Late to the discussion, BUT: Back in the 80's when we first (ex and me) considered getting a Bull Mastiff, we went to a breeder in Tillsonburg, Ontario. He had a dog, I think his name was, Augustus Caesar. His female that he was breeding, I can't remember her name, but they definitely had puppies. We met both parents, we spent several hours discussing our desire for a Bull and we were, for all intents and purposes, cross-examined on our motives, desires, attitudes, abilities, finances, time available, room for a mastiff, fenced in yards, etc., etc.,
And, and here is the kicker, and my salvation at the time...major league reality check...we were told that the cost, in the 80's was around $1,200 CDN and in addition...oh yes...no dog would be allowed to go to any home without another $1,500 CDN for training...HUMAN TRAINING! None of their pups were going to people who didn't have the commitment to train to be good owners. And it wasn't easy training. We'd have to commit to twice a week (I think it was) of human training to be good dog owners. We'd never heard of such a thing.
As it was, the rules and regs of this breeder stopped us from acting too quickly, and shortly afterwards, the marriage dissolved and a pup was saved from our tragedy.
So, what is the moral to my story: Mastiffs need solid owners with good training and solid respect for their needs and training. And Mastiffs cost money, not just for a pup, but for the skills and ability to handle and train that pup. There is no cheap pup from a "great breeder", there are solid pups with great lineages, and great medical testing and the end result (if the breeder thinks you are worthy and capable or can be trained to be capable) is a delightful dog that will fill your life with joy. It will always be a gamble, but with a great breeder, you will be covered for various possibilities, and, you will be advised to have great dog insurance, just in case.
Just My Humble Opinion, after all these intervening years, I thank that Breeder for being disciplined and responsible enough to discourage a youthful, stupid, vain person like me who really didn't know what they were getting into, but was willing to train the "stupid" out of me. And, that experience has influenced all my choices since then.
My present dog, a CC, came from a BYB who just wanted to give his girl the experience of a litter. The Dam had 15 pups, 13 survived. But, no one wanted our pup...she was the last one, the runt, and after several discussions the man called me and gave her to me because I seemed like the most responsible and conscientious of the people he had met. Poor thing, she needed a good home, and it was my home. She is the best dog in the world to me. Healthy, happy, settled, kind, non-reactive, sweet with children, loving to her family. IN THE WORLD OF DOG, I WON THE LOTTERY. Attention: Most People Don't.
A good breeder, in my estimation, is suspicious and cautious when allowing someone to purchase their pups. They are not in it for the money...and most of the money is absorbed by testing and shots and health care before the prospective owner shows up to see the pups. Look at the intent...money or betterment of the breed and ongoing protection for the offspring. Expect contracts, and limitations for the breeding and transferring ownership. Expect this, and take these considerations as a good sign that you are talking to a responsible breeder.
I know that if Bailey had ever had a litter, I would have put prospective owners through the mill...they would have been my grand-puppies and I would have put prospective owners through a marathon to prove themselves...money would be secondary. But then again, I still would have been a BYB. Not many BYB's would be as careful or as dedicated to the breed as I would have been. Look before you leap...please!
And, and here is the kicker, and my salvation at the time...major league reality check...we were told that the cost, in the 80's was around $1,200 CDN and in addition...oh yes...no dog would be allowed to go to any home without another $1,500 CDN for training...HUMAN TRAINING! None of their pups were going to people who didn't have the commitment to train to be good owners. And it wasn't easy training. We'd have to commit to twice a week (I think it was) of human training to be good dog owners. We'd never heard of such a thing.
As it was, the rules and regs of this breeder stopped us from acting too quickly, and shortly afterwards, the marriage dissolved and a pup was saved from our tragedy.
So, what is the moral to my story: Mastiffs need solid owners with good training and solid respect for their needs and training. And Mastiffs cost money, not just for a pup, but for the skills and ability to handle and train that pup. There is no cheap pup from a "great breeder", there are solid pups with great lineages, and great medical testing and the end result (if the breeder thinks you are worthy and capable or can be trained to be capable) is a delightful dog that will fill your life with joy. It will always be a gamble, but with a great breeder, you will be covered for various possibilities, and, you will be advised to have great dog insurance, just in case.
Just My Humble Opinion, after all these intervening years, I thank that Breeder for being disciplined and responsible enough to discourage a youthful, stupid, vain person like me who really didn't know what they were getting into, but was willing to train the "stupid" out of me. And, that experience has influenced all my choices since then.
My present dog, a CC, came from a BYB who just wanted to give his girl the experience of a litter. The Dam had 15 pups, 13 survived. But, no one wanted our pup...she was the last one, the runt, and after several discussions the man called me and gave her to me because I seemed like the most responsible and conscientious of the people he had met. Poor thing, she needed a good home, and it was my home. She is the best dog in the world to me. Healthy, happy, settled, kind, non-reactive, sweet with children, loving to her family. IN THE WORLD OF DOG, I WON THE LOTTERY. Attention: Most People Don't.
A good breeder, in my estimation, is suspicious and cautious when allowing someone to purchase their pups. They are not in it for the money...and most of the money is absorbed by testing and shots and health care before the prospective owner shows up to see the pups. Look at the intent...money or betterment of the breed and ongoing protection for the offspring. Expect contracts, and limitations for the breeding and transferring ownership. Expect this, and take these considerations as a good sign that you are talking to a responsible breeder.
I know that if Bailey had ever had a litter, I would have put prospective owners through the mill...they would have been my grand-puppies and I would have put prospective owners through a marathon to prove themselves...money would be secondary. But then again, I still would have been a BYB. Not many BYB's would be as careful or as dedicated to the breed as I would have been. Look before you leap...please!