He Neapolitan mastiff or Neapolitan Mastiff is a large, robust and muscular dog, with many folds in the skin and longer than tall. Formerly, these dogs were used for wars and as guard dogs for their great loyalty, their powerful temperament and physical strength. But today they are great pets, especially for those people who have a lot of space in their homes and a lot of time to devote to these pets.
In addition, it also needs to be socialized since they are puppies and educate them with a positive training, so it is recommended that they be the pets of people already experienced in caring for dogs. If you are thinking of adopting a pet and you are very interested in Neapolitan mastiff, check out this breed profile Napoletano Mastiff and make sure of its history, its physical characteristics and its cares, among other things.
- Europe
- Italy
- 15-35
- 35-45
- 45-55
- 55-70
- 70-80
- More than 80
- 1-3
- 3-10
- 10-25
- 25-45
- 45-100
- 8-10
- 10-12
- 12-14
- 15-20
- Low
- Half
- high
Neapolitan Mastiff Characteristics
- Height at the cross: from 50 to 70 cm
- Weight: 50 to 70 kg (and more)
- Cap: leaden gray, gray, black, fawn of various shades with or without brights
- Average life: about ten years
- Character: strong, with the very developed protection instinct
- Relationship with children: good
- Relationship with other dogs: dominant
- Aptitudes: guardian and family defense dog
- Space needs: a garden is necessary
- Neapolitan Mastiff Feeding: about 1 kg daily of complete dry food
- Arrangement: null
- Maintenance cost: very high
Neapolitan Mastiff Origin
When the Romans invaded the British IslesThey took with them their huge molosses that were used as war dogs, mercilessly attacking the enemy hosts. However, they encountered even fiercer dogs, defending the islands. The Romans were so impressed with those ancestors of the English mastiff that they crossed them with their molossians and thus the predecessors of the modern Neapolitan mastiff appeared. Those dogs were fierce, bloodthirsty and ideal for war.
With the passage of time, these mastiffs were relegated almost exclusively to the Naples region and were used mainly as guard dogs. In 1946 a dog show was held in Naples and a cynologist named Piere Scanziani recognized the Neapolitan mastiff in that city, which had been hidden from the world until that moment. Then he devoted himself, along with other fans, to promoting the breed and increasing its population.
Today the Neapolitan mastiff is a dog well known throughout the world and has lost much of the aggressive and violent temperament of his ancestors.
Physical characteristics
The following extract is taken from the Standard of Neapolitan mastiff approved by the FCI in 1989, where the general appearance, conformation, balance and disposition are described: «The Neapolitan mastiff It is a guard and defense dog par excellence, of large stature, powerful and strongly built, of majestic appearance, robust and brave, of intelligent expression, endowed with a docile character and a correct mental balance, not aggressive, indefatigable defender of people and of the properties. The general conformation is that of a heavy brachymorphic, whose trunk is longer than the height at its cross, harmonious in terms of height (heterometry) and profiles (aloidism). The skin does not adhere to the underlying tissue, but is abundant, with loose connective tissue over the entire body, especially in the head, where it forms wrinkles and folds, and in the neck, where the jowls form. You cannot find a better description of this majestic animal.
The word "massif" is the one that best describes the Neapolitan mastiff. The typical male, who is a large and powerful dog, with a solid and brachycephalic skull, a wrinkled head, huge bones and a strong body, weighs between 60 and 70 kilograms and measures between 65 and 75 centimeters at the cross. The female is a little smaller and weighs between 50 and 60 kg. He Neapolitan He is not the tallest of all dogs, but in relation to his cousin the English Mastiff, he seems to be often wider and more massive, though lighter. The adult dog reaches its height limit around the year of age, although some specimens may grow a couple of centimeters or more after the year has passed.
The weight that corresponds to the adult specimen is generally not reached until the dog is between three and three and a half years old, and sometimes more. Like all giant races, the Neapolitan It is slow to mature and its stage as a puppy is long. He is not considered mature until he is three years old. Unfortunately, this wonderful animal, as with other giant breeds, does not have a long life. The life expectancy of Neapolitan It is between eight and ten years old.
