Mastino Neapolitano care and maintenance. Neapolitan Mastiff (photo): a formidable guard with a good soul

A powerful Neapolitano mastino dog will protect the house from uninvited guests, and will become a faithful companion for children. Behind an unusual and intimidating appearance hides a serious but good-natured dog.

History of Neapolitano mastino breed

The breed is one of the oldest in the world. The Neapolitan Mastiff dog was used in ancient Rome during fights to bait wild animals. The breed acquired its modern look in Spain closer to 1946, when the famous cynologist Pietro Scanzian presented to the public eight dogs that had a common exterior. The breed was officially recognized in 1949. The Mastino Neapolitano standard has changed over the years, since during the selection, it was not the guard characteristics of the dog that came out on top, but its extraordinary appearance with a large excess of skin on the head. The latest standard was adopted in 1999 and has not changed.

General characteristics of the breed

A dog with a massive appearance actually has a friendly character, easily gets in touch and takes part in all active games with pleasure. A nanny dog, that's what the Neapolitan mastino is called in their homeland. The breed is attached to its owner and takes care of him and every member of the family all his life. It is not scary to leave a stroller or a playing baby next to the dog. A huge dog will not only not harm the child, but will also monitor his safety. But it is better to start a dog after the birth of the baby. The dog has a jealous nature and does not tolerate competition for the owner's love. In some cases, the dog shows jealousy in an aggressive form.

Breed standard (appearance)

According to the standard, the breed belongs to the Molossian group. The description of the breed must meet certain standards:

1. Head. Wide, massive with a lot of folds that create a certain shape.
2. Cheeks. Thick and fleshy, with drooping wings.
3. Muzzle. Square, with a pronounced transition from the muzzle to the broad forehead. Covered with folds.
4. Nose. Wide, black.
5. Eyes. Almond-shaped, deep-set, the lower eyelid hangs like a rolling pin, light brown to dark in color.
6. Neck. Powerful and short, from below under the muzzle there is a large forked sag.
7. Bite. Standard scissor.
8. Ears. Until 1989 they were docked to avoid various diseases, after circumcision they had a triangular shape, standing. For 2018, they are not docked. Set high, fleshy tips hanging down.
9. Back. Broad and straight, almost square in shape, muscular.
10. Breast. Broad, muscular. Below is necessarily sagging from the skin.
11. Stomach. Tight, smooth.
12. Tail.¼ docked, thick, standard allowed uncut.
13. Paws. Powerful, muscular, medium length.
14. Gait. Slightly untied, running with sweeping movements.
15. Wool. Short top coat, hard in cables, soft in bitches, plush to the touch.
16. Color. Dark blue, black, silver, red. Brindle is allowed with any dominant color. Spotted puppies are culled according to the standard. A few small white spots on the belly, paws and chest of the animal are acceptable.
17. Growth at the withers. The largest Mastino Neapolitano reach a height of 65 to 75 cm, females are smaller and grow from 60 to 68 cm.
18. The weight of the animal depends on the diet and lifestyle of the dog. Active and trained animals according to the standard weigh up to 70 kg, bitches less by 10 kg.

The nature of the breed

Among the features of the breed, the following stand out clearly.

1. It has good watch qualities and can easily defend its territory.
2. The dog is friendly with all family members, attached to the owner.
3. Mastino is playful at any age, but does not like long active games.
4. He is suspicious of strangers, but as soon as he realizes that an unexpected guest does not encroach on his territory, he loses all interest in him.
5. He does not tolerate other animals in the house, as he is jealous of the owner. It can tolerate other animals, but at any convenient moment it shows aggression towards them.
6. An easily trained breed, but up to two years it tries to take a leading position, so it is not recommended to start amateurs.
7. Mastino Neapolitano has a good memory and remembers offenders for a long time, but is not vindictive.
8. He loves space and is not suitable for apartments with a small area. The dog needs a place in the form of a small backyard, a separate lawn. When a dog needs daily walking at least three times a day.
9. The Neapolitano Mastiff is aggressive, especially if a stranger will show aggression or make sudden movements. Will protect the owner in any case.
10. The dog does not belong to the empty huskies, so the voice gives in the most rare cases. If the owner treats the stranger complacently, then the dog loses all interest in the stranger.
11. Stress-resistant breed and calmly relate to changes, sharp sounds, noise.
12. Suitable as a guard dog, guide dog for people with disabilities and just a best friend.

