Subject: rec.pets.dogs:  Neapolitan Mastiffs  Breed-FAQ
Supersedes: <dogs-faq/breeds/neapolitans_826083322@rtfm.mit.edu>
Date: 5 Apr 1996 15:28:47 GMT
X-Last-Updated: 1995/06/06

Posting-frequency: 30 days

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                         NEAPOLITAN MASTIFFS (F.A.Q.)
                                       
Author

   Dr. Barry S. Reder , http://www2.connectnet.com/users/breder
   
   
   last revised:5/26/95
   
   Note: This is a dynamic document and will be updated as pertinent
   information is obtained.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Table of Contents

     * History:
     * Is the "Neo" A.K.C. registered?
     * Conformation:
     * Temperament:
     * Health Issues:
     * How much do they cost?
     * What are the colors of the Neo?
     * Do they drool?
     * What is the life expectancy?
     * Is there a Neapolitan Rescue Organization?
     * Where can I learn more?
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
History:

   Though related to the other mastiff breeds ( the French, English,
   Tibetan, etc.,), the Neapolitan Mastiff has a unique history.
   Originally bred to fight in Roman wars and in the Colosseum, in modern
   times these dogs have guarded the estates of their Italian owners. As
   the name implies, the Neo lived for many centuries around Naples and
   in Vesuvian hamlets. Once on the brink of extinction, the Neapolitan
   Mastiff was "reconstructed" in the 1940's by Piero Scanziani and other
   lovers of the Mastini. The breed was introduced into America by
   nameless Italian immigrants and by the late Mr. Michael Sotille, Sr..
   For a more in-depth discussion, see Dr. Semencic's introduction on
   this Home Page.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Is the "Neo" A.K.C. registered?

   No, not at this time. The Neo is considered a "rare breed" in this
   country and as such can be registered with any one ( or multiple)
   recognized registries in America. Though the Neapolitan Mastiff Club
   Of America was, perhaps, the earliest- today just as many Neapolitans
   are registered with the United States Neapolitan Mastiff Club in New
   Jersey . Many owners and their parent clubs are working to obtain
   A.K.C. recognition. However not all of the owners feel this would be
   the best move for the welfare of the breed. A.K.C. judges, as a whole,
   are ignorant of the unique breed standard and idiosyncrasies of a
   "proper" Neapolitan Mastiff. To judge these animals by the "dog is a
   dog" method, would lead to the loss of both the volume and movement
   charactistic of this breed.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Conformation:

   The Neapolitan is a very large, bulky dog. When first seen, the dog's
   great volume and large heavily wrinkled head should be striking. The
   fearsome expression should be sufficient to ward off unwelcome
   visitors to the master's home or property. A typical male stands 26 to
   30 inches at the withers and weighs 132 to 155 pounds. The ears are
   usually severely cropped and the tail length is reduced by 1/3. Body
   length should be no more than 110% of the height at the withers.
   Extreme ugliness and sadness characterize the physiognomy of the
   breed.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Temperament:

   The Neo is a guard dog by breeding and is protective by nature. Early
   socialization is a must! These dogs are generally not hyperactive as,
   perhaps one might characterize a boxer, and are usually content to lie
   at the master's feet . Do not, however, think of the Neo as a slow
   moving dullard. When it or it's master is threatened, this dog can
   move with alarming speed and energy! Whereas another breed of dog
   might bite the arm of a perceived assailant, the Neo might leave with
   the arm.
   
   Due to its power and mass, many question the advisability of having
   this dog in a house with small children. Though the family dog would
   not purposely injure a child, the Neapolitan Mastiff could easily
   knock one down. Just the weight of the paws on a sensitve body part
   could permanently injure a youngster.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Health Issues:

   The health problems of the Neapolitan Mastiff are due to two main
   factors. Firstly the Neo shares the problems of all large breeds-
   hips, hearts, and heat. Secondly todays Neos are decendants of a small
   gene pool used in their "reconstruction".
   
