The Pitbull Neapolitan Mastiff is a unique and fascinating breed that requires careful consideration and attention to detail. This massive dog can weigh up to 200 pounds and stand as tall as 26 inches at the shoulder.
They are a relatively rare breed, but with the right care and attention, they can make wonderful companions. The Pitbull Neapolitan Mastiff's short coat requires minimal grooming, making it a great choice for busy owners.
Their calm and gentle nature makes them a great fit for families with children, as long as they are socialized properly from an early age. With proper training and exercise, they can thrive in a variety of living situations.
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Health and Care
As a Pitbull Neapolitan Mastiff owner, you want to ensure your furry friend stays healthy and happy. Regular vet appointments are crucial to monitor their health, especially since they might be predisposed to conditions like hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and kidney problems.
To keep your Pitbull Neapolitan Mastiff in top condition, feed them a premium large breed formula with real meat as the primary ingredient. This will support their robust physique and energy levels.
A balanced diet is essential for your Pitbull Neapolitan Mastiff's optimal health. Opt for dog food that's enriched with essential nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, and omega-3 fatty acids for a glossy coat.
Here are some key nutrients to look for in your Pitbull Neapolitan Mastiff's dog food:
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Omega-3 fatty acids for a glossy coat
- Prebiotics and antioxidants for immune support
- Easy-to-digest proteins and fiber for digestive health
Health and Lifespan
The health and lifespan of your furry friend are crucial aspects to consider. American Pit Bull Terriers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Regular veterinary visits are a must to ensure your dog stays healthy. The American Pit Bull Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year, while the Neapolitan Mastiff should have a check-up at least every 12-18 months.
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Both breeds can be prone to certain health issues. American Pit Bull Terriers are susceptible to hip dysplasia, demodectic mange, and skin allergies, while Neapolitan Mastiffs may not have any health problems listed in the article sections.
The average lifespan of an American Pit Bull Terrier is 12 years, while the Neapolitan Mastiff's average lifespan is 9 years. This means that American Pit Bull Terriers generally live longer than Neapolitan Mastiffs.
Here's a brief comparison of the two breeds' lifespan:
It's essential to note that both breeds have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. American Pit Bull Terriers prefer average to warm weather, while Neapolitan Mastiffs prefer warm weather.
Allergies and Grooming
The American Pit Bull Terrier and Neapolitan Mastiff are both low-maintenance breeds when it comes to grooming. Their coats require minimal effort to maintain, making them a great choice for busy owners.
The American Pit Bull Terrier has a fine coat that sheds moderately, while the Neapolitan Mastiff has a dense coat that also sheds moderately. Both breeds require occasional bathing, with the American Pit Bull Terrier needing a bath every 3-4 weeks and the Neapolitan Mastiff needing a bath every 4-6 weeks.
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If you're looking for a breed that's easy to groom, both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Neapolitan Mastiff are good options. However, if you're looking for a breed that's hypoallergenic, neither of these breeds is a good choice, as they both have non-hypoallergenic coats.
Here's a summary of the grooming needs for both breeds:
It's worth noting that both breeds require regular nail trimming and ear cleaning to prevent infections. The Neapolitan Mastiff's droopy ears make it more prone to ear infections, so regular ear cleaning is especially important for this breed.
Food & Diet
The Pitbull Neapolitan Mastiff is a massive dog with an equally massive appetite. Feeding them requires careful consideration to prevent obesity, so it's best to feed them four times a day instead of twice. This reduces the amount of food per meal, which helps prevent overfeeding and bloating.
High-quality animal protein is essential in their diet, so always choose dog food that consists mostly of protein. A premium large breed formula with real meat as the primary ingredient is ideal to support their robust physique and energy levels.
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Pitbull Neapolitan Mastiffs need to eat a lot of food – ideally, 4.5 to 6 cups of dog food a day. To reduce the risk of bloat, divide their meals into two to three meals spread throughout the day.
To provide sufficient energy, their dog food should contain high-quality protein, ideally around 25% to 28%. Look for options enriched with essential nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, and omega-3 fatty acids for a glossy coat.