Not suitable for keeping in an outdoor enclosure if the temperature in winter falls below -10 degrees. The dog does not have an undercoat and does not tolerate frost and excessive moisture. In the warm season, keeping outdoors is preferable.

Caring for the Neapolitan Mastiff

A dog with multiple skin folds needs special care. The average life expectancy of a large breed is 10 to 13 years. But these numbers will be significantly reduced if the rules of care and maintenance are not followed:

In the house, the dog is allocated a separate place where the rug spreads. There is also a zone for eating, a bowl of water is placed. The animal's access to water should not be restricted at any time.

Pet health

Mastino Neapolitano puppies are prone to various viral and bacterial diseases. Before three months, it is necessary to carry out the first vaccination against diseases: leptospirosis, hepatitis, plague and parvovirus. Up to a year, the pet is given an additional vaccination against rabies. Vaccination is carried out throughout the life of the animal, once a year. It is better to vaccinate the animal in early spring or late winter.

According to the physiological characteristics, the breed is prone to diseases:

• cardiopulmonary filariasis. Transmitted through blood-sucking insects;
• volvulus. It occurs in dogs older than five years. Rest after eating helps to warn, the animal is not allowed to run and play active games.

The dog has good immunity and is more rare. The greatest probability of contracting a viral disease occurs in the first year of a dog's life.

Neapolitan mastiff training

Puppies begin to be trained from a month and a half. Immediately after getting into a new house, a nickname is selected for the dog. It is necessary to accustom the puppy to the nickname every day, when the dog begins to respond, it must be praised.

Up to three months, the animal is trained at home. For training, basic commands are selected: walk, come to me, fu. These commands will be needed for further training of the pet. From three months the dog is enrolled in the main training course (OKD).

Under the guidance of an experienced cynologist, the puppy will learn:

• walk beside;
• will begin to understand not only voice commands, but also hand signs;
• learns what a place is;
• learn to sit, lie down and stand on command;
• bring an aport and perform exercises on shells.

If the pet is taken, then it is recommended to take an additional course of protective guard service (ZKS). In training, the dog will learn to protect its owner, properly neutralize criminals, and protect personal belongings. In training, mastins are additionally angered so that they are more aggressive towards strangers.

It will be useful:

Feeding

Puppies are weaned at the age of one month. From the age of three weeks, large puppies begin to be fed with special milk mixtures that are rich in vitamins, calcium and iron. From 1 to 3 months, the puppy is first transferred to milk porridge based on cereals: corn, oatmeal. Porridge is given in portions of 200 g every 3 hours. Gradually, the puppy is transferred to meat lean broth with the addition of cereals and meat. From 3 to 6 months, the number of servings is reduced to 4 per day, with a volume of no more than 500 g. From 6 months to a year, the animal is smoothly transferred to two meals a day. Serving size 2-3 liters.

In the diet of an animal on natural food, products should be present:

• cereals - corn, oatmeal, buckwheat, rice;
• vegetables - everything except potatoes and onions;
• fermented milk products - cottage cheese, kefir, fermented baked milk;
• eggs;
• meat and offal of lean varieties - beef, veal, turkey, rabbit meat;
• sea ​​fish.

Vitamins and minerals are added to the animal's diet on natural food. The following types are effective: Biorhythm from Veda, Excel from 8 in 1, Brevers Complex from Unitabs.

It is easier to feed the dog with special feeds, which already include vitamins and minerals. The following brands are suitable for the breed: Belcando Junior Maxi, Royal Canin Maxi Adult 26, Acana Adult Large breed, Hill`s Canine Adult Advanced Fitness.

How, natural food, dry or mixed, is selected individually.

Video

Photo Mastino Neapolitano

In the photo, the most common color of the breed is black, with small white patches on the paws.


The photo shows the brindle color of the breed with a dominant red, which gives the dog brightness.


The blue color looks unusual, such dogs are also called silver.

Since ancient times, the dog has been a friend of man. She guarded the dwelling, hunted with the owner, helped the man to graze the cattle. A special place among the numerous breeds of dogs is occupied by the Neapolitan mastiff (Italian mastiff, or "mastino Neapolitano").

The history of the origin of the breed

This giant dog has roots going back centuries. The progenitors of this breed are ancient fighting dogs, related to the Molossians, which, presumably, descended from ancient Egyptian and Assyrian dogs. The first mention of mastiffs are found in documents dating back to the time of the existence of the Roman Empire. Then these majestic and formidable dogs were used in battles. They were dressed in metal armor and released onto the battlefield. Often they participated in spectacular events in the arenas of ancient Rome.

