Neapolitan Mastiff: description and recommendations for the content

Each dog breed stands out for its unique exterior features. Among the variety there are miniature animals, as well as large four-legged pets, who become faithful companions for humans. The Neapolitan Mastiff, which stands out among dogs for its impressive size, should be attributed to the latter category

The brightest distinctive feature of the dog of this breed, which sets it apart from other relatives, is the head. She, like the other varieties of mastiffs, is very massive and has numerous hanging skin folds. This feature of the exterior is also called "wrinkles".

Owners and cynologists value one of the biggest dogs for the following qualities:

• calm and stable psyche;
• patience;
• dedication towards the owner and his family members;
• ease of care and maintenance;
• dog cleanliness;
• intelligence and intelligence.

Neapolitan Mastiff - a breed that has a long history. Mention of such animals are found in sources relating to the period of military campaigns of Alexander the Great. It was this dog that the Indian king presented as a gift to the conqueror.

Now individuals noted in history are counted among the progenitors of the modern Neapolitano. Images of large dogs, similar in appearance to the mastiff, were also found on ancient Persian bas-reliefs. In the Roman Empire, large animals were in a special account, therefore they were used as fighting dogs, as well as guards of private property. After the fall of Rome, the Neapolitano were still found in various parts of Italy, but the animals very often interbred with Iberian mastino. During the war years, the breed almost died out.

The appearance of dogs in Europe dates back to a new era, when four-legged guards were brought to the mainland together with other valuable goods by Phoenician navigators and merchants.

The further formation of the breed, as well as the fixing of the exterior characteristics, took place already on the mainland, whereAnimals in the process of adaptation to the new climate and due to crossing with local breeds have undergone some changes.

Work on the breeding resistant population of large dogs began to be carried out much later. Canine Piero Skontsane quite a long time selected among the remaining representatives of individuals with homogeneous characters. His attempts were crowned with success, so that in 1949 the first offspring from purebred parents was bred in the nursery. In the same year, the standard for the breed was approved, over time various changes were made to it.

Characteristics of the breed include several basic criteria, they relate to the exterior and disposition of animals.

The height of adult males should be 65-75 centimeters, bitches at the withers should be from 60 to 80 centimeters. The mass of male animals varies between 60-70 kilograms, females can weigh 50-60 kilograms.

Consider the distinctive features of dogs.

• Head. The skull and muzzle of the animal are large, the bulk of the skin folds is concentrated on the forehead and cheeks. Also, the exterior of the dog must complement the hanging and fleshy lips. The muzzle is similar in shape to a square, but without pronounced sharp corners. The nose, like all other parts of the head, is large, with wide nostrils, and the jaws of the dog are no less impressive.

Bite in animal is scissors, fangs are medium in size. Eyes close thick eyelids rounded. The color of the iris is mostly dark.As a rule, his color is in harmony with the color of the dog's coat. But the ears do not stand out for their size, they are quite tight to the cheeks, have a triangular shape with rounded edges.

• Neck. The head passes quite smoothly into the cervical region. The neck of the mastiff is small, but has a pronounced musculature. The skin in this part also develops in "wrinkles".

• Back. The torso and back are distinguished by a well viewed muscular corset. The length of the back is average, and the width is impressive enough. The loin should bulge a little.

• Chest. The cage of a purebred dog is long and rather wide. In an animal not suffering from obesity, the ribs and muscles should be clearly visible, the belly of the mastiff is taut.

• Croup This part of the animal's body has a small slant, stands out for its width and developed muscles.

• Tail. At the very base of the tail is usually slightly wider than at the end. This form is called saber. In active state, the tail is at the level of the back or slightly higher.

• Limbs. The paws are located straight, they are large and strong, with well-developed muscular system. The fingers are pressed together, so they resemble a tight "lump".

Peculiarities of coat color of Neapolitan mastiffs have some approved standards. The coat of dogs protects animals from the effects of external factors, it fits quite tightly, but the undercoat of dogs does not. It is noticed that males have tighter hairs. Allowable colors for the breed are:

• black and gray;
• brown;
• walnut;
• pale yellow;
• dark red;
• lead silver.

