Neapolitan Mastiff

Dating back possibly as far as 700 B.C., Neapolitan Mastiff dogs were employed as war dogs, gladiators, and guardians in the Roman Empire. Relatively unknown to the outside world until they were spotted at a dog show in Naples in 1946, Neapolitan Mastiffs didn’t make their way to America until the 1970s.

Everything the Neapolitan Mastiff breed will require will be super-sized, from a yard to a dog bed to a food bowl. Be ready to carry a drool cloth with you everywhere you go to mop up! Ideal owners will have large, open homes with decent-sized yards.

Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean more exercise; Neapolitan Mastiff dogs can be overexercised. Excessive running and quick turns can cause joint problems for this breed, as can excessive use of stairs. These dogs often do not know their limit, so it is up to owners to help regulate their enrichment. The Neapolitan Mastiff breed also overheats easily, so exercise in excessive heat should be monitored closely and kept to a minimum. Owners should take caution when playing with Neo Mastiffs and avoid games involving biting, wrestling, or tug-of-war as they can potentially be stronger than their owners.

Neo Mastiffs require a large amount of open indoor space. Close quarters, small furniture, and small hallways are not conducive to their big size, clumsy ways, and long swinging tails. Small yards will not provide them with enough space to roam, run, and play as they need.

Neo Mastiffs have short coats that need the occasional bath. The dog’s eyes, ears, and folds need to be checked and cleaned daily if not after every meal. You will also need to have drool clothes ready at all times to wipe up behind them.

Though adults of this breed are calm and spend a lot of their time sleeping, Neapolitan Mastiff puppies are active, curious, and affectionate. It’s key to train and socialize these dogs from a very early age. Neo Mastiffs do not respond well to harsh training and owners should use positive reinforcement and rewards.

While this dog has a demeanor suitable for families, their sheer size makes them not a great fit for households with small children or smaller dogs. It is best if they are the family’s only animal.

The cost of a Neapolitan Mastiff from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.