In addition to participating in battles, these dogs were also kept by ordinary residents: butchers, farmers, peasants. Due to their huge size, mastiffs were often used as a draft force - they were harnessed to special carts, and in this way they transported cargo. Currently, mastiffs are mainly used as guard dogs.

After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the popularity of this breed declined sharply. Basically, mastiffs became common in Naples. Therefore, the modern name of this breed sounds like a Neapolitan Mastiff.

Centuries-old crossing of Neapolitan mastiffs with Iberian mastiffs similar to this breed, as well as spontaneous crossing with dogs of other breeds, gradually led to the degeneration of the breed. Only in the middle of the twentieth century, thanks to the efforts of Pietro Scanziani, the breed was restored. It was his dog in 1949 that became the model for describing the breed standard. This standard, with some additions, is still used today. The latest revisions were made in 1999.

Gallery: Neapolitan Mastiff (25 photos)

Appearance

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a very large dog with well-developed muscles and strong bones. Her appearance is very formidable and severe.. But, despite its intimidating appearance, this dog is an ideal companion for humans. At the 29th annual show of the ugliest dogs in the world, a Neapolitan mastiff named Martha won. And the Neapolitan mastiff named Hercules was recognized as the largest representative of this breed. And this nickname he bore by right. The weight of Hercules was 128 kg. And the girth of the neck is 97 cm. This dog is the champion of the Guinness Book of Records.

The larger the dog, the more pride it is for the owner. However, exceeding the standard dimensions is not welcome for dogs applying to become breeding producers.

Breed standards for Neapolitan Mastiffs currently the following

• Height at the withers: male - 65–75 cm, female - 60–68 cm.
• Weight: male 60–70 kg, female 50–60 kg.
• The length of the skull with muzzle should be ⅓ of the dog's height. The skin on the head is folded, the lips are fleshy, drooping, with visible red stripes of the lips, the eyelids are drooping. The jaws are very powerful, with a scissor or pincer bite. The eyes are slightly deepened, the color of the eyes corresponds to the color.
• The ears of a dog of the Neapolitan mastiff breed, according to the standard, can not be cropped. Cropped ears are semi-erect or raised, have the shape of an equilateral triangle. The natural shape of the ears is flat, close to the head.
• The neck of the mastiff is rather short in relation to the body, very muscular. The presence of a dewlap formed by two large, deep folds is obligatory on the neck.
• The back is broad and should be ⅓ of the height at the withers. The chest is strong. Limbs with strongly developed muscles.
• Forelegs - vertical to the ground, large, rounded. The hind legs are also very powerful, although smaller than the front ones. The toes should be in a "lump". The tail is wide, tapering from base to tip. Usually stopped by almost a third of the length.
• The skin is thick, loosely hanging in folds. The coat is short and hard. Color - gray, lead gray, brown, fawn, black, red deer, hazel, blue-gray and isabella tone. Small white spots on the chest and fingertips are allowed.

Character and temperament

By temperament, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a phlegmatic dog. It is slow and balanced, but, if necessary, it can attack with lightning speed. Despite the formidable and intimidating appearance, this is a friendly dog. And with the right upbringing, he can become a true friend of the family. This is a very loyal dog.. The Neapolitano mastiff can warmly treat all family members, but the owner chooses one and forever. Dogs of this breed are very difficult to experience separation from the owner. Therefore, when purchasing a Neapolitan Mastiff puppy, you need to carefully consider whether you are ready to take responsibility for it.

There is an opinion that you can have many hours of conversation with dogs of this breed, he is an ideal listener. Children are treated with tenderness. Considered to be an excellent babysitter. However, due to its size, you need to be careful with mastiffs, because even during harmless games, he can injure a child. In addition, the Neapolitan mastiffs extremely jealous. Therefore, they are not recommended for families with children under 12 years of age and if other dogs are present. With proper upbringing, this dog is friendly to the guests of the house, but in case of danger to the life or property of the owner, it is ready to attack.

Care

The private house is the ideal home for the Neapolitan mastiffs. However, these dogs can also be kept in an apartment. But in this case, it is necessary to organize daily walks at least 2 times and a spacious corner in the apartment.

Since the coat of the Neapolitan is short, the care of this dog is simple. Perhaps the main inconvenience is its excessive salivation and deep folds of the skin, which can become inflamed from constant saliva. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly inspect the folds and wipe them from dirt and saliva.

