Big Dogs Neapolitan Mastiff: Complete Guide to Care and Ownership

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a massive breed with a rich history dating back to ancient Rome. They were originally bred as guard dogs and war dogs.

Standing between 26 and 31 inches tall and weighing between 110 and 150 pounds, these dogs are truly massive. Their large size requires plenty of space to move around and exercise.

Neapolitan Mastiffs are known for their short, easy-to-maintain coats that require minimal grooming. However, their wrinkles and folds need regular cleaning to prevent skin infections.

Despite their intimidating appearance, Neapolitan Mastiffs are gentle and loving companions. With proper training and socialization, they make great family pets.

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Neapolitan mastiffs are gigantic dogs that don't know it, often being clumsy and having trouble navigating staircases, especially as puppies.

The Neapolitan mastiff is one of the oldest breeds around, with a history dating back to 3000 B.C. when similar-looking dogs appeared in ancient artworks.

They aren't very tidy, displaying behaviors like slobbering, drooling, wheezing, grunting, snorting, and passing gas.

Here are some fun activities you can do with your Neapolitan mastiff:

The most popular names for Neapolitan mastiffs are Achilles and Diesel for males, and Luna and Medusa for females, according to PetScreening's 2024 database.

Neapolitan mastiffs are a bit clumsy, especially as puppies, and often have trouble navigating staircases. They can be quite awkward, but their adorable faces make up for it.

The Neapolitan mastiff is an ancient breed, with a history dating back to 3000 B.C. Similar-looking dogs appeared in ancient artworks, and they were even used as guard dogs by the Roman Empire.

These gentle giants aren't exactly tidy dogs. They're notorious for displaying behaviors that some owners might find off-putting, including slobbering, drooling, wheezing, grunting, snorting, and passing gas.

If you're considering bringing a Neapolitan mastiff into your family, here are some popular names to consider:

When you're looking for ways to engage your Neapolitan Mastiff, remember that regular walks are essential. Multiple daily walks will help keep your dog happy and healthy.

Obedience training is another crucial activity for this breed. It's not just about following commands, but also about building a strong bond between you and your dog.

Slow feeders can be a fun and challenging way to feed your Neapolitan Mastiff. They'll have to work for their meals, which can help prevent overeating.

Puzzle toys are another great option for keeping your dog's mind active. They can be filled with treats or kibble, and will challenge your dog to figure out how to get them out.

Here are some fun activities to try with your Neapolitan Mastiff:

If you're considering bringing a new furry friend into your family, you'll want to consider the pros of owning a Neapolitan Mastiff.

These gentle giants are known for being loyal and protective guard dogs, always looking out for their loved ones.

One of the best things about Neapolitan Mastiffs is that they're mellow and gentle with their family, making them a great choice for families with kids.

They don't require much exercise, which means you can still enjoy their company without having to worry about taking them on long runs or hikes.

Here are some key characteristics of Neapolitan Mastiffs that make them a great pet choice:

Neapolitan Mastiffs are naturally great guard dogs, ready to defend their family at a moment's notice. However, they rarely get aggressive unless provoked first.

They're wary of unfamiliar people and animals, so proper socialization and positive-reinforcement training from an early age is crucial. This will help your dog be welcoming of new people, animals, and situations.

Neapolitan Mastiffs are homebodies, enjoying the occasional walk but happy to lie around the house all day. They get most of their activity by roaming around the backyard.

They're loyal and loving towards all family members, but may accidentally knock over or step on small children without meaning to hurt them. This is because of their large size and sometimes clumsy nature.

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Neapolitan Mastiffs are notorious droolers, guaranteed to leave marks on your floors, walls, and furniture. Be prepared for a slobbery mess, especially after meals and playtime.

As they enter adulthood, Neapolitan Mastiffs become much calmer, but they still require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Engage them in mentally stimulating games and ensure they get enough physical activity.

Neapolitan mastiffs are a robust and healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that causes the hip's ball and socket joint to develop improperly, preventing the thigh bone from fitting snugly in place.

