NEAPOLITAN MASTIFF
APPEARANCE
The Neapolitan Mastiff is one massive breed, with its muscular, boxy built, and large head.Neapolitan Mastiffs are characterized by loose skin over their entire bodies, with wrinkle and folds on the head and a large dewlap. The coat of the Neapolitan Mastiff is close fitting, short, and sleek, and the coloring includes gray, blue, mahogany, tawny, or black, sometimes with brindling. The weight of the Neapolitan Mastiff is around 110-134 pounds for females, and 133-160 pounds for males. The height is around 23-28 inches for females, and 25-30 inches for males.
PERSONALITY
The Neapolitan Mastiff is fearless and extremely protective of its home and family. They prefer to be with their family and to remain in and around the home at all times. They are not a dog to go and wander off. He is very affectionate, and surprisingly gentle. The Neapolitan Mastiff will shower love and affection on his family, and may bond more closely with one particular person. This is not the dog for those that cannot commit to a pet, as he needs attention and affection from his owner.
TRAINING
As a breed the Neapolitan Mastiff can be extremely stubborn, but learns things very quickly. Once it understands what its master wants, it obeys. They have a very dominant attitude so training should be started at an early age to avoid dominance issues. The handler should always remain firm and consistent.
EXERCISE
When it comes to exercise, Neapolitans are not a very active breed as their energy tends to be short lived and their weight causes stress to their joints when excessive. They won’t be running any marathons with you, but be aware that they can and will have short, extremely powerful bursts of energy and so will still require an area to run and play, especially as puppies and young adults.
SOCIALIZATION
The fiercely protective nature of the Neapolitan Mastiff means that he will be naturally wary around strangers. These dogs get on well with children when brought up with them, and can get on well with other family pets with early socialization. However, they can be dog aggressive with same sex dogs.
LIVING CONDITIONS
Given a good amount of exercise, the Neapolitan Mastiff can do well in an apartment setting. Access to a small, enclosed outdoor area will suffice, as this breed tends to be somewhat inactive inside the home. Where it sleeps should be a soft, dry area. This dog must be given fresh water and kept in the shade in warm conditions. During the cold season, a well-built shelter with ample beddings is adequate for keeping it comfortable.
GROOMING
Due to the extensive wrinkles and large body mass of the more “overdone” type, these Neapolitans will require extra care and maintenance as far as bathing and cleaning the face and body. Neapolitans are droolers and if the wrinkles are not cared for properly the Neapolitan Mastiff will smell. Their short coat requires minimal care, as it sheds moderately. Falling, dead strands should be taken out using a rubber brush. These dogs are also low shedders, and therefore may be suited to allergy sufferers.
HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Neapolitan Mastiff is short compared to many smaller breeds, and these dogs tend to live to around 8-10 years of age. There are a number of health problems associated with this Neapolitan Mastiff, and this includes OCD, thyroid problems, bloat, entropion, heart disorders, HD and elbow dysplasia, heatstroke, and sensitivity to chemicals and drugs.
HISTORY
The Neapolitan Mastiff originates from Italy, and has an extremely long history. This massive breed is often used as a guard and defender of family and property due to the protective instincts and their fearsome appearance. The breed was registered with the AKC in 2001.
