that seems like it will contribute something to the breed. To figure this out you must know the standards of the breed, assess your dog's physical traits, its temperament, and know its genetic defects.
Mastiff Standards
Take some time to review the mastiff standard of perfection. You'll be able to get a hold of this standard through the American Kennel Club.
In assessing your own dog, you're going to need a truly objective eye to figure out just how close your mastiff is to the standards set for the breed. If there's a reputable mastiff breeder you're following or if you simply know one, then you might want to ask for help.
This is to prevent two things. You might see the outstanding traits in your dog, even if there aren't any, merely because you want to.
On the other hand, you might be too harsh on your dog, and find no notable traits because you're starting to get discouraged (and this would have been a waste if your dog turned out to be a potential winner after all.)
Remember, perfection is not what you're aiming for because the perfect dog doesn't exist. Rather, you're trying to determine if your dog has enough good traits that will undoubtedly make the succeeding generations look better.
Mastiff Health Issues
You should also have your pet undergo genetic testing. Find out the overall health of your dog's lineage - its parents, grandparents, and as far as you'll go - so you'll know how sound its genetic markup is.
The point to this is so that you can increase the chances that your dog will produce offspring with fewer genetic defects.
In exploring your dog's lineage, you'll also be able to take note of the qualities present in the line including the physical and mental traits of its parents. The more you review and scrutinize your dog's parentage, the more you'll be able to figure out the possible outcomes of your venture into breeding.
If you aren't thorough enough, you might end up making a bad choice. This will have bad effects for the breed in the years to come.
No doubt, mastiff breeding will take a lot out of you. It'll be very exhaustive both mentally and financially. However, it can also be rewarding for you as the breeder.
As you continue on in the trade, gain experience, and learn how to make good decisions in breeding, you'll find that you're making a huge difference in ensuring that the future mastiffs grow up to be better and healthier dogs.
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Mastiffs for Sale – Choosing the Right Puppy |
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Now that you have finished examining your lifestyle and studied the mastiff breed, you must be totally sure now that the Mastiff is right for you and your family. Of course, the next step still remains - looking for a mastiff for sale and taking it home.
Before you jump at the first puppy that is offered to you, know first that not all puppy sellers out there know how to properly raise mastiffs.
Two kinds of Mastiff Sellers
There are two kinds of sellers - the first, and hopefully the one you get in touch with, are those who really care about mastiffs, and are dedicated to preserve and improve the condition of the future generations of mastiffs. The other kind, however, are those who are only out to make a quick profit.
Not all puppies are equal
But, a puppy is a puppy, right? Why is it a bad idea to get a puppy from the second kind of seller? The thing is, you're only setting yourself up for a lot of disappointment if you do get a puppy from somewhere else rather than a reputable breeder.
The puppy obviously was the product of irresponsible breeding methods. Because of this, its chances of getting sick with something debilitating is higher. It also might have a bad temperament and in which case, there is hardly anything you can do to train it.
Also, you really shouldn't support the methods of these irresponsible people by supporting their businesses.
Finding the right breeder
To find the right breeder, you have to talk to as much breeders as you can find. You don't have to talk to all of them and exhaust yourself, though! Perhaps, try to set a number, and contact your top picks from the rest. This way, you'll get to know a good number of people who can help you as you take care of your mastiff.
Things to consider
Here are a few details that you may want to take note of when talking to the breeder. It might help you determine if the breeder is actually the second type of seller - the one that cares only about the sale.
First, what age is the puppy that is being offered to you? If the puppy is less than eight weeks old, then you should say goodbye to that person instead and look for the next one on your list. A reputable mastiff breeder knows that this is much too early for the pup to be handed over.
Also consider what food the breeder feeds the adult dogs and the puppies. Try to find out if the puppy has had any of its puppy shots and other routine vet care procedures.
Take time to ask as much questions as you can. Good breeders will know where you're coming from and will have an answer for all of your questions related to dog care. They've been in your situation countless times before, after all.
You should expect a breeder to ask you many questions too. Since they're really out to check if you're going to be a good owner to the puppy they're giving up. Just be honest with your answers and pretty soon you'll be taking home your mastiff puppy!
Being cautious about mastiffs for sale isn't really bad. Sure, it took a while before you were able to take home that puppy, but a few months down the line you're sure to think - the effort was really worth it. |
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Taking Care of English Mastiff Dogs: The Dos and Don’ts |
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So you've found yourself some handsome English mastiff dogs as the newest additions to your family and you want to be the best master that you can be. As you will soon find out, taking care of these great animals is not actually all that hard. With proper training, mastiff dogs can be the most loyal and affectionate pet dogs around.
Here are a few things you should remember to keep your pets happy and healthy.
Do: Socialize the pups early
Mastiffs are born with a natural protective instinct. Sometimes, they can be overprotective and over-territorial. This happens when a mastiff dog has not been socialized enough.