Neapolitan mastiff dogs often susceptible to diseases such as:

• joint dysplasia;
• cardiomyopathy;
• skin infections.

These diseases are caused by the large weight of the dog and the presence of a large number of deep folds on the skin. With proper care and timely treatment, Neapolitano mastiffs live 10–12 years.

The Neapolitan Mastiff, or Neapolitan Mastiff, is one of the most ancient breeds in the world. The ancestors of these majestic animals served even Alexander the Great. Since ancient times, animals have been used for dog fighting and guarding the home. Consider a brief description of the Neapolitan Mastiff dog breed.

Characteristics of the breed

Representatives of the Mastino Neapolitano breed have a large physique, which cannot be overlooked when looking through photos and videos of animals. Outwardly, the dog looks majestic and somewhat threatening. Her muscular body and measured movements attract attention. The movements of the animal are its hallmark: in them, the feline grace of a lion is replaced by the heavy tread of a bear.

Having a calm and devoted character, the Neapolitan Mastiff will become a true friend to the owner. He is not prone to sudden aggression and responds well to commands. Its protective qualities have been known since ancient Rome. The friendly and good-natured nature of the animal makes it a universal favorite.

According to the breed description, the Mastino Neapolitano is a massive and stocky dog. The length of her body is more than the height at the withers by about 10%, which is noticeable in the photo of animals. The height of the Neapolitan Mastiff male reaches 75 cm, and the females - 68. Representatives of the breed have a rather impressive weight. According to the standard, the weight of a boy can be 70 kg, and the weight of a girl is approaching 60 kg.

Head

The description of the head of the Neapolitan Mastiff should begin with its size. It looks quite massive, and its length, according to the standard, is a little more than a third of the height of the animal at the withers. A feature of the Neapolitano Mastiff is the presence of folds of skin that cover the face of the animal. The wide flat skull of the dog is about twice the size of the muzzle. It is characterized by powerful cheekbones and developed superciliary arches.

The transition from the forehead to the front is clearly visible. The length of the wide muzzle of the dog is one third of the length of the head. The large nose of the animal with wide open nostrils, as it were, continues the upper part of the muzzle. The color of the nose can be black, brown or dark gray, depending on the basic color of the dog.

The lips of the dog are thick and dense. The upper lip has a characteristic shape resembling an inverted V, while the lower lip sags slightly at the edges. The powerful jaws of the animal contain strong white teeth. The Neapolitan Mastiff has a scissor bite.

The dog's eyes are set wide apart and have a rounded shape. Their color is usually darker than the general color of the dog. The triangular, flat ears appear small in relation to the overall dimensions of the body. They fit snugly on the cheeks of the Neapolitan Mastiff and reach almost to the cheekbones.

torso

The large head and massive body of the Neapolitano mastino are connected by a short, slightly curved neck. Folds of saggy skin wrap around a muscular neck. The length of the broad back of the animal is one third of the height at the withers. The line of the back is continued by a harmoniously folded muscular loin. The voluminous chest contains long ribs that are clearly visible.

The Neapolitano Mastiff's tail is wide at the root and tapers evenly towards the tip. In a calm state, it hangs down, and in an excited state it rises to the level of the back line or slightly higher. It is customary to buy it. The front and hind legs of the dog are powerful, muscular and in perfect harmony with the general physique. The Neapolitan Mastiff's round, tightly built feet are characterized by hard pads and strong, curved nails.

Wool and color

Neapolitan mastiff dogs have a characteristic skin. The thick skin of the animal hangs from the body, forming multiple folds. This is especially noticeable on the head and in the lower part of the neck. The coat of the representative of the breed is smooth, short and thick. It has the same length and evenly covers the entire body. The length of a dog's coat hair barely reaches 1.5 cm.

The characteristic colors for representatives of the breed are black, gray, gray with a hint of lead and "mahogany color". The fawn color is characterized by a yellow-brown color of the coat and possible small white inclusions on the chest and fingers of the animal. All of the listed colors can be with a "tiger". Often found in light brown, gray-yellow and gray-fawn color or isabella, as it is also called.

Character

The Neapolitan Mastiff has a kind and friendly disposition. He will love all family members, with the condition of a good attitude towards himself. For children, the dog will become a nanny, and for adults - the best friend. An animal can treat all households equally, without choosing a master, if it feels love and care on their part.

