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Neapolitan Mastiff
Also known as: Italian Mastiff, Italian Bulldog
Nickname: Neo
Breed origin: Italy
Original purpose: Guard and defender of owner and property.
AKC recognized: 2004
AKC group: Working
Size:
Weight: males around 150 lbs;
females around 110 lbs
Size: Height: males 26 to 31 inches;
females 24 to 29 inches
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Color: Solid gray (blue), black, mahogany, or tawny, with or without some brindling.
Life span: 7 to 9 years.
General characteristics/temperament: The Neapolitan Mastiff is steady, loyal, watchful, calm, and protective. Because of their massive size and natural guardian instincts, early and extensive socialization and training are a must. They are generally good with children in their family, but because of their size, they can easily knock a young child over unintentionally. In addition, they may protect the children in their family from other visiting children, and are therefore not recommended for families with small children. They bond intensely with their people, and are prone to separation anxiety and to jealousy issues. They do not tolerate the heat, and must be kept cool in hot weather. Neos are extremely protective, but they very rarely bark, and are known to sneak up on instruders instead of giving a warning first.
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Good with children? Only with older children.
Protective? Yes
OK for inexperienced owners? No
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Easy to train? No
Energy/Activity Level: Low
Good jogging partner? No
Exercise requirement: They are not an active breed, but puppies and young adults will have some short and powerful bursts of energy and need a secure area to run and play. Because of their weight, too much exercise will cause stress to their joints.
Grooming requirement: The wrinkles must be kept clean and dry. Otherwise they will smell and are prone to skin infections.
Known health problems: Gastric dilatation-volvulus, hip dysplasia, ectropion, entropion, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cancer, hypothyroidism, cardiomyopathy, skin infections, heat stroke, sensitivity to anesthetics.
Additional photos of Neapolitan Mastiff
Recommended books for further reading:
Other websites for additional information:
American Kennel Club breed page
United States Neapolitan Mastiff Club
Wikipedia breed information page
United States Neapolitan Mastiff Rescue Program
DogBreedMatch
