What's new
Mastiff Forum

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

  • Welcome back!

    We decided to spruce things up and fix some things under the hood. If you notice any issues, feel free to contact us as we're sure there are a few things here or there that we might have missed in our upgrade.

"Not for first time owners!"

Kandie

Well-Known Member
Re: "Not for first time owners!"

I dont agree with the "not for first time buyers" I mean if someone is passionate and has done their research and has the time and money to train/socialize/vet/feed and care for this breed and the breeder feels comfortable with this person, then go for it.
Ive never owned a CC and Im happy to say I have found an excellent breeder who thinks Im suitable for this breed :) Us Corsi "virgins" who are serious about owning this wonderful breed, have to start somewhere.
I do love seeing the link/tab on CC websites that says "Corsi is not for everybody" then explains what it takes to raise this dog and who is a good candidate and who is not.....in depth. Also the puppy applications, with all that info potential buyers have to fill out, I believe it gives the breeder a solid foundation to go off of. Short of a drug test and SSN :) hehehe.
Also, when my breeder told me I could friend her on facebook to see more pictures of her dogs, My first thought? "Omg but I cuss sometimes on my facebook. She is going to be pissed and not give me a puppy." LOL. But I did it anyways and Im still in the running, potty mouth and all. LOL :) It gives her and I a better look at who the other is. She can see how I treat the dog I have now and also a lot more of whom I am.
 

angelbears

Well-Known Member
Re: "Not for first time owners!"

I like the warning, doesn't mean that the breeder can't make exceptions. When we started looking for a protection dog I had not heard of half the breeds that were popping up on the web. It caused us to do a lot more research, which I think is a good thing.

Even though I have owned big dogs all my life, including a GSD and read everything we could on Filas, talked to numerous breeders. I still was not prepared for what we brought home. Our breeder thought she had given us a softer Fila, when we showed up 3 months later at the working weekend, all they could talk about is how HARD he was.
 

chuckorlando

Well-Known Member
Re: "Not for first time owners!"

I like the warning, doesn't mean that the breeder can't make exceptions. When we started looking for a protection dog I had not heard of half the breeds that were popping up on the web. It caused us to do a lot more research, which I think is a good thing.

Even though I have owned big dogs all my life, including a GSD and read everything we could on Filas, talked to numerous breeders. I still was not prepared for what we brought home. Our breeder thought she had given us a softer Fila, when we showed up 3 months later at the working weekend, all they could talk about is how HARD he was.

HAHAHAHAHAHA. I know the feeling. You read about distrust and temp and how protective they are. Alot of it sounds just like a cc or neo or what ever. So you think you got it all workd out. Then you realize that sh%&'s no joke. One of the easiest dogs I've ever had on one hand. The absolute hardest dog I ever had on the other. They really are kinda jeckyll and hyde
 

angelbears

Well-Known Member
Re: "Not for first time owners!"

Yep, there are no words to describe it, you have to experience it. That is why I come on a little "strong" when people ask about them because they are thinking of getting one. You either have to be a top notch trainer(not the schtz. kind) or willing to make drastic changes to your lifestyle.

When we drove up to the entry, at the working weekend when he was a pup. The lady manning the gate was all excited. Finally a puppy, a Fila she could pet. She approached the window to reach in and give him a pet on the head. Little turd stared at her and growled. It wasn't the only time that weekend either. I was so embarrassed but so proud of my little man.
 

Duetsche_Doggen

Well-Known Member
Re: "Not for first time owners!"

Such a Fila,

Snooping around on craigslist I found somone with al litter of pups on the ground, seems tempting but no. My time will come. I would really love to see these guys in PSA or French Ring.
 

angelbears

Well-Known Member
Re: "Not for first time owners!"

I'd be leery of Craigslist. It is good that your willing to wait. If your a really good trainer these dogs can be around people to some extent. NO, I'm not talking about walking down Times Square but you can have people over. You just really have to be able to read your dog and catch things before he does. Leaving them, I never have but I have heard of people boarding their Fila.
 