The representative of the breed is an excellent and responsible watchman. Having such a dog in the house, you can not be afraid for the safety of your property. The dog is wary of strangers, but at the first command of the owner it will let the visitor into the house. If you are visiting a house where such dogs live, do not “lisp” with them and do not try to pet them: Mastiffs do not like the persistent attention of strangers.

Nursery Gvidion (mastino napoletano)

Mastino Neapolitan. Planet of dogs to the rescue 🌏 My Planet

dogs Mastino Napoletano (Neapolitan mastiff)

Dog breeds. mastino neapolitano

On a walk, the dog behaves calmly and intelligently. She will never attack first, especially those who are weaker. This is an extremely intelligent dog that lends itself well to training. The only condition for upbringing is no aggression, let alone assault.

So that the dog does not grow up aggressive and embittered, early socialization of the puppy is important. Walk with him in parks where they walk dogs, introduce people and pets. Mastino Neapolitano must be taught simple commands, such as "Sit", "Come to me", "Alien", "Own". Make sure that the dog fulfills them unquestioningly and immediately. Remember that an untrained dog of this size can be a danger to others.

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a dog that needs space. Of course, it can be kept in an apartment, but it will be better to feel like a representative of the breed in a country house. He needs space for games and walks. It is good if the house has a garden or a large yard where the dog can frolic and lie down in the shade of trees. In no case should you put an animal on a chain: in this way you can embitter him.

Taking care of a dog is easy. Grooming an animal's coat involves bathing once a month or as it gets dirty. It is necessary to comb the dog once every two weeks, using a special massage mitten for this purpose. To prevent inflammation of the skin, regularly wipe the folds of the skin of the animal.

Ears should be checked for infections and cleaned of dirt, and teeth should be cleaned with a special paste. Mastiff's eyes are recommended to be wiped with a clean, damp cloth. This procedure is carried out approximately once every seven days. The claws of the dog are trimmed as they grow.

Feeding

Turning to the issue of feeding Neapolitano mastino dogs, it is necessary to say a few words about the place and dishes. The dog must eat in a strictly designated place and at a strictly allotted time. Eating utensils should be made of metal or ceramic, but never plastic. The bowl should be at the level of the animal's chest, so you should use a special stand for dog utensils.

Puppies up to 4 months old are fed 4 times a day, and by 6 months they go to 2 meals a day. An adult dog is recommended to be fed once a day: in the evening. The diet of the representative of the breed should be balanced and rich in vitamins and useful trace elements. Each owner chooses the type of feeding at his own discretion. For Neapolitano Mastino, both natural products and ready-made feeds are suitable.

Natural products

Natural feeding assumes that you will make up the diet for your pet yourself and you will also have to cook the dishes. The main component of the mastiff's natural diet is meat. Choose lean varieties: beef, poultry. You can give your dog by-products. In no case do not offer your pet small bones that can damage his stomach.

Fish should be given exclusively from the sea, after removing all the bones. Dogs benefit from cereals that saturate the body with the necessary carbohydrates. Puppies cook them more liquid, and adult dogs - thicker. From fermented milk products, the dog should eat cottage cheese, kefir, fermented baked milk, curdled milk and natural yogurt, which is especially recommended for puppies. Make sure that the animal's diet includes vegetables and fruits that will saturate its body with vitamins.

Ready feed

Feeding ready-made industrial feeds will save you from having to invent and prepare meals for your pet. There are two types of professional food: dry and canned. When choosing such a nutrition system, make sure that the food you purchase matches the breed and age of the animal. Do not exceed the feeding doses indicated by the food manufacturer, otherwise the dog will overeat, which will negatively affect his health.

Health

Dogs of large breeds have a short life expectancy, this also applies to Neapolitano Mastiffs. On average, representatives of the breed live 8-10 years. Maintenance, care and the presence of chronic diseases affect how many years your pet will live. Dogs of the Neapolitan Mastiff breed are prone to the following diseases:

1. Progressive retinal atrophy is hereditary and can partially or completely deprive a dog of vision.
2. Hip dysplasia is characterized by problems with the musculoskeletal system of the animal. The disease often manifests itself in puppies at the age of 6-8 months. The dog may limp, get tired quickly during a walk, it is difficult for her to get up on her feet.
3. Hypothyroidism is characterized by dysfunction of the thyroid gland. As a result of the disease, the Mastiff becomes overweight, loses hair and digestion is disturbed. The disease affects middle-aged animals and requires immediate treatment.
4. Elbow dysplasia affects the forelimbs of the animal.
5. Dermatitis in dogs causes allergies to food or care products.