   Mastiffs are not terriers and their hips tend to be looser in general.
   An excellent OFA rating is uncommon and is generally found on the
   smaller, lighter, less typey members of the breed. Rough housing with
   a pup, either by children or older dogs, can lead to permanent injury
   to the hips and elbows. Mild to moderate hip dysplasia is an unwelcome
   but all too common reality in the Neapolitan Mastiff. Excess exercise,
   at any age, is to be avoided. If you think that your dog should go on
   long runs with you, get a different breed. Most breeders will even
   recommend against frequent trips up and down the home stair case.
   
   Panosteitis can occur in these rapidly growing pups. With a good diet
   (Science Diet or Iams), rest, and tincture of time, many pups cease to
   show symptoms of this "wandering lameness" by their 15th month.
   
   Overexertion, before or after a meal, can lead to torsion, bloat, and
   death. Owners are advised to feed the dogs presoaked kibble thereby
   limiting the swelling of the pellets inside the stomach. Separation
   from other dogs during feedings is recommended to reduce the Neo's
   desire to consume the entire bowlful at once.
   
   The Neapolitan Mastiff does not tolerate hot weather as well as one
   might imagine in that it originates from a Mediterranean country. Each
   summer some of the best "typey" specimens in America are lost to heat
   stroke. Many American breeders reverse the pattern of care for their
   dogs during hot weather- keeping them inside the house during the day
   and allowing them to spend the cooler nights outside.
   
   Prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid "cherry eye" is as common in
   the Neo as bad breath. Those with experience insist that removal of
   this tear gland is the only proper treatment. The proceedure is best
   done under general anesthesia by a Vet using Isoflurane gas rather
   than the less costly but poorly tolerated Halothane gas. Many Vets,
   totally unfamiliar with this breed, will insist upon "tacking" the
   gland back inside the lower eyelid. In general, this does not last
   long and another surgery to remove the gland must be done. Removal of
   the gland frequently costs less than $100 and the post operative
   recovery is usually uneventful.
   
   Skin problems are relatively rare in the Neapolitan Mastiff.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
How much do they cost?

   This depends on the age,quality, breeding, and color of the pup under
   consideration. A pup of "pet" quality can cost $800-$1000. Perhaps an
   unwanted spot of color, a poorly altered tail, or some other minor
   fault prevents this dog from official competition. This doesn't mean
   it can't win your heart and that of your family! A show quality pup
   can cost $1500. and up (and I do mean UP!) A pup of show quality and
   of a rare color -i.e. mahogony can start at $3000. Expect to pay
   somewhat more for a full grown dog than for a pup. Afterall the
   previous owner has absorbed the risk of the unknown pup and growing
   any large dog is an expensive proposition...
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
What are the colors of the Neo?

   Grey (also known as blue) is the most common color. It can vary from a
   charcoal to a very light hue. Black is less common. Tawny is the term
   applied to a light clay-grey color. Mahogony is rare but is growing in
   popularity. Isabelle is a term applied to a light fawn color but is
   hardly ever seen in this country
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Do They drool?

   Does a bear....? The Neo has the well deserved reputation of being the
   King of droolers! However lovers of the breed have been heard to refer
   to this as Neo Nectar rather than drool. The problem arises mostly at
   feeding time and after exercise. When shown in the ring, most handlers
   carry a cloth in the rear pocket with which to mop up .
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
What is the life expectancy?

   Eight to ten years is considered an average life expectancy.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Is there a Neapolitan Rescue Organization?

   I have not been able to find one. I question the wisdom of even
   bringing an unknown dog of this size and power into your home or yard.
   
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Where can I learn more?

   See the reading list given in the Neapolitan Home Page, or call:
   American Rare Breed Association (202)722-1232 in Washington, D.C.
   Neapolitan Mastiff Club Of America (813) 638-7488 in Florida
   United States Neapolitan Mastiff Club (609) 728-8213 in New Jersey
     _________________________________________________________________
   
   
    Neapolitan Mastiff FAQ
    Dr. Barry Reder, breder@connectnet.com
