Tips for Mastiff Studding

Breeding mastiffs can be either rewarding or disastrous. The mastiff breeds can be difficult and expensive dogs to breed. Before making a mastiff available for stud purposes, the owner must be confident that his animal is typical of the breed and possesses a stable temperament. The dog must also be free of health problems, particularly genetic abnormalities that can be passed onto future generations.

  1. Ethical Considerations

    • Never breed a mastiff from a pet store.

      According to Laura Hagey, an American Kennel Club mastiff judge, more mastiffs are registered with the AKC than any other giant dog breed. Because mastiffs are well-represented in the U.S., before deciding to stud out an animal, the owner must decide if the particular individual can contribute positively to the breed as a whole. Many mastiffs are mediocre and an animal used for breeding should possess superior qualities to warrant siring puppies. You should never consider breeding a mastiff purchased at a pet store; those dogs are not well bred to begin with.

    Health Checks

    • Socialize your mastiff early on, as he ages, he becomes harder to handle if he is not well behaved.

      Mastiffs used for breeding should be tested for heart problems and for both hip and elbow dysplasia. They should also have their thyroids tested and be examined for any genetic eye conditions. The majority of reputable breeders guarantee their puppies against genetic defects.

    Specific Considerations

    • The Neopolitan Mastiff, seen here, was recognized by the AKC in 2004.

      Mastiffs should be at least 18 months old before you consider breeding them. Mastiffs used for stud should be examined by experienced, reputable judges to gauge their quality. Reputable breeders typically show their dogs to prove that they are competitive against quality mastiffs. The most highly regarded breeders only use their champion dogs for stud purposes.

    Make Informed Decisions

    • The Tibetan Mastiff is aloof but watchful.

      Responsible mastiff breeding will cost, rather than make, the owner money. It is expensive to rear mastiff puppies correctly. High quality food, preventive veterinary treatments and inoculations do not come cheaply, and training the puppies is time-consuming. Both the virtues and faults of the potential stud dog must be considered. Breeders should look for common ancestors in the pedigrees of the dog and bitch. Line breeding in this way often combines many of the positive characteristics, particularly when breeding two superior dogs together.