I'm partial to English mastiffs. Been involved with the breed for 20+ years and at one time had as many as 16 ( some were rescues, but with a little work they became excellent companions). Keep in mind that any breed can be overly aggressive if not properly socialized. Also, each breed has their own unique health issues that a proper breeder should be aware of and testing for.
If you haven't already, make a list of the breeds you have an interest in and see of you can locate the breeders club. For example, for English mastiffs, mastiffs.org is a good site.
No matter which breed you decide on, make absolutely sure you get a written health guarantee. If you run across a breeder that doesn't screen for an issue "because they've never had problems" .....steer clear. However, if they have proof that their breeding stock had been tested and this is documented, then that is a good start. Also, a responsible breeder should screen you as well. That indicates that they have the animal and your best interests in mind.
I'm at work so I can't get too deep into a post, but for example with English mastiffs, you would want to see that the sire and dam were screened for: PRA, CMR, and either a Penn score or OFA rating for hips and elbows. There are other genetic conditions to screen for, but I feel at a minimum, these should be done.
Good luck!
Last edited by almostgone; 11-12-2013 at 10:07 PM.
Reason: dumb@ss smartphone....
There are 3 loves in my life: my wife, my English mastiffs, and my weightlifting....Man, my wife gets really pissed when I get the 3 confused...
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