Also sometimes dogs with coat color "Isabella" are found. In the color of mastiffs several colors can prevail with a smooth transition from one to another. Not considered deviations spots in the chest and paws.

The Neapolitan Mastiff was initially positioned as a watchdog; he retained similar instincts today. therefore the animal has a pronounced makings of a guardwhich manifest themselves in relation to its territory and the owner / family members. However, even puppies dogs are strongly attached to their breeder, keeping this heart habit until old age. To familiar people are friendly, willing to take part in active games.

In relation to strangers, dogs will show suspicion, but in the absence of a clear threat, a four-legged friend may simply overlook a new person. He gets along very hard with other animals, because he is jealous of his breeder, which inevitably leads to conflicts.

The dog is distinguished by highly developed intellectual abilities, therefore it is well trained in training, however, it will try to dominate up to 2 years, therefore needs regular training and education. Mastiffs have an excellent memory, so detractors will be remembered for a very long time, but they are not inherent in revenge.

This dog will not bark in vain. Mastiffs quickly adapt to new conditions, stand out in stress resistance. Alone and in a confined space, a pet may be bored and depressed.

An important point in the content of a large dog is a well-designed diet that will ensure the health, activity and longevity of the animal. As a rule, in addition to breast milk, the puppy's body will need additional feeding not earlier than the 20th week of life. During this period, dogs actively gain weight, as well as they begin the process of teething the first teeth, which makes the feeding process less pleasant for mom.

A bitch can occasionally burp undigested food, which becomes a milk substitute for the young offspring. The breeder will need to offer puppies during this period. infant formulas that have a similar chemical composition as breast milk.

Weaned dogs from the chest at the age of 4 months. Then the puppy must be fed at least 4 times a day. It is recommended that raw liver, dairy products, fish oil, yeast and eggs be introduced into the diet of a young dog. By 6 months, you can reduce the number of meals up to 3 times. An adult dog is considered after a year, then the breeder must feed it twice a day - in the morning and in the evening.

Owners of the Neapolitan Mastiff can ease the process of feeding them, if you buy ready-made industrial dog food. However, it is important to choose the right product option from the range offered in the store. The composition of the feed must necessarily contain the meat component, as well as the maximum number of nutrients.

If the dog will eat natural food, then the following foods should be in its diet:

• meat and offal - rabbit, beef, turkey, chicken;
• cereals - rolled oats, rice, buckwheat;
• vegetables (except potatoes);
• eggs;
• dairy products;
• sea ​​fish.

Under the ban, bones from fish and chicken, pickles, smoked meat and spices, confectionery products will be introduced into the diet of mastiff. An animal must always have free water.

The average life of a four-legged pet is 10-15 years, but these figures are largely dependent on proper care. Since the breed has such features as deep skin folds, in which dirt will clog, the dog will need regular grooming in the area of ​​skin wrinkles. Also in the process of caring for the mastiff breeder will need to regularly carry out such activities.

• The animal needs to be massagedto disperse the blood under the skin. Such actions will help to establish the blood flow, feeding the dog's coat. In addition, regular procedures will be an excellent prevention of eczema. You can do the massage with your hands without the use of additional devices.

Some breeders use a stiff mitten or brush made of silicone. All parts of a body of a dog except a muzzle need massage.