Their massive size and relatively short lifespan of 7 to 9 years make them more susceptible to health problems. Elbow dysplasia is another genetic condition that occurs when the three bones that make up a dog's elbow grow at different rates, causing the surrounding joints to not align together correctly.

Arthritis is a common condition in Neapolitan mastiffs, characterized by a breakdown of the cartilage in their joints. This can develop at any age and can be caused by abnormal joint development, joint trauma, infections, immune system irregularities, or genetic factors.

Here are some common health issues to look out for in Neapolitan mastiffs:

It's essential to find a reputable breeder who tests their dogs to make sure they're free of genetic diseases. Regular veterinary visits and preventative care can also help identify and address potential health issues early on.

Neapolitan Mastiffs are a robust and healthy breed, but they are predisposed to some health issues common in giant breeds. They have a relatively short lifespan of 7 to 9 years.

One of the main health concerns is hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that causes the hip's ball and socket joint to develop improperly, leading to pain, discomfort, and stiffness while walking.

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Elbow dysplasia is another common issue, especially among larger breeds. It's caused by the three bones that make up a dog's elbow growing at different rates, resulting in lame dogs after exercise.

Arthritis is also a concern, characterized by a breakdown of cartilage in the joints, which can develop at any age. This can be caused by abnormal joint development, joint trauma, infections, immune system irregularities, or genetic factors.

Cherry eye is a common issue among Mastinos, caused by the gland in the third eyelid protruding, resembling a red, inflamed mass at the inner corner of the eye. Surgery can help minimize the risk of permanent damage.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV or bloat) is a sudden, life-threatening condition that affects all deep-chested dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, drooling, panting, pacing, and a hard-feeling stomach.

Demodicosis, also known as demodectic mange, can occur if your Neo has a weakened or compromised immune system. It's caused by tiny demodex canis mites living in their hair follicles.

Cleft palate is a condition where the tissues separating the nose and mouth don't grow together properly, often resulting in puppies being born with this issue.

Fold dermatitis is a skin infection that causes redness, sores, and odor, especially common in wrinkly-skinned Neapolitan Mastiffs.

Here are some estimated costs for treating these health issues:

Pet insurance can help reimburse a significant portion of these costs, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on your dog's recovery.

Pet care considerations are crucial for any dog owner, but especially for giant breeds like the Neapolitan Mastiff. They require regular veterinary visits to monitor their health and catch any potential issues early.

Their short lifespan of 7 to 9 years means they'll need more frequent check-ups than smaller breeds. Regular visits to the vet can identify any health issues before they get worse.

Large breeds are prone to joint issues, making proper nutrition incredibly important. Some big breeds are also more susceptible to heart problems. Regular exercise, such as daily walks and playtime, can help prevent these issues.

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Neapolitan Mastiffs need to be gently brushed a few times each week to prevent damage to their sensitive skin. They shed more in the spring and fall, so more frequent brushings during those seasons are necessary.

Their ears need regular attention as well, with checks for lacerations, dirt, and excess wax. Clean their ears often with a dog-specific ear cleaner and talk to your veterinarian if you notice any changes.

Here are some common health issues to look out for in Neapolitan Mastiffs:

By being aware of these potential health issues and taking steps to prevent them, you can help ensure your Neapolitan Mastiff lives a long, happy, and healthy life.

Caring for a Neapolitan Mastiff can be a costly endeavor, especially when it comes to medical expenses. Hip dysplasia treatment can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $2,500.

You'll also need to consider the cost of food, as these pups eat a lot, adding to your monthly budget. Neapolitan Mastiffs are large dogs and need room to move around, so if you live in an apartment, expect to walk your Neapolitan Mastiff multiple times a day.

Preventative surgery to tack the stomach down can cost $400 on average, but emergency treatment for dog bloat can be as high as $7,500.

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Caring for a large breed dog like a Neapolitan Mastiff can be expensive, especially when it comes to medical costs. Hip dysplasia treatment can cost between $1,200 to $2,500.