Buying a puppy

Buying a Neapolitan Mastiff puppy should be approached responsibly. First of all, think carefully about whether your living conditions allow you to have such an animal. After all, in less than a year, a cute little puppy will turn into a dog of quite impressive size. Do you have time to take care of him, go for walks with him and run to the vets?

If you are firm in your decision, then the search for a puppy should start with specialized kennels, where you can buy a healthy dog ​​with a good pedigree. The nursery staff will advise you on how to take care of your four-legged friend and what vaccinations he needs.

What is the price of a Neapolitano mastino puppy? The lower limit of prices is at the level of 500 US dollars, and the upper reaches several thousand.

And Schnauzers, Molossians, Swiss Cattle Dogs and other breeds). Section 2.1 (dogs like Molossians and Mastiffs). No working test

Usage: guard and guard dog

Color: black, brindle, mahogany

Dimensions: height at the withers: males - from 63 to 77 cm, females - from 58 to 70 cm; weight: males - 60 - 70 kg, females - 50 - 60 kg

Lifespan: 8-10 years old

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large and often clumsy dog ​​that loves its owners infinitely and, like and, scares off enemies with a formidable appearance.

Neapolitans become good house guards and personal protectors for people.

With proper upbringing, the dog does not cause excessive trouble to its owners.

History of the breed

The Neapolitan Mastiff or Neapolitan Mastiff is one of the oldest breeds in the world.

Their roots go back to Roman mastiffs who fought in dog fights and accompanied Roman legionnaires in war.

Initially, mastiffs were used, as well as, as a guard dog, and also allowed into battle, like , against bears, bulls, jaguars.

For a long time Mastino lived in rural areas of Italy, where, of course, no one was engaged in their special breeding.

Only in 1947, a group of cynologists gathered 8 of the best representatives of the Neapolitans at that time and by 1949 they brought out the modern standard of the Neapolitan mastiff breed.

The Neapolitan mastiff named Hercules, who was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the heaviest dog in the world, brought fame to this breed.

The Neapolitan Mastiff Hercules weighed 128 kg. Every day the dog consumed 1.3 kg of dry food and certainly 1 kg of steak at dinner.

Psychology

The Neapolitan Mastiff, whose photo can often be found on the Internet, is a born watchdog.

His sedate and measured character, combined with a strong and muscular body, makes this dog an excellent guard dog.

• Friendliness. Despite its formidable appearance, the Neapolitan Mastiff is an affectionate and gentle dog. He loves human society, gets along well with children and pets. It is often compared to bullmastiff .
• Devotion.
• Equilibrium. The Neapolitan Mastiff does not suffer from unreasonable bouts of aggression, it is a reasonable dog that, with the right education, will behave calmly. Similar features are present in Beauceron breeds .

• Defender. The owner for the Neapolitan is the king and God, who needs to be protected and guarded. He will not allow anyone to offend you and will always come to the rescue.
• Laziness.

Important! Do not leave small children unsupervised near the Mastiff. The dog during the game, unwittingly, can harm the baby. All the fault - her sluggishness and sluggishness.

• The need for socialization.
• Sloppiness. If you are ready for saliva and snot all over the house, do not get tired of collecting food scattered around the rooms, do not regret an accidentally broken vase that was touched by a clumsy mastiff - the Neapolitan can become your favorite.

Application

Mastino Neapolitano will jealously defend their masters and their territory. He will be able to drive away unwanted guests with just a ferocious look.

This is a strong and intelligent dog, which is most often used as a guard, similar to the Turkmen.

How to choose a puppy

To be sure that in front of you is really a Neapolitan mastiff, it is better to buy it in a specialized nursery.

So there is less chance that you will slip a low-breed individual.

It is best to come to the first date with a puppy when the baby is 45 to 60 days old, and wean him from his mother after two months.

When choosing a dog, you should pay attention to such points:

• Mastiffs often suffer from hip dysplasia. Check the puppy's hindquarters.
• The parents of the baby should be kept in good conditions and be absolutely healthy.

Decide in advance why you are buying a dog. All breeds are divided into three classes: breed, show and pet class.

The breed class is impeccable in health and appearance, such dogs are intended for breeding offspring.

The show class consists of highly qualified participants and winners of various exhibitions.

Pet-class is not suitable for breeding and exhibitions, it is the so-called second grade.

Often such puppies have minor flaws that will be noticeable during professional activities, but are completely leveled at home.

The cost of the latest puppies is much less than the show and breed class.

