Getting a new puppy is one of the most exciting events in a family's life. If you have decided on an American Mastiff puppy as a pet, you are in for a wonderful adventure. These dogs are some of the most rewarding companions a family can have. Since American Mastiffs are a somewhat unusual breed, you may have to do a little work in finding one to buy.
There are a few "first instincts" that you may have when finding a puppy that may not serve you very well. The first of these is to go to a pet store. While pet stores are a great place to buy supplies, it is not recommended to buy an animal there, ever. The reason for this is that all too often, the puppies are shipped in from an inhumane "puppy mill" in another state, and are not properly cared for in the store. Buying from these stores not only encourages the continuation of these puppy mills, but you are likely to end up with a sickly dog due to the poor care he receives at a young age.
So you've decided not to go to a pet store. You begin looking in the local yellow pages, newspaper, or on the internet for a nearby breeder. This is a great way to start, but you still need to do your research. When you find a breeder or two, go ahead and give them a call. You can ask them some questions over the phone, but ultimately, you will want to visit them and see their dogs.
Don't forget that you can also get breeder recommendations from other mastiff owners. If you don't know any, drop by a dog show nearby. Feel free to approach the mastiff owners or handlers. They probably love to talk about their passion: mastiffs! Let them know you are looking for an American Mastiff puppy, and ask for their recommendations.
These two techniques should give you at least a few good breeders to talk to. If someone recommends a breeder who is outside your area, don't discount them right away. A dog will be your companion for many years, and is worth a little trip to pick up your new puppy.
Finding the right breeder will take some time and research, but the benefits will pay off. You want a healthy, happy new American Mastiff puppy to join your family.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.