Copyright © Barron van Houten. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or use of any images or material
contained in this site without the express, written permission of Barron van Houten is prohibited.
F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)
1) What is the price of a puppy?
    -Generally, Mastiff pups range from $1500 - $3000 USD, Neapolitan Mastiff pups
    range from $2500 - $3500 USD, and Bulldog pups range from $2500 - $3000 USD.
    The price will depend upon the pedigree and quality of the puppy. From time to time
    we get requests for the pick of the litter pup. The premium for this pup is usually an
    additional $500-$1,000 USD and guarantees the new owner first choice of a pup
    regardless of their previous position on the waiting list. The decision to purchase a
    puppy should not be made on the basis of price alone but also on the quality,
    pedigree, and health status of the dam & sire. Please be a responsible buyer and
    help us to protect and preserve these wonderful animals by not supporting puppy
    mills. If you simply desire to own one of these dogs as a pet and are not concerned
    with show potential, pedigrees, or health testing then may I recommend the following
    three sites: Bulldog Rescue Network,  Mastiff Rescue and Neapolitan Mastiff Rescue.

2) Are the puppies registered?
    -Yes, all of our dogs are registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and all
    puppies will come with an AKC Registration application used to transfer the "Full"
    registration into your name. We also voluntarily DNA register all of our stud dogs and
    bitches with the AKC's DNA Database. We believe that all reputable breeders should
    voluntarily participate in this program to assure all new puppy owners that the
    pedigree of their new dog is accurate. In my years involved with dogs I have seen
    many blatant, if not outright fraudulent, misrepresentations of parentage and
    pedigree from unscrupulous breeders.

3) Are you able to ship the puppy to another state or out of the country?
    -Yes, but due to the high heat during the Summer or extreme cold during the Winter
    shipping may not be an option at those times. During shipping blackouts it may be
    necessary for you to fly here, pick up the pup, and then fly home with the pup as
    carry-on. Shipping charges will be added to the price of the puppy.  Arrangements
    have to be made in advance in order to secure a scheduled flight. Shipment to any
    airport within the continental United States can usually be done for approximately
    $300 (flight, shipping crate, and veterinary certificate) but the price will fluctuate,
    especially due to fuel prices. I will provide you an exact price quote prior to booking a
    flight.

4) Does the puppy come with a written health guarantee or contract?
5) What forms of payment do you accept?
    -Wire transfer to my bank account, bank/official cheque, money order or cash.
    Unfortunately, I have encountered some dishonest people in the past and credit card
    fraud is very common so I DO NOT accept personal cheques or credit cards
    (including Paypal). No matter which payment method you use no pup will be released
    or shipped from my kennel until payment in full has been received (bank/official
    cheques must clear my bank).

6) What type of dog food do you recommend?
    -Opinions regarding what to feed your dog are just about as varied as the people you
    will meet
    who give you their opinion. Some breeders swear by whole foods such as meat to
    avoid allergies to common commercial dog food components and others by various
    mixes of dog food brands. Personally, I have found that my dogs to very well on
    Iams/Eukanuba and Bil-Jac products. The foundation of good health is proper
    nutrition and exercise. I do not know of anyone who would even think about feeding
    their small children only bread and water. The resulting nutritional deficiencies would
    cause stunted growth and all kinds of other health problems. Yet, I continually see
    people who do the nutritional equivalent to their dogs by feeding them the cheapest
    thing they can find on the store shelf. These are often the same people who wonder
    why the "show" dog they bought turns out looking less than spectacular and why they
    seem to be taking more trips each year to the veterinarian. Seriously folks, if $30-60
    USD per month for a premium dog food is too expensive for your budget then a
    Mastiff or Neapolitan Mastiff is not the dog for you!

7) Do Mastiffs and Neapolitan Mastiffs require obedience training?
    -Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! All dogs should receive obedience training and
    socialization.
    Training and socialization can be formal with a professional instructor or performed by
    you. Any
    dog that is not properly socialized to other people and other animals can exhibit
    aggressive or
    protective behavior when it is not appropriate. Also, although these dogs are gentle
    and very
    lovable they do grow to be rather large. You do not want a 200 pound (91kg) dog
    pulling at its lead while you are trying to walk it or running off after a strange dog while
    your hand is still wrapped around the other end. Believe me, you will not be able to
    stop them at that point. Obedience and socialization should begin the first day you
    receive the puppy and continue through out its entire life.

8) Are Mastiffs and Neapolitan Mastiffs good with kids?
    -Mastiffs and Neapolitan Mastiffs are some of the most loving and loyal dogs you will
    ever
    encounter. But, they are not for everyone. Many of the puppies can easily top 100
    pounds (45.5kg) by the end of their first year with many of the males topping 200
    pounds (91kg) by the end of their second year. As with any dog, they get excited to
    see their master and family. A dog of that size accidentally stepping on a small child
    or falling on one can cause unintended injury. And, one whack of a happy mastiff's
    wagging tail can easily clear everything off of a table. Therefore, care should be
    taken around small children and they should never be left unattended around them to
    avoid accidents.