Neapolitan Mastiff

When you first look at a Neapolitan Mastiff, you might think, “How wrinkly! How… HUGE!” And you’re not wrong. Neos (as they’re affectionately called) were originally bred to guard their homes—something they’re capable of doing with a look and a (deep) bark. But these extra-large pups are more than their massive build—they love their families unconditionally. They often show that love with drooly kisses… and they may try to crawl into your lap.

The Neapolitan Mastiff is known for their giant size and their giant wrinkles. When you pair their color palette of black, blue, mahogany or tawny (with the occasional bridle tiger stripes) with their droopy ears, eyes and jowls, these pups look sorrowful. But their “Eeyore” appearance belies a secret Neo lovers know best: These sad-looking pups are happiest hanging with their families.

Their feathered coats may be various shades of gold, from light to dark. As they age, some Golden Retrievers even develop a wise white-golden hue across their face.

1. Ears The AKC breed standard allows for the ears to be cropped or natural. Cropping involves surgically cutting away part of a dog’s ears. Veterinary groups along with many U.S. states and countries have banned this procedure due to medical and behavioral reasons. If you are interested in this procedure, schedule a consultation with your veterinarian. If left natural, the ears are medium-sized, triangular and droopy.
2. Eyes Their eyes are deeply set with drooping upper and lower eyelids and are amber or brown depending on their coat color.
3. Nose Neo's noses are large with wide nostrils. The color matches the dog's coat.
4. Coat Length Neapolitan Mastiffs are short-coated dogs with loose skin and dense hair.
5. Coat Color Their coats are blue, black, tawny or mahogany, and some are brindled.
6. Tail Their tail is wide, thick and tapered toward the end. The AKC breed standard calls for the tail to be docked. Docking involves cutting a portion of the dog’s tail off when they are puppies. Veterinary groups along with many U.S. states and countries have banned this procedure due to medical and behavioral reasons. If you are interested in this procedure, schedule a consultation with your veterinarian.

Neapolitan Mastiff dogs (aka Mastinos or Neos) love their families. Despite their extra-large size, you may find your gentle giant trying to snuggle up on your lap! And these lumbering pups do well as playmates with children. Just keep an eye on extra-small kids; even though Neos aren’t as active as Border Collies, they may knock over a toddler accidentally due to their sheer size.

Neos are wary of newcomers, but they are rarely reactive. Still, their massive size and deep, throaty bark are usually enough to keep unwanted visitors at bay. Early socialization is important to help teach them the difference between friends and foes.

Neos may not naturally get along with other dogs, so proper introductions and lots of socialization are key if you’re adding them to an existing pack. They may do OK with a family cat if raised with them through puppyhood, but some Neos will chase cats.

Mastino puppies are energetic and playful. As adults, they’re the ultimate couch potatoes and live to lounge near their people.

Caring for a Neapolitan Mastiff isn’t as time-consuming as they may appear. This chill dog doesn’t need a lot of exercise or grooming—but pay attention their skin folds to prevent infection and keep a towel to clean up their drooling. The bulk of your time will be spent in training this powerful, large-breed pooch.

Grooming

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With their size and hallmark wrinkly nature, plan on brushing your Neapolitan Mastiff dog with a slicker brush two or three times a week to keep their shedding under control. While you’re brushing your pup, be sure to clean their folds, especially around the face. Drool, dirt and food can accumulate, causing infection if not taken care of. And don’t forget to check their ears for debris, redness and swelling. If you notice anything unusual, contact your vet, who may recommend cleaning their ears . Depending on their activity level, a bath every four to six weeks will keep their coat shiny and smelling fresh. Bathtime is a good time to trim their nails . (The bath softens the nails, making them easier to clip.) You’ll know they’re ready for a trim when you can hear them clacking on hard surfaces. When it comes to your Mastino’s pearly whites, brush their teeth daily. It’s best to start the habit when your Neapolitan Mastiff’s a puppy, so they get used to it sooner. Otherwise, your gentle giant will be at risk for health problems like gum disease. And an annual professional teeth cleaning by your vet (not your groomer) is mandatory.

Training

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Neapolitan Mastiffs are intelligent dogs who learn best with patience, consistency and positivity. So be sure to reward your pup with treats, praise and fun playtimes when they do a good job. Mastino puppies are very energetic, while the adults are very laid back. But their adolescent years? These pups can be a bit strong-willed and will try to tell you their way of doing things is better than yours. And this is why it’s a good idea to start training early; you want to have your pup trusting your leadership long before they weigh well over 100 pounds! One of the best parts of training a Neapolitan Mastiff puppy is that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel or make a game of everything. They have a natural desire to please you, so they do well with repetition. It’s important to focus on a few behaviors (or even just one) at a time and aim for simplicity and perfection. (For example, instead of teaching “ stay ,” teach a really long sit that outlasts distractions with ease.) Don’t forget socialization! It’s super important for these pups. These dogs can be wary of strangers—they were originally bred to be guard dogs—so it’s important you start socializing your dog while they’re a puppy. Take them on walks and let them see other people and dogs, and enroll them in puppy school. Puppy school is a great place to learn how to play nicely with other puppies and meet people outside their family.

