Learn about a Dog Every Day - The Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff, also known as the Italian Mastiff or the Neapolitan Mastiff, is described in detail below:

First, The historical background

The Neapolitan Mastiff is an ancient breed of dog whose history can be traced back to ancient Roman times. They were probably originally brought to Italy by Alexander the Great, and after a long period of breeding, they gradually evolved into the Neapolitan Mastiff we see today. During the Roman period, they were used for a wide range of military purposes, including warfare, guarding and hunting. In addition, they served a variety of roles including guarding noble territories, hauling wagons, working on farms, and manning carriages. By the 19th century, the breed was on the verge of extinction, but thanks to the efforts of some dedicated dog lovers, the Neapolitan Mastiff was preserved and revived.

 

Second, The external appearance characteristics

The Neapolitan Mastiff is an oversized dog, huge and muscular. The height at the shoulder is usually between 65 and 75 centimeters for males and between 60 and 68 centimeters for females. Body weight ranges from 50 to 68 kilograms, but generally weighs more than that, the more the better as long as proportions and function are not compromised. They have a broad head with a pronounced wrinkle and crop, deep-set eyes, and ears that are generally cropped (although some modern breeders may choose to keep their ears). The coat is short to medium length, dense and hard textured, and comes in a variety of colors, including gray, dark gray, dark black, brown, light fawn, dark fawn, hazel, and dove gray.

 

Third, Character traits

Neapolitan Mastiffs, despite their fierce appearance, are actually very loyal, gentle and friendly animals. They are family and child friendly and will show strong protective instincts. However, due to their high level of guarding and fearlessness, they can be skeptical of strangers and may show aggression. Therefore, special attention needs to be paid to socialization to ensure that they can be friendly with other people and animals.

 

Fourth, Feeding Methods

Dietary management: Neapolitan Mastiffs need high quality food to keep them healthy. Food should be clean and cooked to avoid food poisoning. Dishware and kennel should be cleaned regularly to prevent parasites and bacteria. In addition, deworming should be done on time and a smaller, more frequent feeding schedule should be practiced. You can add meat, dairy products, calcium, cod liver oil and other necessary nutrients as appropriate.

Exercise Exercise: Neapolitan Mastiffs need plenty of exercise to maintain a healthy weight and heart function. Provide at least 45 minutes to an hour of walks or playtime each day. But be especially careful not to over-exercise, especially as a puppy, to avoid unnecessary stress on joints and bones.

Skin Care: Since the Neapolitan Mastiff possesses many skin folds, they are prone to pain and inflammation. Therefore, regular cleansing of the skin folds and use of prescription-approved medications and bath products are required.

Ear Care: Due to skin allergies, the Neapolitan Mastiff is prone to ear infections. Ears require focused care and veterinary help can be sought to understand how best to manage your pet's allergy symptoms.

 

Fifth, Health and Genetic Issues

Neapolitan Mastiffs have a relatively short lifespan, usually between seven and nine years. They can suffer from a number of inherited health problems, including heart disease, gastric dilatation curl syndrome, and hip and elbow dysplasia. For this reason, it is very important to take your dog to the veterinarian regularly for routine checkups and vaccinations. Meanwhile, due to their large size, Neapolitan Mastiffs are sensitive to cold, so they need to be provided with comfortable beds and equipment to avoid the cold.

 

Sixth, Social cognition and banning

The Neapolitan Mastiff is known by many as one of the world's top three attack dogs, along with the Pit Bull and the Japanese Tosa. Because of their potential aggressiveness, they are a banned breed in many cities around the world. However, under the guidance of an experienced dog owner and with proper training and socialization, the Neapolitan Mastiff can be a loyal companion and exceptional guard dog.

 

To summarize, the Neapolitan Mastiff is an ancient and unique breed of dog that possesses great strength and loyalty. However, owning this breed requires a significant investment of financial resources and energy, as well as ensuring that it is properly cared for and trained.