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Looking for a REPUTABLE breeder in or near TX

JujuB.

New Member
Hey all, hoping to find some good advice on reputable breeders in or around Texas. I’ve been researching and looking at this breed for several years now and am making sure to do my due dillegence before purchasing or adopting a puppy.
The problem is that literally EVERY breeder I come across seems to be or is definitely a scammer.
Even those listed on akc site and marketplace raise lots of red flags!!

Can someone point me in the direction of a legitimate and high quality breeder in the U.S.A ? TIA
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
Good morning and welcome. It looks like your looking for a Neo? Firstly, I don't put much faith in AKC Marketplace. AKC is just a registy. It's not a guarantee of quality, health, or temperament. It only means that both parents were also registered. I see some really good breeders on marketplace and far more really sketchy ones. I did do a quick search in Texas and wasn't impressed by anything I saw. We haven't had any Neo owners active for quite a few years and then they were mostly not from the US and had very athletic dogs rather than what we tend to see in the US. Hopefully someone else can give you some ideas. You seem to be making sure to check your breeders carefully. I'm sure you already know this, but please make sure that whomever you go with has done all the necessary health testing for the breed. It's not a guarantee, but it's something. Best of luck and please post back if you find someone.
 

Bolushi

Well-Known Member
Scam as in?
Just get a small female to minimize health problems and whatever breeder it is doesn't matter.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
Scam as in?
Just get a small female to minimize health problems and whatever breeder it is doesn't matter.

There are many considerations beyond size and sex. One of the most important aspects of choosing a dog is finding the best breeder you can. It appears the OP is doing this and doesn't need additional information, but for those that may be reading here are some additional thoughts. Hopefully someone else looking for a responsible breeder will benefit from the info.

Every breed is susceptible to certain health conditions. I know that Neos, like Boxers, have a high incidence of DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy), as well as eye/hip/thyroid/elbow issues. Not to mention temperament issues. It's NOT all in "how they're raised." Genetics plays a huge part in temperament. Bloat and torsion, GDV, is another concern with the breed. It has fairly recently been determined that there is a genetic component to bloat. Losing a dog to GDV is devastating and it would be good to know if other dogs in the line had bloated so extra caution could be taken with the pup. One more I always suggest is the test for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). It's relatively recent test, but will reliably determine if the dogs being bred are carriers of the gene for DM. DM is inherited in a recessive manner, so the offspring must receive two mutated genes for them to develop the disease. DM is also devastating and definitely worth testing for in parents. It's very similar to ALS in humans. That being said, I'm not sure of the incidence in Neos, but it's a huge issue in boxers and I've known English Mastiffs that have had it as well. In addition to other eye isses, cherry eye is thought to have a genetic component. Thyroid issues are also a concern.


This is a list taken from a generic kind of page ( https://www.gooddog.com/breeds/neapolitan-mastiff/health-testing-guide ), but it's concise and has good explanations of the tests. A vet check isn't enough.

"A breeding program following "Excellent" health testing will report to screening their dogs for:

Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA) - Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA) is useful in screening dogs for congenital heart conditions that can be passed down to the puppies. Congenital heart conditions are malformations of the heart, valves, or major blood vessels. The exact mode of transmission, or inheritance, is often unknown but it is recommended that breeding dogs are screened prior to breeding. The type and frequency of the screening examination performed varies by breed.

Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI) - Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI) is a complex condition involving both genetic and environmental factors that can cause varying degrees of pain and loss of function in the affected joint. No genetic test is available to date, therefore, the recommended screening test is x-rays. Definitive reports include OFA radiographs taken after 2 years of age or another recognized screening and grading program (e.g. BVA, SV, FCI) following the validated process and minimum age for that organization.

Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA) - Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA) screens dogs for the presence of heritable eye disease. Most eye disease is thought to be genetic but the specifics of many diseases have not been identified to date. Screening of breeding dogs decreases the risk of heritable eye disease being transmitted to puppies. Breeding dogs should have annual eye examinations as onset of symptoms will vary by disease and individual.

Hip Dysplasia Finals (OFA, PennHIP, BVA, SV, FCI) - Hip Dysplasia Finals (OFA, PennHIP, BVA, SV, FCI) is a complex condition involving both genetic and environmental factors that can cause varying degrees of pain and loss of function in the affected joint. No genetic test is available to date, therefore, the recommended screening test is x-rays. Definitive reports include OFA radiographs taken after 2 years of age or another recognized screening and grading program (e.g. PennHIP, BVA, SV, FCI) following the validated process and minimum age for that organization."
 

Bolushi

Well-Known Member
There are many considerations beyond size and sex. One of the most important aspects of choosing a dog is finding the best breeder you can. It appears the OP is doing this and doesn't need additional information, but for those that may be reading here are some additional thoughts. Hopefully someone else looking for a responsible breeder will benefit from the info.

