🐕 Neapolitan Mastiff (Mastino Napoletano)
The Neapolitan Mastiff, originating from southern Italy, directly descends from the large Molossers used by Roman legions for combat and guard missions. Gradually, it was used to protect herds and properties. Although the breed experienced a decline in the 19th century, it remains an impressive and powerful dog today, ideal for guarding.
✨ Breed Characteristics
- Name: Neapolitan Mastiff (Mastino Napoletano)
- Origin: Italy (Naples)
- Type: Guard dog, Molosser
- Hypoallergenic? No
📊 Quick Facts
- Weight:
- Male: 60-70 kg
- Female: 50-60 kg
- Height:
- Male: 65-75 cm
- Female: 60-68 cm
- Life expectancy: 8-10 years
- Exercise needs: 45 minutes to 1 hour per day
- Apartment living: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (requires space)
🧠 Personality (out of 5 stars)
- Intelligent: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Affectionate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Protective: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Playful: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Vocalizations: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (very quiet)
- Obedient: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Hunter: ⭐☆☆☆☆
- Calm: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Athletic: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Independent: ⭐☆☆☆☆
🐾 Compatibility with
- Children: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (very affectionate with children)
- Other animals: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (can be territorial, but sociable)
- Strangers: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (reserved, but protective)
- Apartment living: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (requires outdoor space to feel comfortable)
🧼 Maintenance & care
- Ease of maintenance: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (requires moderate maintenance)
- Maintenance cost: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (high due to its size)
- Care frequency:
- Brushing: Weekly, especially during shedding periods.
- Additional care: Regularly clean skin folds, ears, teeth, and check its weight.
- Baths: To be avoided too frequently, unless necessary.
💰 Budget
- Purchase price: 1500-2000 €
- Coût annuel moyen (vétérinaire, accessoires, alimentation) :
🏡 Important note
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large dog, ideally suited for a house with a large garden. It needs space to move freely and thrive. Given its size and protective nature, it is essential to provide firm and balanced training from a young age. It is not suitable for apartment living and requires regular care, especially for its skin folds and general hygiene. 🌟
