so im thinking of getting a mastiff?

Question

im really interested in getting a mastiff...probably a neapolitan mastiff...i would like opinions on the breed and things to look out for. im definitely going to a breeder so i would like some info about the breed.

Answer 1

I have a mastiff, and they grow to be quite big. they drool alot, but usually only when they see or smell food, or if they are exausted after a long walk for example. mine has a great nature and has never bitten or snapped at anybody. He malts a little bit, but its not such a problem because they have short hair. You should probably get him/her trained because they are very strong, not that they have a bad nature or anything. the male nature seems to be more placid than the female, but if you get it trained then it won't really matter so its up to you really. although they are very nice dogs, most people would be scared of a dog of such a size, so they would make a great guard dog. good luck, hope it helps.

Answer 2

Make sure you get your dog from a reputable breeder, and do some research on the breed to find out what diseases and disorders the breeder should be testing the breeding stock for.

Be prepared for the amount of food a big dog eats. Everything associated with a big dog is expensive - bigger dog houses, bigger collars, more food, larger doses of anti-flea meds, bigger vet bills.

Mastiffs do slobber a lot!

Train your mastiff well; there's nothing scarier than a large and out of control dog. With a big dog like that, I'd be concerned with teaching him to walk well on a leash without pulling.

Big dogs live shorter lives than smaller dogs. The Schipperke (a 15 pound dog) can live up to 20 years, while a Great Dane usually only lives for 7-8 years.

Hope this helps...

Answer 3

AWW! neapolitan mastiff are the somewhat smaller of the mastiff! So its not TOO big ...people are making it a big deal about it up there ^^^, any how i would imagine that they would have some eye problems or what not because i think there more wrinkly in the face then say and english mastiff with none? I don't know correct me if i am wrong. I Just think they would becaues i know sharpeis have eye problems.

Answer 4

i would go to web sites like akc.com they have the info on the breed standerd, and also some breeder listings for all breeds of dog. you should check out the web site before you buy one. Because you want to make sure you know what you are looking for in a mastiff. and not get riped off.

good luck!

Answer 5

Also, since it's a giant breed, in addition to having a much shorter lifespan than most dogs, it'll have a pretty high chance of hip problems throughout its life. And sometimes breeders guarantee against that, but all that means is that if the dog you buy from them ends up having hip problems, you take it back to them, get a new dog, and guess what happens to the old dog...

Answer 6

You will want to do a lot of research before you get one. I'm sure you know, they slobber a lot due to their really droopy lips. I have only met a few, but the few that i have met have been very sweet calm dogs. The only conflict i have heard from some owners is that they need to have a dominant owner. Someone who will be the alpha in the household. But when well socialized and trained, i have met some very sweet ones. Just make sure to do enough research on them before you bring one home.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/neapolitanmastiff.htm
http://www.akc.org/breeds/neapolitan_mastiff/index.cfm

Answer 7

I have never owned one but know people who do. Be prepared for lots of slobber all over the furniture, floors, walls, curtains, clothes, etc as well as a lot of hair. They shed a lot. From what I have seen they are big, lazy dogs. I prefer the small ones myself. A lot easier to clean up after.

Answer 8

Google it.

I hope you have a 9000 square ft house, them are big dogs. =)

Answer 9

they are huge and drool alot