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Neapolitan Mastiff Dog Breed Profile
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The Neapolitan Mastiff is reputed to be the fiercest of guard dogs.
Mastino Napoletano, Italian Mastiff |
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| K9Obedience
Breed Profile |
Italy
This dog was bred to be used both as a fighting dog in battles and in the ancient arenas.
Working
Bitch 60-70cm., Dog 65-75cm.
Both - 74kg, though some of the larger males can weigh up to 90kg!
9-10 years
Care must be taken with puppies and young dogs that they do not run around too much and absolutely no jumping, so as to avoid bone and joint problems as an adult dog. Adults need at least two long walks a day.
It is important that puppies and young dogs receive the correct and well balanced diet that adheres to the recommended breeders and veterinarians guidelines to support their rapid growth rate. Adult dogs eat large amounts of food.
As with many of the giant dogs, this dog is prone to hip dysplasia and other bone and joint problems. Young dogs may suffer from a condition called ‘pano-ostiosis' which is akin to growing pains. Another common ailment is a condition called ‘cherry eye' which occurs when the eye tissue protrudes and becomes inflamed. Minor surgery corrects the condition.
The overall appearance of this dog is formidable. This dog is seriously powerful and muscular. Their distinctive feature is not just the size but the wrinkled skin that hangs in long folds. The head is massive and the face and neck are wrinkled. The skull is broad and this dog has a large muzzle. Traditionally the ears were cropped and the tail docked. This dog's body is huge, rectangular in shape and has wrinkled folds of skin. The legs are strong and powerful. The coat is dense and smooth. The colours are, blue, black, and can be solid or brindle. Sometimes a chocolate colour is seen though not often as the darker colours fit the dog's breed purpose of being able to blend into the night. The Neapolitan Mastiff walks with a rolling gait.
Neapolitan Mastiff K9 Obedience Dog Breed Summary:
Despite this dog's menacing appearance, the Neapolitan Mastiff is in fact quite a gentle, kind animal. It is intelligent, calm, serious but friendly and extremely loyal.
They are suspicious of strangers, especially the males, who do not enjoy the company of other dogs either in most cases. They do like children as long as the children are not too boisterous.
Any potential owner of a Neapolitan Mastiff must be aware of its breed purpose and be sufficiently capable of both training the dog and being a very dominant force in the dog's life. The Neapolitan Mastiff is not suitable for the average owner.
A very serious amount of muscle, for which YOU are completely responsible, think carefully please! |
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