How to Own a Neopolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan mastiffs are a breed of dog that dates back to ancient Rome. Today they are prized for their temperament, size and unique appearance. They make good family dogs and while not overtly aggressive, they are protective of their family and its home and territory, especially children. Owning a Neapolitan mastiff requires a dedication sometimes beyond that of other breeds as pups can be difficult to find and expensive to purchase and their large size and temperament require lots of space to keep them happy.

Things You'll Need

  • Access to a breeder with puppies
  • Funds for purchase, sometimes as much as $4,000
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Instructions

    • 1

      Familiarize yourself with the breed. Neapolitan mastiffs are not for everyone. They require lots of room and will quickly grow to a large size. The United States Neapolitan Mastiff Club (USNMC) has good information about this breed. The United Kennel Club (UKC) and American Kennel Club (AKC) both have good information about this breed as well. Links to all three can be found in the Resource section of this article.

    • 2

      Find a breeder of Neapolitan mastiffs. Breeders are often listed with organizations like UKC, AKC and USNMC. Other organizations also list Neapolitan mastiff breeders, such as Neapolitan US. Reputable breeders will usually be listed with one of these organizations.

    • 3

      Contact breeders until you find one you feel comfortable with and that offers puppies at a price you are willing to pay. Neapolitan mastiffs are very expensive, especially for dogs with registered lineages. Reserving a pup is usually necessary as these dogs are often spoken for quickly once the litters are born.

    • 4

      Keep your dog's shots and license up to date. Check with your veterinarian for a schedule of checkups and immunizations. Be sure to follow local laws regarding licensing.

    • 5

      Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Neapolitan mastiffs are a guard type of dog breed, and they require more socialization with other people and dogs to learn proper behavior than some dog breeds. Expose your puppy to other dogs and people early and often. This will help ensure that they learn normal interactions and social skills.