Considering getting a neo

[Ethan]

As the title sugests im considering getting a neapolitan mastiff i have not owned a large dog breed before but i do own two dogs as of right now one is a pug the other is a schnauser/poodle mix i do have some experience training a large dog breed but it was a boxer and ive heard neos are far more difficult to train. I want a neo mainly for guarding porposes but also because from what i have heard about their temperment. Im just wondering if they would be a good first large dog breed. I think i would be able to train one but i have only had training experience with dogs that are eager to please.

 

[BattleDax]

Watching with interest.

 

[Boxergirl]

I think everyone has to start somewhere with their first large breed. With a Neo I'd be very choosy about the breeder I went with. I would expect all health testing to have been done on the parents and to have a good history of temperament. Temperament and health would be what I would most want from a breeder over looks. As far as training goes, I think that regardless of breed you just have to find what motivates the individual dog. If you're willing to spend the time and find a good breeder, learn as much as you can about the breed, and spend time on training - not punishment based training, in my strong opinion - then I don't see why you can't make a Neo work for you. As a companion. Guarding is not something that can be guaranteed in any dog just because of breed.

 

[7121548]

Absolutely not. A neo owner should have experience with other guarding/power breeds. A good breeder probably shouldn't even be placing a pup with someone who hasn't had a mastiff or similar. Neos are a whole different ballgame. Mine was extremely, extremely difficult.