Your choice of a mastiff is one of the best ones you'll make they are amazing dogs the only two breeds id ever recommend would be mastiffs and Aussies congrats on a gorgeous baby!Warning, this is probably going to get long-winded, so if you want to just skip to puppy pictures, that's cool too.
Some of you probably saw thread about Bruno the rescue puppy that we had for only a few days, if not and you're interested, here is the link:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/bruno-new-pup-with-parvo.1509821/
It was an absolutely tragic experience and also left us with a major problem in regards to the safety of our next puppy.
Over the years we have come to understand that we are happiest as a two-dog household. When my husband and I met, we each had a dog that went pretty much everywhere with us (even to work daily at our respective jobs). Appreciation for a strong bond with our pups was actually one of the many things that drew us to each other. So when we lost dear TJ (lab/pit mix) at 15 this past fall, my husband was understandably lost without her. We have Sunny (2yr/sheltie) of course, and while he loves and plays with her, it's obvious that her special bond is with me.
In January DH decided that he was ready to start looking for another dog, and started by looking for large-breed mixes with a eye towards a mastiff cross. We found Bruno at the end of January, and tragedy followed.
If it were my decision alone, I would prefer to wait at least 6 months or so before bringing home another dog, but I completely understand and respect where DH is coming from. I met with our vet to discuss safety and options for our next dog. Everything that we already knew was confirmed... no unvaccinated/partially vaccinated dogs on the property for at least two years. 16wks would be the earliest possible age we can bring home a new pup.
After much discussion, DH and I narrowed down options. An adult rescue would be the obvious choice, but we have a young child and wide variety of animals on the property. (Its not just any dog that can be expected to live peaceably with a raccoon, after all) DH still had his heart set on a mastiff or mastiff mix, so a puppy (even at 4 months) is still the best fit for our situation.
After a few weeks of watching DH deal with FB dead ends, scammers and puppy mill jockeys, I stepped in again and suggested we find a good breeder rather than trust to FB and luck. AKC marketplace connected me to the perfect match.
We are so very lucky to have found the breeder that we are now working with. She is wonderful, and obviously cares a great deal about her dogs. I explained our situation and to my amazement, not only did she not hang up on me, she actually thanked me for my candor. She readily agreed to keep a pup for us until the 4 month mark, continue scheduled vaccines, and even begin socialization. Her largest (pick of the litter) male had been reserved, but the agreement fell through and he became available shortly before we first spoke.
So... we gave her a deposit for an absolutely adorable 4 week old English mastiff.
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We normally don't name animals until we get to know them, but since he'll be with the breeder much longer than usual we figured it would be in his best interest to go ahead and give him name. DH has the final say, and hasn't 100% decided yet, but it looks like its going to be Angus or Otis (most likely the latter)
He will be ready to come home mid May.
He is such a handsome boy!
