When looking for a Neapolitan Mastiff Breeder your search can be full of pitfalls. There are a few things you should be aware of when choosing a breeder and I’ll be explaining all you need to know. By finding the right kind of breeder you’ll be setting yourself up to get a top quality Neapolitan Mastiff.
Your new mastiff can be in your family for 10-12 years, sometimes even more. What you’re really doing is choosing another member of the family, so it’s not a decision to take lightly or something you do in a day. You want to be happy with you new addition, knowing full well that (s)he will be in good health and well tempered.
So, it all starts with the quality breeder. The best way to find a breeder is through a recommendation. So where do you find a good recommendation?
The Park: Try a walk to the local park where off leash is permitted. You’ll see a whole bunch of owners with their dogs, but more importantly find the owner with a Neapolitan Mastiff. I know it’s a long shot, but if you do see one take the opportunity to walk up and start a quick conversation about their dog. Ask if they can recommend the breeder from where they received there dog and what was their experience.
A Dog Show: The more mastiff specific the better. Go to a dog show in town and visit the Neapolitans mastiffs on display. Again go start a conversation with the show dog owner and ask for reference. Sometimes you’ll find breeders showing off their dog at the event, so it’s a perfect opportunity to introduce yourself and really get a feel for who the breeder is; Get their card.
Community: Try calling some local Veterinarians, Dog Shelters, and Animal Rescue. The people who work at these places see a large amount of animals and usually have a list of breeders in the area.
On the Web: You can do a search online, but because this is not coming from a reference you’re just going to have to be a little more selective. The breeder may talk a good game on the telephone or through email, but for all that you know this can be a cheap backyard mastiff hobbyist just trying to make a few extra bucks from their dog.
Screening the Neapolitan Mastiff Breeder
So at this point you should have a few breeders contact numbers. The ones you obtain through references should be considered your “A” list. The breeders you found through web directories, and classifieds should be on your “B” list. You’re now going to figure out if you can really trust this breeder and then quality of mastiff they sell.
Getting a General Idea of Who the Breeder is
Is the breeder selective: That is, does she seem inquisitive to your reasoning behind getting a mastiff. A good breeder will be selective in who she sells to.
Is the breeder knowledgeable: When asking the breeder questions you should receive good responses that are well informative regarding the Neapolitan mastiff.
Does the breeder express a love for her mastiffs: It may be hard to tell, but if you can identify that the breeder is enthusiastic and really cares for this breed then you know that her involvement is seeded in passion; not solely for the money.
3 Good Questions to Ask The Breeder
1. Do you belong to any Neapolitan Mastiff Clubs or Organizations? You’re looking for a Yes Answer, this shows passion and involvement with the breed.
2. What other breeds of dogs do you breed? You’re looking for that only breeds the Neapolitan mastiff, otherwise no more than two different breeds.
3. Do you guarantee the Health of your Mastiff? The breeder should yes to this question. You want a breeder that breeds healthy mastiffs and one that stands behind the quality of dog they produce.
3 Things to Look for When Visiting the Breeder
1. The adult dogs should be happy to see you (waging the tail) but be well tempered enough not to jump up or be out of control. Warning signals should ring if the adult dog cowers or continues to bark at you after an introduction.
2. Is the Mastiff’s place of dwelling clean and cozy with accessibility water? This Just shows that the breeder has a respect for her animals and ensures they are well taken care of.
3. Do the Mastiffs have plenty of space to run around in? A good breeder will make a home on acreage or a farm where she can breed and raise her mastiffs in wide open area.
In Summary
It may take multiple phone calls, visits, and driving around to find a good breeder that you can trust but once you do find “the” breeder you’ll certainly find “the” mastiff.
