Breed Group: Working Group
About the Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff, also referred to as the Neo, has existed since ancient times but was discovered in the 1940s in Central Italy. These giant dogs were originally used as livestock guarding and fighting dogs.
Today, the Neo is primarily used as a companion and guard dog.
The Neapolitan Mastiff Temperment and Intelligence
Neapolitan Mastiffs may appear frightening at first glance but they are actually very loving to their family members. They are very affectionate and kind to their owners, yet they are extremely protective and possessive of them. The Neo needs early socialization and training because the males can be dominant. Though usually docile in the home, they will become aggressive when needed and don�t respond well to teasing by children. The need to have proper obedience training as well to calm the natural instinct to guard all of the time.
Neapolitan Mastiff Characteristics
The Neapolitan Mastiff is characterized by its massive size and loose skin all over its body. Its face is made of several large wrinkles and folds that almost hide the deep set brown eyes of this dog. Their ears may or may not be cropped depending on the owner of the dog. Due to health reasons however, the ears usually are cropped. Their nose is large with open nostrils and is identical in color with the coat of the dog, as is the muzzle which is wide and full of wrinkles. Their lips are long, heavy, and wrinkled as well though the flews of the dog are allowed to be seen. The Neo�s tail is tapered and is docked about 1/3 of the way down. The legs of the dog are stocky and powerful with loose skin on the front leg elbows. They have both front and rear dew claws although the back one must be removed. Their very large paws are round and very strong with arched toes. Though they many come in many colors, the most common colors are solid short coats of gray, black, mahogany, and tawny, though occasionally brindles may be found. A typical male is 26-31 inches tall and 150-180 pounds while females are 24-29 inches tall and 110-140 ponds.
Neapolitan Mastiff Health Concerns
Neapolitans are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and cherry eye.
Choosing an Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff needs a very dominant owner who can properly train him at a young age. They are highly intelligent and learn quickly but do tend to test their boundaries often. They don�t need a lot of exercise so they are suitable for apartment living. They are also not a dog for those who are extremely neat and tidy because they are very messy eaters and water drinkers.
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