Physical characteristics of Neapolitan mastiff
This heavy, solid and stocky dog has a curious appearance due to its abundant loose and gill skin. His head is short and presents numerous wrinkles and folds. The skull is wide and flat, while the naso-frontal depression (stop) is well marked. The color of the nose corresponds to the coat, being black in black specimens, brown in brown dogs and dark brown in dogs of another color. The eyes are round, well separated from each other and slightly sunken. The ears are triangular, small and high insert. Formerly they were cut, but fortunately that practice has fallen into disuse and is even illegal in many countries.
The body of this mastiff is longer than tall, thus presenting a rectangular profile. It is very robust and strong. The chest is wide and open. The tail is very thick at the base and gradually thins towards its end. The cruel custom of amputating it to about 2/3 of its natural length remains, but that custom is also falling into disuse and is increasingly rejected.
The Neapolitan mastiff's fur is short, rough, hard and dense. It can be gray, leaden gray, black, brown, reddish and reddish. Any of these colors can also be brindle. In addition, they may have small white spots on the forearm and fingertips.
Personality
He Neapolitan mastiff It is a faithful, peaceful and stable dog, not aggressive or prone to bite without good reason. Great guardian of the property and its inhabitants, is intelligent, vigilant, noble and majestic. It is not uncommon for him to be stubborn, stubborn, independent, willful and, sometimes, shy, however, shy dogs should not be devoted to reproduction. Cautious with strangers and loving companion for his own family, the Neapolitan It needs socialization, in order to accustom it to different people, places and circumstances. Most of them prefer to be homemade and do not like changes. The social relationship with people is a necessity, so it must be taken out of its premises and touched and caressed by as many people as possible when it is still a puppy. When the interaction is positive, it must be filled with praise. Most owners fear that high levels of socialization diminish their instinct as a guard dog, but nothing is further from the truth. This feature has been fixed in the breed for centuries and is not modified so easily. However, it is imperative that the owner of a Neapolitan Never forget your dog's natural, strong and primitive instincts. In order to raise a good canine specimen, the master must always be alert about his dog's thoughts and behavior and add to this a coherent and responsible discipline, without forgetting that his reactions are unpredictable.
Because of the love he feels Neapolitan for his house and his family, he will not be given to wander. For him, his master is everything and prefers to be with him than do anything else. It is a dog that prefers the company of its master than that of another dog or animal. its Neapolitan mastiff it will follow you from room to room to lie at your feet and wait for your next move. For him, his master is his world. That said, we will not be surprised that it is loyal to excess. A few pleasant words and a few affectionate pats will make you win your love for a lifetime.
By nature, the Neapolitans They are dominant dogs and should be treated with this in mind. It is important to remember that every family member, including children, has to exceed the Neapolitan in his position as a member of the group. Please keep in mind that this is an adult dog, which is not designed to entertain children. If what you are looking for is a dog for children, that is like your babysitter and that frolics with them, then buy a dog of another breed. As a general rule, no dog, large or small, should be left in the company of children without proper supervision. This is nothing more than a potential accident, if you are not able to supervise your dog when he meets the children, then please separate him from them. Any activity, including the game, between a Neapolitan and children, must be carried out in the presence of at least one adult. most of Neapolitans they love their human children and would not harm them on purpose, but, due to their large size, they can bring down a small child and stay on him. He Neapolitan deserves and demands respect, both from adults and children.
Generally, the Neapolitans They are tolerant of other animals, but it is not recommended that you share the house with another dominant dog. If you stay together two Neapolitans of the same sex, it may be necessary to separate them when one tries to dominate the other. By putting together a female and a male, it is usually she who takes command, if the male admits to becoming a subordinate. I've seen males and females fight for dominance within their group. And I recommend, from my personal experience, that each dog, male or female, be separated from their peers when left alone, to prevent fights and blood wounds. It is really not worth seeing your precious mutilated or disfigured treasure, when what you aspire to is the "Kingdom of Peace."
