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Neapolitan Mastiff Dog Breed Facts
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Photo courtesy of Nataly Means
Wild Child Neapolitan Mastiffs.
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Breed: Neapolitan Mastiff
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Also Called: Mastino Napoletano
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Height: The Neapolitan Mastiff is about 23.5-30 inches tall.
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Weight: The Neapolitan Mastiff weighs between 110-150 lbs. at a minimum.
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Colors: The Neapolitan Mastiff can be solid colors of gray (blue), black, mahogany and tawny, and the lighter and darker shades of these colors. May also be some brindling with the colors mentioned above.
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Physical Appearance: The Neapolitan Mastiff is a heavy-boned, massive, dog bred for use as a guard and defender of owner and property. He is characterized by loose skin, over his entire body, abundant, hanging wrinkles and folds on the head and a voluminous dewlap. The essence of the Neapolitan is his bestial appearance, astounding head and imposing size and attitude. Due to his massive structure, his characteristic movement is rolling and lumbering, not elegant or showy.
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Temperament/Personality: The Neapolitan Mastiff is loyal to his owner, he is not aggressive and will not bite without reason. As a protector of his property and owners, he is always watchful and does not allow intrusions by strangers into his personal space. He is calm but always ready. Extremely protective of children, will not tolerate other male dogs.
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Care:
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Health Concerns/Problems: The Neapolitan Mastiff is prone to the following health problems: Hypothyroidism, Hip Dysplasia, Panosteitis, Overexertion, Heat Stroke, and Cherry Eye.
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Training: The Neapolitan Mastiff needs obedience training and early socialization.
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Activity: Rough housing with a pup, either by children or older dogs, can lead to permanent injury to the hips and elbows. This breed is not the breed to take on long walks and runs due to the stress put on their bones and ligaments by their heavy weight. Heat stroke can easily happen if the Neapolitan Mastiff is active in hot temperatures.
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Life Span: The Neapolitan Mastiff lives an average life of 10 years.
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Litter Size: The Neapolitan Mastiff has an average litter of 6-12 puppies.
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Country of Origin: The Neapolitan Mastiff originated in Italy.
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Brief History: The Neapolitan Mastiff is a direct descendant of the Molussus, the ancient mammoth war dogs of the Middle East (Sumeria, Assyria, Phoenecia, and Babylonia). It is first and foremost a working/utility breed, whose purposes are greatly varied. It has been primarily a farm helper/protector, also serving as a herding dog, flock protector, cattle drover, cart dog, large game hunting dog, and personal protection dog.
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