Neapolitan mastiff

[lee-mai 08 10]

hi new to the forum and looking to find breeders or owners of neo mastiff as i have been researching the breed and looking for first hand advice ie how the breed is around children,other dogs,the good and the bad thanks in advance:)

[eeejay174 10]

hi

the good and the bad...

wonderful dogs absolutely wonderful, I have had 2, superb dribblers excellent guard dogs, would definately have them again but only with adults. My last bitch, who was wonderful, turned one day and nearly killed my 8 year old, he still has the scars. So absolutely not around children under 12 or even 16, they are too big for a young family anyway, generally, these dogs are good with children, but they don't like a lot of noise, hustle and bustle.

 

These are one of the few breeds that are virtually unchanged in time, where as many dogs stop at puberty and dont really develop any further to enhance the playful temperment, these dogs havent had that, they are still as the time of the romans when they were sat outside camps guarding the villagers and fighting bears, so they go through the full schebang, hormones the lot

 

They are deeply passionate about their owners, totally devoted, you need experience of large dogs really, read read and read, there are 2 very good books about neos which i recommend, certainly 1 was our bible _ The Official Book of the Neopolitan Mastiff (Hardcover) by Sherilyn Allen (Author)

 

dont want to put a downer on this beautiful and majestic breed, in the right hands and the right living environment, they are a privilege and joy to own.

[Strix 11]

what eeejay said

 

there was a neo at the ringcraft class we went to, so we were given lots of information (people at these places take an interest in dogs )

 

as she grew we were warned about her needing space, and people were asked to step away from her - her owners knowing when she was becoming niggly with the activity and crowding in the hall. I could never see the change in her mood though - and that's the bit that always worried me about her

 

I can read a rott or a hound pretty easily, or a terrier, but give me a mastiff and I haven't a clue!

 

when people say a dog of this breed has attacked without warning, I despair. OWNERS of this breed should know the language their dog speaks. If they have no experience with this breed, they would do well not to share their home with one - and I'm not being dramatic - I just know I wouldn't be a safe owner for one

[Rainrescue 10]

I would also back up what eeejay has said. This breed is very much back to its original roots. It does what it says on the tin.

 

Its neanderthal man - research it very carefully - talk to the breeders and owners of them and make sure you can cope with their tempraments. I love mastiff's they are my favourite breed (as well as staffies), but I do not take Neopolitans into the rescue - because I just can't read them.

 

Talk to the lady that runs Neo- rescue - I believe there is a link to them on our website under rescue by breed - jaq bunn is a behaviourist and is very knowledgeable on them and could guide you.

 

Personally a definate no no around young small children in my own opinion - unless you know them 100% which you obv. don't due to asking advise. Go for an english mastiff if u love that type -but make sure you can cope with large joints - lots of slobber - and lots of love.

[sheff290 10]

i have been around these dogs for years, and are very experienced with french mastiffs, and neos my bestfriend has one of the best kennels in the country, along with steve cox of whom has done wonders for the breed in this country he was featured on crufts last year, and one of his dogs starred in the harry potter flims, the trouble is that most of neos in this country are bad bad examples of the breed, in italy is one of the best kennels in the world the home of the neo, that i have visited along with

my friend and imported new bloodlines in this country, yes neos are a specialist breed theycan also have bad health problems, i would never just get one of these dogs from just anywhere, the best breeders are in the south of england anyway, i have met vicious ones and gentle ones i would advise never ever get anything else but a puppy with children, i have a 76kilo mastiff of whom i can tell you is the most loving soppy dog you could meet probably one of the biggest bordeaux in the uk ie the bone to go with the size but also i have a 45kilo bitch that is very keen so there is good and bad in every breed i would say research the breed and go to a experienced breeder these are beautiful dogs in the right hands

[sheff290 10]

i wouldnt advise you to have one with a baby, its very sad but theres loads of back street breeders out there, neos are a specialist breed and need knowledgable homes they all to often fall into the wrong hands, the best thing that can happen to this dog is to be handed over to rescue so he gets the treatment he needs before his eye becomes damaged and its likely the other eye will pop up soon with a cherry eye, poor soul my friend used to do the dogue de bordeaux rescue for the breed club i have all to often seen cruelty and dogs needing vet treatment people get these dogs and dont know what size they grow there needs etc

[mummysaz21 10]

yea i totaly agree, i mean me personaly i love my big dogs and i have always always always wantd to own a great dane and maybe i will one day i dont know, but dont worry i wont be having this dog, i cant, its hard enough making sure baby and dogs get on well as obviously cant take your eyes off them for 2 minutes lol,i just hope he ends up in right hands

[lee-mai 08 10]

thanks for the info shef 290 as i said in my post i like to study the breed and find out the good and the bad.I wil also visiting some shows and hopefully meeting breeders.

[sheff290 10]

thanks for the info shef 290 as i said in my post i like to study the breed and find out the good and the bad.I wil also visiting some shows and hopefully meeting breeders.

thats the best thing to do, crufts would be a good place to look on the 8th of march is working day , all the top dogs and breeders will be there together, so will i no doubt as my friend is showing hers and i always get dragged to the neo ring last year low and behold i was on tv coverage stuffing crisps into my mouth,also the bordeaux are showing for the first time so that will be interesting so will spilt my time between rings good luck with your search sx

[lee-mai 08 10]

i will be at crufts on utility day but i will visit discover dogs and hopefully meet some neo breeders there.Do you know if there is a neo club of uk or other neo clubs and do they do a list of breeders thanks

[sheff290 10]

yes there is steve cox is the chairman i believe just do a google search, and they will list breeders

[sheff290 10]

i will be at crufts on utility day but i will visit discover dogs and hopefully meet some neo breeders there.Do you know if there is a neo club of uk or other neo clubs and do they do a list of breeders thanks

theres a link on my friends site on the links page http://www.boldheartbordeaux.com