Because of his love for hunting, the Neapolitan he will frequently chase runners and cyclists, although he is also known for his fondness for hunting cats and other fast-moving animals, such as rabbits. This is the reason why it is important that you be trained in obedience and that your energy is properly channeled. All dogs must be taught what acceptable behavior is, so that for the Neapolitan, obedience training is a necessity. The key is constancy. With a dog of this size, it is imperative that the owner has control at all times. It is an obligation you have for yourself, for your dog and for other people.
The Neapolitans They love chewing, so to alleviate this problem, it is necessary to provide them with various types of bones that are not dangerous, and with appropriate toys. However, until it is possible to leave the dog alone at home, it is advisable to practice cage training.
It must be said that the Neapolitan It is the dirtiest of all the dining rooms. Its abundant beautiful and huge lips spread food everywhere, in addition to retaining hidden snacks long after having emptied his plate. They also need significant amounts of water and food and, with so much eating and drinking, comes drooling. All the Neapolitans drool to some extent. This slime is a thick and viscous saliva that has the consistency of egg white. Most do not drool all the time, although I have had some (I remember, in particular, three males) whose mouths looked like open taps. Drooling can occur - and it also happens - at times of nervousness and during the warm season of the year.
Another nice habit of Neapolitan –And that is common to all mastiffs– is snoring. A Neapolitan In deep sleep, lying peacefully on the first floor of the house, it can be heard on the floor through the ceiling boards! This, of course, is not advantageous for owners who are light sleepers.
He Neapolitan It is not a dog for anyone. Above all, it is not the dog for a novel owner, and anyone who plans to acquire a Neapolitan You must have some experience with dominant dogs. It is not the type of dog that can be expected to spend its entire life isolated in a courtyard, with water and food, but without any other attention or socialization. The Neapolitans They need attention, discipline and human company. This is a big dog, vocinglero and messy, so, to be fair to him, please study the breed carefully.
Neapolitan Mastiff Character
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a very homemade dog of temperament firm, determined, independent, cautious and loyal. He tends to be reserved and distrustful of strangers but he can become a very sociable dog if we encourage him from a puppy through a good socialization. He is a calm dog, who enjoys a home life next to his family and who enjoys all kinds of outdoor activities since he needs a good dose of daily physical activity.
The Neapolitan mastiff dog does not usually bark for no reason and is not too active for its size, but it can be very destructive if it does not have the company and the love it requires. As with all breeds, it is a very sociable dog that needs to have a family nucleus to be part of to be happy. He is loyal to excess, a very faithful dog who cares for him and loves him as a pertoca.
We must remember that, despite being a sociable dog and loyal to his family, the Neapolitan mastiff may not be fully aware of its large size so games with children and strangers should always be supervised, understanding it as part of the safety of the own dog and those who do not know his great physical strength.
It is a dog that should adopt a experienced person and knowledgeable about dog behavior, education and positive training as well as the care it requires. It is not a recommended breed for those who do not know anything about dog care.
Neapolitan mastiff hair care does not require much effort, since it is enough with the occasional brushing To remove dead hair. However, it is necessary clean skin folds frequently (especially those that are close to the mouth and can retain food debris) to prevent fungal growth and other dermal problems. These dogs drool a lot, so they are not ideal for people obsessed with cleanliness.
Although they are not the most active dogs, Neapolitan mastiffs need long walks every day and do not adapt well to life in small departments. They need a medium or large space to be comfortable. It is highly recommended that you can enjoy a large garden. High temperatures do not tolerate well, so they must have a good shelter with shade. Check the symptoms of a heat stroke to find out how to detect and prevent it.
Working or companion dog?
