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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Neapolitan Mastiff need? Like all dogs, Neapolitan Mastiffs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Neapolitan Mastiff vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle 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 diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle 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 booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Neapolitan Mastiff need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