Neapolitan Mastiffs are prone to many health conditions, which means you'll need to budget for frequent veterinary visits. These pups eat a lot, so be prepared for a high monthly food budget.

Big dogs have big vet bills, and joint issues are a common problem in large breeds. Regular visits to the vet can identify any health issues before they get worse.

Even with preventative care, emergencies can still happen, and they can be costly. Emergency treatment for dog bloat can run anywhere from $1,500 to $7,500.

Pet insurance can help reimburse a significant portion of the costs associated with unexpected events. This financial safety net allows you to focus on your dog's recovery without added stress.

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As you consider bringing a Neapolitan Mastiff into your life, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons. One of the biggest concerns is the potential for joint disease due to their large size.

Their wrinkles need regular cleaning of dirt and debris, which can be a bit of a hassle. This is especially true if you're not comfortable with the idea of getting up close and personal with your dog's skin.

Neapolitan Mastiffs can become stubborn and difficult to train with age, which requires patience and consistency from their owners. This can be a challenge for even the most experienced dog trainers.

The Neapolitan mastiff is a big dog with big needs, but surprisingly, they don't require a lot of exercise. Adult Neos should get a couple of short to moderate walks each day, and it's essential to go slow and bring lots of water in warm weather.

Their joints can be easily damaged from running and quick turning, so it's crucial to limit their exercise to short walks, free running, and play. Stairs also pose a falling hazard to clumsy Mastino puppies, so it's best to avoid them altogether.

Neapolitan mastiffs learn best under confident, assertive trainers who use positive reinforcement to help them learn. They respond well to praise, play, and treats when they get a behavior right, and they don't respond well to harsh training.

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Neapolitan mastiffs may be big, but they don't need a lot of exercise. Adult Neos should get just a couple of short to moderate walks each day, with plenty of water in warm weather to prevent overheating.

Their joints can be easily damaged from running and quick turning, so it's essential to go slow and easy. Homes with fenced backyards that they can patrol are ideal, but apartment or condo living can work too if there's enough room inside to stretch out.

Neo puppies, on the other hand, have a lot more energy than adults and may want to play past their physical limitations. It's crucial to limit their exercise to short walks, free running, and play to protect their bones and joints from too much stress while they're still developing.

Stairs can be a hazard for clumsy Mastino puppies, so it's best to avoid them altogether. Roughhousing with your Neapolitan mastiff puppy should also be avoided, as they can easily hurt you without meaning to.

Regular walks of at least 20 minutes, twice a day, are crucial for managing weight and joint health in Neapolitan mastiffs. This may seem like a lot, but trust me, it's worth it to keep your Neo happy and healthy.

As puppies, Neapolitan mastiffs are generally energetic and playful, but it's up to their owners to know when enough is enough. Keep an eye on your pup, especially in warm weather, as they are prone to overheating.

Limiting your puppy's running and jumping activity is essential to prevent joint damage. It's also a good idea to stop play before your pup gets too tired, as this will help prevent overheating and joint strain.

Training your Neapolitan mastiff should begin as soon as possible, preferably during puppyhood at about 8 weeks of age.

They learn best under confident, assertive trainers, but also need lots of positive reinforcement to help them learn. This means offering praise, play, and treats when they get a behavior right, and refraining from being too stern when they get it wrong.

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Neapolitan mastiffs do not respond well to harsh training, so it's essential to use a gentle and patient approach. This will help them feel comfortable and confident, making the training process much more effective.

Socialization training is key for Neapolitan mastiffs, as they can be wary of strangers and naturally suspicious of outsiders. Take your dog to public spaces on a regular basis to help them become more confident and calm in new situations.

With positive reinforcement, you can teach your Neapolitan mastiff to keep off the furniture as a fully-grown adult. Start training them while they're still small enough to manage, and be consistent with your rules and boundaries.

Neapolitan mastiffs respond well to affection and treats, so use these rewards to encourage good behavior during grooming and training. This will make the process much more enjoyable for both you and your dog.

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