He Neapolitan mastiff He is a guardian by nature. Trying to separate the companion dog from the working dog, in this breed, is impossible. He is always on duty - it is his job - and will also be while accompanying its owner. He Neapolitan He takes his task as a working dog very seriously. Its fierce appearance and its gargoyle-shaped head are very dissuasive arguments for intruders and thieves. Although it appears to be slow and heavy, it can be transformed in an instant, when it comes to protecting your property or fulfilling your obligations. However, in general, it is an animal of stable temperament, which loves to curl up to sleep on the sofa and reserve its energy for the really necessary moments.
Versatile>
The role of Neapolitan It is to be a guardian. For that he has been raised and he does his job well. However, we have broadened the horizons of this majestic race by placing it in the face of new and different challenges. In obedience work, the Neapolitans They seem to perform well within the framework of the class, but in formal obedience tests they are not as quick-response dogs as German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Golden Retriever and Shetland. In general, they move more slowly and are more contemplative, it seems almost as if they consider orders before executing them. Obedience judges are beginning to recognize this and the number of mastiffs receiving higher obedience ratings is increasing.
He Neapolitan It is not the best choice when we look for athletic ability and endurance. Of course there are some that stand out, but they are the exceptions. Running next to a bicycle or jogging are not his forte. They are heavy dogs for their height, and their vigor is not the greatest in the world, so they tire and heat easily. To most of the Neapolitan Mastiffs They love swimming and swimming is a good form of exercise for them, because it is smooth for their members and joints. Puppies should never be exercised too much, because their joints and ligaments would be damaged and, thus, also their skeleton. For a small puppy, short walks are enough, and many stairs should be avoided. The Neapolitans they have a high tolerance for pain and, therefore, the lesions may go unnoticed and therefore not receive the appropriate treatment.
Health and hereditary diseases considerations
One of the particular features of Neapolitan It is your skin loose and full of wrinkles. Despite what your appearance may suggest, this dog does not usually suffer from skin problems. If it is kept clean and free of parasites, it should not present problems.
Demodecosis (demodectic mange) usually occurs in certain lines and it is clear that dogs that have weak immune systems and develop this disease should be neutered or spayed and not used for reproduction. Mites, which inhabit all dogs, multiply in such a way that they cause hair loss, pustule formation and the onset of infection. This is usually observed in puppies, but it has also been seen in females during the estrus period and in some males when it comes to puberty. Your veterinarian may recommend the appropriate topical solution and / or appropriate oral antibiotics for this irritation.
Both emotionally and economically, the mite called Demodex It wreaks havoc on the owner and on the dog, but once the treatment is over, everything returns to normal. Be aware that this problem is hereditary and that crossing animals that have been prone to Demodex and whose immune systems are poor, it could - and indeed, it is so - add suffering to the canine population, due to skin disorders.
Cherry eye is a problem that occurs in the Neapolitan, but it is not exclusive to this breed. It is simply a prolapse of the third eyelid gland. The loose connective tissue of the Neapolitan Contributes to this condition. Said gland, when inflamed and reddened, can be removed under anesthesia. Some veterinarians advocate sewing the gland again under the third eyelid, but this procedure has never been successful in the Neapolitan. Contrary to popular feeling, the removal of the gland, if done correctly, does not produce the "dry eye" or recurrence. The third eyelid must be left intact.
Hip and elbow dysplasias also occur in the Neapolitan mastiff. Complex by nature, these two conditions are common in large and small breeds. He Neapolitan It has loose joints and connective tissue, but one thing is the laxity of the joints and another very different hip dysplasia. There are currently many recipes and medications to relieve the symptoms of this anomaly. There are also several surgical procedures to correct it, but all options should be discussed with your veterinarian on a casuistic basis. It is more than enough to say that only beautiful and correct specimens should be used for reproduction.
When the dog suffers a knee trauma, the "soccer player injury" occurs, which is the rupture of the anterior cruciform ligament. This can happen during a run or by making an inappropriate turn with the hind legs, this is how the rupture of the ligament that supports the knee occurs. A competent orthopedic surgeon should be sought to do this operation. Afterwards, what is recommended is rest and not climbing stairs.
