Are you looking for that perfect Mastiff puppy? You feel the Mastiff is just the best dog that ever (we concur whole-heartedly!). You need the perfect Mastiff puppy to become part of your family

But the question is: Just where to you start?

Follow your first inclination and start with a local search. Try the paper and phone book. Whatever you do, don’t get a puppy based on the convenience of finding a local breeder. What’s a little distance compared to the joy of finding your perfect puppy.

Don’t get a puppy based on convenience. Be patient, show dog owners are happy to share their knowledge of good Mastiff breeders, or they may raise puppies themselves

Why would they be so nice? First, they love dogs - and obviously Mastiffs in particular. And they show Mastiffs. They wouldn’t want any second rate or substandard breeder to be perpetuating inferior dogs. So you can count on these folks being pretty candid about the good and bad breeders they’ve encountered. As you talk with these people, you’ll undoubtedly acquire several business cards of different breeders. Follow up on these leads. Telephone them. Chat with them for a while. This conversation doesn’t commit you to even viewing a litter.

As you talk to breeders, you’ll get a feel for their commitment and ethics. Believe what your instinct is telling you. If you get a “bad feeling” check that breeder off your list.

If the breeder is too worried about the monetary value of the dog, then perhaps his commitment and love of the breed isn’t quite strong enough. But if you can’t stop the breeder from bragging about the bloodline, or how “adorable” or smart or “picture perfect” his pups are . . . well, you might have hit upon a high-quality breeder. You’ll also have a sense of his reputation, by the way he allays your fears or doubts about your new venture.

Take your time and do your homework. This is a major decision . When you find a quality breeder, who has a litter available or soon to be available, make an appointment. Be prepared to get the “second degree”. A good breeder is concerned about where his pups will end up.

You’ll want to find out how long he’s owned Mastiffs, how long he’s bred Mastiffs and if he dogs are bred for show

Also, expect the breeder to ask as many questions or more than you. Expect to be interrogated–that’s a good sign.

As you narrow your choices in the way of possible breeders, don’t narrow it to only one. Make a list of several and then prioritize that list by your initial preferences. You may have to wait until other potential owners have made their adoption selections. After all, it’s a first-come, first-serve world in dog breeding. Once you find the breeder - and “mom dog” - of your choice, you’re probably be placed on a waiting list for the babies. While this could be irritating, especially since you want your new puppy NOW, view this as a good thing. This is definitely a signal that you’ve chosen a quality breeder. If you believe that the wait involved is excessive - and only you can decide that - you can always decide to adopt from your second choice of Mastiff breeders.

Finally, you get that call you’ve been waiting for. The babies are ready for viewing. By the time you get a chance to view your potential new baby, he’ll probably be eight to ten weeks old. At this age, the puppies will easily display their various personalities. You’ll also be able to see how these little guys (relatively speaking) interact with you and your family.

Bring the entire family along for the selection process.

Of course, your decison will be based on your plans for your Mastiff. Do you want to raise Mastiffs? Are you interested in a show dog, if that’s the case make sure you select a dog that exhibits the proper characteristics.

On the other hand, if you want a dog who is going to be a loyal family pet, then it’s not as important that the dog meets all the physical criteria of the breed. You’re looking for the most lovable pup in the litter.

Make your decision, then agree on the price. Of course you may need to wait to pick up your puppy. Take this time to prepare your house. What’s a little more waiting?

And one more thing–enjoy your new puppy!