Greetings and questions!

[Rivers]

Hello all,

New to the forums here. Wanted to say hello, and also ask a question or 2.

I live in the chicago area (illinois), and am currently looking for a reputable breeder of English Mastiffs . I can search all day for websites, but have no real background on any of these breeders. Anyone can make a cheap/free website, and post a purchase contract. I am looking for a breeder that truly cares for the breed, and is capable of producing high quality pups.

I am not interesting in showing or breeding, only a pet, but would like a show quality pup.

I am also willing to drive up to 12 hours away from chicago to meet the breeders, pups parents, and the pup, before purchasing. I refuse to "order" a pup for delivery, and never meet the people/pup/parents of pup first. Not because it can't be successful, but because I don't believe in doing it that way.

Does anyone know any breeders in the illinois/midwest area?

I also have one other concern, but I do not think this will be an issue, it seems people ask frequently, "do you have a fenced yard? "

i DONT! but I do have another dog currently, and have had other dogs my whole life. I am not concerned with this, as we leash walk our dog 5-8 times a day, and she gets LOADS of excercise when we visit our family property in northern illinois where we have about 3 acres for the dogs to run and play.

My current dog is a Female Boxer, she is deaf, and all white. I know this doesnt conform to the Breed standard, but I have a love of boxers, and am also a sign language interpreter, so a deaf boxer seemed like a perfect fit! She is about 2 years old, has a great temperment, and is very loving. She weighs in at about 57 lbs, but is of lean muscle, not over weight. As I stated, she is not a "showable" dog, as she is all white, but she is a full blooded, and AKC registered dog.(oddly she can be registered, but is not accepted as the breed standard?)

Anyway.... Looking for breeders. I would really like a fawn or apricot Male English Mastiff. Help?

Regards,

Bob

 

[Cody]

Hi, good luck on your search.
Just wondering though, why you want a show quality Mastiff when you don't have any intention to show?
I am not sure about the EM world, but I know in the CC world the reputable breeders are not going to sell their best puppy to a pet home.
The point of breeding is to better the breed, better their kennels so the best puppies are usually retained and shown.
Most breeders I talk to have a vision for their kennel, the breed, and the future they want to take it in, which includes the top puppies from each litter.
In fact, to be honest, I would run from a breeder who would sell one of the top picks of the litter to a pet home, unless under a co-own agreement that they (the breeder) retain rights to show/breed the dog.

 

[Rivers]

Cody,

Firstly, thank you for your reply.

I never really viewed it that way. Thank you for offering me a new perspective on my search.

My comment in reference to "it wont be bred or shown" was more meaning this.... I am not interested in showing the dog. while I do think it would fun to get into, my life would NOT allow the commitment required to do so. My comment regarding breeding, is in reference to the fact that I am not interested in owning a "money making" dog. As the owner of a male, I would not be against the idea of him being used to continue a healthy, exceptional bloodline. If I came to an agreement with the breeder and they wanted to use him for that purpose, I would not be objective to that situation. I really meant it more as I am not looking to be a BYB and make some money off my pet.

The reason to owning a "show quality" animal as a pet.... I would like to have a beautiful and exceptional example of the breed. I have loved English Mastiffs since I was about 16 years old, and now at almost 30, have a home and life that can accomodate one. It has been a long 14 year wait, but I refused to own one, until my life, and lifestyle could provide the right type of environment for the dog.

Clearly I am not very knowledgable with regards to breeding/showing but I am open to different options. I appreciate you bringing up this topic, as this path of thought never crossed my mind.

Regards,

Bob

Edit : P.S. Corso's are hands down my 2nd favorite breed. If that is yours in your forum avatar, he/she looks great!

 

[Mongo]

In your search for a reputable breeder, dont just "look" at the websites. Send them an email or call and ask as many questions possible. Do they health test(hips, eyes, heart, etc), temperament test, show for confirmation. They also should be asking you just as many questions. A great breeder wants to know everything about where THEIR puppy will be going. regarding the fence, explain to them that you make sure your dogs get adequate exercise, and that you are willing to spend the time training the dog for recall and boundaries. That they will ALWAYS be supervised. (of course hopefully this is something you already do?)

About the "show quality" pup... like previously stated. They are not going to give you their BEST pup without you showing, they want someone who is going to get that puppy to the top! So they can have the satisfaction of doing a GREAT job of selecting the parents. And just because its "pet quality" doesnt mean its not a great example of the breed. Reputable breeders breed 2 specific dogs together that complement each other. So their litter should be quite exceptional.

I hope this help! Good Luck!!!!

 

[Cody]

I do know breeders who will sell a show quality dog on a co-own, retaining showing rights.
But it is something that you can discuss with the breeder you choose.
Mongo is correct, pet quality doesn't mean it is not a great example, it could be something as small as a white spot on the toes...
Depends on the standard. A good breeder should be fairly consitant with their pairings, and honestly who knows what a pup will turn out like at 8 weeks. The breeder should have an idea, but it is not uncommon for a "pet quality" dog to end up being a better example then some of the "show quality".
Some dogs fall apart. I have seen awesome puppies completely do a 180 at 1.5 and end up with serious faults...
Thank you however for your compliments on Aurora we are pretty happy with how she is developing and her awesome temperament.
I am sure someone on this forum will know some good EM breeders to direct you to.

 

[Rivers]

BUMP! Really would like a recommendation or 2 on Illinois/Midwest breeders. Any1?