If you are planning to buy a mastiff puppy, please read this first...................................

This poor baby is an example of a poorly bred mastiff puppy that soon ended up in rescue

Evolution of high-volume Kennels

Our first modern attempts at breeding dogs began about 6000 years BC with the Arabs. They put together greyhound type dogs bred for the tasks of hunting, shepherding, guarding and companionship. It is believed that dogs, after horses, were one of the first animals to be domesticated by man. Many of the dog breeds that we see today came from centuries of breeding. Very early in its history, the dog was bred into a variety of races, or breeds, depending on climate, environmental selections, and master preferences

After World War II, when farmers began losing their business because the production of crops was failing, they desperately began seeking alternative methods of making money. The USDA encouraged raising puppies as a replacement. However, these puppy farmers had no knowledge of canine husbandry and often began with little money and already rundown facilities. Because of their desperation to make money, puppy millers ignored the rules and regulations set by the Clubs code of ethics, which involves breed standards, and breed studies. The dogs were placed in tight conditions, due to lack of space, and all they had were old chicken hutches to keep the dogs confined. They provided no socialization because most of them live in remote areas where there was little or no other human contact. No veterinary care was provided to the dogs because the farmers could not afford it. Animal welfare organizations investigated these conditions, and were successful in focusing national attention on the conditions of puppy mills.

Mastiff breeders are becoming more and more concerned with the large number of poorly bred puppies that are being sold to the unsuspecting puppy buyer. Many of these puppies end up having numerous health problems and poor temperaments. We have been working together and have come up with a list that we feel could be indications of an inferior bred puppy, and what you, the puppy buyer, should be aware of when searching for your new addition. These red flags are listed below.

First and foremost, NEVER purchase a puppy from a pet store. These puppies are usually raised by irresponsible backyard breeders or puppy mills and rarely have any pedigree or health information available. You should also never buy from someone that sits in front of a store and has a box of adorable little puppies for sale.

Listed below are some of the red flags you may want to watch for when searching for a responsible breeder.....

Lack of health testing of parents before breeding - may mention they "know their lines" and testing is unnecessary. Responsible breeders feel strongly that health testing is necessary to limit the chance of producing an unhealthy puppy. If absolutely no health testing can be verified, you should look for a puppy elsewhere.

Pedigrees that display "convenience breeding" rather than selected breeding. A dedicated breeder will have selected the two dogs they breed to produce puppies very carefully, and will be familiar with all their parents. Some indications of "convenience breeding" or puppy mill breeding are no champions, very young or old parents, and/or the breeder is unfamiliar with any of the dogs in the pedigree. Ask for a 3 generation pedigree. Beware of a breeding that may have been done from convenience or a puppy mill, rather than a thoughtful selection for the best possible puppy.

Someone that produces puppies in mass quantities and/or is breeding several different breeds of dogs at one time. This can be a tricky one.... Some very responsible breeders produce higher amounts of puppies than others breeders. They health test their dogs, take good care of them, participate in show events, and produce some very nice puppies. Not all responsible breeders are the same and this is where the pedigree research and a close relationship with your breeder comes into play. The goal here is to AVOID puppy mills.

Someone that can not answer breed specific questions. A responsible breeder should always be able to give you specific information about the breed, such as known health issues that are associated with that breed.

Someone that does not register their dogs with an Official Kennel . If a breeder does not offer Official Kennel  registration, it is usually because the parents are not registered and very likely came from a backyard breeder or puppy mill. Puppies from UNKNOWN sire/dam should be always avoided.

Someone that fails to ask you (the buyer) questions about your home, family, environment for the puppy, etc. A responsible breeder cares deeply for the health and happiness of the puppies they produce. Their goal is to make sure all their puppies go to a safe, secure, loving home and if they fail to ask you questions, it's a good indication that they do NOT put the well being of their puppies first. You should continue your search for a breeder that cares deeply about their puppies.

A low priced puppy is more than likely a poorly bred puppy. Responsible breeders spend large amounts of money on reproduction, health, showing, etc. There are too many expenses to list at this time, but if you see a puppy priced very low, chances are you would not be getting a quality bred puppy. Another indication is a breeder that charges a low amount and/or allows their puppies to be purchased on credit. We feel that if a puppy must be purchased on credit, the family may not be financially secure enough to take care of unexpected medical expenses. Mastiffs are a giant breed and vet care can become very expensive in no time. Back yard breeders and puppy mills can and do sometimes charge higher amounts for their puppies to "mask' their poor breeding. They fool people into believing that a higher priced puppy is a well bred puppy. This is not true and again, pedigree research becomes very important.

Differences in breeding conditions

Responsible breeders raise their animals with the intent to produce a healthy dog, and to provide a quality pet for responsible owners.Good breeders will take into consideration breed-specific health problems, genetic screening, physical condition, age of the dog and temperament before producing litters. Good breeders carefully nurture the mothers and the puppies they produce. They constantly check the puppies' health, and ensure they are properly socialized.

In contrast, dogs bred in puppy mills are usually kept in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. They usually do not receive adequate food, water or veterinary care. Both breeding dogs and their puppies tend to be housed in extremely cramped conditions, often exposed to the elements. Females are sometimes forced to breed every time they are in heat to increase profits, resulting in gradually decreasing sizes of litters.As puppies, mill dogs are weaned from their mothers well before the eight to ten weeks recommended. Dogs in puppy mills are often bred indiscriminately. While the puppies produced may come with pedigrees, the pedigree itself is neither an indication of quality nor authenticity.
 

Media coverage

On May 29, 2008, MSNBC aired a report about puppy mills, in which Oprah Winfrey revealed an industry fraught with problems and apparent cruelty. The broadcast showed puppy mills with small cages, with chicken wire floors, stacked in rows from floor to ceiling, and stated that many dogs spend their entire lives within these tiny cages. Many of these dogs are sold on the internet or by pet retailers to buyers who are unaware of the dogs' background. The report claimed that customers who object to this treatment of puppies unknowingly allow the industry to thrive. It also pointed out that many of the puppy mill bred dogs suffer long-term health problems

Of course, there are exceptions to the above, but we feel that this is a good place to start. Our goal is to help the puppy buyer find a responsible breeder who can provide them with a healthy, happy puppy. If we can help you or answer any of your questions, please feel free to contact us.

SOURCE :Jann Lanz