Everything You Need to Know Before Buying Neapolitan Mastiff Puppies

Adding Neapolitan Mastiff Puppies to your family is an exciting decision. When you’re considering a giant breed like a Neapolitan Mastiff, it’s important to learn as much as possible so you can make sure it’s the right decision for your household. Here’s everything you need to know including what to expect from the breed, tips for choosing your new puppy, and answers to the most frequently asked questions about care, feeding, and socialization.

Is a Neapolitan Mastiff Right for You?

Neapolitan Mastiffs are an ancient breed that was originally used for livestock guarding and dogfighting. Today they’re primarily companions who are occasionally used as guard dogs. While they make wonderful pets for the right owners, they’re not for everyone.

These dogs typically grow to a substantial size, with females ranging between 110 and 130 pounds and males averaging 130 to 150 pounds. It’s not unheard of for some males to top out at just over 200 pounds! They’re messy eaters who drool a lot and often have dominant personalities. For these reasons, the Neapolitan Mastiff breed is generally recommended only for experienced dog owners who are prepared to spend plenty of time with their dogs.

If you feel like you have what it takes to own a Neapolitan Mastiff, your life will change in ways you never imagined. These gorgeous dogs are well-known for being loyal and loving pets. They’re a low-maintenance breed that rarely sheds and requires a minimal amount of exercise. They’re good around older children, make excellent watchdogs, and are calm and relaxed when at home with the family.

How much do Neapolitan Mastiff puppies cost?

The cost of a Neapolitan Mastiff puppy from a reputable breeder starts at $2500 and can go up to $6000. These puppies will generally come with health guarantees and you should feel comfortable that you’re receiving a quality puppy.

Tips for Choosing Your Puppy

Since your Neapolitan Mastiff will be a part of your family for many years, you’ll want to take your time when choosing your puppy. Here are some of the most important things to consider.

Finding a Good Breeder

First and foremost, you absolutely must find a qualified and responsible breeder. Buying Neapolitan Mastiff puppies from a pet store or backyard breeder is a big mistake that will inevitably result in major problems down the line.

Before choosing a breeder, do your research. Pay a visit to the breeder’s home or the kennel where the puppies are housed. Ask to see the parents in person and also request copies of their health screenings. This will help ensure that the puppy you choose has good genetics and is likely to have a positive temperament.

Pet vs. Show

Another important thing to consider is whether you plan to show your dog or you’re simply looking for a family pet. If you’re planning to show, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the breed standards and choose your puppy accordingly. Show-quality Neapolitan Mastiff Puppies often cost considerably more, so make sure you add this into your budget.

When choosing a puppy as a companion, you may still consider looking for show quality. This helps ensure that you’re getting the very best puppy you can afford. On the other hand, if one of the puppies in the litter has a small flaw that makes it ineligible to show, you may be able to negotiate a better price and still get a top-notch family pet.

Male vs. Female

Whether you choose a male or female puppy is really a matter of preference. Males are larger and often have a more dominant, alpha personality. For this reason, many owners looking for a family pet opt for the smaller and gentler females. Female Neos tend to be more affectionate and may have a higher tolerance for the antics of children.

Caring for Your New Puppy

Understanding what it takes to properly care for Neapolitan Mastiff puppies will help you avoid potential problems. Putting in the effort right away will ensure that your furry friend continues to be a welcome addition to your household for his entire lifetime.

Preparing to Bring Your Neo Puppy Home

Before you pick up your puppy, you’ll want to make sure you have all of the necessary supplies. Some of the most important items include:

• Collar and leash
• Food and water dishes
• Appropriate-sized dog bed
• A crate or other containment system
• Food and treats
• Grooming supplies
• ID tag
• Toys

Neapolitan Mastiff Puppies are very boisterous and curious, so make sure you fully puppy-proof your home and back yard before bringing your puppy home. Put away sharp objects that could cause injuries, move wires and cables out of reach, remove toxic plants from your home, and rope off any dangerous areas outside.

If possible, plan to take the first day or two off of work so you can spend time helping your puppy adjust to his new environment. This will also give you the chance to form a strong bond with your puppy that will last a lifetime.

Feeding

Ask your breeder what type of food and treats the puppy is currently eating and start off by feeding the same thing. If you want to change the food, mix in a small bit at a time until your puppy gets used to it. This will help you avoid unnecessary stomach upset and diarrhea.

Also find out how often and what time your puppy is used to eating. If you can keep it consistent, plan to do so. Your puppy will be going through a lot of changes in the first couple of weeks, so there’s no reason to disrupt this part of his routine if you don’t need to.

Grooming

Neapolitan Mastiff Puppies don’t need a ton of grooming. You only need to bathe them when they are dirty or smelly, but you should plan to brush them once a week to keep their coats clean and reduce shedding. It’s important to regularly clean their wrinkles with a damp cloth and keep them dry. Their ears are prone to infections, so you’ll need to clean them once a week with a cotton ball and vet-approved ear cleaner.

Mastiffs typically need to have their nails cut once a month unless they’re wearing them down on their own. If you can get your puppy used to you handling his feet and ears now, you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches when he’s full grown.

Socializing

Socializing Neapolitan Mastiff Puppies is one of the most important things you can do. It’s critical that he experiences as many positive scenarios as possible during his first few months with you. Do your best to introduce him to a wide variety of strangers, children, dogs, cats, and other animals. Make sure your puppy comes in contact with people of all ages, races, and genders and expose him to things like bicycles, skateboards, wheelchairs, and crutches.

Vet Care

Your puppy will typically have already received his first set of vaccinations before you pick him up. Whether he has or not, you’ll want to make an appointment with your own vet within the first few days after bringing him home. This will give the vet a chance to perform a full examination including blood and fecal tests. If something isn’t right, you’ll be able to proactively take care of it.

Your vet will also discuss your puppy’s recommended vaccination schedule. It’s very important that you keep up with your puppy’s vaccinations, as failing to do so can leave him vulnerable to contracting a fatal disease like distemper, adenovirus, or parvovirus.

Potential Health Concerns

One of the most common questions potential Neapolitan Mastiff owners ask is whether they need to be concerned about health problems. Like many other breeds, Neapolitan Mastiffs are prone to certain hereditary conditions. Some of the most common problems include hip dysplasia, arthritis, cherry eye, eyelids that roll inward or outward, heart problems, skin problems, bloat, and sensitivity to anesthesia and sedatives.

Choosing a quality breeder with good bloodlines will help eliminate some of the most common health problems. A good breeder will conduct health testing and can provide proof that both parents are free of hip and elbow dysplasia, heart conditions, and hereditary eye diseases. You can also protect your dog’s health by feeding a high-quality food, taking precautions to avoid bloat, properly grooming your dog, and staying on top of vaccinations and preventative medications.

Are you ready to take the next step in welcoming a Neapolitan Mastiff to your family?