Neapolitan Mastiff

 The Neapolitan Mastiff is a serious, powerful dog with a loose, rolling, cat-like gait. This breed is muscular with a rather rectangular body, massive head, and wrinkled face. The Neapolitan Mastiff makes an excellent watchdog and guard dog. It has massive bone structure with an express full face, joined with extreme intelligence and extreme loyalty. This Mastiff is the top defender and friend. Despite the beastly and even vicious appearance, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a peaceful and steady dog. 

 The Neapolitan Mastiff is highly protective and fearless. It was developed to look and act fearsome when needed, but is affectionate with its family. This breed is extremely intelligent and somewhat willful. It is serious, calm and quiet unless provoked. However this dog is very loving with children, provided they do not tease it. The Female makes a better family pet, as she is more submissive to her master and better with children, but children should be taught to respect this dog. This dog is very wary of strangers. It makes a very good watchdog and guard dog. The Male does not get along with other males, but the Neo can get along well with non-canine pets if raised with them from puppyhood. Males tend to be more aggressive and dominant than females. The Neapolitan Mastiff must be well socialized at an early age to avoid over-protectiveness, though it will be quite protective even with extensive socialization. Additional protection training is unnecessary because it is naturally a guard dog. Thorough obedience training is highly recommended. The Neapolitan Mastiff is not a breed for everyone; it requires an owner who knows how to display strong leadership and who is willing to spend a lot of time socializing and training. You will achieve the best results with patient, consistent training. It doesn’t require repetitious training. Due to its early fighting background the Neo is generally very tolerant of pain. Males often drool quite heavily; they tend to drool more in hot weather or after drinking water. Do not let the young, Neapolitan Mastiff run and play too much, limit its exercise because it must on no account be over-tired. In the growing stage avoid rough games and ensure that all its energy is available to make healthy bones and muscles. The adult dog needs a great deal of exercise; it should be taken on long walks twice a day. 

 Short, hard and shiny. It is easy to groom. Remove loose, dead hair with a rubber brush. This breed is an average shedder.

 Prone to cherry eye, hip dysplasia, bloat, pano-ostiosis (joint pain from growth can occur at 4-18 months and usually goes away on its own). Pups are usually born caesarian section. 

 Adult Neapolitan Mastiffs need a great deal of exercise. They should be taken on daily, long walks at least twice a day. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog\'s mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Teach them to enter and exit all door and gateways after the human. 

 Obedience training is very important. Teach them to heel on a lead and to go in and out door and gateways after the humans. This breed needs a dominant owner who understands and is capable of controlling them properly. They will be easiest of this is established when the dog is still a puppy, but it is still possible to communicate with an adult Neo that the human is in charge. Children should be taught how to be pack leaders. Socialize this breed while they are young.