Here are some key factors to consider when choosing the best dog food for your Pitbull Neapolitan Mastiff:
- High-quality protein as the primary ingredient
- Real meat as the primary ingredient
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Omega-3 fatty acids for a glossy coat
- No artificial preservatives or flavors
- Made with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients
Some great options for dog food include:
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dog Food
- Wellness CORE Dog Food
- Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Behavior and Training
The American Pit Bull Terrier and Neapolitan Mastiff make up a strong-willed crossbreed that requires leadership and consistent training. This breed is bold, courageous, and purpose-driven, meaning they will take charge if not properly led.
They are intelligent, but their intelligence is not the brightest, and they can be stubborn at times. This makes training a bit more challenging, but with patience and consistency, they can learn tricks and commands.
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Their trainability level is slightly harder than average, which means they require more time and effort to train. However, with a gentle and firm approach, they can become obedient and loyal companions.
Here's a comparison of their trainability:
Their strong-willed nature can sometimes lead to aggression, but with proper socialization and training, they can become gentle and affectionate dogs. They are excellent guard dogs due to their protective instincts, but they also make great family pets with proper training and care.
Trainability and Intelligence
The American Pit Bull Terrier is known for being relatively easy to train, making it a great choice for first-time dog owners. This breed is highly intelligent and can learn quickly with patience and consistency.
On the other hand, the Neapolitan Mastiff is considered to have lower intelligence and can be more challenging to train. They are not the brightest dogs and may require more time and effort to teach new commands and tricks.
Here's a comparison of the two breeds' trainability and intelligence:
The American Pit Bull Terrier's high intelligence and trainability make them a great choice for dog owners who want a loyal and responsive companion. With the right training and socialization, this breed can thrive in a variety of living situations.
The Neapolitan Mastiff, on the other hand, requires more patience and consistency when it comes to training. They can be stubborn at times, but with the right approach, they can learn to obey commands and behave well in public.
Bite Characteristics
The bite characteristics of a dog can be a crucial factor in determining their behavior and training needs. The American Pit Bull Terrier has a high chance of biting somebody, with a biting potential rating of High 🔼.
Their bite force is also relatively strong, ranging from 200 to 400 PSI, which is ordinary compared to some other breeds. In contrast, the Neapolitan Mastiff has a low chance of biting somebody, with a biting potential rating of Low 🔽.
This is reflected in their bite force, which is above 400 PSI, making it the strongest among dog breeds. If you're considering bringing either of these breeds into your home, it's essential to be aware of their potential bite characteristics.
Here's a comparison of the bite characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Neapolitan Mastiff:
Activity and Playfulness
The Pitbull combined with a Mastiff is a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need ample amounts of physical activity throughout the day, which can be achieved through various activities such as walking, running, or playing fetch.
This crossbreed is known to be very playful and energetic, making them an excellent companion for families who enjoy outdoor activities. However, they can get aggressive during playtime, so it's essential to supervise their interactions with children.
A Mastiff Pitbull tends to get obese if they don't receive enough exercise, so it's crucial to establish a regular exercise routine for your pet. By doing so, you'll not only keep them healthy but also prevent potential behavioral issues that may arise from excess weight.
In terms of playfulness, the Pitbull-Mastiff crossbreed is more playful than the Neapolitan Mastiff, which is relatively calm and not as playful. Here's a brief comparison of the two breeds' playfulness levels:
Remember, every dog is unique, and their energy levels can vary depending on their individual characteristics and upbringing. However, with regular exercise and attention, your Pitbull-Mastiff crossbreed will thrive and become a loving and loyal companion.
Lifestyle and Compatibility
Living with a Pitbull Neapolitan Mastiff requires a lot of attention and care. They have a strong prey drive and like to dominate their territories.
Socialization is key to getting along with other pets. You need to socialize your pup from an early age with other dogs and animals to prevent any potential dangers. This will help them learn to coexist peacefully.
Price and Availability
When considering the cost of owning a dog, two breeds that come to mind are the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Neapolitan Mastiff. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a relatively affordable option, with a price range of $500-$700.
The Neapolitan Mastiff, on the other hand, is a more expensive breed, with a price range of $1500-$2000. This is a significant difference in cost, and something to consider when deciding which breed is right for you.
If you're looking for a breed that's easier to get, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a good option. It's classified as "Frequent" in terms of availability, meaning it's relatively easy to find a breeder or purchase from a reputable source.
In contrast, the American Pit Bull Terrier is considered "Average" in terms of availability, which means it may take a bit more effort to find a breeder or purchase from a reputable source.
