Mastiff Ambassadors
CONTACT A MASTIFF AMBASSADOR
COMING SOON!
QUESTIONS TO ASK BREEDERS
How long have they been involved with Mastiffs?
How many Mastiffs do they currently have?
What breed clubs do you belong to?
At a minimum, they should belong to the MCOA and/or a regional Mastiff club, 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 club's Code of Ethics.
Can they provide references from previous puppy buyers?
NOTE: We recommend familiarizing yourself with the OFA CHIC Health Testing Requirements for Mastiffs in advance.
What health tests have been performed on the parents?
Please refer to the matrix in this brochure for recommended health tests for Mastiffs.
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 testing results for the parents. If not offered - ask for them!
If the breeder submits results to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), you can search the OFA database for health testing results. The OFA page will also list the health testing and results of the dog's parents, grandparents, offspring, half siblings, and full siblings.
If the breeder doesn't test, ask why. DO NOT accept 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?
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?
Per the MCOA Code of Ethics: An MCOA member will sell each Mastiff puppy/adult on a written contract signed by all parties. Said contract shall contain, but is not limited to the following provisions:
a. Complete care/feeding instructions.
b. A record of inoculations and worming with a recommended continuation schedule.
c. Provide the buyer with a five (5) generation pedigree on the litter.
d. Furnish a signed AKC registration or transfer form, unless written agreement is made with the buyer that such papers are withheld or are to follow.
e. A provision that ensures that the breeder is contacted whenever an owner can no longer keep a dog at any time in the dog’s life and that the breeder will take back the dog if asked to do so.
f. Stipulate that the buyer have a veterinary check-up within five (5) working days of the sale, (or whatever is applicable in your state of residence), to determine that the Mastiff is healthy. If the veterinarian determines that the Mastiff is not in good health, the breeder will, upon the Mastiff's return, refund the purchase price or replace the Mastiff.
How old is the dam?
How many times has the dam been bred?
How far apart were the breedings?
Per the MCOA Code of Ethics: I will not allow a bitch to be bred prior to her reaching twenty-two (22) months of age, nor shall any bitch be bred after her seventh (7th) birthday. A bitch will not be bred more than twice in any eighteen (18) month period unless she does not whelp a litter, the litter is stillborn, consists of a single (1) pup, or as a part of a veterinarians recommendation for treatment of pyometra. A bitch will have no more than four litters in her lifetime.
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?
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.
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?
Have the dam and sire been shown?
Conformation showing is intended to identify the dogs that best fit the Mastiff standard.
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 to a Mastiff. The lack of adequate socialization can cause serious problems later on.
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.