Instructions
Choose your breeding dogs. If you are the owner of a breeding female, you will want to take every care in choosing an appropriate stud dog. The dog should be in excellent health, possess a great personality and have a clean record as far as genetic mutations. There are genetic tests available for determining a dog's predisposition for certain diseases common to mastiffs, such as hip dysplasia as well as heart and eye problems. Owners of a stud will want to perform a similar background check when assessing a female's potential.
Negotiate the stud fees with the owners of your prospective stud or female. You can expect the fee for a reputable stud to be as high as $1,000 or more. Some owners will request 'pick of the litter' in lieu of or along with any monetary fee.
Determine the actual breeding date. Some breeders will want to bring a female mastiff directly to the chosen stud when she begins her heat cycle. Others arrange for an artificial insemination. If you prefer artificial insemination, many veterinarians or professional breeders offer this service. If you are the owner of the stud, your involvement ends at this point; but the fun is just beginning for the owners of the female.
Advertise the impending arrivals, if you haven't already, with prospective buyers. The best time to do this is before the puppies are born.
After the birth, be sure to give your puppies the full round of necessary shots and immunizations. This usually requires several trips to the vet, which can be costly. Puppy care is never cheap, and if you have a large litter, you could have a vet bill well into the thousands of dollars.
Once your puppies are weaned, they will be ready to be sold to qualified buyers.
How to Breed Mastiffs
For anyone considering dog breeding, there are a number of things to consider. This is especially true in the case of the mastiff. Known for their large stature and faithful, friendly dispositions, mastiffs are beloved by dog owners around the world. Choosing to breed this outstanding dog takes time, dedication and overall a love of the breed.