Instructions
Research mastiff breeders in your area. Most expert, reputable breeders include health guarantees on their puppies and have extensive knowledge of the breed's temperament and common physical problems. If possible, ask to interact with the mastiff litter to pick the right puppy for you.
Watch how the puppies interact with their litter mates for signs of their temperaments. Look to see if any particular dog is generally curious and open to your presence. The pup you're looking for is confident and friendly. A lick is usually a good sign of a pleasant, submissive puppy.
Be on the lookout for antisocial behaviors in the litter. Watch out for overly dominant puppies, because their behavior could lead to aggression. An absent-minded puppy could mean the dog has a lack of social intelligence. Be cautious of the stand-alone puppy most, because the chance that it will develop social problems with people and other dogs is quite high.
Check the puppy for common physical defects. As with most breeds, certain inherited health problems are specific to the mastiff breed. Look out for looseness in the hip joints (aka Canine Hip Dysplasia), and check the eyes for any discharge, redness, cloudiness or swelling.
Bring the puppy to be checked by a licensed veterinarian. Most reputable breeders give you a grace period during which you can have the puppy examined and returned in case of any notable health problems. Have the dog more closely evaluated for the breed's most common health problems, and then report any issues back to the breeder.
How to Pick a Mastiff Puppy
If you're ready to become the owner of a 200-lb. cuddle machine, then the mastiff breed is the right dog for you. The general temperament of the breed is affectionate and gentle, but that doesn't mean that all mastiff puppies are predisposed to a good temperament. When choosing a mastiff puppy, it is very important to look for certain behavioral and physical traits to make sure that you'll be living with a happy and healthy mastiff pup.