They are very wary of strangers and other animals so you'll need to get them used to things early on. Help the pups become less fearful of the world around them. Get them used to the look and feel of your home, the presence of your friends and family, and other pets.
Do: Properly train them
Especially with Mastiffs, there's a big difference between asking it to stop its mischief and ordering it to stop its mischief. If you were talking to an equal, then the former option is the best course of action to take. However, do remember that you are dealing with a proud dog, so it is best to show it who the boss is.
This is also natural, because dogs follow a pack mentality. Once it learns to accept you, its master, as the leader of the pack, you'll have one of the most loyal companions around. Remember, the trick to properly training mastiffs is to be very confident in your commands and be very consistent with the rules you impose.
Don't: Treat them too harshly
Mastiffs are intelligent dogs, and they can easily pick up hints from the tone of their master's voice. While you must be a pack leader image to it, you must also remember not to overdo it. Mastiffs may get too depressed when they feel that their master has become very angry at them.
Do: Exercise regularly with them
Mastiffs may be content just lazing inside your home. But they're sure to be happier if they are given regular exercise. The least you could do with your pets is to take them on daily regular walks. This helps release their pent up mental and physical energy.
When you're out walking your pets, remember that there's a proper way of doing it. If you're letting the dogs lead you, then you're doing it wrong. Make sure that they know who their master is, and at all times you should be the one setting the pace.
Don't: Get carried away
Sure you're supposed to give the dogs opportunity to exercise. You shouldn't, however, overstrain your pets. Mastiffs, especially when they are young, are very susceptible to a number of injuries. Avoid having them jump from high places, or over-exhausting your pets with a too strenuous routine.
Do: Regularly groom them
English Mastiff dogs have smooth, short-haired coats which are fortunately, easy to groom. As long as you use firm bristle brushes - avoiding those that may be too irritating - your pets will soon get used to regular grooming sessions.
Mastiffs also don't need to be bathed too often. Only in situations when they've become extremely dirty or when you need them to look their best does it become necessary. |
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French Mastiffs – Imposing Image But Hidden Temperament? |
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French Mastiffs, also known as Dogue de Bordeaux and Bordeaux mastiffs, are among the very ancient French dog breeds. Similar to all mastiffs, this one also exudes an imposing presence with its strong and powerful appearance.
Their bodies are very muscular, so it isn't surprising where their power comes from. In the past, they were known to be employed to use their sheer power by pulling carts or by hauling heavy objects. They were also used to guard flocks and protect castles of the elite.
However, due to breeders' efforts over the years, French mastiffs are now also known to possess a harmonious temperament - making them great family pets.
Unique Appearance
The head of the Bordeaux mastiff is its unique characteristic. This breed arguably has the largest head among all other dog breeds.
In fact, if you measure the circumference of its head, measured at the widest point of the skull, it should be around the same measurement as the dog's height at the shoulders. Top quality, show dog French mastiffs have a head circumference of around 30 inches.
When you look at its head from the front or the top, it should form a trapezoid shape with the top-line of the skull. The jaw is undershot and is powerful. It also has loose skin around the neck, which forms a noticeable dewlap. Finally, it's ears are small.
Then and Now
French mastiffs were formerly assigned as hunters, herding dogs, and guardians. They were even trained to bait larger animals such as bulls, jaguars, and bears. Also, these dogs were formerly tasked to hunt boars, and herd cattle. Because of these, the breed was formerly much more ferocious than they are today.
Because the times have changed, breeders have successfully softened the temperament of the Dogue de Bordeaux. They now possess calm temperament, as they have shown gentleness towards children and their master's family.
Properly trained and socialized, these dogs have been found to be extremely loyal, patient, and totally devoted. They are naturally gifted to guard, as they have retained the qualities of their more aggressive ancestors. A fair warning though, they can get confrontational with strangers.
Some Issues
First, they can do well indoors and don't need a large space to move in. They will need a lot of exercise to compensate though. You will need to take your pets on long walks daily, otherwise they may develop behavior issues.
Like most mastiffs, the Dogue de Bordeaux is also not a dog that can be handled by just about anyone. As such, dogs of this breed need an experienced master who will be able to handle and train them properly.
In training, the trick is to achieve the status of pack leader. Dogs have a natural instinct to establish an order in their pack, and it is very important for the mastiff breeds especially.
For someone to be able to properly communicate with the French mastiffs, the dogs must first understand and accept their master's superiority. Otherwise, the relationship will be a failure.
As its master, you must then display your authority over the dog. Always be confident in your commands, and be consistent in the rules that you impose on it.
Finally, watch out because the breed can be prone to hip dysplasia. Other known sicknesses include heart problems, hyperkeratosis, and epilepsy. |
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