Neapolitan Mastiff Breed Guide
Also known as: Mastino Napoletano, Italian Mastiff, Neo
Ancient guardians with wrinkled faces, Neapolitan Mastiffs are powerful, calm dogs whose imposing appearance houses surprisingly gentle, loyal personalities.
Quick facts about this breed
Size
Giant
Weight
41-70 kg
Lifespan
7-9 years
Energy Level
Low
Family Fit
teens_adults
Shedding
Moderate
Size
Giant
Weight
41-70 kg
Lifespan
7-9 years
Energy Level
Low
Family Fit
teens_adults
Shedding
Moderate
About Neapolitan Mastiffs
The Neapolitan Mastiff originated in southern Italy, where they were bred as guardians for families and property. These ancient dogs are believed to have descended from Roman war dogs and were refined in the Naples region to be both imposing guardians and loyal family companions.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are massive dogs with loose, wrinkled skin and short coats in various colours including blue, black, mahogany, and tawny. They're known for their distinctive wrinkled faces, massive heads, and calm, steady temperaments.
These dogs are loyal, protective, and make excellent family pets for experienced owners who can handle their size and strength. They're naturally suspicious of strangers but devoted to their families. They require moderate exercise and are generally content with daily walks. While generally healthy, potential concerns include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat. Early socialisation and consistent training are essential due to their size and protective instincts.
Complete Care Guide for Neapolitan Mastiffs
Expert advice on keeping your Neapolitan Mastiff healthy, happy, and thriving at every stage of life.
Providing optimal nutrition for a Neapolitan Mastiff requires careful attention to their unique dietary needs throughout different life stages. High-quality animal-based protein forms the cornerstone of their diet, supporting muscle maintenance and overall health in these powerful dogs.
During puppyhood and adolescence, specially formulated large-breed puppy food helps ensure proper growth rates and development. These formulations typically contain carefully balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratios, which are crucial for proper bone development in giant breeds.
As adults, Neapolitan Mastiffs benefit from diets rich in essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3s and omega-6s, which help maintain their characteristic loose skin and promote a healthy coat. Joint-supportive nutrients become increasingly important as these massive dogs age, making glucosamine and chondroitin valuable dietary components.
Portion control plays a vital role in maintaining healthy weight, as excess weight can strain joints and exacerbate potential health issues. Dividing daily food portions into multiple meals helps prevent bloat, a serious condition to which the breed is prone. Regular consultation with a veterinarian ensures dietary adjustments align with your Neapolitan Mastiff's age, activity level, and specific health requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about Neapolitan Mastiffs from our community of pet parents
Neapolitan Mastiffs are known for their gentle and protective nature. Despite their intimidating size, they are incredibly loyal and love spending time with their family. They can be wary of strangers but are not typically aggressive unless they perceive a threat to their loved ones. Proper socialisation from an early age is crucial to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded dogs.
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