Neapolitan Mastiff Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Neapolitan Mastiff?

Originally bred in southern Italy as guard dogs, dating back to the Roman Empire, Neo Mastiffs are one of the world's oldest breeds and therefore have quite a fascinating history.

It is said that Alexander the Great was the first Neapolitan Mastiff Breeder and made the Neos into what they are today when he crossed his war dogs with short-haired Indian dogs.

The breed almost came close to being extinct at the end of World War II.

Even though they are such an ancient breed, the American Kennel Club recognised these purebred dogs as a breed of its own in 2004.

Who are Neapolitan Mastiff dogs best for?

These dogs require quite a lot of space due to their size and personality and like to spend their time outside; therefore, having a garden or fenced yard would definitely be favourable if you decide to choose this breed.

On top of that, their being prone to passing gas and drooling a lot makes them more suited to be outdoors anyway.

They are known to be excellent family dogs, despite them not being awfully playful.

They are very low-maintenance and can spend lots of time on their own, which is great if you have a busy schedule and can't spend all your time at home or take them with you.

With that being said, if you don't think you have enough time to give your dog the attention that it deserves and requires, it isn't advised to get a dog at all.

How much grooming does a Neapolitan Mastiff need?

Thanks to their short hair, they do not require a lot of grooming; however, their dense coat makes them shed quite a bit, so you will end up having plenty of dog hair lying around your home.

You should, however, make sure that their folds of skin are kept clean at all times to avoid infections or skin irritations.

They do not need to be bathed often, only if you feel they have been smelly, but if you do bathe them, make sure to pat them dry thoroughly.

Regular nail trimming is also advised, as lengthy nails can cause pain while walking.

Do Neapolitan Mastiff bark much?

A Neapolitan Mastiff does not bark as much as other breeds, even though they are known to be watchdogs.

They will only alert you if there is danger or strangers are approaching their home.

Generally, barking should not be seen as an issue with dogs, as it is one of their very few forms of communication and should only be addressed if it becomes excessive.

Do Neapolitan Mastiff bite?

A Neo has an enormous bite force; therefore, obedience training and socialisation are important to prevent them from aggressive behaviour which might lead to biting.

What is the temperament & personality of a Neapolitan Mastiff?

They are loyal, reserved dogs and very affectionate towards their owners, making them really family-friendly dogs.

Despite its impressive and sometimes intimidating appearance, a Neo Mastiff is an absolute gentle giant.

A Neo is a keen protector of its home and an excellent guard dog.

They can be a bit wary with strangers and are not necessarily fond of other dogs that they do not know already, but they are absolute sweethearts with their family and loved ones.

While Neo puppies are very playful, as they grow older, Neos become very calm and almost lazy. Neapolitan Mastiffs love to nap on the lawn in the sun rather than running around the whole time.

Even though they are huge couch potatoes, they still require their daily exercise to keep healthy and fit.

What is the weight & size of a Neapolitan Mastiff?

Their large bodies have earned them a world record, with the largest and heaviest dog to ever be recorded being a Neapolitan Mastiff, weighing an incredible 156kgs!

An adult Neapolitan Mastiff can weigh up to 68kgs and grow up to 79 cm.

How much training does a Neapolitan Mastiff need?

Owning such a powerful and large dog is a huge responsibility and definitely requires an experienced owner to begin training early.

These sometimes head-strong dogs require frequent and hard training, which can sometimes be met with stubbornness.

Patience is an absolute must when training a Neo Mastiff, as well as reward-based exercises, to gain your dog's trust.

Socialisation is very important for a Neapolitan Mastiff, as they are territorial, and the males can sometimes be aggressive towards other dogs. Puppy kindergarten classes can help socialise your dog and prevent this from happening.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Neapolitan Mastiff?

The Neopolitan Mastiff is similar to other large dog breeds, as they can be prone to several health problems in their short life span.

Their size makes them prone to joint issues and hip dysplasia, as well as elbow dysplasia.

Cherry eye is also among their genetic health problems, which is why it is very important to get a dog from a high breed standard.

Therefore it is very important to get your Neo from experienced Neapolitan Mastiff breeders who are part of the national breed club.

Neapolitan Mastiff puppies can also damage their joints very quickly; therefore, it is advised to not overexert them while they are still young.

What is the lifespan of a Neapolitan Mastiff?

This unique breed matures slowly and has a relatively long puppyhood.

Being a large dog usually means that their life span is a bit shorter, making Mastiffs live between 8 to 10 years old.

How much should you feed a Neapolitan Mastiff?

Being a huge dog breed means having a huge appetite; therefore, these dogs will require lots of food.

To make sure your Neapolitan Mastiff stays healthy throughout his somewhat short life span, you should always try to feed it high-quality dog food.

It is advised that you stick to food that has mainly protein, such as beef or chicken as an ingredient.

You should also always consult your vet about the most suitable diet for your dog.

What is the price of a Neapolitan Mastiff in Australia?

Being a relatively rare dog, Neo Mastiffs do not come cheap and depending on the breeder; you should expect to pay between $2,500 to $6,000 for a Neapolitan Mastiff puppy.

Furthermore, you should consider that this breed's size requires a lot of food and will therefore require you to spend a good amount of money on food alone.

Always make sure that you acquire your Mastiff from a reputable breeder who is part of the Neapolitan Mastiff Club.