Duetsche_Doggen

Well-Known Member
Re: "Not for first time owners!"

Oh no I would never get a pup from CL, just something I didn't expect to see in my area. They are only selling to people with experience with the breed. I asked if they were going to the Fila Expo but they said no, but would be importing certain dogs somtime next year.

Like I said I don't travel nor have a job that requires me too but still just in case. Plus I'm renting right now too so nows not a good time.

Angelbears learning dog body language should be a must in any breed filas just give that little extra incentive.
 

chuckorlando

Well-Known Member
Re: "Not for first time owners!"

Hard to find 1 or 2 fila fanciers on CL let alone a litter's worth. Easy to find people to buy them though. As many issues as their are with the filas out side of health, I would likely look really long and hard before I got another. I think Kona's perfect so far, but thats likely just luck of the draw verse enginered breeding so to speak. Unless dirt cheap and you can justify it as rescuing the pup.

Me and the wife have way diff business. So if travel s needed it's typcly just her or we all go. Kona would lose her mind in a strange kennal.
 

Ghostsword

Well-Known Member
What if the prospective owner had a dog training course? If I had pups o a large guarding dog I would insist that the person buying the dogs would take a dog training course, at least basic obedience, health and safety and dog handling skills.


___________________________
Luis
@ghostsword
 

metaldad904

Well-Known Member
Re: "Not for first time owners!"

I'd agree with you, if they show a real interest in the breed, have done the research and understand what they're getting into then i see no problem. The key to me has always been if they understand they aren't getting a cute little puppy, they will be getting a large dog that can be stubborn as hell and needs to be socialized and trained properly, otherwise they can turn into a gigantic problem. If the commitment is genuine it will show and I say go for it.
 

Duetsche_Doggen

Well-Known Member
Re: "Not for first time owners!"

I'd agree with you, if they show a real interest in the breed, have done the research and understand what they're getting into then i see no problem. The key to me has always been if they understand they aren't getting a cute little puppy, they will be getting a large dog that can be stubborn as hell and needs to be socialized and trained properly, otherwise they can turn into a gigantic problem. If the commitment is genuine it will show and I say go for it.

Couldn't agree more.
 

mkj878

Well-Known Member
Re: "Not for first time owners!"

I don't agree with the "not for first time owners" because I don't see the fairness in ranking someones dedication from lack of experience. When I was much younger my dad, whose only prior dog experience was with labs and mixes they'd kept outside running the farm, decided to get a cane corso. Brutus was a big part of my life growing up and I've been in love with the mastiff type dogs since then. He was a great dog and had a breeder told us no because of lack of experience I wouldn't have had him in my life. I don't have the best picture of him but I believe he was about 10 when I took this picture, back when cell phones didn't take the best quality pictures hahaha. He loved nothing more than to pass out in the floor next to my futon or push his way into an open vehicle door and flop down letting everyone know he wasn't going to budge until he got to ride somewhere.

I'd like to add though that I remember him researching for months and months about the breed and spent so much time training and caring for him...it wasn't just a oh this dog looks cool I'll get one, he was truly dedicated to making it work, and if a person shows that dedication and lives true to it I believe they could handle the job.
brutus.jpg
 
Last edited:

Oak Hill Farm

Well-Known Member
Re: "Not for first time owners!"

I agree with "not first time DOG owners". I do not agree with "not first time breed or breed type owners".

If you have never owned a dog before (and when living with your parents doesn't count) than there are some breeds that should not be for first time dog owners. Its one thing to think you are ready for a dog, but when that puppy wakes you up 4 times a night before your presentation at work, when you really realize the extent of damage a teething puppy does, when you come home to a pile of vomit, it is a very different experience no matter what you planned for. Dog behavior is new to experience, despite what you have studied, you always learn a little more when you actually see it and deal with it first hand. Training is never what you expected the first time. I think all of these firsts *usually* go better with a more amiable dog breed, not one who will challenge you, or become a nightmare (or worse dangerous) if you get it wrong (which we all have).

