Neapolitan Mastiff
Neopolitan Mastiffs are BIG. They are sweet and loyal to their loved ones, but wary of strangers. They are watchful, lumbering dogs that, like other big dog breeds, are best-suited to experienced dog owners who will take the time to train them well.
They are a dignified breed with loose, wrinkly skin and a slow, bumbling gait. Though their giant size can make them appear intimidating, their personalities are anything but and they can make the perfect canine chum for experienced big dog owners.
Other Names
Mastino, Neo, Italian Mastiff
Country of Origin
Rome
Colour
Black, blue, mahogany, or tawny
Size
Large
Height / Weight
Height (Males): 26-31 inches (66-79cm), Females: 24-29 inches (61-74cm) Weight (Males): 150 pounds (68kg), Females: 110 pounds (50kg)
Health
Neos are prone to a couple of conditions, including cherry eye, hip dysplasia, bloat, and pano-ostiosis (joint pain from growth can occur at 4-18 months and usually goes away on its own). Pups are usually born via caesarian section.
Life Span
7-10 years
Intelligence
Medium
Exercise
High
Suitability (Children)
Low
Feeding
Just the size indicates this breed eats—a lot. They need a well balanced diet, ideally high-quality dry food. Feed twice daily to avoid bloating.
Feeding Cost
Apx $20 p/w
Other Cost
Excercise
Bringing a Neopolitan Mastiff into your furry-friended family is a big commitment, as they are such large dogs and do require a lot of exercise. Neos should be taken on daily, long walks, preferably twice a day.
Hair Shed
Little
Ailments
Neos are prone to a couple of conditions, including cherry eye, hip dysplasia, bloat, and pano-ostiosis (joint pain from growth can occur at 4-18 months and usually goes away on its own). Pups are usually born via caesarian section.
Grooming
The coat is an easy keeper; his or her plentiful wrinkles and folds must be kept clean and dry to prevent rashes or infections. Brush once a week and bath as needed. Keep a drool towel handy as you will likely need it!
Grooming Frequency
Grooming for these short haired dogs is fairly easy and straight-forward, simply remove loose and dead hairs with a rubber brush. Neos are an average shedder.
Trimming
An ancient breed used by the Roman Army during wars, the Neapolitan Mastiff was rediscovered in the 1940s in Italy. A Neapolitan Mastiff played “Fang” in the Harry Potter movies. The breed might go back as far as 700 B.C., with antiquities from a number of ancient civilizations depicting Mastiff-like dogs. In the Roman Empire, they found employment as war dogs, gladiators, and guardians whose sheer size and potentially ferocious appearance were used to throw the fear of God into their adversaries. Today, size and their appearance is still terrifying enough to give even the most determined intruder second thoughts.
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