The Neapolitan Mastiff, whose price ranges from 400 to 1,500 USD, is not a cheap pleasure.

Features of care

The Mastiff's eyes should be checked regularly for inflammation. It is necessary to pay attention to the folds on the muzzle, clean them.

After eating, you need to remove food debris around the mouth.

Important! Owners must be prepared for the physiological characteristics of the Neapolitan Mastiff: saliva, wheezing and snorting.

Combing

The short coat of the mastiff does not require troublesome grooming. It is enough to comb the dog sometimes, during periods of molting - a little more often.

Bathing a pet is often not worth it, bath procedures are shown only when an unpleasant smell has appeared, or you are preparing a dog for an exhibition. Up to a year it is better not to bathe at all.

paddock

She can live in a private house with a large yard, where she will sleep all day in the shade. Also, the mastiff will be able to adapt to life in a city apartment.

It does not require sports exercises like mile runs, but leisurely long walks should be regular.

According to the level of training, the Neapolitan Mastiff is good. He perfectly remembers commands, but is in no hurry to carry them out. Long and monotonous repetitions of exercises tire him.

Important! Neapolitans have a good memory, so you should not use rudeness and physical strength in training. A poorly trained dog can turn into an uncontrollable beast.

Nutrition

Don't worry, the Hercules mastiff example is just an exception. You do not have to harass the dog pounds of food and meat every day.

On the contrary, it is important not to overfeed the Mastiff.

Experts agree that it is best to feed the Neapolitan mastiff, which contain trace elements necessary for the health of the dog.

If you prefer to give your dog natural food, eliminate rice, chicken and bones from his diet.

Important! Mastiffs love to drink. A bowl of fresh water should always be freely available.

According to the level of training, the Neapolitan Mastiff is good. He perfectly remembers commands, but is in no hurry to carry them out. Long and monotonous repetitions of exercises tire him

Vaccinations

The Neapolitan Mastiff dog needs high-quality protection against various diseases.

To keep your pet safe, it is important to follow the calendar.

At two months old, the puppy needs to get the first vaccination and repeat the vaccination as prescribed by the doctor.

knitting

The estrus in females starts from 7 - 10 months, mating usually occurs on the second, i.e. at about 18 months. At the same time, the male also matures.

It is necessary to monitor the course of pregnancy in a Neapolitan Mastiff bitch. Often, during childbirth, the dog needs third-party assistance and a caesarean section.

If, after reading all the advantages and disadvantages of the Neapolitan Mastiff, you still decide to have this giant at home, give him all your love and care.

Then you will come to terms with the bad habits of the dog, and, perhaps, you will be able to raise him into an exemplary and obedient dog.

Neapolitan Mastiff: a formidable guard with a good soul

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large dog that is recommended for experienced dog breeders. To defeat the stubbornness of the dog, you need the firm hand of the owner. Be patient and everything will work out.

Photo of a Neapolitan Mastiff | dreamtime.com

basic information

Assessment of breed characteristics

Brief description of the breed

Appearance

Photo of the Neapolitan Mastiff:

Pictures of Neapolitan Mastiff dogs | dreamtime.com

Origin story

It is not known for certain which blood of ancestors gave rise to such a breed as Neapolitano mastino. Which is not surprising, since the mention of dogs that are outwardly similar to the Neapolitan mastiffs appeared in the days of the Roman Empire (according to some sources, even earlier). Presumably, the direct relatives of the Neapolitano Mastino are, which were sung by philosophers and travelers in times before our era. Looking at the Tibetan mastiffs, you notice their true similarity with the Neapolitan ones (with the exception of the thick long hair of the Tibetan mastiffs).

Despite their ancient origin, Neapolitan Mastiffs were officially recognized relatively recently - in 1949. The founder and main creator of the breed is considered to be the Italian Pietro Scanziani, who devoted many years of hard work to breeding the famous mastiffs. It was only in the 1970s that the Neapolitan Mastiff began to spread massively in Europe, and before that their main place of residence was Italy. It is noteworthy that the appearance of the Neapolitan mastiffs acquired significant changes over time, but these animals remained large, strong and fearless fighters for many centuries.

Character of the Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan mastiffs are intelligent, phlegmatic, balanced dogs, often not showing their feelings. Nevertheless, many experienced owners note their unprecedented devotion and affection for the owner, for the sake of saving the life and health of their human friend, they are ready to fight with anyone. This breed is not a “bark”, even in a dangerous situation, the Neapolitano mastino prefers to act rather than speak out. Often, experienced owners admit that before a guest at home is “allowed to enter”, the mastino Neapolitano will carefully examine the person and thoroughly sniff him, and only then, if the dog likes the stranger, then he can enter the holy of holies - master's house.

