Large breed
Neapolitan Mastiff Puppies
The Neapolitan mastiff happens to be a giant dog that is very muscular and with a rugged look. It's look is intimidating and makes the dog scared, even though it is known to be calm, loyal, devoted, and protective. The Neapolitan mastiff is commonly used as a guard dog because, though it is faithful to its owners, it can pull down even the strongest of intruders in seconds. Discover more about our Neapolitan Mastiff puppies for sale below!
We do not have Neapolitan Mastiff puppies on the floor today. Tell us what you are looking for and we will let you know the moment one arrives, or help you find a breed that suits your home just as well.
- Exercise 30 min a day
About the Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a breed steeped in history, hailing from ancient Rome where they were used as guard dogs and war companions. Their imposing presence is matched by a gentle and affectionate temperament, making them not only protective guardians but also loyal family members. These dogs are known for being particularly good with young children, showcasing their nurturing side while remaining watchful. With proper introduction, they can also coexist well with other dogs, although their reactions to cats may vary.
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While Neapolitan Mastiffs are not particularly high-energy, they do enjoy regular exercise to stay healthy and content. Daily walks and playtime will keep them stimulated and satisfied. Be mindful, though, that they may not thrive in compact living spaces, as their size and need for space can pose a challenge in apartment settings. On the grooming front, these loyal companions require weekly maintenance due to their moderate shedding levels, ensuring their coat remains clean and healthy.
Their impressive intelligence and trainability mean that they can learn commands and tricks effectively, although consistency and patience are key. These dogs tend to bond closely with their families and appreciate being involved in daily activities. They possess a moderate barking tendency, which can be helpful in alerting you to visitors, making them ideal watchdogs. If you’re looking for a loving companion who can balance both guardianship and gentle affection, a Neapolitan Mastiff might just be the right fit for you and your family. If you are in the market for one of these gentle giants, you’ll find them at Petland San Antonio, TX.
Neapolitan Mastiff breed profile
Every score below is set by our team for this breed. Higher is simply more of that trait, not better or worse.
Temperament
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Affection Very affectionate
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Playfulness Calm
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With strangers Cautious
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Territorial Territorial
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Prey drive Low
Family & other pets
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Young children Good
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Older children Good
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Other dogs Usually fine
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Cats Needs care
Energy & exercise
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Energy Moderate
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Mental stimulation Light
Training
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Trainability Willing learner
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Intelligence Bright
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Stubbornness A stubborn streak
Care & upkeep
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Shedding Moderate
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Drooling Keep a towel handy
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Barking Moderate
Home life
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Apartment living Prefers a house
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Time alone A few hours
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Cold weather Average
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Warm weather Needs shade
A good match for
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First-time owners Some experience helps
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Senior owners Suitable
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Running partner Short distances
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Hiking Short walks
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Therapy work Unlikely
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Guarding Strong guardian
Living with a Neapolitan Mastiff
History
The Neapolitan mastiff is amongst the oldest and biggest breed of dogs that dates back to 700 BC, during the time of Alexander the Great. In the time past, he had a giant dog that he used as war dogs, which he was able to cross with the short-haired Indian dogs to produce the molossus breed.
He still wasn't satisfied; he decided to cross the molossus with a much larger breed, to create a bigger and intimidating breed called the mastinos. The mastino was used by farmers, in southern Italy. They decided to create another breed similar to mastino, but more friendly and homely.
Which they succeeded in creating and named it after Naples, its city of origin, the Neapolitan mastiff. Today, the Neapolitan mastiff is a treasured dog in Italy, and it is quite expensive to acquire.
Temperament
The Neapolitan mastiff is a watchdog as well as a guard dog, and it is very protective. The dog is a patient dog and not overactive. Like a loyal dog, it is content to sit at his master's feet. But when necessary or if it notices an intruder, it can cover an ample space within a short time because it is speedy.
It happens to be a very courageous dog with an even temperament. It is not aggressive, but it is very protective of the people and property under its watch.
You need to keep introducing it to your visitors until it knows them. It also never accepts food from strangers, and it is one breed that can never be bribed.
