Discovering the Loyal and Gentle Giant of Italy: All About The Mastino Napoletano

Are you looking for a loyal and gentle giant to add to your family? Then the Mastino Napoletano may be the perfect breed for you! The Mastino Napoletano is a large mastiff that hails from the south of Italy. Its courage, strength, and sweet nature have been renowned throughout history. In this article, we’ll explore the history and characteristics of this amazing dog and how to care for one. Learn about their role in Italian culture, diet requirements, exercise needs, and common health issues so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not this wonderful breed is right for you!

History 

The Mastino Napoletano is believed to have descended from ancient Roman Molossus war dogs. The legendary Roman legions used these fierce canines to protect their cities and protect against invaders. Over time, the breed was refined in Italy to become the modern-day Mastino Napoletano. 

In addition to being used as guard dogs by the nobility, these dogs were also used for hunting games and blood sports, such as bull-baiting and bear-baiting, which were popular in Europe during the medieval period. This tradition continues today in some parts of Europe, where owners will train their Mastinos to participate in protection sports (Schutzhund). 

Appearance 

The Mastino Napoletano is a large and muscular dog that stands 24-29 inches tall at the shoulder with an average weight of 130-160 lbs., making it one of the giant breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The coat can be either fawn or black and range from short and smooth to long and wavy, with some patches of white on their chests or legs. The head is broad with heavy wrinkles around its eyes and muzzle – giving them its distinctive “lion’s mane” look.  

Personality 

Despite their intimidating size, the Mastino Napoletano has a surprisingly gentle disposition that makes them excellent family pets. They are loyal, loving animals who form strong bonds with their owners. With early socialization, they get along well with children and other pets like cats, provided they are introduced properly at an early age. They tend to be protective of their families, so proper training is important to ensure they know how to act in social situations or when visitors come over. 

Health 

The average life span of a Mastino Napoletano is 8-10 years, but this can vary depending on genetics and diet/exercise regimen. As with any large breed dog, there are several health issues that owners should be aware of, such as hip dysplasia, bloat, heart problems, elbow dysplasia, eye problems, thyroid issues etc. Regular vet checkups are recommended throughout the life of your pet to catch any potential health issues early on before they become serious problems. 

Training & Exercise Needs 

Mastinos require plenty of exercises each day – typically 45 minutes or more – so if you’re considering adding one to your family, make sure you have enough outdoor space available for them(or access to a secure off-leash park) as well as enough time set aside each day for walks/playtime/training sessions etc. It’s also important to receive training from an experienced trainer if possible. They need firm but gentle handling given their sensitive nature – positive reinforcement methods work best with this breed!  

Common Uses & Activities 

Mastinos make great guard dogs due to their size but also excel at obedience competitions, given their intelligence! In addition, they love going on hikes/walks with their owners, so they also make great walking companions! Some have even been trained successfully for search & rescue duties though this tends not to be common due to too many states having strict regulations regarding big game hunting dogs being used for this purpose (due mostly to liability reasons). Lastly – these majestic animals make wonderful therapy/emotional support animals due to their calm demeanour – helping those who may suffer from anxiety or depression find peace within themselves, thanks largely in part thanks these amazing creatures!  

Things To Consider Before Adopting A Mastino Napoletano 

A few things worth considering before adding a mastiff to your home include;  

• Their size – given how big these guys get, you must have enough room in your house (and yard, if applicable) for them.   
• Their high exercise needs – while they do enjoy going outside on walks/hikes, it’s important that you set aside ample time each day (45minutes or more) dedicated solely just for exercise purposes
• Training – these guys need slightly firmer than average training. However, positive reinforcement techniques work best with them, given how sensitive they can be
• Health Concerns – regular vet checkups are recommended throughout their lifetime due to potential health concerns owners should watch out for, such as hip dysplasia.

Conclusion 

The Mastino Napoletano is an imposing yet noble mastiff breed from the south of Italy. They are strong, loyal and loving animals who form strong bonds with their owners – making them great family pets. With their size comes a high exercise requirement, so prospective owners must ensure they have enough room and time set aside each day for walks/playtime etc. Lastly, health issues such as hip dysplasia should be monitored regularly throughout your pet’s life – so regular vet checkups are highly recommended! All in all – casinos are amazing creatures who will bring much joy and love into your home!  

If you’re considering adding a Mastino Napoletano to your life, ensure you’re adequately prepared. Get them insured with Furrr.co.uk and rest assured knowing that your mastiff will be covered in case of any health or injury-related issues! Furrr offers low-cost, comprehensive coverage plans tailored specifically to mastiffs – so why not visit their website today and get the insurance plan that best suits you and your pet mastiff’s needs? It could save you lots of time and money in the long run!  Don’t wait – get insured with Furrr.co.uk now!  You’ll be glad you did.

Meta Description

This article explores the majestic mastiff breed Mastino Napoletano. Learn more about their history, characteristics, and how to care for them, including diet, exercise requirements, and common health issues. Get your mastiff insured today with Furrr.co.uk and save time and money in the long run!  Don’t wait – get insured now!  You’ll be glad you did.