Panosteitis (or wandering lameness) usually appears in puppies between 4 and 18 months of age and is often relieved when the dog reaches the age of two. The symptoms are lameness, pain that alternates between one leg and another, as well as difficulty when jumping or getting up. The recommended treatment is rest, along with some anti-inflammatory medications.
Entropion (eyelid turned inward) and ectropion (eyelid turned outward) appear in some specimens. These problems can also be corrected surgically, if they are not too advanced, in the case of puppies.
He Neapolitan tolerate cold weather better than warm weather. Therefore, it is very easy to suffer heat stroke and heat stroke. Water and shade are essential for dogs that remain outside the house. Leaving them inside will help keep them cool during the warm summer. Many Neapolitans they have died because their owners did not provide them with the appropriate conditions for their survival under hot and humid temperatures. Despite being a short-haired dog, the Neapolitan You can easily tolerate the cold during the winter season, as long as you have shelter. Its bed can - and should - have straw, since it gives it heat, is comfortable and is not easily destroyed.
Another point to consider in the Neapolitan mastiff It is their poor tolerance to anesthesia and tranquilizers. Many specimens have died on the operating table due to an anesthetic overdose. The veterinarian should be warned about this, before going to surgery. Tranquilizers should also be supplied with great care. There will always be time to increase the dose, but once the medication has been taken it will be difficult and almost impossible to reverse the situation.
These are not the only health problems that can affect the Neapolitan mastiff. We also have, among others, the conditions produced by parasites, both internal and external.
If you want to know more about the Neapolitan mastiff We recommend the publication of the publishing house Hispano Europea Mastín Napolitano Excellence Series:
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Italian mastiff
Neapolitan mastiff It is a strong and muscular large breed of dog descended from the ancient Tibetan Mastiff.
All European mastiffs descend from the Tibetan Mastiff, the oldest exponent of the canine species. Probably the first Asian Mastiffs were taken from India to Greece by Alexander the Great, around 300 B.C. The word Mastiff means "solid." On the other hand according to the English cinofilia, the mastiff was taken to Britannia by the Phoenicians in the year 500 a. C. from there the diffusion through Europe would have begun. The Neapolitan Mastiff originating in Italy is anyway a descendant of the ancient Roman Moloso.
While the races were extinguishing throughout Europe, In Campania the breeding continued, despite the threats of time and war. It can be ensured that the Neapolitan Mastiff has lived in Campania for at least two thousand years, although his first official appearance in the cynophilia dates back to 1946 and his 1949 standard. The Romans, by their enormous strength, used them as beasts of burden, as Guard dogs and fights even many of them with lions, bears and tigers.
Currently it has been used as a police assistant, for sledding, for self-defense, as guardian of houses and farms and is increasingly appreciated as a companion dog.
Appearance
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large, strong and muscular dog. It has a wide flat head and a short snout. Its chest is wide with developed musculature, broad and rounded chest. The skin is abundant but not adherent, forming on the head a series of very marked folds and presenting on the neck a large gill.
The ears are small, triangular and hang against the cheeks, although in some countries they are usually cut. His eyes are dark and separated. The tail is thick at the root, although it is normal for it to be amputated by one third of its length. The Mastiff is characterized by its walking, contoured and slow to the step and elastic to the trot, covering a lot of ground, often compared to the walking of a bear.
Temperament
Despite having a somewhat intimidating appearance, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a calm, noble and loyal dog with his master. He is an excellent guard dog, majestic and always alert against strangers. He is intelligent, balanced and affectionate with children. It is a brave animal, capable of fiercely resisting physical pain.
Specific care
Neapolitan Mastiff breeding is expensive and hard to come by. It requires exercise since its consistency is large and since they are in the womb of their mother they are very good size and with great strength they need a lot of exercise, if they do not have a good exercise they can break or bend their hips since They are very heavy, it all depends on how the mothers are fed during and after delivery to get good specimens in the future.
