The Ultimate Guide to Neapolitan Mastiff English Mastiff Pet Care

The Neapolitan Mastiff and English Mastiff are two of the largest dog breeds in the world, and as such, they require special care and attention.

Their massive size means they need plenty of space to move around and exercise, ideally in a spacious yard or home with a large outdoor area.

Both breeds are prone to joint issues, so regular exercise and a healthy diet are crucial to maintaining their joint health.

A healthy diet is essential for these gentle giants, with a daily intake of 4-6 cups of high-quality food recommended.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, but regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are still essential.

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Mastiffs are sloppy drinkers and leave plenty of backwash in their bowls, so it's essential to rinse their bowls daily or more often as needed.

The amount of food your Mastiff needs depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. A highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog.

To determine if your Mastiff is overweight, perform the "eye test" and "hands-on test". Look down at your dog and you should be able to see a waist. Then, place your hands on their back, thumbs along the spine, with fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard.

Feeding your Mastiff twice a day, rather than leaving food out, can help prevent overeating and maintain a healthy weight. The recommended daily amount for an adult Mastiff is 6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals.

Here's a rough guide to the daily feeding needs of Mastiffs, but remember to consult with your veterinarian for specific advice:

Feeding large breed dogs requires some extra care and attention, but with the right approach, you can help keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

First and foremost, it's essential to understand that large breed dogs, like Mastiffs and Neapolitan Mastiffs, have unique nutritional needs. A highly active dog will need more food than a couch potato dog, and the quality of dog food makes a big difference.

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Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. To determine the right amount, consider your dog's size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

Feeding your large breed dog twice a day, rather than leaving food out all the time, can help prevent overeating and keep them in good shape. You should be able to see a waist when looking down at your dog, and feel but not see their ribs without pressing hard.

To prevent gastric torsion, also known as bloat, avoid feeding your dog a large meal and drinking large amounts of water at the same time, and don't give them food in raised feeding dishes.

Here's a rough estimate of the daily food intake for large breed dogs:

Remember, these are just general guidelines, and your veterinarian can provide personalized recommendations based on your dog's specific needs.

If your dog has growth disorders affecting their joints, such as hip dysplasia, consider adding nutritional supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin to their diet.

The Mastiff's size and build require special consideration when it comes to their living space. Adult Mastiffs stand 27.5 inches and up, with males commonly reaching 30 inches or more.

Their massive size also means they need plenty of food to sustain themselves. They weigh anywhere between 120-230 pounds.

Early training and socialization is essential to have a well-mannered Mastiff. This breed has a patient and lovable nature, making them a wonderful companion.

Their historical use as guardians has carried into the present, as they remain loyal to and watchful over their families.

Mastiffs have a shorter lifespan than small-breed dogs, typically living between 6-10 years.

Their size makes them prone to health issues, including joint and musculoskeletal conditions like elbow and hip dysplasia.

Mastiffs can also suffer from heart disease, hypothyroidism, eye problems, certain cancers, and neurological problems including epilepsy.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus, or bloat, is a stomach condition that can be life-threatening and is common in extra-large breeds like Mastiffs.

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A procedure called gastropexy can be performed to reduce the risk of bloat, and it's often done during spaying or neutering.

Mastiffs are also prone to obesity, which can further shorten their life by exacerbating other health conditions.

You can't let Mastiffs be overweight, or it will significantly shorten their life.

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Grooming your Neapolitan Mastiff or English Mastiff requires regular attention to their coat and skin.

Weekly brushing with a bristle brush or hound glove will keep their coat clean and free of loose or dead hair. Brushing should be a positive experience filled with praise and rewards.

Their short, dense coat is the same length and smoothness all over the body, with straight hairs that are no longer than one inch. This low-maintenance coat requires occasional bathing, and be prepared to get wet.

Cleaning their ears with a veterinary-approved ear cleanser is essential for keeping their ear canals healthy. Their ears must be cleaned after they're in water, such as after a bath or after swimming.

Their large body mass makes them susceptible to overheating, so they need to spend warmer parts of the day in air-conditioned spaces. Regular exercise, such as an hour of interactive playing or walking each day, is still necessary despite their size.

Ear care is crucial for your Mastiff's overall health and happiness. Routine cleaning with a veterinary-approved ear cleanser is important for keeping their ear canals healthy.

Their ears must be cleaned after they're in water, such as after a bath or after swimming. This will help prevent infections and keep their ears feeling fresh and clean.

By incorporating ear care into your Mastiff's regular grooming routine, you can help prevent potential health problems and keep them feeling their best.

The Mastiff's short coat is pretty low-maintenance, but it does require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Brush your Mastiff's coat weekly with a rubber hound glove, and daily during the spring and fall shedding season to keep flying hair under control.

A stripping blade can also help remove excess hair, especially during heavy shedding periods. Some Mastiffs do most of their shedding during the spring and fall, while others shed year-round.

The Neapolitan Mastiff sheds about as much as the average dog, so weekly brushing with a bristle brush or hound glove will keep their coat clean and free of loose or dead hair. Bathe them as needed, and be prepared to get wet.

The Mastiff's drool is a constant feature, so it's essential to always have a cloth at the ready to wipe their face and clean up any drool that finds its way to the floor, walls, and furniture. This can be a challenge for fastidious housekeepers.