Environment
The Neapolitan mastiff doesn't need an ample outdoor space like most active dogs. But it needs a spacious living space that would be convenient for its massive body.
The house should be spacious enough, so it doesn't bump into things. and if possible, stairs should be limited, so it doesn't develop joint problems. It is quite natural for these breeds to overheat, and are most likely not suitable for hot climate. During such a period, try to provide them with cold water and sufficient shade that will block out the heat completely.
Exercise
Every dog deserves to be exercised, but not in the same manner. Most dogs are allowed to run, play, twist, and turn as part of their exercise, but the same cannot be said for the Neapolitan mastiff breeds.
Due to their large body and the fact that they quickly overheat, the best exercise for them is a gentle walk. They shouldn't be allowed to run, so they don't get injured or too tired, it isn't good for them.
Grooming
The Neapolitan mastiff is easy to maintain, all they need is occasional bathing, and they are good. Try cleaning their ears, nose, and mouth occasionally as well, and due to the folds and excess skin on their faces, you need to always have a damp cloth with you when they eat. Their face and chest will be messed up after each meal, but a gentle wipe will do. Check their nails often and cut them if overgrown.
Our Neapolitan Mastiff puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. USDA licensed commercial breeders account for less than 20% of all breeders in the country.
The unregulated breeders who are selling outside of the USDA regulations and without a license are what we consider to be “Puppy Mills.” We are committed to offering Neapolitan Mastiff puppies who will grow up to become important members of your family. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell.
Caring for a Neapolitan Mastiff
- Grooming
- Weekly brushing
- Grooming cost
- Average
- Monthly food
- High
- Outdoor space
- A yard is recommended
- Allergy friendly
- Not considered hypoallergenic
Neapolitan Mastiff Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Neapolitan Mastiff shed a lot?
The Neapolitan mastiff doesn't shed a great deal. They only shed their fur occasionally, and it is limited. But a little help is needed during their shedding period by helping them brush their coat, this way the shedding will be controlled.
Do Neapolitan Mastiff drool a lot?
Yes, these breeds are known for drooling a lot and all the time. Their drooling increases after their meal.
What is Neapolitan Mastiffs lifespan?
The Neapolitan mastiff has an average lifespan of about seven to ten years. But with proper care, nutrition, and maintenance, they can live longer than ten years.
What are the Neapolitan Mastiffs most common health issues?
Due to their excess skin and weight, the most common health issues they have are arthritis, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, cherry eyes, cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy, etc.
Are Neapolitan Mastiffs lazy?
The Neapolitan mastiffs may seem like a lazy breed because they love to sleep or lie at their master's feet, but they can spring into action at the slightest provocation.
Do Neapolitan Mastiffs bark a lot?
These breeds don't bark a lot. They only bark when they want to draw the attention of their owners, or when they notice anything suspicious while looking after their home.
How much exercise do Neapolitan Mastiffs need daily?
They need little exercise daily for their mental and physical well being. A short walk around the neighborhood or in an open park where they can move freely is perfect for them. But if it's a high-temperature day, then exercising should be avoided.
Can Neapolitan Mastiffs be left alone for a long time in a day?
No, the Neapolitan mastiff shouldn't be left alone, because they can get bored and frustrated and develop bad habits. Like chewing furniture, barking unnecessarily, and other destructive habits.
Are Neapolitan Mastiffs easy to train?
If the training starts at an early stage when they are little, then they are easy to train. Because they respond to discipline more effectively when they are younger than when they are older. If you neglected training them when they were younger, then training becomes tough when they are older.
Are Neapolitan Mastiffs stranger friendly?
No, the Neapolitan mastiffs are not stranger friendly. They could become quiet in front of a stranger, but if not properly introduced, then they could become aggressive. Hence, the need for early socialization and training so they could be a bit cordial to strangers.
The Neapolitan mastiff is a top-notch friendly family dog. Their loyalty is extreme, but even in their friendliness, they are very protective of their loved ones and don't take kindly to intruders or strangers.
