Neapolitan mastiff (personal experiences )

[Ralo]

Ahhhhhhhhhh The Mastino Napoletano.....beautiful animal, at least they were until some breeders ruined them with all the excessive skin. I prefer the early Mastino Napoletanos over the modern extremely wrinkled version that is prancing around in today's show rings. Here are a few pics of what they used to look like.

I don't know much about them, as my breed is the Cane Corso, but I have seen some of them at shows during my time in Italy.
They definitely are a breed that will capture your attention. I don't know how active they are.
I guess it would depend on who is breeding them, and what they are breeding them for.
I am sure the Mastino world is just like the Cane Corso world, in that you have different people with different views on the breed, so you will have different looks.
I know in Italy, there are people who still have some Mastino's with the old look, just not very many, and not out at shows.
I would agree that with the modern Mastino, with so much excess skin, there are bound to be some skin related issues, especially around the eyes.

Sabrina - Thanks for the referral. Dino is definitely an interesting boy.....any girlfriends for him yet?

Those look WAY better than the wrinkled ones

My Neo looks quite a bit like that. Almost exactly .He is as sweet as can be...If he knows you. He doesn't like strangers, be it people or dogs. Neos are awesome dogs but if you want a dog that's more of a 'Gentle giant' type I'd say go for the English mastiff (not that some Neo's aren't).

---------- Post added at 03:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:11 AM ----------



...And that one, Wow. (don't mean to say he looks like mine just to make it clear. just that he looks awesome. )

If yours looks similar what breeder did he/she come from?

 

[Ripsmom]

I'm no expert but I have had some experience with both breeds and I agree with the post previously mentioned... if this is your first giant breed I would suggest an english over a neo... they seem to be easier to deal with all the way around, temperament and health wise

 

[dogman#1]

with anyone of those breeds please get pet insurance as most are money pits at the vet...sedation alone for a giant breed is a few hundred...everything is Xs 5 when it comes to these breeds. dont get stuck in traditional mastiffs there are different ones out there, also check out south african boerboels, spanish mastiffs, tibeten mastiffs, etc...some neos can be too protective for a first time dog owner, I have seen some cane corsos that can be too protective as well, stay away from Fila Brasileiros as most are way too protective for you.. do some research into the breeder and talk to their past customers and hear it from the actual owners. Make sure you get at least a 27mth health guarantee to inc hips and genetic disorders..do not nickel and dime when you are getting a giant breed...cheap is expensive and what you save up front you will pay out 10 fold at the vet later not to mention a sub par dog. Good Luck.

 

[Thor]

I have had Neos for 13 years and a CC for 11. My first Neo I got at 5 wks and he grew to 175 lbs. He loved women but was initially aggressive to men. If a man would talk for a few minutes he would be accepted. My female Neo weighs 145 and she loves people. She is the most aggressively friendly dog I have ever been around. However, she is large dog aggressive except for my CC. My CC weighs 110 and he is absolutely calm though he is much more active than the Neo. Nothing cranks him up. If you want to pet him thats fine, if you don't he is fine with that also. I had him at Petsmart one day and an english bulldog lunged at him baking and growling and there was no reaction from Cy at all. I love both of these breeds, but from what I have read a first time giant owner might be better off with the English Mastiff. As far as Vet bills, except for regular visits which are more expensive than small dogs, I have had no health issues.

 

[Cody]

with anyone of those breeds please get pet insurance as most are money pits at the vet...sedation alone for a giant breed is a few hundred...everything is Xs 5 when it comes to these breeds. dont get stuck in traditional mastiffs there are different ones out there, also check out south african boerboels, spanish mastiffs, tibeten mastiffs, etc...some neos can be too protective for a first time dog owner, I have seen some cane corsos that can be too protective as well, stay away from Fila Brasileiros as most are way too protective for you.. do some research into the breeder and talk to their past customers and hear it from the actual owners. Make sure you get at least a 27mth health guarantee to inc hips and genetic disorders..do not nickel and dime when you are getting a giant breed...cheap is expensive and what you save up front you will pay out 10 fold at the vet later not to mention a sub par dog. Good Luck.

--^--- So well said!
I wouldn't recommend a Fila, CC, Neo, Dogo or Presa for a first time dog owner.
And if you find a "deal" on a dog that seems to good to be true, well it is. Trust me, I made that mistake, which ended in the heart break of having to put a very young dog to sleep after VERY high vet bills. These are expensive dogs, but the purchase price will be the cheapest thing you pay. Join some forums that are dedicated to the breed/s you are interested in and research. Learn lines and speak to breeders. I can not reinforce how important research is.

 

[BradA1878]

I love those old Mastinos! I wish there was solid working Neo breeders out there producing Neo of that type still.

 

[Cody]

I love those old Mastinos! I wish there was solid working Neo breeders out there producing Neo of that type still.

I SSSOOOOO agree!!!!

 

[Ralo]

Yea those old Neos look great

 

[Lorri monster]

i agree, they were more beautiful than ever in the good ole days

 

[hman]

If you are new to working dogs and must have one, the EM will be an easier dog than a Neo or Corso. EMs are larger and more powerful, but they are less sharp if trained and bred properly. If you can't put your time in, it doesn't matter as you will have a freakin' monster on your hands.

I tell people to get a Lab or a Golden for their first dog and make all their mistakes on them. When you have learned on your gentle sporting dogs, you can probably do a great job raising a working dog.

H

 

[LadyDogLover]

Hi, I have never owned an OEM, but I consider myself to be pretty knowledgeable about molossers. You're doing the right thing as research is the key. The OEM of the past was ferocious, but the modern day OEM is quite different...it's basically a large couch potato. The breed has it's own health problems, but Neo's have more in my opinion. Skin problems are at the top of the list. I prefer the old typey Neo's with all those beautiful wrinkles. One of the keys to cut down on skin problems is bathing...another is diet. Some are prone to cherry eye, bloat, thyroid problems, allergies, hip dysplasia, etc. One of my dogs (not a Neo) had demodectic mange and in the process of treating her; frequent bathing and dips (every week) I bathed my Neo too. Neo's have oily skin and they can smell quite rancid when they aren't clean. They also pass more gas than any breed I know of...talk about foul smelling...it is horrendous. Then there is the drool factor. They salivate at the slightest
hint of food and they can sling drool as far as 20 feet. I used to walk around carrying a
towel just to wipe his face and mouth. They also drink lots if water after which they want
to wipe their face on you or sling the drool. As for the skin, if frequent bathing isn't an option, I have found that wiping the folds with the regular/original Listerine works ok. As for children it depends on the dog...some tolerate children well and some do not. They are
totally devoted to family and very protective, not for the novice owner. They do tend to
have a favorite person. All they want is to be where you are, wherever that may be...even
the bathroom. My husband refers to my dog as " my bodyguard". Contrary to what some
think, this is not a dumb dog by any means, they are extremely intelligent...but very
stubborn. I absolutely love them, 1 of my favorite breeds. I have lots of books on the
breed...check out The Official Book of the Neapolitan Mastiff.

 

[bullyBug]

I've only met two Neos and both have been at my job at a vets office, so the persepective is a little skewed. The first had major skin issues as well as Entropian and had to be muzzled during his visits. The second is a semi-regular. He's fairly friendly with people, dog aggressive (we need to clear the waiting area just for him to walk through), has Entropian, and recently bit someone on his property. I think they're higher maintenance dogs that can be great with an experienced owner.

 

[Bantu]

http://midgardmastiffs.com/ For a very nice protection trained Neo check out Achilles on this site.