Mastiff Breeder

Question
After a lot of research I have decided on a breeder to obtain an English Mastiff from.  However, I notice that they have one of their dogs for stud that has long hair, and from what I have read this is a known fault for mastiffs.  My questions is should I question the integrity of a breeder who is breeding a dog with a known fault?  I'm not planning on showing the dog, but it just makes me wonder about other things.

Answer
You are absolutely right in questioning this breeder. What made you decide on this breeder? Did you ask for proof of all health checks and screenings, ect? Does he show his dogs or compete with them in obedience or some other sport? Does he only use his own studs? Most breeders will use studs from another breeder. Not all, but enough to ask. The pairing has to be the best possible, and most of the time this means not using one of your own studs.
I doubt he shows dogs if he is breeding them with a known fault. I would ask the breeder about this, why he would be breeding this dog. Some people prefer the long coats, but it is not common. He may want to breed long-coated mastiffs, or something along those lines. Of course the dogs should all fit the standard in all other ways. They should be registered, be tattooed or microchipped, and have at least the first shots. The pups should not leave the breeder until at least 8 weeks.
If this is a repuatable breeder in every way except for that one stud, just ask.

I hope I have helped. If you need anything else, just ask.

Emily