Every breed is susceptible to certain health conditions. I know that Neos, like Boxers, have a high incidence of DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy), as well as eye/hip/thyroid/elbow issues. Not to mention temperament issues. It's NOT all in "how they're raised." Genetics plays a huge part in temperament. Bloat and torsion, GDV, is another concern with the breed. It has fairly recently been determined that there is a genetic component to bloat. Losing a dog to GDV is devastating and it would be good to know if other dogs in the line had bloated so extra caution could be taken with the pup. One more I always suggest is the test for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). It's relatively recent test, but will reliably determine if the dogs being bred are carriers of the gene for DM. DM is inherited in a recessive manner, so the offspring must receive two mutated genes for them to develop the disease. DM is also devastating and definitely worth testing for in parents. It's very similar to ALS in humans. That being said, I'm not sure of the incidence in Neos, but it's a huge issue in boxers and I've known English Mastiffs that have had it as well. In addition to other eye isses, cherry eye is thought to have a genetic component. Thyroid issues are also a concern.


This is a list taken from a generic kind of page ( https://www.gooddog.com/breeds/neapolitan-mastiff/health-testing-guide ), but it's concise and has good explanations of the tests. A vet check isn't enough.

"A breeding program following "Excellent" health testing will report to screening their dogs for:

Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA) - Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA) is useful in screening dogs for congenital heart conditions that can be passed down to the puppies. Congenital heart conditions are malformations of the heart, valves, or major blood vessels. The exact mode of transmission, or inheritance, is often unknown but it is recommended that breeding dogs are screened prior to breeding. The type and frequency of the screening examination performed varies by breed.

Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI) - Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI) is a complex condition involving both genetic and environmental factors that can cause varying degrees of pain and loss of function in the affected joint. No genetic test is available to date, therefore, the recommended screening test is x-rays. Definitive reports include OFA radiographs taken after 2 years of age or another recognized screening and grading program (e.g. BVA, SV, FCI) following the validated process and minimum age for that organization.

Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA) - Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA) screens dogs for the presence of heritable eye disease. Most eye disease is thought to be genetic but the specifics of many diseases have not been identified to date. Screening of breeding dogs decreases the risk of heritable eye disease being transmitted to puppies. Breeding dogs should have annual eye examinations as onset of symptoms will vary by disease and individual.

Hip Dysplasia Finals (OFA, PennHIP, BVA, SV, FCI) - Hip Dysplasia Finals (OFA, PennHIP, BVA, SV, FCI) is a complex condition involving both genetic and environmental factors that can cause varying degrees of pain and loss of function in the affected joint. No genetic test is available to date, therefore, the recommended screening test is x-rays. Definitive reports include OFA radiographs taken after 2 years of age or another recognized screening and grading program (e.g. PennHIP, BVA, SV, FCI) following the validated process and minimum age for that organization."
It's simply not possible to health screen a Neo out of Neo problems. It can put a cap on things, but ultimately if you can get the smallest one possible you will have less problems. It truly doesn't matter, they're all giant blobs. Their temperaments are all great. They all have the same problems... they're not like American Bullies which will just decide to kill you someday due to bad breeding. You just have to specifically select the smallest one possible out of any Neo litter and bam, you've done the best you can.
Maybe for German Shepherds and the like health screening can prove the dog is fine, but a giant dog getting giant dog problems is not something you can account for and all you can do is get a small individual.
Boxers are almost exempt from all ''breed-specific'' health issues, they just need pitbull outcrossing to fix their face. You'll still have a boxer, they're just about the same genetically, its face will just be decent.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
What is your personal experience with the breeds you're discussing. How many have you personally owned (not a family dog - you alone)? I ask because
the above post is just full of misinformation. This bit particularly - "Boxers are almost exempt from all ''breed-specific'' health issues" is a complete falsehood.

I encourage anyone considering purchasing a pup to do their own research and support a breeder that is responsible and does appropriate tests and has a history of producing dogs with sound temperaments.
 

Bolushi

Well-Known Member
I invite you to point out all that is wrong with the post, BTW. And I will tell you how you're wrong.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
It is not. Boxers don't get boxer problems, they get bulldog problems. Any boxer problems are stemming from a deformed face due to breeding. I understand you know nothing about dogs, we moved past this reality many moons ago.
I invite you to point out all that is wrong with the post, BTW. And I will tell you how you're wrong.
This is not the place for a lesson on the history of the Boxer or on the ethics of responsible breeding. It's rude to hijack another person's thread. If you'd care to have a discussion about the ethics of responsible breeding or the history of the Boxer I would do my best to participate.
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
Hey all, hoping to find some good advice on reputable breeders in or around Texas. I’ve been researching and looking at this breed for several years now and am making sure to do my due dillegence before purchasing or adopting a puppy.
The problem is that literally EVERY breeder I come across seems to be or is definitely a scammer.
Even those listed on akc site and marketplace raise lots of red flags!!

Can someone point me in the direction of a legitimate and high quality breeder in the U.S.A ? TIA
JujuB, if you do find what you're looking for in a breeder I hope you post back. Wishing you the best of luck with your search.