what do i need to know when buying a pet dog?

Question

i want a fawn bullmastiff...

Answer 1

ok....

First of all, buying an animal is a bad idea. Purebreeds have many problems that mutts don't have and it exploits dogs in puppy mills. Also, if you're wanting an animal based on appearance you're looking for a status symbol and are in it for the wrong reasons. I have worked at an animal shelter and saw great danes, mastiffs, and st. bernards that come in because someone thought it would be cool to have a huge dog and then realized it's not like having other dogs, especially when they age. Vet bills are costly and inevitable. You have a 5 year old dog with bad hips and weighs 180 lbs, what are you gonna do when it's gotta pee and can't walk?

Bullmastiffs are very large dogs who slober a great deal, take up a lot of space. They are very strong and came get around I don't know, 150 lbs at least. A dog that size is nearly impossible to control if he wants to get away or chase something. They are prone to joint problems and arthritis at a young age. This a breed that is only for a dedicated breed enthusiast who knows what to expect and has the resources to take care of such a large beast. If you're on Answers asking such a question you probably aren't an experienced pet owner. I'm not trying to be too harsh but I'm giving you an honest answer from experience.

Answer 2

First off read about the breed extensively... See that it fits our lifestyle
Things to consider are

Do they need a yard or room to romp
Are they known to bark, don't need a barker in an apartment
Do they need a lot of people interaction. If you work full time, will there be someone home with the dog.
Do they get along with children
Are there any special health concerns that happen in the breed that could place a financial burden on you.

Remember some dogs may be very attractive to you and you want one, I would love a golden retriever, but I work, live in an rented house ( do not want a dog that can eat the carpet) and do not have time for a larger dog, opted for the ankle biting chihuahua.

Answer 3

There are so many things to know when buying ANY dog. I have 2 bullies myself, each are 15 months old. Littermates - one is fawn and the other Red. My female is about 115, and my male is about 130. Average weights for this breed. We went through a great breeder who aims for sound tempermant above all. I always reccommend people who are looking for a dog to go to shows. They are a lot of fun and are full of viable information. Ask, ask, ask. You will find that most breeders will spend lots of time talking to you about the do's and dont's of thier breed.
I must say that Bullmastiffs are great dogs and great companions. They are also VERY beautiful animals - inside and out. They need just as much love as anyother dogs out there. The problem is - that A LOT of folks dont understand the breed. They think they are vicious animals, but they are the most kind hearted beasts in the world. People dont realize that these animals are used as BAIT in dog fights. This is because they are not biters. You must train these dogs to attack - and the sad thing is, people actually do. They will hold intruders down for days until someone comes along to help. They are great with kids also. THEY LOVE TO BE LOVED! They are very stubborn and independant animals who need a ton of time, patience and attention. They are not very athletic, yet they are very agile. They eat a lot - but not as much as you would think. Each of ours get 3-4 cups a day. thats it. There is so much more to say - just reasearch to make sure this is the right breed for you. Good luck

Answer 4

Ask yourself these questions.

1. Do you have the time for a dog? Will you be willing to spend the time it takes to train, housebreak, entertain, exercise and work with the dog. Remember, puppies pee 20-30 times a day, they need guidance and proper training and they don't like to be left alone for 8 hours a day, they don't have any control over the bladder or sphincter muscle until they are 6 months of age. So you'd have to be there to let the puppy out regularly or arrange for someone to help out.

2. Do you have the finances to properly vet your dog? Shots for puppies are every three weeks until 15 weeks of age then yearly. Average vet bill will run you $200. Spaying and neutering $200. Average annual cost for a dog with food, vet bills, toys etc is $1,400 a year.

3. Read everything you can on how to raise a puppy, and what to expect from that breed. Remember it's easy to screw up a dog and do things wrong.

4. Are you willing to spend the time to properly train and socialize the dog, making him/her a "good canine?" Are you up to being the "pack leader" 24/7? Because if you aren't, then the dog will have no choice but to be pack leader and take over your life.

5. Do you have the space for a 130lb dog? Some bullmastiff's grow to be over 180lbs. and are active breeds. When you go away on vacation do you have someone willing to watch a dog of that size? Kennels charge by weight when boarding.

If you answered YES to all of these questions and are willing to spend the next 11-14 years, money and energy to training and raising a dog then go for it. But if you have doubts I'd say no, there are enough dogs in pounds and rescues that their owners thought oh this puppy is so cute, but that cute puppy grows up into a dog, they aren't cute any more, and bad behavior that was considered cute as a puppy isn't cute as a dog and they aren't willing to spend the time correcting and training, instead they give it up.

