Other names: Italian Mastiff, Neapolitan Bulldog, Neapolitan Mastiff, Mastiff and Neo Mastiff.
The profile of this breed has recently increased with the use of this dog in the Harry Potter movies. Hagrid the giant has a Neapolitan named Fang, although he is described in the movie as a wild boar. The enormous size and abundant wrinkles combine to make it one of the most intimidating dogs there, helping them serve as excellent guard dogs. They are fearsome in appearance and not in temperament, in fact, they are very affectionate and trustworthy dogs.
Appearance: They have wrinkles and skin folds all over the face and on the back accompanied by a large double chin around the throat. The flat and wide head tends to be larger than the rest of the body. His eyes are almost hidden under the drooping upper eyelids and the lower eyelid.
Height: 65 - 75cm
Weight: 50-68 kg
Average life time: 8 to 9 years.
Temperament: The Neapolitan Mastiff was originally raised for vigilance and fighting. Today the breed has a calm and stable temperament with friends and family, but they still distrust strangers and are willing to do everything possible to defend their home and the property they inhabit. This loyal dog does well with children if they socialize from an early age, but due to their large size, they should be supervised when they are close to them if they are small. They have a tendency to drool excessively, especially during the summer months, a condition that is more accentuated in males than in females. They also tend to be quite messy with their food and water. They require a lot of love and attention.
Neapolitan Mastiff is not suitable for the average owner.
Training. It is a very intelligent dog breed and learns orders quickly. Because of his large size, he needs a coach with confidence who is both calm, firm and able to maintain leadership, early training is vital to establish control over him while he can. As with all large races, they must be socialized from an early age.
Exercise. As in all large breeds, be careful with puppies and young dogs that do not exercise too much and not allow them to jump, in order to avoid problems in the muscles and joints when they reach adults. Adults need at least two walks a day to keep their physical and mental health in perfect condition. Heat can be deadly for this breed, which doesn't even need to be moving to succumb to it. Make sure that any exercise is administered early in the morning or late at night, as well as avoid taking a pleasant walk on Sunday afternoon when it is very sunny or hot.
Cleanliness: The care of the coat is minimal, but you have to keep the wrinkles of the skin and teeth clean, as well as clean, dry and cut nails.
Health
Gastric torsion: Although it is not an inherited condition, it often affects many dogs, including this breed. This is a very serious condition. When a dog presents it, the stomach can twist and block, causing gas accumulation. If it is not treated quickly it can be fatal. With this disease there are also useless attempts to vomit and salivate. It can also lead to cardiovascular collapse that usually occurs when you exercise after eating. The incidence of gastric torsion in adult dogs can be controlled with healthy eating twice a day and, of course, by allowing some time to digest before taking it for a run in the park.
Malformation or dysplasia of the hip: It results in a poor fit between the head of the femur bone and the acetabulum of the hip. This condition can be alleviated by surgery, although with consequences for dogs and owners since dogs with dysplasia usually produce puppies with the same condition. Buyers should ask whether both the father and the mother of the puppy they are interested in have been recently evaluated and are free of hip dysplasia. Do not take a yes for an answer without seeing a certificate and ask for a copy to take to the veterinarian.
Hypothyroidism: It is an endocrine disease that results in the abnormally low production of thyroid hormones. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include lethargy, mental depression, weight gain and a tendency to look for warm places. Hypothyroidism can also affect the fur and skin, causing hair loss and excessive dandruff.
Cherry eyes: It is the term used to refer to the canine prolapse of the nictitating gland, a common eye disease in different dog breeds where the gland of the third eyelid becomes visible. This condition usually needs to be corrected mostly through surgery, because the gland produces a certain amount of tears from the eye.
History. Tracing the roots of Molossus' dogs (of which they are believed to descend) that existed in Rome before Christ, the Neapolitan Mastiff has a rich and fascinating history, it is believed that he was taken to Rome by Alexander the Great when he traveled from Greece, who apparently appreciated the old Molossus dogs for their capac>
