When to start contacting breeders?

[LauraR]

My husband and I are looking to get an English Mastiff no earlier than Spring of 2014. We are getting preparations in order now so we can offer our new family member the best possible home.
My question for you is when should we start contacting breeders?
I know that many breeders plan their litters pretty far in advance and in some circumstances all puppies are accounted for before they are even born. We do not mind waiting for the right pup, however, I don't want to put off the puppy applications until the last minute. How soon is too soon? There are 2-3 breeders that I am very interested in at the moment and as far as I know, none of them have intentions to have any more scheduled breedings this year(which is great for me). One of them isn't entirely sure that they will be doing any more breedings with their female.
Should I go ahead and start submitting applications now, or wait a few more months?

 

[tb44]

Imo I would definitely start now, as you stated earlier some breedings are spoken for a year or more in advance

 

[JacksTheDog]

I contacted a breeder several years before I eneded up getting my EM. I dont think there is a set rule for when to start but it is always good to build a relationship with them before hand.

 

[ruthcatrin]

I would start now. Its entirely possible that once you get talking to someone you'll change your mind about wanting a pup from them (or decide that THIS is the person you want a pup from). DO be upfront that you're in the early stages and as such are talking to several breeders trying to narrow down your choices and learn, that way they aren't thinking you're in your final stages of picking a pup.

 

[HayleyMarie]

I would start ASAP. I developed a relationship years and years before I was actually ready for a pup. Now that I am ready for a pup I have already established a great relationship with the breeder, the breeder already knows that I am committed to the breed and know what I am getting into.

 

[motolyn]

I do agree its never too early to start talking and building relationships with breeders. I contacted several breeders late last summer. It was in October that one of them invited me out to a dog show to meet their EMs. Once there I got to meet the breeder, really get to talk to her about her dogs and meet the female she was going to breed in December. I had spoken with 2 other breeders but it was the first breeder that really connected with me and now in 2 weeks I get to bring home my EM puppy! So in reality I only started like 2-3 months out before commiting to a breeder. I guess I lucked out.

 

[WalnutCrest]

+1

 

[alwcm4]

I agree on all the above, the sooner the better. If a breeder starts asking for a deposit this far in advance though you might take a step back. Most breeders I know don't take deposits until the puppies are on the ground. Some do, but just be careful about it.

 

[LauraR]

Oh, I would never do a deposit before the dog was even pregnant. I would consider doing one once a pregnancy had been confirmed, but it would only be under certain circumstance.

 

[Robtouw]

I would begin establishing a relationship with the chosen breeder now. Most well bred mastiff pups are reserved prior to birth or shortly after. Ask questions, ask to visit and get to know the female that will be bred. You can learn alot about the breedline by spending time with the female, personality traits, breeders care habits, etc. There are no dumb questions, meaning that a good breeder wants you to be knowlegable and understands that you want the best for your pup. Also, ask for a copy of the contract that you will sign so that you know before hand what the conditions will be. This will give you time to confirm that it is fair or to add things that you may feel need. I required that my vet be allowed to contact the breeder's vet and discuss the medical health of the two bred dogs, and care of the pups prior to receiving the pup. This allowed us to get a good solid medical history along with vaccination/worming records.

I also never place a deposit on a female that is not pregnant. When pregnancy is confirmed, ask for vet documentation, get a good contract to purchase a pup in writing, keep your receipts and ask to monitor the female's pregnancy progress by visiting or photos. Don't be afraid to ask for vet confirmation that the female & male that are bred have negative testing for hips, pra, cystinuria, etc., these records can help you later on if your pup has medical issues.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

I would begin establishing a relationship with the chosen breeder now. Most well bred mastiff pups are reserved prior to birth or shortly after. Ask questions, ask to visit and get to know the female that will be bred. You can learn alot about the breedline by spending time with the female, personality traits, breeders care habits, etc. There are no dumb questions, meaning that a good breeder wants you to be knowlegable and understands that you want the best for your pup. Also, ask for a copy of the contract that you will sign so that you know before hand what the conditions will be. This will give you time to confirm that it is fair or to add things that you may feel need. I required that my vet be allowed to contact the breeder's vet and discuss the medical health of the two bred dogs, and care of the pups prior to receiving the pup. This allowed us to get a good solid medical history along with vaccination/worming records.

I also never place a deposit on a female that is not pregnant. When pregnancy is confirmed, ask for vet documentation, get a good contract to purchase a pup in writing, keep your receipts and ask to monitor the female's pregnancy progress by visiting or photos. Don't be afraid to ask for vet confirmation that the female & male that are bred have negative testing for hips, pra, cystinuria, etc., these records can help you later on if your pup has medical issues.

THIS.

I started looking two years before I was actually planning to purchase a pup. Also had at least 2 to 3 breeders I had to fall back on in case anything went wrong...which it did.

 

[Robtouw]

Something always goes wrong! It took me 13 months to find the right breeder when I adopted Buddy. I researched and visited over 12 different breeders in NC, SC and GA. When I finally found what I was looking for and had begun planning the pic of the litter to come, I followed all of my rules and all were met by the breeder. I was so excited that I could hardly wait for my little boy! I had first pic of the males, this was the females first litter, the stud had thrown two beautiful litters of fawns with two other well kept females that I was able to spend time with. Guess what! The female threw 9 beautiful little apricot girls! GIRLS! No males! I did end up finding another breeder in SC and went through the entire process again and ended up with my Buddy.

With Cruiser it was about 9 months in searching and I passed over 6 breeders before finding what I was comfortable with. Just know that it will take time to find the right breeder they are not equal, be picky, be specific and wait for the right pup, you won't regret it. I have been very pickey and did not give in on my requirements and all of my boys have been exceptional, at least to me!

 

[VentiandMe]

Yep, I'd say do the applications now, but do your research on the Dam/Sire they intend on breeding..just to make sure you want a puppy from that litter. The 2 breeders I had applications with had no guaranteed time of when puppies would be available and both were out of state (midwest). I happened on my EM by pure luck, I went to a dog show and spoke with some local breeders and just so happened that one breeder had just had a litter.....and the rest is history. Good luck, it might be a long wait, but it will be worth it when you get your EM pup!!