Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 8 and 10 years, which corresponds to the average for very large molosser breeds. Well-managed growth, controlled weight and appropriate physical exercise can help preserve its joint comfort for longer.
Build
A robust breed?
The Neapolitan Mastiff has average robustness. Its physical power is real, but its heavy morphology, its sensitivity to certain joint and eye conditions as well as the maintenance of its folds require careful monitoring.
Watch points
What to watch for
Particular attention must be paid to the joints, eyes, skin and the risk of gastric torsion. Regular maintenance of the folds and monitoring for signs of discomfort or irritation are part of the basic care for this breed.
Hip dysplasia : This joint condition is favored by the breed’s large size and can permanently impair mobility.
Entropion : The inward folding of the eyelid can irritate the cornea and requires prompt monitoring.
Ectropion : The drooping eyelid exposes the eye more to irritation and infections.
Prolapse of the gland of Harder : This eye condition can appear in dogs with loose eyelids and requires veterinary care.
Heart problems : Like other large molosser breeds, the breed may present certain heart conditions that warrant appropriate follow-up.
Gastric torsion : The risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus makes it necessary to avoid overly large meals and intense exertion around mealtimes.
Dermatological conditions : Skin folds can retain moisture and promote irritation or infections if maintenance is insufficient.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Neapolitan Mastiff does not tolerate cold well and remains uncomfortable in low temperatures. It also tolerates high heat only moderately, which requires avoiding exertion during the hottest hours and providing it with constant access to shade and water.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
This breed can gain weight easily, which worsens the load on the joints. Precise portion control, limited treats and regular monitoring of its body condition are important to preserve its mobility.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Clean the folds and the area around the eyes regularly.
- Monitor the gait and consult in case of limping or stiffness.
- Split meals and avoid intense exercise around feeding.
- Monitor weight throughout life.
Vaccination
Neapolitan Mastiff vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Neapolitan Mastiff? Like all dogs, the Neapolitan Mastiff receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Neapolitan Mastiff is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Neapolitan Mastiff vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your Neapolitan Mastiff?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Neapolitan Mastiff
Orthopedic, ophthalmological and cardiac monitoring is relevant in the Neapolitan Mastiff, particularly during growth and then in adulthood. Prompt veterinary monitoring is also recommended at the slightest acute digestive sign compatible with gastric torsion.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
