| The only way to find good American mastiff breeders | | | | Your breeder might have opted to have his dogs |
| is to ask around for them instead of meeting the first | | | | undergo tests for these problems as well as elbow |
| one that catches your fancy out of the tens of | | | | dysplasia, thyroid tests, and DNA tests for progressive |
| advertisements you would find anywhere. Other | | | | retinal atrophy to ensure that the chances of the dogs' |
| people's opinions matter, so this could be a good start | | | | offspring inheriting the genes for these problems are |
| for you. | | | | lessened. |
| Ask your vets, pet groomers, local kennel clubs, and | | | | Also ask if the puppies have had their shots and have |
| other pet owners if they know of any reputable | | | | been de-wormed. |
| breeders. Chances are you'll be lead to a good one. | | | | Ask About the Breed's Characteristics: |
| However, you shouldn't stop your inquiries there. You | | | | You can double check the reputability of American |
| can also find out if the person is indeed among those | | | | mastiff breeders by asking questions about the |
| who are reputable American mastiff breeders. | | | | mastiff's characteristics. |
| These are the questions you want to ask the breeder: | | | | A good American mastiff breeder should be able to |
| Ask about the breeder's experience: | | | | tell you a lot of information about the breed - from the |
| As with any job that requires knowledge through | | | | typical characteristics, to their opinions on what family |
| hands on experience, you would want to know just | | | | lifestyle would be better with a mastiff pet included in it. |
| how long this breeder you've met has been doing his | | | | Ask About Return Policies: |
| job. | | | | Would you trust someone who would not have the |
| You can also ask just how long he's been breeding | | | | willingness to replace or refund you in the case your |
| mastiffs and if he's a member of any breed clubs. | | | | puppy suddenly gets sick right after you take it home? |
| Ask for the Health History of the Pups: | | | | Not so much. |
| You should find out if the parents of the pups have | | | | A good breeder will be willing to take back the pup if |
| been checked for diseases associated with Mastiffs. | | | | you suddenly find out that you're not up to the task of |
| Major issues for the mastiff breed are hip dysplasia | | | | taking care of the dog. It's a pet, not a product after all. |
| and gastric torsion. | | | | That should help you out... |