COLOURS. Solid blue, black, mahogany or
tawny, or any of these colours in the brindle pattern. All colours
may have solid white on the chest and throat area.
SIZE. Neapolitans are a stocky, heavy boned
dog with loose skin all over the entire body, with hanging wrinkles
and folds on the head and dewlaps. The length of body is 10%
to 15% greater than the height at the withers. Height - dogs
26 to 31 inches, bitches 24 to 29 inches. The average weight
of a mature dog is 150 pounds, bitches 110 pounds.
TEMPERAMENT. The Neapolitan mastiff has
a good temperament, however he is a guard dog by breed. He will
protect you and his home, and will not bite without cause. He
will love you and do anything to please you.
LIFE EXPECTANCY. An average life expectancy
is eight to ten years.
Health problems.
Neapolitan mastiffs share the problems of all large
breeds.
CHERRY EYE. Cherry eye is the common name
for a the condition called glandular hypertrophy, caused when
the gland of the third eyelid (the nictitating membrane) of the
dog, becomes inflamed, swells up, pops out of place on the bulbar
side of the third eyelid, and becomes more inflamed, swollen
and irritated such that it becomes bloody and ulcerated. The
condition is then referred to as follicular conjunctivitis. When
dogs developed cherry eye, veterinarians would simply remove
the gland.
GROWING PAINS. The Neapolitan Mastiff is
often found to have such things as growing pains. This happens
during puppy hood, usually starts at about 4 - 6 months old,
and generally causes pain in all the joints. Because the Neo's
grow so quickly and their bodies are growing so much everyday,
this takes a big toll on the muscles and tendons. Too much exercise,
or rough housing is hard on a pup. If the pup really seems to
be hurting, take them to your veterinarian and get proper care.
HIP DYSPLASIA. Mild to moderate hip dysplasia
is common reality in the Neapolitan mastiff. They are not little
dogs and their hips tend to be a bit looser in general. Too much
exercise at any age is to be avoided. Rough housing with a pup
can lead to permanent injury to hips and elbows. Hip Dysplasia
is found in many large breeds, not only the Neapolitan Mastiff.
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