Here's a quick comparison of the two breeds in terms of price and availability:
Pet Compatibility
Living with other pets requires some extra consideration, especially if you have a Pit Mastiff mix. Their American Pitbull Terrier lineage can make them a danger to other animals if not socialized properly.
It's essential to socialize your pup from an early age with other dogs and animals to help them develop good behavior around others. This process can make a huge difference in their behavior and reduce the risk of conflicts.
Their high prey drive and tendency to dominate territories can make them a challenge to integrate with other pets. But with patience and proper training, you can teach your Pit Mastiff mix to coexist peacefully with other animals.
Socialization is key, and it's not just about introducing them to other pets, but also about teaching them how to interact with them in a calm and respectful manner.
Reproduction and Recognition
The American Pit Bull Terrier and Neapolitan Mastiff have some differences in terms of recognition. The Neapolitan Mastiff is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a Working breed, while the American Pit Bull Terrier is not recognized by the AKC.
The Neapolitan Mastiff is also recognized by the FCI in the Molossian type section, whereas the American Pit Bull Terrier is not recognized by the FCI. This difference in recognition may affect how these breeds are treated in various dog registries and kennel clubs.
Here's a list of organizations that recognize the Neapolitan Mastiff and the American Pit Bull Terrier:
- FCI
- AKC
- United Kennel Club
- Continental Kennel Club
Note that the American Pit Bull Terrier is recognized by several other organizations, including the American Canine Registry, Dog Registry of America Inc., North American Purebred Registry, Inc., American Canine Association, Inc., Continental Kennel Club, National Kennel Club, and United Kennel Club, as well as the Backwoods Bulldog Club.
Reproducibility
Reproducibility is a crucial aspect of breeding dogs. The gestation length for both American Pit Bull Terrier and Neapolitan Mastiff is 60-64 days.
If you're planning to breed either of these breeds, it's essential to know that they can only have one litter per year. More frequent breeding is not healthy for the mothers or the puppies.
Here's a comparison of the litter sizes for these two breeds:
It's worth noting that these breeds have different litter sizes, which can impact the overall health and well-being of the mother and the puppies.
Recognition
The American Pit Bull Terrier and Neapolitan Mastiff have different recognition statuses with various kennel clubs. The American Pit Bull Terrier is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), whereas the Neapolitan Mastiff is recognized by the AKC as a Working breed since 2004.
The FCI also has different recognition statuses for these breeds. The Neapolitan Mastiff is recognized by the FCI in the Molossian type section, whereas the American Pit Bull Terrier is not recognized by the FCI.
Many other organizations and kennel clubs recognize the Neapolitan Mastiff, but not the American Pit Bull Terrier. These organizations include the American Canine Registry, Dog Registry of America Inc., North American Purebred Registry, Inc., American Canine Association, Inc., Continental Kennel Club, National Kennel Club, and United Kennel Club.
Puppies
Puppies can grow extremely fast, with some breeds weighing as much as 30 pounds by 3 months.
Before buying a puppy, it's essential to research reputable breeders who can provide proof of health through the parents' health certificates.
Puppies from breeders can be expensive, but it's worth the investment for the assurance of a healthy pup.
A good breeder will allow you to see the puppy with its mother, and even the father if they're available.
It's crucial to ask your vet for recommendations on breeders, as they often know which breeders to trust and which to avoid.
Additional reading: Bordeaux Mastiff Breeders
Frequently Asked Questions
How big will a pitbull mastiff mix get?
A Pitbull Mastiff mix can weigh up to 150 pounds or more, making them a large breed of dog. Their size is a result of combining the large breeds of American Pit Bull Terrier and Bullmastiff.
How aggressive is Neapolitan Mastiff?
Neapolitan Mastiffs are generally docile and not aggressive under normal circumstances, despite their intimidating appearance. However, they will fiercely defend their family and home if necessary.
How big does a Neapolitan Mastiff get?
Neapolitan Mastiffs typically weigh 110-150 pounds and stand 24-31 inches tall.
Sources
- https://dogell.com/en/compare-dog-breeds/american-pit-bull-terrier-vs-neapolitan-mastiff
- https://www.wisdompanel.com/en-us/dog-breeds/neapolitan-mastiff
- https://animals.net/neapolitan-mastiff/
- https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/pitbull-mastiff-mix
- https://www.alphapaw.com/dog-breeds/pitbull-mastiff-mix/
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