So you think you want a Neapolitan Mastiff?????


Health Concerns
Unfortunately this is a breed which can have some difficulties with health. Although generally an easy breed to own (once you've done an excellent job raising him) with very little required in grooming etc., it is a large dog and as such is susceptible to a variety of problems.
Big dogs take a long time to grow. Throughout this growth the developing bones are easily damaged with rough play, improper exercise and nutrition. Hip dysplasia, osteochondritis and elbow dysplasia are certainly possible. Health testing by xrays submitted to the Australian Vet Association (AVA) for scoring and grading will definitely show potential problems (OFA in the United States). There is a degree of each of these conditions which can be attributed to poor nutrition and exercise, but generations of "clear" dogs usually produce "clear" offspring.

Hearts that don't beat consistently can occur resulting in poor circulation and even death. Not all heart problems can be attributed to genetic defects, many large breeds of dogs can just be unlucky, as we try to produce "giant" breeds within the spieces. Checking of hearts is very important every time a dog visits a vet as many times the problem occurs later in life and not in puppyhood.

Thyroid abnormalities are seen in this breed, and although some "expect" problems it should not be the norm. Normal thyroid is normal for the breed. Many with thyroid problems can be placed on medication to control it, although this is not ideal for those used in breeding programs.

Neapolitans have a lower immune system than most breeds. A low immune system means that a dog is more susceptible to viruses or skin problems. Demodectic mange has been seen in a large number of Neapolitans worldwide. This can be a mild case which clears itself or with the help of washes and medication. But if it is a "generalised" case which never gets better then the dog is in trouble and may need to be euthanised. Great expense can be spent trying to alleviate the problem, not always with success. Staph infections on the skin can occur (either as a secondary infection to mange or otherwise). Bacteria infections (called pyoderma) which can cause loss of hair and redness of skin can be seen. Immunity does pass on genetically, some Neos are better than others, as yet there is not a test for this ­ aside from noting the medical history for the dog. Typically you are better off using a medicated anti-bacteria shampoo on a regular basis to help keep the skin healthy.

The heavy rolls of wrinkle on the dogs which is so desirous can sometimes cause problems around the eyes. Entropion (top eyelids turned in) and ectropion (bottom eyelids turned out) is certainly seen in the breed. This breed is expected to show haw, or the redness of the drooping lower lid, but excessiveness here can be a potential problem. Most cases are very mild and par for the course in breeding/owning Neapolitans, these cases do not interfere with the vision or health of the dog. Check the parents and other relatives yourself, ask questions. More pronounced entropion can cause ulcers on the corneas and, if not surgically treated, blindness. The amount of wrinkle is NOT in direct proportion to the problems surrounding the eye. Many heavily wrinkled dogs exhibit no affects, many smooth faced beasts are affected.


Suggestions please read

Why a Neapolitan Mastiff?
Is it really the breed for you and your family?
Study your lifestyle, your family, your dog experience and your bank account.

Neapolitans are not active dogs, if your lifestyle includes jogging, cycling or hiking and you want your dog to accompany you - buy another breed. Mastinos are slow, lumbering large beasts with only limited energy for play - usually in the cooler hours of the morning and evening. Certainly an occasional walk is acceptable, but never to the point of exertion. They have bursts of energy for strong play, and enjoy their freedom. Puppies especially must never be pushed in exercise, they are best left to their own schedule of play or active time.

Despite his fierce appearance and warring history, the Neapolitan can be a good family companion, but not for everyone. This breed stands well apart from other breeds, he is for experienced dog owners only. A badly raised and handled Neapolitan could be very dangerous.

He has a calm, steady nature with a regal attitude and is highly intelligent. He is not apt to respond quickly to your commands but do not mistake this for being dumb. With good treatment he will love you and your family foremost. But he MUST have respect for you in order to be a steady dog around strangers. He can easily turn into an overpossesive and frightening dog. From the beginning the puppy must respect that your judgement is correct and your word is law. Raised well you will have a beast that would defend if necessary, but also walk calmly through any new situation - or meet your friends without causing trouble for you.

Realise that this is a strong powerful dog who's ancestors were there to be manstoppers. Never play rough with your pup and never try to get him to "protect" you in a "game". He may love you (if you have been good to him) but he is strong enough to knock you down and out. His teeth are sharp, his jaws terribly powerful. Take ownership of this ancient beast very seriously.

Take your pup everywhere with you (after completing full vaccination schedule), meeting new people/dogs/things will open up his confidence and stimulate his mind. Working with the pup in this manner instills that he respects your decision, but you must never let him become afraid or become angry in these lessons. You are teaching him to trust and respect you.

They are not what would (or should) be called "aggressive", they are protective. It is up to you, the owner, to ensure that they understand when it is okay (and required) NOT to be protective. Eighty kilograms leaping away from you is impossible to hold. Physical strength of a man means nothing to this beast. Psychological control is the only option.

Because of the Mastino's fast growth rate one can forget that they are still only puppies at 5-6 months (weighing upwards of 45kg). Like any large breed great care has to be taken up until the age of 9-12 months when they become more robust. Undue exertion of a pup can cause irreparable damage to the joints and young bones.

The sheer size of the dog represents larger veterinarian bills should he require medical attention (outside of normal vaccinations and wormings). Be certain that you can afford this breed's day to day costs. Your food bill for him will be higher than most other breeds, especially as a growing pup.

