Finding a Breeder NOT a Puppy

Many times, we get phone calls from those who have no idea what type of dog they are looking for. When trying to determine the dog best for you or your family, there is much to think about.  Do not be discouraged if a breeder asks you these sorts of questions: Can you afford it? Do you have the room?  Who is going to take care of the dog?  Do you have the time to invest in a dog?   Do you live in the country? Do you have a fenced area to keep the dog in or will this dog stay in the house?   Can you afford a BIG dog with grooming requirements? Are you allowed to own a pet if you are living in a condo or an apartment?  Do you need spousal approval?  Do you need anyone's approval? Can you handle slobber, and snoring?

If your dog is a family pet, then this should be discussed with the whole family. Don’t think that Jr. is going to be able to take on the responsibility of a big dog.

If you are on a budget, don’t be afraid to say so to the breeder and let them know what you can afford.  Don't just ask how much a dog is.  If you are on a budget, you should try to obtain a dog that has little grooming requirements or medical needs, perhaps look into adopting a dog from a rescue agency or shelter. Breeders have to charge a certain amount for their dogs in order to recoup their expenses and pay for overhead and costs involved with their kennels. Everything with regards to your puppy is an out of pocket expense.  Few have any idea just how expensive it is for a breeder.  

If you live in a condo or apartment, you may want to look at purchasing a "social" dog or breed.  It is important to apartment dogs to get out and mingle.   It is also imperative that you NOT crate your dog for hours on end.   Never purchase a large breed dog if you do NOT have the time to take this dog for walks outdoors or have an area to allow this breed to use its muscles.  Crating for hours on end can cause many medical problems for the dog.   Many people who crate their dogs for endless hours each and every day mistake a dog's difficulty in walking for hip dysplasia. A dog who is not allowed to build up its muscles; is not allowed the opportunity to have room to grow, stretch, run, and be the dog it should be, will have all sorts of aches and pains!   Of course there can be joint pain due to NOT using the limbs enough.   Small dogs fit in well for those who have small living areas or who do not have the time to take a dog on long jogs or walks.   Large dogs also have to be walked regardless of the weather.  With small dogs, you may be able to get away with paper training. 

Owning a puppy is work and time consuming. They need vaccinations, obedience training, housebroken, and they need to learn NOT to chew on your furniture. They can cost you a lot of money by the time they become an adult.

Dogs have their flaws just like humans.  They all have their quirks and the medical problems as they go through life. No amount of medical testing will guarantee you a defective free animal!  Puppy's who have parents that are tested for everything under the sun can still come down with a defect, illness or a disease.  Even dogs that have been tested for everything can still die from a hereditary disease or from age related or medical related problems.  I personally believe that you should not purchase a dog based solely on the testing its parents had from the breeder.  A good breeder knows the life span, and health problems of most the dogs in the whole pedigree. You are holding on to a false security blanket if you believe that because a breeder had your puppy's parents tested for every ailment known to man (and dog) that your puppy will never die from a disease.

Do not just call one breeder and ask if they have puppies. You need to research the breeder! You should purchase your puppy from a breeder that you have a relationship with, or could see yourself having a relationship with. A good question to ask yourself is “Would I or do I see myself being good friends with this person?” You should not buy a puppy based on a phone call and they have puppies available. A responsible breeder will be calling you, if you do not call them. A responsible breeder cares about the dog, and the relationship through out the dog’s life, and beyond. Another question that ALWAYS comes up is weight. I cannot believe how many people purchase a mastiff puppy based on the weight. I cannot believe how many breeders out there on the web claim their puppies weigh over 250 pounds. Yes mastiff males weigh that much, and yes you too can own one. The “average puppy buyer” who is uneducated in breeding practices, does not understand how that is achieved. The only thing you CAN do is ASK FOR PHONE NUMBERS!! Ask the breeder for past buyers names and numbers. Ask for photos! VISITING KENNELS is a must (if you can, and if you cannot make the trip, again names and numbers of people and photo’s). See how your puppy is going to be raised. Is your puppy being played with everyday? Mastiff puppies NEED socialization.

A responsible breeder has no problem sharing ANY info.

Here at Stergo Mastiffs, I have no problem with any of the above. You are even entitled to ALL vet records if you would like. They indicate weight, health, or any problems. I have no problem sharing the good and bad with any of my dogs. (All dogs have good points and bad points, what would be the purpose of breeding if you are not trying to improve?) You are entitled to see AKC numbers of ANY puppy that I have bred, to verify any info you would like.

I am a HOBBY breeder. I breed Mastiffs for the LOVE OF THE BREED! I also enjoy the friendships I have made, and look forward to the friends I will make in the future.