Everything You Need to Know About Neapolitan Mastiff Size

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a massive breed, with males reaching a height of 26-31 inches and weighing a whopping 160-230 pounds.

They are a large dog, but their size is not the only thing that sets them apart - their short, easy-to-maintain coats are a bonus for busy owners.

Males typically reach their full height between 12-18 months, while females reach their full height between 10-14 months.

Their massive size requires plenty of space to move around, so a large yard is a must for this breed.

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a massive breed, with a rich history dating back to 700 B.C. They were originally bred to be intimidating canine warriors, used in battle and hunting.

The Romans took note of their impressive size and adopted the molossus breed, crossing them with other large breeds to create an even larger and more intimidating dog: the mastino. This dog was later selectively bred by farmers in southern Italy to develop the Neapolitan Mastiff.

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These dogs can grow quite large, but they need plenty of room to move around, and a home without too many stairs is ideal to protect their sensitive joints. They can easily bump into things if their living space is too cramped.

The Neapolitan Mastiff's size can make them seem intimidating, but with proper socialization, they are generally gentle and calm companions.

Caring for a Neapolitan Mastiff requires plenty of room in their living space, as they can easily bump into things if the space is too cramped.

A home without too many stairs is ideal, as it helps protect their sensitive joints.

They need regular exercise, but finding the right balance is key - too little exercise can lead to weight gain, while too much can cause injuries.

With proper socialization, aggression is unlikely to be an issue, and they can make great companions.

However, their size and strength mean they should be monitored around children, as they may not realize their own strength.

The Neapolitan mastiff has a rich history that dates back to 700 B.C. Alexander the Great was known to have a great reverence for these dogs.

In the fourth century B.C., Alexander crossed his famous giant war dogs with short-haired Indian dogs to create the molossus breed. This breed was used in battle and later adopted by the Romans.

The Romans crossed the molossus with other large breeds to create the mastino, a larger and more intimidating canine. The mastino's loose skin on the face served as a form of protection during hunts and fights.

The mastino was selectively bred by farmers in southern Italy to develop a breed large in size with loose, saggy skin and a smooth coat. They aimed to create a dog that was more family-friendly than the mastino.

The Neapolitan mastiff became a national treasure in Italy and was first shown in a dog show in Naples in 1946. Six of them were reportedly shown that year.

Italian painter Piero Scanziani drafted the breed standard in 1948, and the Italian Kennel Club officially recognized the breed the following year.

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The Neapolitan mastiff's life expectancy is between 7 and 9 years.

Unfortunately, their giant size means they don't live as long as many other breeds.

Their short lifespan is likely due to joint damage and other health issues that can arise from their massive size.

Living with a Neapolitan mastiff is a unique experience, but it's not as intimidating as it may seem. They need plenty of room in their living space to avoid bumping into things.

A home without too many stairs is ideal to protect their sensitive joints. One of the hardest parts is figuring out their complex exercise needs, which requires balance to avoid them becoming overweight or hurting themselves.

They are generally chill companions, but as they age, they get sleepier and calmer. With proper socialization, aggression should not be an issue, and they're usually gentle with children.

However, they don't always realize their own strength – or size – so they should be monitored with kids. Their drooling, snoring, and flatulence might be the most problematic aspect of living with them.

Neapolitan Mastiffs are prone to joint problems, so it's essential to monitor their exercise closely.

Their massive size puts a lot of strain on those joints, which can lead to issues if not managed carefully.

Eye irritation is another common problem in this breed, often resulting in redness or tearing that should be checked by a vet.

Stomach problems, including bloat, can affect Neapolitan Mastiffs, just like other large dogs.

Cancer is a concern towards the end of their lives, a reality many owners of this breed face.

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