Neapolitan Mastiff Education
It is very important to socialize the Neapolitan mastiff from an early age with all kinds of people, animals and environments to avoid future fears or reactive reactions. It is essential to understand that socialization is the key to enjoying a stable and healthy adult dog. On the other hand we must also bear in mind that it is very important avoid situations that the dog can associate as bad. A bad experience with a dog or a car, for example, could make your character change and become reactive.
We will always use positive reinforcement and we will avoid punishments, hanging necklaces or physical damage. A dog with these characteristics should never be subjected or forced violently. For any suspicion of the appearance of behavioral problems you should go to a canine educator or ethologist and let yourself be guided by the experience of a professional.
We will continue with your education to teach you the basic orders of obedience, fundamental for a good relationship with us, with the environment and with other people. It is highly recommended to dedicate between 5 and 10 minutes a day to review orders already learned and meet new ones. Encouraging intelligence games, new experiences and stimulating the physical and mental development of the dog will help us make you happy and have a good attitude.
Neapolitan Mastiff Health
This breed is prone to suffer from the following diseases:
In addition, the reproduction of these dogs usually needs assistance due to their great weight. It is common for fertilization to be carried out by artificial insemination and that births need caesarean section. To prevent and quickly detect any health problem it will be optimal to visit the veterinarian every 6 months and strictly follow the vaccination schedule.
Race history
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a race with a long history, as it descends from the ancient Tibetan Mastiff. In ancient Rome this dog was used in circus shows, fighting both gladiators and other animals, and also as defense dog to protect houses against bandit attacks.
The breed was about to become extinct in the mid-twentieth century but was able to survive thanks to the efforts of several breeders of southern Italy, which is why he was baptized with the name we all know today.
How is the character of a Neapolitan Mastiff?
Appearances are deceiving, this big and majestic dog may seem at first sight heavy and clumsy, but in reality it's very agile and has a powerful stride.
With his family he is affectionate, respectful and protective. It is a calm dog at all levels, although that does not mean that it is not alert, how good a guard dog it is.
He is always alert and attentive, even when he seems relaxed and absent. He will only bark if he has a good reason to do so.
This powerful imposing guardian effectively deter intruders: Never allow anyone who has not been invited to set foot at home.
Instead, he will accept it without problems with a simple gesture from us, although he will remain distant. And the Neapolitan Mastiff reserves expressions of affection for his family and no one else.
Physical characteristics of the Naples Mastiff
The Mastiff of Naples is a huge dog, with a height to the cross that goes from 50 to 70 cm and a weight that can easily exceed 70 kg. Females are somewhat smaller.
Your body is muscular and robust, with abundant loose skin. Its head has numerous wrinkles and folds. Under it hangs a great double chin.
The face is characterized by its expressive and penetrating eyes and by its triangular shaped ears, well attached to the cheeks.
The average life of the Neapolitan Mastiff is around 10-12 years.
How is your hair and what care do you need?
Neapolitan Mastiff's hair is short, rough and hard. The most common colors are black, gray, brown and reddish, with the possibility that there is tabby drawing.
Many specimens have white tufts on the chest and legs. The color of the nose always matches that of its fur.
The Mastiff molts hair during spring and autumn. It is then when more care must be put in the daily brushing with a bristle brush or a dog glove, to keep your fur clean and free of loose hair.
Education and training
Como es habitual en las razas caninas de gran tamaño, el Mastín Napolitano tarda bastante en madurar y manifiesta comportamientos típicos de un cachorro o un perro joven durante sus primeros años de vida.
Esto presenta lógicamente ciertas dificultades para su adiestramiento, aunque no son un obstáculo insalvable.
El entrenamiento debe estar basado en el refuerzo positivo, sin recurrir en ningún caso a castigos físicos, por leves que sean. Gracias a su carácter obediente, las sesiones cortas de 5 ó 10 minutos y los juegos de inteligencia suelen dar resultados muy buenos con esta raza.