Please think long and hard on your decision. It breaks my heart to see dogs given up because the owner wasn't informed on what it takes to raise a dog or wasn't willing to spend the time. Dogs are like children, they need to be entertained, exercised, they need rules, boundaries and limitations, they need a strong authority figure. But in all honesty the hard work is worth it, because no one will love you like a dog, they are loyal companions and they are great playmates, who ask for very little in return.

If you decide to get a bullmastiff, make sure the breeder is reputable, and they should ask you a ton of questions before they allow you to adopt the dog, that is the sign of a good breeder that truly cares about the breed, and not just some backyard breeder that is doing it for the money and couldn't care less who the dog goes to.

Good luck with your decision. Knowledge is power "read, read, read and research"

Answer 5

First you must decide how much time you have to invest into raising this pet as your baby. If you have little time on your hands, you might want to get a full grown dog that has already been house trained. Then you should think on how much money you are ready to spend on the vaccinations, spading or neutering. If you have little money you might want to get one that is already operated and vaccinated. The vets charge lots for that. If it's a pup, you will have to spend alot of time with it to grab him as soon as he wakes up or as soon as he finishes eating or drinking and take him or her out ASAP. That way the young pup will automaticly understand that duties go outside not inside. Teach your dog like if it was a human Baby. He wont understand right away, but with time he will learn alot faster if you are patient and take the time to talk to it. Most important love your pet, cherish your pet, even though it might eat your favorite book one day, he will be there the next day to cheer you up when you're down. Dont teach it to be a "guard dog" If your dog loves you, that will come by it's self.

Answer 6

Why all the large breed dog bashing? I've owned 5 Great Danes in my life (one of them was a rescue dog from a local shelter). I currenlty share my home with a 120 pound Great Dane who is wonderful...it's NOT the large breed that causes problems for owners...its people that don't research the breeds that cause problems for the dogs.

Yes, my dog costs more than averag to feed.
Yes, she will probably incur more vet fees than most when she ages due to issues commom to Danes such as cancer, spinal issues, or bloat.
Yes, I have to research where to live so I know landlords will accept my large dog.

But...being a responsible dog owner I knew all these things BEFORE I ever got my first Great Dane.

They also provide more love and loyalty than any other dog breed I've been around...wouldn't trade that for any less cost etc.

Answer 7

a few things should be considered before buying a dog.
1 your family, would a breed with a tendancy to be high strung and nervous be a good pet with children for example.

2 repsonsibility, dogs need food water and walks everyday.

3 can u afford it

4 do you have the time for it

then you will need to determine where to get your dog. always buy from reputable breeders. ask for references and credentials. Do you homework before you go. Learn as much as you can about the breed you are interested in before you go. You dont want to get stuck with a dog that has problems because the breeder was irresponsible and didnt breed 2 well matched dogs or tell you about potential problems or concerns. A good breeder will offer a guarentee of health many of them for as much as up to 3 years after date of purchase. I breed Shetland sheepdogs (shelties) and offer a money back guarentee on all my dogs that i sell.

Answer 8

Allow me to say this, are you sure you can handle this breed when it is full grown? I have a Great Dane, and tho I love him very deeply, but I wished I had known someone who would have allowed me to keep their pet for about a week or so, then you will find out if your ready. Having a large breed can be a bother at times, Also the cost is alot more, the vet bills are more costly, the food is more costly. So if you know someone who has one that you can borrow for a week, that would be great. If not ask the owners of that breed. Ask them to be honest to you. Hope it works out let me know.

Answer 9

Go to a GOOD BREEDER. Someone who has been involved in the breed for years, actively shows and competes with their dogs and is successful.
Also important is the parent's physical condition and history (hip dysplasia is common in the breed), puppy contract and guarantee, and most important - the temperament of the parents and the puppy.
Expect to spend good money for a good dog.

Answer 10

I you would need to know that it is not a part time thing caring for an animal. You should be willing to sacrifice your time and energy walking, feeding, showing attention to etc etc etc. Study your breed to find out what he was bred for, for example; scent hounds are bred for tracking and are happy when they are tracking, if you were getting a scent hound I would recommend field trials etc. So whatever your dog was bred for, you may want to find ways to fulfill his instincts and he'll be a better, happier pet because of it. You'll need to know how to train it so you can enjoy it.