It is noteworthy that for all their disposition towards the owner, these dogs are a little selfish and jealous, which is why it is undesirable to acquire a Neapolitano mastino for a family with small children or a large number of pets. The Mastiff gives all of himself to his owner and his safety, therefore he wants the same dedication in return. Mastiffs rarely harm their family members, but their considerable size, improper upbringing, some character traits (such as jealousy) can be detrimental to health. In addition, these dogs never forgive a betrayal to a person, so you should think carefully before acquiring such a hero, because they choose the owner and leader once and for all.

The large dimensions of the Neapolitano Mastiff suggest keeping in country or private houses, but often these dogs also live in. In any case, the dog should have its own place, quite free. It is desirable that the bedding be of medium hardness - too soft will allow the bones to deform, and hard and hard will leave ugly bald patches on the short and already short coat. It is required to equip the dog's place with bowls for water and food, toys (their size must correspond to the large mastiff's mouth in order to avoid swallowing). If the dog lives in an apartment, then walking is necessary, at least 2 times a day. At the same time, mastiffs, as a rule, are not fans of excessive physical activity, so calm walks in the fresh air will do the dog good, and the owner will not be exhausted. By the way, mastiffs do not like excessive summer heat, and they adore sleeping in the fresh air.

By and large, Neapolitan mastiffs do not bring much trouble to their owners, due to their short hair. To improve blood circulation, cleanse the coat and remove dead hairs, it is recommended to comb the Neapolitano mastino at least 1-2 times a week (more often during molting). Since dogs of this breed have a lot of skin folds, improper care and lack of hygiene can lead to irritation and infection. The area around the dog's eyes should be clean, without pathological discharge (already lowered eyelids can become seriously inflamed). But you should not wash the dog often, it is recommended to regularly look at the folds (after eating, walking), wipe them, cleaning them from dirt, saliva, food debris. After a walk, it is advisable to wash the dog's paws, and bathe fully with water and shampoo no more than 3-4 times a year (or in cases where the animal is excessively dirty).

The characteristic physiological features of these dogs are increased salivation, heavy breathing and snorting, which can sometimes be a difficult factor for these giants to live in a small city apartment. Sometimes owners of Neapolitan Mastiffs make the mistake of believing that the large size of these animals implies an excessive appetite. Overfeeding often leads already massive mastiffs to obesity. Only a bowl of clean water should be left to the dog at all times, while the bowl of food should be set up for the dog and removed after 15-20 minutes (and then washed).

Training and education

The person training the Neapolitan Mastiff should be dominant over the dog. Mastiffs are characterized by traits of obstinacy and assertiveness, as well as an excellent memory. That's why you should never punish your dog by force for faults while executing commands. It is worth remembering that the desire to protect the owner and housing flows in the blood of such dogs, therefore, with the right and not too assertive approach, mastiffs will acquire the necessary skills and master commands. Daily activities with those whom the mastiff trusts will help him become obedient, clearly understanding that he must do exactly what the owner tells her. Slowness can be singled out as features that make learning a mastiff somewhat difficult; these dogs often get bored with long lessons. It should be remembered that overwork can resonate in the dog's soul with aversion to the execution of commands in the future.

Some owners of such dogs consider, unfortunately, the norm to walk without a muzzle and a leash, they specially train the animal from the very beginning to rush at (and even people). This is not negligent, but even criminal behavior of the owners, as a rule, goes sideways. An unruly and improperly trained mastiff, despite all his calmness, will turn into a dangerous big monster.

Health and disease

Some interesting facts

• The history of the origin of these amazing dogs, shrouded in secrets for hundreds of years, is a miracle in itself. Images of dogs have been found more than once on ancient bas-reliefs, in books that have survived from time to time. Probably, every Neapolitano mastino owner will be able to tell about a hundred amusing cases, all the owners of these dogs speak of them as big, loyal friends who are able to protect even babies from enemies.
• In 2004, the public was shocked by the entry into the Guinness Book of Records of an impressive weight (128 kg) of a Neapolitan mastiff named Hercules. This dog is the heaviest dog in the world at that time among. During the meal, the dog ate more than 1.5 kg of dry food and 1 kg of meat daily. An amazing fact, given that the weight of this animal exceeded the usual weight of a mastiff by half.