Socialization
Además del adiestramiento, es importante socializar a nuestro Mastín Napolitano desde cachorro, habituándolo a la presencia de otras personas y animales a fin de impedir que desarrolle comportamientos destructivos o agresivos en el futuro.
Hasta que el Mastín no madura por completo es aconsejable evitar que juegue con los niños, a los que puede hacer daño involuntariamente debido a su gran tamaño y fuerza.
¿Cómo es la salud de un Mastín Napolitano?
A niveles generales se trata de una raza fuerte y con pocos problemas de salud, aunque debido a su tamaño debemos ser prudentes y vigilar siempre de cerca sus articulaciones para evitar que desarrolle displasia.
Mantener al día sus vacunas (iniciadas desde cachorro) y darle una buena alimentación, suele ser suficiente para que esté sano y crezca adecuadamente. Dado su tamaño y su velocidad de crecimiento, un extra de condroprotectores nunca le irán mal.
Cuidados recomendados
El entorno más adecuado para un Mastín Napolitano es una casa con patio o jardín bien vallado, aunque no es un perro propenso a escapar del hogar: como buen perro guardián, su misión principal es proteger su territorio.
No tolera bien el calor, por eso en verano necesita un lugar fresco para descansar y mucha agua.
No es el mejor perro para acompañarnos a salir a correr o a dar una vuelta en bicicleta. El Mastino es algo perezoso y prefiere quedarse en casa tranquilo. Sin embargo, es necesario para su estado físico y su equilibrio obligarle a dar uno o dos paseos al día, no demasiado largos. Aunque le cuesta ponerse en movimiento, una vez que se anima el Mastín Napolitano disfruta mucho del ejercicio al aire libre.
También es importante limpiar bien los pliegues de la cara después de cada comida, pues los restos acumulados en ellos pueden ser un foco de infecciones y hongos.
Behavior
Es un perro muy fiel, tranquilo, al que no le gusta alejarse de sus humanos. Es muy cariñoso, pero como todo can, necesita que le enseñen -siempre con respeto y paciencia- a estar con otros animales desde que es un cachorro. De esta manera, una vez sea adulto será un can que disfrutará de la compañía de las personas y de otros perros.
Con los niños se lleva bien, pero debido a su tamaño es muy, muy importante que nunca se le deje solo con ellos para evitar problemas. Además, hay que tener presente que el Mastín Napolitano nunca haría daño sin motivo, pero la manera de jugar de los niños a menudo es muy brusca, tanto que puede asustar al perro. Por lo demás, es un perro encantador 😉 .
Cachorro de mastín napolitano
El cachorrito de esta raza de perros es un peludo que, al igual que todos los de cualquier otra raza o cruce de canes, le encanta jugar y divertirse. Pero claro, debido a su tamaño podremos darnos cuenta de que al principio le cuesta coordinar sus movimientos, o que incluso parece que es un patoso. Esto es normal y no debe de preocuparnos, pero no debemos de descuidar la atención veterinaria siempre que sospechemos que realmente le pasa algo.
Further, es muy importante darle una alimentación de calidad, no sólo ahora que es jovencito sino también cuando haya alcanzado la edad adulta. Y es que lamentablemente hay muchos piensos en las tiendas de animales y, sobretodo, en los supermercados que más que para perros parece que se hicieron para abastecer las necesidades nutricionales de una cabra o de cualquier otro animal herbívoro.
Si queremos que tenga un buen crecimiento y desarrollo deberemos de darle un pienso sin cereales, del estilo de Acana, Orijen, Applaws, Taste of the Wild High Meat, entre otros. Es verdad que el kilo sale caro (entre 3 y 7 euros), pero el dinero que nos gastemos en buena comida no tendremos que gastarlo en el veterinario, puesto que de esta manera conseguimos que tenga un sistema inmune mucho más fuerte y sano. Otra opción, mucho más recomendable, es darle Dieta Yum (viene a ser carne picada con un bajo porcentaje de verduras), Summum, o Dieta Barf, ésta última bajo consejo y seguimiento de un nutricionista canino.
