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Despite their intimidating looks, Neapolitan Mastiffs are actually quite gentle natured when it comes to people. They are loyal family members who form strong bonds with their owners and will protect them fiercely if needed. While they’re powerful guard dogs, those who own them know that they will occasionally attempt to crawl into nearby laps. Neapolitan Mastiffs tend to be quiet dogs but can be very vocal when expressing themselves or warning off intruders.
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Despite their intimidating looks, Neapolitan Mastiffs are actually quite gentle natured when it comes to people. They are loyal family members who form strong bonds with their owners and will protect them fiercely if needed. While they’re powerful guard dogs, those who own them know that they will occasionally attempt to crawl into nearby laps. Neapolitan Mastiffs tend to be quiet dogs but can be very vocal when expressing themselves or warning off intruders.
Questions To Ask A Breeder
- Are you are registered breeder?
- Can we meet in person?
- Have they been socialised?
Breed Characteristics
Grooming
Exercise
Size Range
The Ultimate Neapolitan Mastiff Guide
About Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiffs, also known as Mastinos or Neos, are large and powerful dogs that have been around since the days of ancient Rome. They are known for their massive size, muscular build, and distinct wrinkled skin. Although they have a fearsome appearance, they are actually quite gentle and loyal companions. One of the most distinguishing features of this breed is their thick and wrinkly skin which gives them an even more intimidating appearance. This skin folds over the entire body including the face, neck, chest, back, belly, legs and tail which also adds to their unique look.
Lifespan
7 to 9 years
Weight
50 to 68 kg
Height
60 to 79 cm
Grooming
This breed has a short coat that requires brushing 1-2 times a week to remove dead hair and maintain the natural oils in its fur. The Neapolitan Mastiff’s facial folds should be cleaned regularly with warm water and an antibacterial cleanser to prevent bacteria from building up and causing infection. These wrinkles should also be dried thoroughly after bathing or swimming in order to prevent any accumulation of dirt or moisture.
Origins
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large, ancient dog breed that has been around for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean area, specifically in Southern Italy around what is now known as Naples. The Neapolitan Mastiff’s ancestors were bred by the ancient Romans to protect their livestock and property from predators and thieves.
The Neapolitan Mastiff’s exact origin is unclear, but it is believed that they descended from the Tibetan Mastiff and other Molosser-type dogs of Asia Minor. It is also thought that they may have been bred with local herding dogs found in Southern Italy. The Neapolitan Mastiff was once used for various purposes such as hunting, guarding, cart pulling, fighting, and even attending bullfights. The breed became known as one of the most powerful guard dogs of its time.
In the 20th century, the Neapolitan Mastiff was nearly extinct due to World War II and the lack of breeding programs in Europe after the war ended. However, a few remaining specimens were discovered, and breeder Dr. Piero Scanziani worked hard to revive this breed by creating a breed standard based on his personal knowledge and observations of existing specimens.
Today’s modern Neapolitan Mastiffs still possess many of the same qualities they had hundreds of years ago; however they are now much more docile than their ancestors due to selective breeding. Despite this change in behaviour, these large dogs still make great companions for those looking for a loyal companion or guardian for their family or home.
Key Characteristics Of Neapolitan Mastiffs
Are Neapolitan Mastiffs Family-Friendly?
Yes, Neapolitan Mastiffs are typically considered to be family-friendly. They are loyal, protective dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They can be good with children if they are socialised and trained properly. However, they are not recommended for first-time dog owners, as their immense size and strength make them difficult to handle.
Common Health Issues & Considerations
Neapolitan Mastiffs may suffer from:
Cherry eye
Periodontal disease
Bacterial infections
Nature / Temperament
Dignified, Loyal, Watchful, Relaxed, Loving
Suitable Environment
The most important factor when creating a home environment for a Neapolitan Mastiff is space. As they are large dogs, they need plenty of room to move around and play. This means providing them with an area of the house that has plenty of space for them to roam and stretch out. They aren’t well suited to apartments simply due to their size, despite being mostly couch potatoes indoors.
Other Considerations
● A Neapolitan Mastiff can tend to be lazy, so their owner will need to motivate them to get out and exercise.
● Mastinos are sometimes clumsy and can have trouble navigating stairs, especially while they are young.
● Neapolitan Mastiff puppies can be playful and outgoing, but it’s important to prevent a lot of jumping or stair climbing until their bodies have developed fully.
How can I take good care of my Neapolitan Mastiff?
Nutrition
A Neapolitan Mastiff puppy should be fed a premium diet that includes high-quality protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. In addition to providing a balanced diet tailored to the needs of this breed, it is also important to monitor portion sizes carefully in order to prevent obesity. A slow rate of weight gain is ideal; rapid weight gain can put extra strain on joints which can lead to health issues. Clean, fresh drinking water should always be available.
Neapolitan Mastiff puppies will generally eat between 3 and 4 meals a day during the first 6 months of their life, after which they may transition over to 2 meals a day. If you have any questions about how much food your pet should be eating each day, contact your veterinarian for advice.
Grooming
The Neapolitan Mastiff needs regular grooming in order to maintain its health and keep its coat looking beautiful. Regular brushing will help prevent matting while keeping dirt and debris out of its fur, while regular bathing will help keep its wrinkly skin healthy and free from irritation or infection.
Recommended Grooming Tips
Bathing should be done no more than once every 3 months or as needed, using a mild shampoo designed for dogs. It is important to avoid over-bathing, which can strip the skin of its natural oils.
A Neapolitan Mastiff’s ears should be checked and cleaned on a weekly basis with a cotton ball dipped in warm water or an ear cleaning solution specifically made for dogs.
The nails of the Neapolitan Mastiff need to be trimmed at least once per month in order to keep them from becoming too long and uncomfortable. A professional groomer can provide this service if it is not possible to do it at home safely.
Exercise
It’s important to make sure your Neapolitan Mastiff gets enough exercise and mental stimulation in order to prevent boredom and destructive behaviour. Also, because they are a large breed, it’s important to start them off slowly with any physical activity to avoid injury.
Training
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large, powerful dog that requires an experienced owner with plenty of patience and dedication. They need early and consistent socialisation, training, and exercise. Training is essential for the Neapolitan Mastiff as they are highly intelligent and responsive to commands. Any training program should be done with positive reinforcement such as food rewards or verbal praise to encourage desired behaviours.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are sensitive dogs; they do not respond well to harsh corrections or punishments. It is important to remain patient during training sessions and use positive methods such as praise, treats or toys when necessary. The owner should also set realistic expectations for their dog; some behaviours may take longer than others to master.
You may opt to enrol your Mastino in puppy training classes; if you do, ensure that the training program uses positive reinforcement methods.
This is general information and should not be relied on for adopting or purchasing advice.
Most Asked Neapolitan Mastiff Questions
No, Neapolitan Mastiff puppies should not live outdoors. They are a large breed and are susceptible to extreme temperatures. They need to be kept in a warm, comfortable environment and ideally should live indoors as a part of the family.
Housetraining a Neapolitan Mastiff puppy can be a challenging task due to their large size and stubborn nature. The key is to start early and be consistent with your training methods. Establish a routine, use positive reinforcement, reward good behaviour and remain patient throughout the process. It is also important to keep in mind that these puppies may take longer than other breeds to learn and understand new commands, so you should be prepared for the occasional accident!
Your first stop for a Neapolitan Mastiff for sale should be reputable breeders with a good deal of experience in breeding them. Neapolitan Mastiff puppies from good breeders will end up better behaved and longer-lived than otherwise. The average cost of a Neapolitan Mastiff for sale is typically between AUD $1500 and $5000.
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