They will get very messy around the mouth after eating and drinking. A towel should be kept handy, for when they come inside the house, so as not to carry the mess inside. Drooling is fairly limited to the mealtime, but the dog is not known for his neatness. This is also the Mastino, it is part of him, and as a potential owner, you must be prepared and accept this.

When you find yourself drawn to this breed, take your time before purchasing one. Research different breeders from all over the world, do not limit yourself to a breeder that lives in your town. Neapolitans are being bred in most parts of the world, and a good or great breeder may be where you least expect them. Many people have used the mastini as a "get rich quick" scheme, be certain of your breeder - that he/she has the best intentions regarding the future of the mastini. If you are after a pet/companion and live in the USA, you should also look into "Rescue" Neos, ones who for various reasons were given up by their previous owners -- and perhaps unwanted by their breeders (contact USNMC). Whatever you do, don't rush.

A recent article for La Rivista - covering this subject:

Over the past couple of years we have seen the ‘explosion’ of the Neapolitan Mastiff in the United States. Where we were once limited to only a couple of litters each year being offered for sale, amounting to less than 20 pups, we are now seeing several litters in each state being born and ‘on the market’. While there are many very good aspects to this “boom” there are also some serious downfalls.

Neapolitan Mastiffs are not for everyone, and certainly even not for those who might “think” they are right for them. Ownership of a mastino is a huge responsibility, both to the individual dog and to the breed as a whole. As more and more become available (and in proportion of supply vs. demand) this typically makes the price become more “realistic” so we see more less suitable “owners” of Neapolitan Mastiffs.

Some of these “less suitable owners” are intentionally (or unintentionally) breeding their dogs together… making more puppies and in general overpopulating the breed. This causes great grief for the dedicated breeders who are health screening their dogs, as well as their puppy buyers. The effect of this overpopulation is - Rescue. Lots of them. And often they only have a scant resemblance to the “mastino” that we know and love. And often we see major health issues (hip replacements by 12mths of age etc). But there are plenty out there, and some are fortunate enough to find a caring mastino-person to take them on and rehome them. This is one reason the Club has a Rescue Scheme in place.

What do you do if you WANT to buy a Neapolitan Mastiff? Research. Don’t rush into anything. Ask questions. Lots of questions. GO AND SEE the dogs that are being bred, but don’t let yourself fall in love with the first puppy you see (they are ALL cute, no matter what). Or, worse yet, don’t take PITY on a poor/sickly puppy being offered for sale.

No matter what state you live in, in the USA, all registered breeders must supply the same basic things when selling a pup. Care and raising information, wormings up to date with information on when they are due again, vaccinations done at 6 weeks of age (and then the pup is not permitted to leave the breeder for 2 weeks after that, making it at least 8 weeks old… no pup should leave it’s littermates before 8 weeks of age).

A Neapolitan Mastiff is a serious dog. It costs money to buy, it costs money to raise, it costs money to maintain and if it gets ill ... more money. Taking on a mastino is not something that should be stepped into lightly. So if you are prepared to go to this expense, wouldn’t it be obvious to investigate WHERE that pup you want so much is FROM? Who is the breeder?? Are they someone you would be comfortable phoning in 10 months time to ask advice on something regarding your growing pup?? Are they someone that WILL take that phone call and give you the right advice?? Anyone can have a dog that has pups. It takes someone a bit different to make a fulfilling companion.

Recently there have been a few unfortunate circumstances regarding the ‘purchase’ of a Neapolitan pup. In each case the pup was paid for and then not forthcoming. One instance was resolved only by the buyer driving 14 hours to physically demand his pup from the ‘breeder’, in the end the police were involved and the pup was handed over to the buyer. This pup did not have a ‘good start’ in life, but now seems to be on the right track health-wise. Another reason for research.

Research, research and research some more. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, ask the person you are hoping to buy a pup from and then go and ask others around as well about that person… Dedicated breeders are ‘known’ in this small world of mastini, and anyone that has a good reputation will welcome research into not only their dogs, but themselves.

 

Breed History
The Neapolitan Mastiff, or Mastino Napoletano (Molossian), originates from in and around Naples, Italy. It is physically impressive, foreboding and massive. The breed today resembles (and dates back to) the Roman Molossian of ancient times. These Molossians were used in battle and as guardians of the home. He was very common as a guard dog in the crime-driven Naples and even today in modern Italy many people are fearful of the Mastino.
In around 500bc Cyrus and Serse used to supply their armed forces with thick packs of Molossians. It is said that in Lydia, absorbed by Cyrus in 546bc into the Persian Empire, a contingent of battle-ready Molossian hounds was fully maintained.

The loose connective tissue on the head, dewlap, and body, which the standard calls for, protects the Neo from attack. If an enemy in any form was to bite or pull at the flesh the protective skin would stretch leaving the vital parts unhurt. The skin is especially loose around the throat, (forming the dewlap) usually the most vulnerable part of a dog.

The modern Neapolitan that we know today did not surface until the late 1940's. A journalist named Piero Scanziani was overwhelmed by the dogs he saw and ended up dedicating much of his life to the preservation of the breed. He collected the most specimens that he could find which represented the old time Roman Molossian and began his work. It was at this time that the first standard for the breed was drawn up. This was updated and refined in 1971 and again in 1991. Even though their past is colourful and long, they are still a relatively new breed in today's dog world.

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