That being said, if all breeds were not for the first time owner, how the hell would anyone ever own a dog? I would rather a owner get a dog from a very reputable breeder. Someone who will share knowledge, give advice, and be there for the life of the dog. If all "good" breeders turn down someone, chances are they will get a puppy from a BYB. There will be no one to support them with breed specific questions and should anything go wrong, they have a bad impression of the breed, or they give family/friends/public a bad impression of the breed.

Also buyers, if you find a great breeder that you trust, and they discuss with you openly their lines, breeding, and your lifestyle and tell you you are probably not a good fit for XYZ, thy are probably right. They *should* know the breed and their dogs better and if they think you would be better suited to get another dog or breed please listen openly to their reasoning.

I love my dad, great guy, carer military, raised three kids, good lifestyle. Loves mastiffs. I would not and have told him not to get a mastiff. He is not the right home for one, despite what he thinks. I think breeders have a responsibility to talk with potential owners to see if they can work with them and potential owners owe it to the dogs they want to make sure it is right.
 

mmyrto

Well-Known Member
Re: "Not for first time owners!"

We were first time owners of a Cane Corso, we did our research read as much as we could found a wonderful breeder in Colorado who thought we were suitable owners. In the contract it stated that we have to take her to puppy kindergarden before 6 months and to basic obedience around 12 months. I think if you have the time and money, do your research, being first time owner shouldn't be an obstacle.
 

BBSDH

New Member
Re: "Not for first time owners!"

I completely agree! It took us a couple years before we could get our TM. Two different breeders told us that because we've never owned a Giant Breed dog we can't have one of
theirs. We've owned a dog for 15 years and she was a large breed, just not giant.
 

Mamie2shoes

Well-Known Member
Re: "Not for first time owners!"

I also don't agree with limiting based on experience. I strongly feel that more of it lies with the breeder to match the puppy to the owner properly. I feel breeders should truly KNOW their breeds and be able to test each puppy personality. As for hopeful owners, experience is nice, but more like parenting, their personalities and education in the area is more important. I would not want to see a hard dog given to an owner that has a hard time saying no. And true to some owners, you may have had a particular breed before, but that may have been an extra laid back easy version. I have never owned a giant breed before, but I have had multiple dogs. I did my research for 3 yrs on EM's, bought a larger house with a larger yard, waited til my girls were older, then even waited til summer when I don't work to be home to train/care for her. To say the least, I did my homework and prepared for my breed choice. I researched breeders alone for about 2 yrs, following their breeding habits, watching how they advertised, and inquiring as to their practices and contracts. I did NOT want a mill or BYB puppy. A good breeder, IMO, should also offer to keep in constant contact with the new families to offer assistance when needed and check up on the babies progress to ensure proper care lasts and avoid a rescue need. Now there is not a perfect answer to anything, but I feel there are many great potential owners out there just waiting for THEIR first time to love a certain breed. I too feel it is better to give them the pup and stick around to guide them then sending them out with a pre-judgemental no. They will get one sooner or later, better to promote and train responsible owners than byb.
 

bellareea320

Well-Known Member
Re: "Not for first time owners!"

I agree but disagree. ( from a buyers view) I am a new CC owner. I have no experience with Mastiff breeds but with Rottis and German shepards. My family is very committed to an actual fault with our dog. I am experiencing first hand that my CC is the hardest yet easiest dog I have evrer had. I am with her alot but not too much so she can become a little independent. We did all the research that was available to us spoke to different breeders and were warned. Thank God our Breeder gave us a chance even though we had no mastiff experience and she always supports us. BUT....If My girl had pups I dont know if I could just give them to someone with No dog experience at all...Im just being honest and I'm a new owner myself so its like a double standard.
I would want to know so I could sleep at night that the pups are in good homes with owners that will bring the best out if the dogs. On this forum everyone has the dogs best interest at heart so in then end thats is where a breeders outlook on prospective families should be.