Added: Nov 22, 2008

From: AnimalsandNature

Duration: 2:9

Neapolitan Mastiff CharacteristicsBreed Group: Working GroupHeight: Male: 26-31 inches tall, Females: 24-29 inches tallWeight: Male: 150-180 lb., Female: 110-140 lb.Color: Solid coat of gray (blue), black, mahogany, tawny, some brindling allowedTemperment: Neos are steady, loyal, always watchful, and calm yet weary.Origins:About the Neapolitan MastiffThe Neapolitan Mastiff, also referred to as the Neo, has existed since ancient times but was discovered in the 1940s in Central Italy. These giant dogs were originally used as livestock guarding and fighting dogs.Today, the Neo is primarily used as a companion and guard dog.The Neapolitan Mastiff Temperment and IntelligenceNeapolitan Mastiffs may appear frightening at first glance but they are actually very loving to their family members. They are very affectionate and kind to their owners, yet they are extremely protective and possessive of them. The Neo needs early socialization and training because the males can be dominant. Though usually docile in the home, they will become aggressive when needed and don?t respond well to teasing by children. The need to have proper obedience training as well to calm the natural instinct to guard all of the time.Neapolitan Mastiff CharacteristicsThe Neapolitan Mastiff is characterized by its massive size and loose skin all over its body. Its face is made of several large wrinkles and folds that almost hide the deep set brown eyes of this dog. Their ears may or may not be cropped depending on the owner of the dog. Due to health reasons however, the ears usually are cropped. Their nose is large with open nostrils and is identical in color with the coat of the dog, as is the muzzle which is wide and full of wrinkles. Their lips are long, heavy, and wrinkled as well though the flews of the dog are allowed to be seen. The Neo?s tail is tapered and is docked about 1/3 of the way down. The legs of the dog are stocky and powerful with loose skin on the front leg elbows. They have both front and rear dew claws although the back one must be removed. Their very large paws are round and very strong with arched toes. Though they many come in many colors, the most common colors are solid short coats of gray, black, mahogany, and tawny, though occasionally brindles may be found. A typical male is 26-31 inches tall and 150-180 pounds while females are 24-29 inches tall and 110-140 ponds.Neapolitan Mastiff Health ConcernsNeapolitans are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and cherry eye.Choosing an Neapolitan MastiffThe Neapolitan Mastiff needs a very dominant owner who can properly train him at a young age. They are highly intelligent and learn quickly but do tend to test their boundaries often. They don?t need a lot of exercise so they are suitable for apartment living. They are also not a dog for those who are extremely neat and tidy because they are very messy eaters and water drinkers.

Channel: Animals

Tags: mastiff  neapolitan 


Rating: 5.00 (5 ratings)    Views: 7455' favoriteCount='9    Comments: 13

skyetiger Says:

Nov 22, 2008 - They're adorable=D

Chuxite Says:

Nov 22, 2008 - They sure are a handsom family.

AnimalsandNature Says:

Nov 22, 2008 - Thank you skyetiger.

AnimalsandNature Says:

Nov 22, 2008 - Thank You Chuxite.

penguino101 Says:

Nov 22, 2008 - hmm how much do these neo mastiffs usually go for? are they always chunky like that can they not get bulky (in a muscular way). what were they breed for hunting? guarding? im interested and i've been think of buying when i'm out of the marine corp, but i live in the city and i'm worried that maybe the city life wont be good for this kind of breed. Its seems like a more outdoorsy kind a dog. I'm an outdoors person but like i live in the city! hows it temper? and its social behavior?

AnimalsandNature Says:

Nov 22, 2008 - penguino101 Well have you read the right side Panel Information?Mostly people keep these dogs no matter were they want to be. Some people have them in small apartments, house that have a big back yard or either way they have big acres with live stock. It doesn't matter were they live as long they have a good home and better training. And be a pack leader. For example a friend has a wolf as a pet and keeps him inside the home. But very submissive and bond leadership. And that's all it takes.

Gillsmeadow Says:

Nov 22, 2008 - These dogs are sooooooooo AWESOME! Great video! Thanks for detailing their characteristics in your video description. I didn't know that much about them :D

AnimalsandNature Says:

Nov 22, 2008 - Thank You very much Gillsmeadow!

canabias Says:

Nov 22, 2008 - Hack, that is one big family! And I mean BIG in all senses! Beautiful dogs! I gotta 11 weeks old American Bully and he is A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E too! Fotos coming soon!

johnnyfou Says:

Nov 22, 2008 - is that Calipso dello stradone??very beautiful neos

hfuentesmd Says:

Nov 22, 2008 - uhhh a big and beautiful dog.....

NYCCHIK Says:

Nov 22, 2008 - I love the neo's. You babies are belisimo. I promised my hubby 1 one day. Right now we have 3 English Mastiff's and a weiner dog...... and we have 4 sofas.....LOL

mgbrawl Says:

Nov 22, 2008 - Question, why are Neo's bred with such loose skin? for portection whilest fighting? or to keep them warmer outdoors maybe?