The Mastiff requires a large area in which to stretch out and sleep, preferably on soft bedding to avoid painful callouses and bursitis. It also needs a large vehicle in which to travel, and a significant budget for food and veterinary care.

A weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early, so make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards. This will also lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when they're an adult.

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The Neapolitan Mastiff and English Mastiff share similar personalities and temperaments, making them excellent family pets.

They're both loyal and good-natured, eager to please, and gentle with children. However, they can be intimidating watchdogs with a deep bark and a strong instinct to defend their family.

Both breeds are intelligent and sensitive, responding best to kindness, consistency, and positive reinforcement during training. Harsh words or corrections can be counterproductive and even lead to aggression.

Neapolitan Mastiffs are naturally alert and aware, making them excellent guardians, while English Mastiffs are often described as gentle giants, suitable for families with children who understand how to interact with dogs.

These breeds are generally calm and patient in the home but can spring into action when they perceive a threat, such as the mail carrier. Early socialization is crucial to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded dogs.

Both breeds tend to get along with cats and other dogs, especially if introduced during puppyhood, but they can be aggressive if not taught manners. Regular socialization, obedience classes, and exposure to new experiences can help prevent this.

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In terms of training, Neapolitan Mastiffs require a firm hand, but also love and patience, while English Mastiffs respond well to kindness and consistency. Crate training can be a useful tool for housetraining and preventing unwanted behavior.

Overall, both breeds make wonderful, caring, and loyal companions, but they do require proper training, socialization, and care to thrive.

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Mastiffs can be instinctually wary of strangers due to their history as guard dogs.

Early training and socialization are essential as soon as you bring home your Mastiff puppy to help them feel more comfortable around new people.

Despite their suspicions, Mastiffs don't bark a lot and are gentle with humans and animals they know.

Mastiffs are eager to please and learn quickly with positive reinforcement methods that make training fun.

Training sessions should be kept short to keep their attention and focus.

With the right training, Mastiffs can excel in various activities, including pulling carts, obedience, tracking, search and rescue, and even lounging on the couch.

The Neapolitan Mastiff and English Mastiff are both massive breeds, but they have some key differences in terms of size. The English Mastiff can grow to be quite large, with a minimum height of 30 inches for males and weighing anywhere from 130 to 220 pounds.

Males can reach a height of 30 inches at the shoulder, while females are a bit smaller, standing at 27.5 inches. Some English Mastiffs can be quite heavy, weighing over 220 pounds.

In contrast, the Neapolitan Mastiff is slightly smaller, with males standing 26 to 31 inches tall and weighing 150 to 200 pounds. Females are a bit shorter, standing 24 to 29 inches tall and weighing 120 to 175 pounds.

Before bringing home a Neapolitan Mastiff or English Mastiff, consider your space. These gentle giants need lots of room to exist comfortably, and a 500-square-foot apartment might be too cramped.

Mastiffs are big dogs that require more food than smaller breeds, which comes at a significant cost. Be prepared to budget for their meals.

They're also excessive droolers, so keep a rag handy for quick cleanups.

Choosing the right pet for your family can be a daunting task, especially if you have young children. Mastiffs and Neapolitan Mastiffs, for instance, are large dogs that can accidentally knock a toddler down with a swipe of their tail.

Older children are generally suitable for families with these breeds, but it's essential to supervise interactions closely. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child.

Teaching your child how to approach and touch dogs safely is crucial. Make it a rule that children are never to run and scream in a dog's presence, as this can excite them and lead to rough play.

Children should never approach a dog while it's sleeping or eating, and they should never try to take a dog's food away. These rules apply to all dogs, not just Mastiffs and Neapolitan Mastiffs.

While Mastiffs and Neapolitan Mastiffs can get along with other pets, such as cats, if raised with them, they may not be fond of dogs they don't know. Socializing your dog, especially if you have a puppy, is essential to help them feel comfortable around new people and animals.

As a pet owner, it's essential to consider the unique needs of your furry friend. English Mastiffs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, but they do require some special care.

Early socialization is crucial to prevent protective behaviors in Mastiffs, which have been bred for thousands of years.

To ensure your Mastiff is well-adjusted, provide them with plenty of space to roam and exercise. A 500-square-foot apartment might be too cramped for these gentle giants.

Mastiffs are also prone to excessive drooling, so be prepared to keep a rag handy for quick cleanups.

When it comes to feeding your Mastiff, selecting the right diet is vital. Your veterinarian can recommend the best dog food for your pup based on their specific medical history.

Mastiffs do well on dog food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and formulated for large breeds. This is especially important for Mastiff puppies, who should be fed a large-breed puppy food and then switched to an adult formula once they reach 18-24 months age.

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To prevent gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) or bloat, feed your Mastiff 2-3 meals per day, instead of one big meal. This will help reduce the risk of this serious health issue.

Here's a quick rundown of the feeding guidelines for Mastiffs:

Remember, every dog is unique, so be sure to discuss your Mastiff's specific needs with your veterinarian to ensure they receive the best care possible.

Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions.

They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support.

Backyard breeders, on the other hand, are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs.

Puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues due to inadequate health screening and socialization.

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