Silverwillow Mastiffs

We do not have any litters planned in the foreseeable future.  We have decided not to breed any of the mastiffs we have now, and do not have any immediate plans for anymore.  We feel our dogs deserve the care, attention and activity that we can best provide with just the two of them, at this time. 

We would, however, be more than happy to refer you to other reputable breeders or answer any questions you have.

If you are interested in adopting a Mastiff  - please visit the Available page on the Canadian Mastiff Club website to view dogs in need of forever homes.

When looking at any breeder these are the things I suggest:

Be sure to ask to see all the health testing.  At absolute minimum the parents (and hopefully) grandparents should have:

• OFA, OVC or Pennhip testing done on the hips.
• OFA or OVC done on the elbows
• Cardiac testing
• PRA DNA (either the actual test or clear through parentage)
• CERF (eye examination)

If I was buying a puppy I’d also want VwD (a bleeding disorder), thyroid (can cause temperament problems) and cystinuria.

Ask to see copies of the parents registration papers.  Puppies will only be registerable in Canada if the dam has CKC papers and the stud has papers from his country of residence. 

Do they show their dogs?  While it is not imperative that a puppy’s parents are champions – it is important that the breeder understand the breed standard and that their breedings strive to improve their dogs.  Conformation is important, many things in the Breed Standard directly link to health, form and function.  For example, a mastiff with a straight rear could be prone to cruciate problems; or a mastiff with too long a back may be at risk for Wobbler's.  Showing also is a test of a dog’s temperament – can they handle stressful situations?  Are they dog /people aggressive away from the home?  We are seeing more and more temperament problems coming from poorly bred mastiffs.  If they aren’t shown in conformation – do they do therapy work, have temperament testing done (i.e. CGN, TDI, CGC or a working dog title)?  Mastiff are large dogs and temperament is essential.

Ask why they have chosen to do this breeding.  How do they hope it will improve the breed?

Visit their home.  What are the living conditions?  Meet both parents if possible and get a feel for their temperaments.  Make sure you feel comfortable with the breeders – you should have a relationship with them for the life of the dog.  I will never, ever buy a pup without visiting the home, or having someone I trust do so, again.  If I am going to financially support a breeder - I want to be darn sure I know what kind of environment the dogs are kept in.

Do they belong to a breed club?  Most reputable breeders in this area will either belong to the Canadian Mastiff Club and/or the Mastiff Club of America.  Both have Code of Ethics that a breeder must adhere to.   The Canadian Mastiff Club requires that its members submit the health testing on the sire and dam before a breeding takes place; the results are made public on the club's website.

What age are the parents?  I wouldn’t breed before 24 months (for both males and females) when you are able to see how the dog has matured and all health testing can be completed.  I’ve seen many mastiffs that were nice as puppies and teenagers that never matured into half decent adults.   Girls should not be bred after 7 years (preferably much younger).

Ask about how often the female has been bred – are they pumping out puppies not allowing the female to recover in between breedings?  How many litters does the breeder produce in a year?

How are the pups socialized?  What age do they let them go?  Pups should never, ever leave before 8 weeks – I prefer a little longer as long as they are staying with their siblings.  Dogs learn a lot about bite inhibition and how to be a dog from littermates and their mother.

Ask to see the contract beforehand and read it carefully.  If there’s something you don’t agree with – don’t be shy.  Canadian bred mastiffs should be sold on non-breeding contracts – these can be lifted when certain health/showing requirements are met.  If you are asked to enter into a co-ownership, think about it carefully before agreeing.

And ask for references – and follow up on them.  Ask around the mastiff community, as well.

Please have a look at the Canadian Mastiff Club website for further information about the breed, health and much more.

If you have any questions or would like more information - don't hesitate to contact me.

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader.
He will be yours, faithful & true, to the last beat of his heart.
You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."
-Author Unknown