Height: 24-31 inches
Weight: 110-180 lbs.
Life Span: 8-10 yrs.
Breed Group: Guardian Dogs
Overview
Neapolitan mastiffs are massive and powerful. If bred for gentle temperament
and socialized early, they are good with children.
They are accepting of strangers as long as they are not threatened, generally
get along with other animals, and are dependable watchdogs.
Early obedience training is a must. Some are heavy droolers.
Appearance
The coat is short, dense, and smooth. Coat color is solid gray, black, mahogany,
tawny, or tawny stag; each may be brindled, and there may be small white
patches on the chest and the tips of the toes.
The skin all over the body is loose, with wrinkles and folds covering the
head and pendulous lips forming an ample dewlap.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
The dewlap area needs cleaning daily. A walk around the block is an intense
workout for this breed.
Origins
The Neapolitan mastiff, probably a descendant of ancient mastiffs, originated
about a thousand years ago.
Special Alerts
This breed is not suitable for inexperienced dog owners. It is especially
important to obtain a Neapolitan mastiff from a reputable breeder.
Breed-related health concerns: bloat, hip and elbow dysplasia, cardiomyopathy,
anterior cruciate rupture, Demodex mange, pyoderma (bacterial skin infection).
Reference: AKC - American Kennel Club |
