bellemastiff
Member
So, I am currently in the research phase around getting a second dog. Was originally set on a working GSD but am now also considering a second EM (one with more 'working lines') or possibly a Neo as well. I started a similar thread in the english mastiff forum, http://www.mastiff-forum.com/showth...-Breeders-Breed-Obedience-Working-Titled-Dogs
I am trying to track down Neo breeders, that actually breed for temperament or working ability. Of course, they all claim they do, but the problem is, in every case I'm come across, the Neo breeder doesn't have anything 'objective' to back up the claim that they're breeding for temperament or working ability.
As far as my perspective -- I'm thinking of GSD breeders in Germany, who only breed dogs and bitches who pass a Schutzhund test for temperament, obedience and working ability. The ability to work is thus PROVEN in the genetics (as much as it can be by a test -- admittedly no test is perfect).
By contrast the standards in the mastiff world (Neo, english mastiff, and otherwise) seem laughably low. I have gone through the first 15 or so Neo breeders that pop up in Google and can't find a single one with dogs or bitches with any certificate, title, or anything (aside from showing).
Please note, I am not looking for breeders who breed neo's that have passed SchH3 or something crazy like that! I am looking for some minimal standard in terms of a test, title or cert that suggests the neo being bred is not a nervous wreck (either fearful, or fearful-aggressive, or just plain aggressive), and that suggests the neo has a temperament and ability to do ANY kind of work.
Pretty much any non-show title would qualify in my mind ... E.g., TT, CGC, CD, CDX, TDI. Even if you believe a TDI cert implies the Neo is overly friendly, at least it means he has sound nerves. Would also be interested in anyone breeding neo's with a cert in PSA or any of the protection sports. Or any utility or drafting title/cert.
If anyone thinks I am way offbase with this stuff, let me know. I realize a Neo is not a lab and it's not the type of dog you get to do Rally-O. I'm just sick to death of mastiff breed breeders who don't know what they're doing and who are breeding dogs just for show and/or are breeding dogs with un-sound temperaments (fearful or too aggressive). A neo pup runs $2k or even $3k and there are plenty of neo's with good nerves -- as well as nervous wrecks and overly aggressive neo's. For $3k you shouldn't have to roll the dice, IMO. These mastiff breeds deserve better. The lack of standards in terms of breeding for working ability, is almost driving me into a different breed family altogether (GSD).
I haven't lost hope completely though. I did find 5 EM breeders that are at least , somewhat, breeding for temperament or working ability (with proven tests and certs). Can anyone recommend a Neo breeder like this? Let's get a list going... even if it just is a list of 1 breeder... please help!
I am trying to track down Neo breeders, that actually breed for temperament or working ability. Of course, they all claim they do, but the problem is, in every case I'm come across, the Neo breeder doesn't have anything 'objective' to back up the claim that they're breeding for temperament or working ability.
As far as my perspective -- I'm thinking of GSD breeders in Germany, who only breed dogs and bitches who pass a Schutzhund test for temperament, obedience and working ability. The ability to work is thus PROVEN in the genetics (as much as it can be by a test -- admittedly no test is perfect).
By contrast the standards in the mastiff world (Neo, english mastiff, and otherwise) seem laughably low. I have gone through the first 15 or so Neo breeders that pop up in Google and can't find a single one with dogs or bitches with any certificate, title, or anything (aside from showing).
Please note, I am not looking for breeders who breed neo's that have passed SchH3 or something crazy like that! I am looking for some minimal standard in terms of a test, title or cert that suggests the neo being bred is not a nervous wreck (either fearful, or fearful-aggressive, or just plain aggressive), and that suggests the neo has a temperament and ability to do ANY kind of work.
Pretty much any non-show title would qualify in my mind ... E.g., TT, CGC, CD, CDX, TDI. Even if you believe a TDI cert implies the Neo is overly friendly, at least it means he has sound nerves. Would also be interested in anyone breeding neo's with a cert in PSA or any of the protection sports. Or any utility or drafting title/cert.
If anyone thinks I am way offbase with this stuff, let me know. I realize a Neo is not a lab and it's not the type of dog you get to do Rally-O. I'm just sick to death of mastiff breed breeders who don't know what they're doing and who are breeding dogs just for show and/or are breeding dogs with un-sound temperaments (fearful or too aggressive). A neo pup runs $2k or even $3k and there are plenty of neo's with good nerves -- as well as nervous wrecks and overly aggressive neo's. For $3k you shouldn't have to roll the dice, IMO. These mastiff breeds deserve better. The lack of standards in terms of breeding for working ability, is almost driving me into a different breed family altogether (GSD).
I haven't lost hope completely though. I did find 5 EM breeders that are at least , somewhat, breeding for temperament or working ability (with proven tests and certs). Can anyone recommend a Neo breeder like this? Let's get a list going... even if it just is a list of 1 breeder... please help!
