Neapolitan Mastiff

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 8-10 years
Big-boned and gentle, the Neapolitan Mastiff is, unfortunately, prone to a slew of both minor and major health issues mostly due to their large size. One of the problem areas for a Neapolitan Mastiff is his joints. Due to his rate of growth, these big pups are apt to have a birth defect called dysplasia. This condition occurs when the joint socket and bone are malformed, causing the hip or elbow to dislocate during everyday activities. Long-term, dysplasia could cause painful arthritis and severe cartilage deterioration. Surgery is the only way to correct this condition in Neapolitan Mastiffs completely.

Another health problem that your Neapolitan Mastiff might encounter is Cherry Eye. This condition occurs when the third eyelid (bottom inner eyelids) swell and bulge upwards over the front eyelid. It looks scary and gross, but it isn’t painful or irritating to the dog. Sometimes cherry eyes will fix themselves as the swelling goes down. However, for serious cases, cosmetic surgery is an option.

To keep your Neapolitan Mastiff happy and healthy, take him to the vet at least twice a year for vaccination updates and routine check-ups. You can expect the average Neapolitan Mastiff to live between 8 to 10 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

Slobbery, peaceful, and gentle, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a sweet, intelligent, giant pup with a calm nature. Those in the puppy stage can be a bit rambunctious and boisterous, but as they mature, they calm down and lose their bouncy energies. Young Neapolitan Mastiffs can be clumsy and gawky, but they grow out of that too, usually. Boredom and destruction go hand-in-hand for these pups, so invest in plenty of toys for indoors, and plenty of playtime for outdoors.

For exercise, the Neapolitan Mastiff would be as happy going to a dog park as he would be spending time in a fenced-in backyard. He does well with older children, but he may accidentally knock over younger kids. Teach your children how to properly, respectfully handle a dog of any kind, as most dogs, including the Neapolitan Mastiff, have a limit for roughhousing and childish nonsense. He deserves to be treated with gentle love and belly rubs. Socialization is crucial for a Neapolitan Mastiff, beginning in the puppy stage. Without enough socialization, these pups can become defensive, fearful, and somewhat aggressive.

Other dogs may be a problem for an older, untrained Neapolitan Mastiff. They sometimes see smaller animals as prey, and he has the strength to kill another animal in one swift, powerful bite. Again, socialization is a MUST in the puppy stage. This will help him establish tolerance and acceptance towards other dogs.

During training sessions, you have to be more strong-willed than your Neapolitan Mastiff is. He will test your limits with his stubbornness and independence, but never, ever give in. Keep a consistent, positive tone to your clear, concise commands. When he accepts your dominance, he will comply with your instructions.

Grooming

Short-haired and smooth, the Neapolitan Mastiff is an easier pup to groom, but he does come with a few other basic care needs. For example, you should brush him 2-3 times a week to get rid of excess hairs. Amp up the brushing to once daily in the summertime, as these canines are shedders when the weather turns hotter. Neapolitan Mastiffs have a plethora of wrinkles, mostly on their face, so be sure to wipe between those folds to remove excess sweat, dead skin cells, and excess hair. Wipe him down daily, or you risk bacterial infections wherever he has a fold.

Other basic care of your Neapolitan Mastiff includes cleaning his ears once a week, brushing his teeth daily, and clipping his toenails every 2-3 weeks. Most Neapolitan Mastiffs are too big for the average bathtub, so take him to a professional groomer for a scrub down every 1-2 months.

Diet

Neapolitan Mastiffs are good about sticking to a scheduled meal plan, but their dietary needs will vary with their size. Consult your vet to make sure you are feeding your Neapolitan Mastiff enough food. Usually, the average, full-grown Neapolitan Mastiff consumes two meals a day of 3-4 cups of dry, high-quality kibble per meal.

Despite their excessive drool, the Neapolitan Mastiff needs tons of water to maintain proper health and hydration year-round. If you get tired of refilling his water bowls, invest in an automatic water dish or two. These save time and energy, and more water means better hydration for your giant pup.
 

Find A Neapolitan Mastiff Breeder

Neapolitan Mastiff Puppies For Sale

Adopt A Neapolitan Mastiff

Cost

The Neapolitan Mastiff is an expensive breed in high demand. Their size, loud bark, and overall intimidating features make them a sought-after watchdog and guard dog for business people and many military divisions. But these big sweethearts are rare to find in some states and counties. You may have to look elsewhere for a breeder.

When you find a reputable, reliable breeder, ask them for health records and thorough purebred documentation for the Neapolitan Mastiff pup of your choice. Any trustworthy breeder will be happy to provide both requests, and many will show you the pup parents to highlight good health and good genetics. On average, you should expect to shell out at least $2,500 for a Neapolitan Mastiff puppy in the United States.

In other regions of the world, you may find a Neapolitan Mastiff puppy for around $2,000. Or, some breeders across the world offer Neo puppies for upwards of $4,000 with an AKC guarantee and registration.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. The Neapolitan Mastiff ranks a 2 because of his size, needs for socialization, and food requirements. In other words, these pups can be a bit needy and expensive. However, with proper training and plenty of love and affection, the Neapolitan Mastiff could be your ideal companion. He is gentle, sweet-natured, and calm. But best of all, he is a hardcore cuddler who loves belly rubs and spending time with his family.

 

Cane Corso

Mastiff

Swiss Mountain Dog

Boxer