Reputable Breeders

[Ivy]

I have been looking for a Pyrenean Mastiff breeder here in Canada, but with no luck.
My question is, if there are no local reputable breeders, how do you make sure one of the long distance ones are good or not? It's not like I can go there and see the parents on site or anything.

[Lizmo]

Well, there are multiple things you can do. One, call and talk to them over the phone. Email and ask lots of questions. If you're able, find a forum/Yahoo Group that is specifically for this breed and ask what they think of the breeder.

Another thing is to research pedigrees. See what dogs are where. It will give you a feel for other dogs, too, not just from the breeder you're looking at.

[Fransheska101]

Originally Posted by Ivy

I have been looking for a Pyrenean Mastiff breeder here in Canada, but with no luck.
My question is, if there are no local reputable breeders, how do you make sure one of the long distance ones are good or not? It's not like I can go there and see the parents on site or anything.

Reputation,maybe talk to those who have bought puppies from that breeder,of course check pedigrees/health testing stuff. Talk to the breeder over the phone, ask a bunch of questions!

[Ivy]

Originally Posted by Fransheska101

Reputation,maybe talk to those who have bought puppies from that breeder

Is that sort of information readily available for potential puppy buyers? I would think that they would not give out other peoples contact info, but I may be wrong.

As for the health testing, how would I get them to prove they have had all the necessary health testing?

Sorry for all the questions, but I have never gotten a pup from a breeder. I don't want to screw this up especially considering the size of these dogs!!

[Lizmo]

I don't think they would give out the contact information, but you might ask if they have any updates about previous puppies and pictures?

[Ivy]

Originally Posted by Lizmo

I don't think they would give out the contact information, but you might ask if they have any updates about previous puppies and pictures?

Yes there are lots of pictures and little blurbs about past litters.
They claim that many of their dogs that have been in shows and such, but how do I find out if they are telling the truth?

[mom2dogs]

I would contact the president of the Pyrenean Mastiff Club of America and ask for their recommendation (Pyrenean Mastiff Mastin De Los Pirinoes Mastin del Pirineo Pyrenean Mas Pyrenean Mastiff Mastin De Los Pirinoes Mastin del Pirineo Pyrenean Mas Pyrenean Mastiff Mastin De Los Pirinoes Mastin del Pirineo Pyrenean Mas Pyrenean Mastiff Masti).

Talk. . . and ask about their breeding goals, health, involvement, and accomplishments. Make sure you agree with their breeding practices, and the way their rear their puppies. Those are most important to me, so you will have to think about what YOU want in a breeder, and go about bringing it up.

[Lizmo]

Like mom2dogs said, contact the Club and get there opinion.

As far as telling the truth, I would just try to talk to them as much as possible.

[mom2dogs]

Originally Posted by Ivy

Yes there are lots of pictures and little blurbs about past litters.
They claim that many of their dogs that have been in shows and such, but how do I find out if they are telling the truth?

Simply ask. Do they have certificates? Photos? Judge's reviews? As for health testing, again, ask for documentation. Any breeder who refuses, is easy to walk away from.

[mom2dogs]

Originally Posted by Ivy

Yes there are lots of pictures and little blurbs about past litters.
They claim that many of their dogs that have been in shows and such, but how do I find out if they are telling the truth?

The national club also has a list of Ch. on their website, you might want to ask when it was updated, though:
Pyrenean Mastiff / Mastin De Los Pirinoes.