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Veterinarians Mountain Top | Mountaintop Animal Hospital
Phone Number: 570-474-5273 Fax Number: 570-474-0746
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Neopolitan Mastiff
Height
Females: 24 to 29 inches Males: 26 to 31 inches
Weight
110 to 150 pounds
Personality
Slow and deliberate in its movements. Can be quite quick if aroused. Alert with natural protective instincts. Very loyal. Tends to be a one-person dog.
History
A living bit of ancient Italian history, the Neapolitan Mastiff is left over from the days of the Roman Empire where it was used to fight in the circus rings. These enormous animals were also used as home guardians, hunters of large dangerous game, and war dogs. For many centuries the breed was largely ignored and it was not until after World War II that several fanciers, led by the painter Piero Scanziani, undertook the promotion of the breed and ensured its survival.
Body Type
A gigantic member of the Mastiff family, with massive head and bone. The thick tail may be docked by one-third of the length, and is carried low. The ears are quite small and are cropped very close. Skin is loose and wrinkled, especially on the skull and muzzle. A prominent dewlap is required.
Coat
Short and dense with a hard texture. Allowed colors are black, gray, brown, blue, or brindle. The nose and eye colors match that of the coat. Minimal grooming required.
Health and Wellness
Hip dysplasia. Elbow dysplasia. Autoimmune thyroid disease. Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). Gastric dilatation and volvulus syndrome (GDV, also commonly called bloat). Metabolic bone disease. Muzzle pyoderma. Arthritis.
What You Should Know
Obedience training is highly recommended. Be sure to establish the upper hand from an early age. These dogs drool a lot. Have plenty of towels handy. Males tend to be more aggressive than females.
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