Diet

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Neapolitan Mastiffs thrive on high-quality, large-breed dog food designed for their age (puppy, adult or senior). These pups grow fast, so be sure you don’t add extra calcium (either bone meal or other supplements) to their diet—it could hinder bone development. Mastinos eat a lot, up to six cups of food a day, and it can be easy to overfeed these pups. Even on large dogs, a few extra pounds can add health problems down the road, like arthritis. As you balance your pup’s meals and exercise, don’t forget to include the treats you give in that ratio. Those calories count. If you notice your pup’s a little portly, chat with your vet. They can help you put together a mealtime and exercise plan to help your dog lose the extra weight and still maintain their nutritional needs.

Exercise

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Neapolitan Mastiffs have lower exercise needs than other dogs their size. They enjoy daily walks lumbering throughout the neighborhood, the local park or short nature trails that offer the space they need to move their big bodies. These dogs are not known for their speed, so jogging with you is out of the question. (Besides, it’s hard on their joints.) Plan on giving them about 30 to 40 minutes of exercise every day. Neos don’t do well in the heat, so be sure to keep their walks to the cooler parts of the day. A Neapolitan Mastiff puppy is as energetic as other puppies and loves to play, but rough play can inadvertently damage their bones. So, make sure they don’t jump off furniture or play too roughly. And while games of tug-of-war or wrestling are cute when they’re little, this dog will grow to outweigh some adults (and definitely be stronger than them, too). So, don’t get your puppy in the habit of playing these types of games while they’re young. (Or, you’ll regret it as they grow up.)

Environment

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Neapolitan Mastiffs are a giant breed, and their quiet, adaptable nature suits medium-to-large-sized homes. Apartments may be OK if they’re spacious and you don’t have a lot of stairs (and bonus points if there’s an elevator). Mastinos are ideal for experienced pup parents and families with children, as long as both dog and kids have been taught to interact safely and respectfully. Their sheer size and power make them less-than-ideal for newbie dog parents. These pups choose their dog friends carefully, so they may need lots of training and socialization if you’re adding them to a home with other dogs. If you raise your Neo from puppyhood with a cat, they are likely to get along. Neos prefer colder climates and can overheat when it’s hot out, so keep walks to the cooler parts of the day, the AC cranked and fresh water available for your pup to lap up.

The Neapolitan Mastiff has a life expectancy of 7 to 9 years, and the breed is prone to a lot of health issues. But this shouldn’t stop you from considering this wonderful pup. By knowing what these health issues are, you can help your dog live the longest life possible.

Be familiar with potential health problems so you can recognize and treat them quickly.

1. Cherry Eye Dogs have three eyelids. The third eyelid has a gland that contributes to tear production called the nictitans gland. This gland can prolapse, appearing as a pink fleshy tissue at the corner of the eye commonly called “cherry eye”. Typically, surgery is needed to return the gland to its proper place.
2. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia : Dysplasia is a hereditary condition in which the joint is malformed and rubs, causing your dog pain, lameness and, eventually, arthritis. Treatments range from weight and exercise management to physical therapy to surgery.
3. Facial Fold Infections The nooks and crannies of your Neo’s folds are a breeding ground for bacteria, which can develop into yeast infections. Keep an eye on folds particularly around the mouth and underbelly while bathing and grooming and contact your vet if irritation develops.
4. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) : GDV (otherwise known as bloat ) is a life-threatening, emergency condition in which the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. To help protect your pup from GDV, feed them smaller meals throughout the day with a slow feeding bowl and wait an hour before and after mealtimes before exercising.
5. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) : This inherited heart condition causes the heart to become enlarged resulting in thin and weakened heart muscle. This can lead to heart failure. Daily medication is the likely course of treatment.

The Neapolitan Mastiff’s history dates back to Ancient Rome (and maybe as far as 700 B.C.), where their ancestors’ strength and girth made them ideal war dogs, gladiators and guards of hearth and home. These original pups (the Molossus) were later bred to be more family-friendly, and the Neapolitan Mastiff came to be. (They are named for Naples, where they originated.)

By the 1940s, Neapolitan Mastiffs were nearly extinct, but thanks to a concerted effort by Italian breeders, the Neapolitan Mastiff Renaissance was born. Also known as Neos or Mastinos, Neapolitan Mastiffs were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2004, and included in the Working group, aka the group of dogs bred for a specific job, like guarding or search and rescue.

Are you looking to add a Mastino to your family? You can find reputable breeders on theAKC website. Neapolitan Mastiff puppies cost about $1,500 to $2,500 but can exceed $5,000, depending on the lineage. But for that price, you’re likely getting a pup who’s been screened for health and temperament issues and may come with pedigree papers. If you’d like to adopt a pup, connect with a Neapolitan Rescue organization or look out for the breed at your local shelter. SearchChewy’s database of adoptable dogsin your area.