From a distance, the Neapolitan Mastiff appears imposing and almost threatening. However, as one gets closer, its docile character becomes apparent. The animal is an ideal family dog, a loyal companion, and a reliable friend in all situations. However, due to overbreeding, the life expectancy of younger generations is significantly limited. This makes the Neapolitan Mastiff a dog for enthusiasts, and its puppies should be purchased exclusively from reputable breeders.

History of the Neapolitan Mastiff

The origins of the Neapolitan Mastiff likely date back to ancient times. It unmistakably belongs to the Molosser group and, based on its body structure alone, is designed as a guard and herding dog. Some predispositions for its original use as a hunting dog can be found, but most of these traits were eradicated through consistent breeding. Today, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a large dog, more of a prestige animal than a true herding or guard dog.

This aligns with the purpose of purebred breeding, which became known in the late 18th century. Particularly, large landowners in southern Italy were looking for a dog that looked robust yet could be used as a family dog. The herding and guard dogs commonly used at that time were too aggressive and couldn’t be used as family dogs. The Neapolitan Mastiff was intended to fill and could fill this gap, establishing itself over time as a family dog worldwide.

Nature and Character

The Neapolitan Mastiff appears enormous and is certainly an intimidating animal. However, once you get to know your dog, it is known for its gentle and friendly nature. One notable trait is that the animal never loses its composure. No matter how loud and boisterous the children are, the Neapolitan Mastiff is the stoic among dog breeds and, with its calm demeanor, is an ideal partner for families.

Nevertheless, it has a pronounced protective instinct, and there are many cases where the animal almost acts educationally, preventing toddlers from falling or accompanying them while walking. The animal is also very friendly but reserved towards strangers. Once it has gained a bit of trust, it embraces everyone in its heart and is a loyal companion in every situation.

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	Medium
Kid-Friendly	High
Pet-Friendly	Medium
Exercise Needs	Medium
Playfulness	Low
Energy Level	Low
Trainability	Medium
Intelligence	Medium
Tendency to Bark	Low
Amount of Shedding	Medium

Acquiring a Neapolitan Mastiff

If you have the opportunity to acquire a purebred animal or a puppy, you should not hesitate. There are only a few breeders throughout the US who are involved in the breeding of purebred animals. Therefore, you should make contact early. Whatever your life situation, the Neapolitan Mastiff impresses in every situation and is always a loyal friend to the entire family.

What to Consider When Buying?

The purchase should definitely be made from a breeder. A purebred puppy costs between 2,000 and 3,000 dollars, making this breed one of the more expensive acquisitions. However, the price of acquisition also reflects on the health and character of the animal. Mixed-breed animals are generally more susceptible to diseases or significantly more aggressive and not suitable as family dogs with small children.

The breeding of Neapolitan Mastiffs is very demanding because the animal often tends to increased lethargy when it comes to offspring. Therefore, you must take care of the puppies in a timely manner, and there are often long waiting lists of interested parties.

Development and Puppy Training

From the beginning, you should focus on integrating the animal into the family unit when it comes to training and development. You must not and should not be strict with the Neapolitan Mastiff, but rather demanding and assertive. The animal is very intelligent and loves its habits. With its calmness, you can be sure that the animal does not tend to regular outbursts. However, in its early years, it often experiences strong bursts of energy. Sporting activity and meaningful occupation ensure that these bursts are effectively absorbed, and the animal is engaged.

How to Keep a Neapolitan Mastiff?

The maintenance is straightforward, like any other dog. However, due to the size of the animal, you must not forget its strength, which can sometimes spontaneously break out in its early years. Small children or older people should, therefore, hand over the leash to stronger individuals if you go for a walk in nature and the animal discovers something chaseable.

However, this quickly subsides, and the Neapolitan Mastiff usually pays close attention to the physical condition of the leash holder. Healthy nutrition is vital for the animal and ensures that a higher age can be reached. You should start with this in the early years, preferably in puppyhood, providing the dog with a balanced and rich diet along with plenty of opportunities for movement. Having a garden puts the owner at a clear advantage!

Activities with the Neapolitan Mastiff

The animal is athletic and can also be taken on hikes. However, cycling is a bit more leisurely. The energy of the animal is designed for short intensity and more resembles an erupting volcano than a continuously trembling mountain. The animal is very intelligent and loves catch games but also enjoys lounging in the sun on the balcony and terrace. In its early years, you can do almost anything with the Neapolitan Mastiff. As the animal gets older, it becomes calmer, and the urge to move can decrease significantly. Here, as an owner, you must have some influence and take the animal with you occasionally.

Health and Care

Unfortunately, due to breeding, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a very susceptible animal. It can suffer from breeding-related diseases such as an oversized head or excessive wrinkling. Through breeding, the average life expectancy of the animal has also been significantly reduced. Whereas just a few generations ago, it was nearly 12 years, today, 9 years is already considered a high age for the animal.

Much movement, as well as a healthy diet and thorough fur hygiene, are the keys through which you as an owner can effectively influence the health of the animal. Once a year, you should also visit the veterinarian to provide the necessary preventive care for the animal. The Neapolitan Mastiff is a very maintenance-intensive breed, but as an owner, you will be richly rewarded for your efforts by the character of the animal.

Interesting and Worth Knowing

Breeding has become a downfall for the Neapolitan Mastiff. The once very robust breed is now more for enthusiasts due to overbreeding. Professional breeders try to address the problem, but it will take some time before the first successes are truly market-ready. Crossbreeding from inexperienced breeders should not be purchased, as these are generally even more susceptible and by no means as character-strong. The Neapolitan Mastiff was developed as a prestige dog and has retained this status into the present day. The loyal companion is ideal as a family dog and possesses all the important qualities that distinguish a good friend.

Do you also have a Neapolitan Mastiff or are you planning to get one soon? Tell us more in the comments!