Meet the Giants: Neapolitan Mastiff

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This week on Meet the Giants, we’re talking about the Neapolitan Mastiff! Emily Musgrove has been amazingly helpful with the past several posts and she’s here again today.

When we were looking to adopt Kaeto, we were stuck between him and a Neapolitan Mastiff puppy. He was an adorable pile of wrinkles and about 12 weeks old. Obviously, Kaeto came home with us, but we often wonder how that puppy is doing today!

All photos and information are property of Emily Musgrove.

If you currently have a Neapolitan Mastiff, please list their names, ages, and gender.
Cain, Tawny, Gwendolynn, Moogie, Fosters ages 8 months to 7 years.

Are there any other names/nicknames for the Neapolitan Mastiff? If yes, list here.
Neo

What are three words you would use to describe the Neapolitan Mastiff?
Sensitive, Goofy, Dramatic

What is the average size of a Neapolitan Mastiff?
Most are between 100-150 males can be up to 200. Most of mine were 120.

What are the acceptable colors of the Neapolitan Mastiff?
Blue, black, mahogany, and brindle are all listed colors.

What is the average lifespan?
10-12 years

What was the Neapolitan Mastiff bred to do?
Neapolitan Mastiffs are guard dogs, but as most mastiffs they will guard you and not your things.

How much exercise does the Neapolitan Mastiff need?
High for a mastiff but low for most breeds. 1-2 mile walks are plenty.

What are some common health problems?
Heart disease, joint problems, eye problems.

How much grooming does the Neapolitan Mastiff require?
They do shed a lot of little short hairs but no hair cuts or anything extra.

What do you wish people knew about the Neapolitan Mastiff before bringing one home?
Research!!!!!! This is not a breed for 90% of the population. They are only loyal to the family and they do not like change or strangers. Please don’t pick a Neo because you want a blue dog. They are amazing but not the easiest breed to care for.

Why do you love the Neapolitan Mastiff?
I love the spunk, the attitude,  and they are not for everyone. They love their family but not many others. I love that they are agiler than most mastiffs but still laid back.

They get their feelings hurt and do not respond well to punishment or force. They really need positive reinforcement based training. I said previously, “Tell a Boerboel to do something and they will give you a look. Make them do it and you will get hurt. Ask them to do it and reward them and they will jump over the moon for you.”

The same could be said of Neos.

Interested in adopting/learning more about the Neapolitan Mastiff? Head over to Big Dogs Huge Paws to see their list of adoptable Neos! Did you learn anything new about the Neapolitan Mastiff?

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