Has anyone ever bought a dog from abroad?

Welshwoofs

My boy (Neapolitan Mastiff) is just getting to 6 now and I'm thinking ahead to what I would have as my next dog and whether I would over-lap them.

Anyway, I don't want another Neapolitan Mastiff straight away as my lad has terrible hip dysplasia and now problems with his elbow. Having been a giant Mastiff owner I'm also well aware of the massive drawbacks - for instance having to reccy a walk before I take him on it because if there's any styles we have to turn back. Having to buy a bigger car, get collars and beds hand-made etc etc. However I love Mastiffs and I'd like to stay within that general family of breeds.

I'm thinking of a Cane Corso, which is the agile, light end of the Mastiff spectrum (photos below in case anyone's interested). The problem is that they're barely known in this country and there are only a couple of reputable breeders....most of these dogs are coming out of Itay (they're an Italian breed, like the Neapolitan) and it's likely that you'd have to go there to get a decent one, though there's a couple of good breeders in Holland too.

The question is...well actually there's 2 questions:

1. Does anyone have any experience of buying a puppy from abroad and what are the things to look out for?
2. Would you 'over lap' dogs i.e. introduce a puppy into a middle aged (very dog friendly) dog's environment or not? I don't have 'puppy broodyness' - it's more a case of I'm wondering whether it's better for a pup to learn from a well behaved adult or whether a pup would be a nuisance to an older dog and you should only get a pup when your first dog has passed (which I hope isn't any time soon!)


Black Cane Corso playing 'stalk' in the snow



Blue Cane Corso without the stupid ear cropping (but still with stupid tail cropping)

ka7e

Try the Champdogs forum, I know there are some people on there that have imported dogs/puppies.

Or try the Friends of Cane Corso, you have to register to get access to their forum, so not sure how active it is!

http://www.thefocc.com/xoops/index.php

jerrispringer

hi. friends of mine send dogs to europe all the time and have no problem. the puppies dont go until they're 6 months old i think, but also they've had some owners come and collect them, and take them back with them, which could be an option for you?

speak to a few breeders and have a look at the requirements and go from there.

Notsosharp

I thought that breed was one of the banned breeds under the dangerous dogs act?

Welshwoofs

jerrispringer wrote: »

hi. friends of mine send dogs to europe all the time and have no problem. the puppies dont go until they're 6 months old i think, but also they've had some owners come and collect them, and take them back with them, which could be an option for you?

I'd have no problems with going to get one, no.

Notsosharp wrote: »

I thought that breed was one of the banned breeds under the dangerous dogs act?

:huh: Huh? Erm.....no. Why would you think that???

Pthree

I also thought Cane Corsos were a banned breed in the UK, not sure why but hey ho they are stunning looking dogs!

Although I am a massive Neo fan from what I have seen they aren't really the same "type" of dog in personality, temperament but have a lot of the same health issues. I am sure you have already seen it but http://www.canecorso.org.uk/ it might be worth getting in touch with these people, they have rescue links and may be able to let you know about pups etc.

The cost of importing rare pedigrees is massive, or at least it was (for any breed) so unless your planning on trying to make a mint of of pups (which I am sure you arent!) then it may not be worth it , but my personal knowledge is a good few years old, I would be interesting in hearing if it has changed.

Here is the breed rescue, may be worth a call http://www.canecorsoukmolosserrescue.com/dogs-in-need.php although I do have to say,this is not a breed I would take from rescue, as you just never know.*

P3

* I do realise this is a bit daft but as much as I supprt rescue all the way, there are certain breeds would not give a chance too as you never "know" what they have been taught.

Im getting ready to be shot down in flames now

P3

Notsosharp

I read somewhere that they were, but it was actually in Germany they're banned.

Sorry, my bad

pawsies

Notsosharp wrote: »

I thought that breed was one of the banned breeds under the dangerous dogs act?

Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasilerio
Pitbull
Japanese Tosa are the only banned breeds



OP- you didn't mention rescues but I found a few mastiff type rescues if you're interested? Not sure what you're after but here's a few.

http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/kia1090785.aspx#.UBRTx2HLyrY
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/forbes1045945.aspx#.UBRT12HLyrY
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/stella1046153.aspx#.UBRT6WHLyrY
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/pamela1061431.aspx#.UBRT6GHLyrY

gettingready

A friend of mine got a Cane Corso - she is back in Poland now. She is also heavily involved in rescuing this type of dogs. Lovely dogs.

I do not believe importing a dog would be that expensive - you buy a dog from a breeder and bring the dog over, lots of people do....

One of the good breeders that gets mentioned on Polish forums is this one:

http://www.delorte.pl/

Unfortunately their website is in Polish....with a bit of English thrown in...

It is only 24 hgours drive (more less) to Poland and with no quarantinne... easy to bring a dog over here.

shegirl

The blue is stunning!

Mossop93

Not much help I know but, I've been madly in love with these dogs for years. Gentle giant perfectly describes them but would have no clue how to go about getting one because, as you said, no one seems to breed them in the UK.

So could you pretty pretty please let me know how it goes when/if you get one in terms of getting them back over to here and how you went about making sure they were coming from a decent breeder etc? Sorry again, I know that doesn't help much but I'd love to get one one day.

I would also say if people really want to see something amazing look at the puppy and compare it to the first picture. It reminds me of caterpillars and butterflies. It goes from a tiny adorable puppy to a giant bear a cuddly, loyal one though. Sorry I'm rambling! I shall shhh now haha x