Mastino Napoletano Complete Owner's Guide

The Mastino Napoletano is a majestic breed, known for its distinctive appearance and friendly temperament. They originated in Naples, Italy, where they were bred to guard and protect.

These dogs are a result of crossing the ancient Roman Molossus with other breeds, resulting in a robust and powerful dog. Their ancestors were known for their loyalty and bravery.

In terms of size, Mastino Napoletanos can grow up to 26 inches in height and weigh between 110-150 pounds. They have a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming.

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a breed that requires careful attention to its health and care. They can suffer from various hereditary eye disorders, so regular eye testing is essential.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are also common issues in this breed, which can lead to painful mobility problems. Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is therefore important.

Skin infections are another concern, so keeping their coat clean and well-groomed is crucial. Regular brushing of their fur is a good start.

To manage their unique nutritional needs, feed them smaller, more frequent meals to help prevent bloating and stomach problems. A high-quality, nutrient-rich food is also essential for their overall health.

These dogs have high maintenance needs when it comes to their living space, so a spacious and comfortable environment is a must.

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a breed that can be prone to certain health issues, so it's essential to be aware of them.

Hereditary eye disorders are a concern, and hip and elbow dysplasia can be painful and lead to mobility problems.

Eye testing and hip scoring of dogs prior to breeding is crucial to minimize these risks.

Skin infections are also a common issue, so regular grooming and monitoring are vital.

The breed club monitors the health of the breed carefully and should be contacted for the most up-to-date information and details of any DNA or additional testing they recommend.

These dogs require a lot of food, so feeding high-quality, nutrient-rich meals is essential.

A high-fisted feeding bowl can help prevent stomach problems, and monitoring weight is crucial to prevent obesity.

Daily grooming is not too troublesome, but it's essential to wipe out skin folds daily and after meals and drinks.

Paws should be checked daily for foreign bodies, as they can easily get stuck between toes or pads.

Full baths may be necessary, but due to the breed's size, it's best to seek professional help for this task.

The risk of bloat and stomach problems is high, so feeding smaller, more frequent meals can help minimize this risk.

The Mastino Napoletano's lifespan has been significantly impacted by breeding errors, with its lifespan now estimated at 6 to 9 years, down from 12 years in the past.

Unfortunately, there's a lack of reliable data to support this claim, making it difficult to determine the exact lifespan of this breed.

A Mastino Napoletano's reduced lifespan is a stark reminder of the importance of responsible breeding practices to ensure the health and well-being of these incredible animals.

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a surprisingly sensitive learner, so positive reinforcement and patient training methods are required. Training in short bursts and 'as you go along' will fit them better than extended training sessions.

Focus on socialisation and polite manners around people and other animals, as they are sufficiently large and imposing that they will receive none of the lee-way smaller breeds may get for bumptious or enthusiastic play.

This breed requires patient training methods, so be prepared to take it slow and gentle. They are intelligent and responsive to consistent training.

The Neapolitan Mastiff can be clumsy and seemingly unaware of their size and power, so caution is recommended when it comes to play and games involving wrestling or biting are not recommended at all.

Lead walking is essential to maintain control of such a large, strong dog when you are out and about. A well-trained Neo is a joy to walk.

Their background in fighting is long in the past, but they remain a vigilant guarding breed, so it's essential to socialize them well to strangers and other animals.

The mastino napoletano originates from southern Italy, specifically from the region around Naples. This breed has a rich history dating back to ancient times.

The mastino napoletano is a direct descendant of the Roman Molosser dog, which was used by the Roman legions as a fighting dog. They were also used in arena battles against humans and wild animals.

This breed was mainly kept by farmers in the area around Naples, who used them to guard and protect their homes, farms, and families. They were also used to help with tasks such as herding cattle.

The mastino napoletano was officially recognized as a pedigree dog by the FCI in 1956. Despite its long history, the breed was not widely recognized until the 20th century.

The breed was largely unknown until it was discovered and further bred by Piero Scanziani in 1949. Scanziani is often credited with saving the breed from extinction and is considered the "father of the mastini".

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The mastino napoletano belongs to the Molosser group, which includes breeds such as the Mastiff and the Cane Corso. It is a unique breed that has been genetically distinct from other breeds for centuries.

In ancient times, the mastino napoletano's ancestors were highly valued for their strength and loyalty, and were used by rulers such as Hammurabi as war dogs.

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To get a genuine Mastino Napoletano, you should only look for a reputable breeder in person. Avoid buying puppies from parents with severe skin folds for animal welfare reasons.

You can find a responsible breeder by searching locally, and it's crucial to do your research before making a decision.

If you're looking to buy a Mastino Napoletano, it's best to go directly to a reputable breeder to ensure you get a dog with a strong temperament.

You should avoid buying puppies from parents with severe skin folds for animal welfare reasons.

To find a good breeder, you should look for someone who is serious about breeding dogs with a strong character, not just for profit.

The Mastino Napoletano is a powerful breed that requires careful consideration before bringing one home. They're not for everyone, especially those living in small apartments.

You'll need a decent-sized garden, as they need space to move around and exercise. A small apartment in a high-rise building might not be suitable.

The Mastino Napoletano is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to exercise, but they do need regular feeding. They need a significant amount of food, and you'll need to provide high-quality nutrition.

Their calm and gentle nature makes them a great companion, but they're not built for agility or high-energy activities. A daily walk is enough to keep them happy and healthy.

Their strength is impressive, and they can easily pull on the leash if they're not properly trained. But with good education, they'll be happy to walk by your side.

Overall, the Mastino Napoletano is a unique breed that requires patience, understanding, and a suitable living situation. If you're up for the challenge, they can make wonderful and loving companions.

When buying a Mastino Napoletano, it's essential to consider the ideal owner.

The Mastino Napoletano requires an authoritative owner who can be firm without being aggressive.

This breed is intelligent and responsive to training, making it a great companion for the right owner.

However, the Mastino Napoletano can be wary of strangers, so they need an owner who can socialize them properly.

A well-educated Mastino Napoletano is a joy to have as a pet, but it does require an owner who is willing to invest time and effort into their training and socialization.