Neapolitan Mastiffs: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

The Neapolitan Mastiff Standard says: "The essence of the Neapolitan Mastiff is his beastial appearance, astounding head and imposing size and attitude."

Once you're past the shock of your first impression, you'll be able to better appreciate how quiet, calm, and relaxed this Mastiff is. Just don't mistake his bulk and ambling gait for laziness or clumsiness, for he can shift into his fierce protector's role on a moment's notice.

The Neapolitan Mastiff is not an apartment dog – to stay fit, he needs some space and moderate exercise. But more than anything else, he requires ongoing personal attention. He often attaches himself, shadow-like, to his favorite person.

Neapolitan Mastiff puppies should be friendly and trusting, and with proper socialization, become more reserved and discriminating as they mature. As with all mastiffs, socialization is an absolute requirement to avoid either aggression or shyness.

Dog aggression can be a real problem; though many "Neos" will not start fights, they will surely finish them.

This massive, stubborn breed is inclined to do things his own way. But he does respond to early, consistent training that includes leadership (YOU!), cheerful praise, and food rewards.

Neapolitan Mastiffs perform admirably in drooling, slobbering, and snoring competitions.

If you want a dog who...

Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Neapolitan Mastiffs have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up.
• Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your Neapolitan Mastiff to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy.

More traits and characteristics of the Neapolitan Mastiff

If I was considering an Neapolitan Mastiff, I would be most concerned about...

1. Providing the proper balance of exercise. Young Neapolitan Mastiffs need enough exercise to keep them lean and healthy, but not so much that their soft growing bones, joints, and ligaments become over-stressed and damaged. Similarly, adult Neos need enough exercise to keep them in shape, but definitely not running or jogging, and not in hot or humid weather for fear of overheating. The proper amount of exercise can be difficult to regulate in giant breeds.
2. Providing enough socialization. Most adult Neapolitan Mastiffs are a little standoffish with strangers (puppies should be friendly). Some individuals have protective instincts. It's essential to socialize your Neapolitan Mastiff very thoroughly when he is young, so that he learns to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then he can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally.

   Without careful socialization, a Mastiff may be suspicious of everyone. This can lead to either aggression or shyness, and both attitudes are dangerous in a giant breed. Fearful Neapolitan Mastiffs can bite defensively if they feel cornered. And it's no fun trying to drag a huge frightened dog along by the leash in public.

3. Potential animal aggression. I would not risk keeping a Neapolitan Mastiff with another dog of the same sex. And be aware that some Neapolitan Mastiffs display predatory behavior toward cats and other animals that run. Obviously a dog of this size and power is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals.
4. The strong temperament. Neapolitan Mastiffs are usually easygoing and good-natured, but they're not pushovers to raise and train. Some are passively stubborn, while others are willful or dominant (they want to be the boss). You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.

   To teach your Neapolitan Mastiff to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. Read more about Neapolitan Mastiff Training.

5. Mastiff "sounds." Neapolitan Mastiffs snort, grunt, and snore loudly. These sounds are endearing to some people, nerve-wracking to others.
6. Slobbering. Most people are not prepared for how much Neapolitan Mastiffs slobber and drool, especially after eating or drinking. When they shake their heads, you will be toweling saliva off your clothes and furnishings.
7. Gassiness (flatulence). All short-faced breeds gulp air when they eat, and that air has to go somewhere, after all. However, commercial diets make flatulence worse by including fibrous or hard-to-digest ingredients. Neapolitan Mastiffs who are fed a homemade diet of real meat and vegetables have much less trouble with gassiness.
8. Serious health problems. The lifespan of an Neapolitan Mastiff is very short – less than 10 years. And an alarming number of Neapolitan Mastiffs are crippled by bone and joint diseases and/or succumb to cancer at only 6 or 8 years old. Read more about Neapolitan Mastiff Health
9. Legal liabilities. Some insurance companies may cancel your homeowner's policy if you own a Mastiff. Your friends and neighbors may be uncomfortable around this breed. In this day and age, the legal liabilities of owning a giant breed that looks intimidating and has a history as a war dog should be considered. People are quicker to sue if such a dog does anything even remotely questionable.

   In summary, the Neapolitan Mastiff is definitely "too much dog" for the average household. This is a breed for experienced owners only, who want a specific type of dog and who can handle that dog.