¿Para qué sirven todos estos consejos? He dicho que para que crezca bien, pero la realidad es que me he dejado otros muchos beneficios que es necesario conocer:
- Pelo brillante y sano
- Dientes blancos y fuertes, sin mal olor
- Ritmo de crecimiento normal (no acelerado, que es lo que les ocurre a las gallinas y a cualquier otro animal de granja que ha ten >Precio
El precio de un mastín napolitano es de unos 700-900 euros comprado a un criador profesional, y de unos 500 euros si se compra a un particular.
Tamaño del Mastín Napolitano
El mastín napolitano es una raza de tamaño gigante, que puede llegar a medir fácilmente 70 o incluso 80 centímetros de altura, un poco menos en el caso de las hembras. El peso suele mantenerse entre los 50 y los 70 kilos, pero tampoco es extraño encontrar ejemplares de mayor tamaño. Es uno de los perros más grandes que existen, y necesita un espacio adecuado para vivir, donde poder ejercitarse y estirarse cada día.
Pelaje del Mastín Napolitano
El pelaje de esta raza también es muy característico. Es muy corto, denso y áspero al tacto, y normalmente se presenta en color gris de diversas tonalidades, aunque también puede ser negro, pardo o rojizo, incluso atigrado. Se admiten también pequeñas manchas blancas en el pecho y en los dedos de las patas.
Principales enfermedades del Mastín Napolitano
Debido a sus características físicas y genéticas, el perro mastín napolitano es más propenso que otras razas a sufrir ciertas enfermedades o patologías. Por ejemplo, es bastante habitual que sufran displasia de cadera, cardiomiopatías, demodicosis, o displasia de codo. También hay que tener cuidado con los golpes de calor en verano y con su alimentación, para evitar que puedan sufrir torsión de estómago o que engorden demasiado.
Cuidados básicos del Mastín Napolitano
Los cuidados del perro napolitano no son demasiado complicados. Para mantener en buen estado su salud, se aconseja visitar al veterinario con frecuencia, así se detectará cualquier problema en sus primeras fases, y se mantendrá siempre actualizado su calendario de vacunas y desparasitaciones.
Además de esto, es importante limpiar su piel a conciencia, sobre todo sus pliegues, para evitar el crecimiento de hongos y otros problemas. Son perros que babean mucho, por lo que la higiene es muy importante en ellos. Su pelaje, en cambio, no necesita un cuidado especial, y bastará con cepillarlo de vez en cuando para eliminar el pelo suelto. Por su parte, los baños completos solo se recomiendan cuando el perro esté muy sucio, con una frecuencia de un par de meses.
También es muy importante para esta raza el ejercicio físico, aunque no son muy activos por naturaleza. Es recomendable obligar al perro a ejercitarse cada día, con largos paseos y otros juegos. También disfrutarán de unas buenas carreras si tienen un espacio adecuado para hacerlo. Únicamente hay que tener cuidado con el nivel de ejercicio cuando la temperatura sea elevada, porque podrían sufrir un golpe de calor.
Otro punto a tener muy en cuenta es el de la educación. Es imprescindible socializar al mastín napolitano desde cachorro con personas, perros y otros animales para evitar comportamientos extraños en el futuro o reacciones fuertes. La educación debe realizarse siempre en positivo, puesto que es un animal que tolera muy mal los castigos, y puede hacer que su comportamiento se torne violento. Siguiendo estos consejos en su educación, tendrás un animal sano y equilibrado y una mascota perfecta para toda la familia.
Si crees que esta raza es perfecta para ti, entonces el primer paso es buscar un criador especializado y con experiencia, que cuente con las buenas referencias de otros propietarios. De esta forma, tendrás toda la información del mastín napolitano de primera mano, y podrás disfrutar de un cachorro con todas las garantías de salud necesarias. El mastín napolitano es una raza con un carácter único, y también muy especial, por lo que todo el trabajo que hagas con tu perro tendrá buenos resultados muy pronto.