• After walking it is necessary to carefully examine the limbs of the four-pet. This is due to the likelihood of damage to the pads on the paws due to the fact that the Neapolitano has a rather large gait. Having found any abrasions or wounds, the owner must treat them with a disinfecting compound.
• In the light of the lack of dogs in this breed undercoat, skin parasites can breed in wrinkles, especially in summer. Therefore, in addition to inspection and purification, the folds will need to be treated with compositions against blood-sucking pests.
• A dog's ears will need a weekly cleaning. For these purposes, you can use a cotton pad dipped in plain water or with the addition of an antiseptic.As a prophylaxis of ear mites, it is recommended to use specialized drops for animals that are sold in the vet pharmacy.
• Bathe the dog usually in the warm season. For hygiene, you can use a hypoallergenic shampoo designed for children or animals. The rest of the time, it will be enough to clean the limbs, chest and abdomen with a regular rinse. After bathing, a dog should not be dried with a hairdryer; it will be enough to wipe the animal with a cotton towel. Frequent water procedures are not recommended for the dog, as they remove the natural protective fat layer on the animal's skin.
• Nails must be trimmed as they grow back.As a rule, such events are held monthly, using a special guillotine claw cutter. Only dead tissue on the end of the nail should be removed. Cutting a live area can cause blood infection, so under the plate the claw can not be disturbed.

When kept in an apartment the dog must be allocated separate sleeping place, as well as a feeding area. The litter or mat should be cleaned regularly; no residues should accumulate in the dishes after meals.

Puppies of this breed may suffer from viral and bacterial ailments, therefore it is important for the breeder to conduct compulsory vaccination of an animal for up to 3 months. Usually, a dog is vaccinated against hepatitis, plague, leptospirosis and parvovirosis. A pet vaccination against rabies is mandatory until 12 months. Further vaccinations do every year. The optimal time for this procedure is spring.

Based on their physiology, the Neapolitan Mastiff is subject to such ailments:

• inversion of intestines, which is most common in adult dogs;
• cardiopulmonary filariasis, which is transmitted through the bite of blood-sucking parasites.

In general, Neapolitano is a strong immune system, so rarely it hurts. The most vulnerable dog will be in the first year of life, therefore the breeder is recommended to pay maximum attention to the pet.

In the process of training and working on the upbringing of Neapolitano, a rude attitude towards the animal and the manifestation of physical strength is prohibited. For a pet, it will be enough to raise the owner's voice to understand his mistake. The maximum punishment for him can be slap on the back of a folded newspaper.. Animals quickly realize their mistake, but do not take offense, but try to make amends.

Dogs need space to be able to move, as well as constantly learn something new. therefore animals kept in the apartment will require long walks and training in the open air.

During the training, all teams must be given to dogs in a firm voice, but without aggression or anger, phrases should consist of one word. Everything that the breeder says in the process of training must be done, otherwise the dog does not recognize the authority of the person.

The mastiff, which is used to protect private property, can be taught to rush at others, using a specific command, and this word can be any one inserted into the conversation. Also a similar signal will serve as an inconspicuous contact with the animal.

A puppy should first be taught to walk on a leash next to the owner. At first, the dog will tear in different directions, so for large dogs it is recommended to purchase a strap collar in the form of a chain. Such a device will quickly wean the pet from disobedience. It is forbidden to keep the mastiff in the yard on a chain, since such a lifestyle will make the dog aggressive, problems with the psyche of the animal are also possible.

Training and education is recommended to start. from 1.5 months of age. First, the pet must learn to respond to its nickname. Schooling should be regular. If the dog starts to react, he must be encouraged.

Up to 3 months the mastiff can be raised at home, after which the growing dog should be recorded for training sessions if the breeder has minimal experience in raising four-legged dogs. Dogs that will subsequently carry the guard and guard duty should be brought up under the guidance of an experienced dog handler. The animal may need to go special courses.

Attending extra classes will teach the dog:

• walk near the owner without a leash;
• understand the breeder not only with voice commands, but also with hand movements and even eyes;
• the animal will know its place;
• learn basic commands;
• will be trained with various shells.

In healthy dogs of the Neapolitano breed, the first heat must be in the interval from 6 months to a year. Deviations from this value will indicate possible problems or pathologies in the development of genital organs. It is not recommended to carry out the first estrus. Dog handlers and veterinarians are advised to wait until the dog is as strong as possible. Therefore, the second or third heat will be the optimal time for mating.

A suitable pair for a dog needs to be looked after in advance, it will also be more correct to immediately discuss the rights to future offspring. Mating is usually done after long walks with an animal.

For more on the features of the breed, see the following video.