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The Neapolitan Mastiff is a very large dog; however, they’ve been described as gentle giants. They make excellent family pets, too, as we’ll see later in this article!
Are you interested in adopting a Neapolitan Mastiff? If so, then it’s important to understand how much it costs to adopt one of these dogs. And there are other costs to consider, too.
We’ve put together some information about Neapolitan Mastiffs, how much it costs to adopt one of these gentle giants, and the other expenses you’ll need to consider. Let’s get started!
What is a Neapolitan Mastiff?
It’s said that stories and images of the Neapolitan Mastiff (also called the “Neo”) date back to 700 BC. It’s thought the dogs were developed by Alexander the Great. It’s thought he developed the dogs by crossing his giant war dogs with short-haired Indian dogs. The result was the Molossus, which was used in Alexander’s battles.
The Romans became interested in these massive dogs and took the Molossus breed to develop in their own way. The dogs were used for hunting and in war. The dogs were eventually crossed with other large breeds to create a new canine called the Mastino. These eventually became the Neapolitan Mastiff we know today!
While these dogs are giant and intimidating, the Neapolitan Mastiff is really a gentle giant. They’re loving and affectionate with their families and wary of strangers. These dogs are highly protective if there’s danger around. The dogs are fearless and protective; when these attributes are combined with their massive size, most intruders will turn tail fast!
The dogs have a slow, ambling gait that’s unique to this dog breed. However, there’s no stumbling involved. The dogs are confident in their powerful strides. These dogs are also known for their loose skin and thick wrinkles around the face.
Many pet parents say their Neos are loving, giant lapdogs! Can you imagine a 200 lb dog sitting in your lap? That’s something to consider! The dogs want nothing more than to be with their people and participate in all the family activities. Thankfully these massive dogs are not aggressive without reason!
The Neapolitan Mastiff is pretty active as a puppy; however, these giant dogs become more mellow as they reach adulthood. You may find them lying about in the backyard or lounging in the house. They do need room to stretch out, so they aren’t really suited for apartment or condo living.
The Neo is also great with older kids, who may use the dog as a warm place to snuggle or as a nice, comfortable pillow when reading. Because of the Neo’s large size, they’re not recommended for families that have young children. It’s possible the dog could accidentally cause an injury by knocking a child over or even stepping on them.
Be ready for plenty of drool if you adopt a Neapolitan Mastiff. These dogs drool quite a bit after eating or drinking. They also drool if they’re nervous. And they tend to be quite gassy. So, if you adopt one of these giant dogs, you may want to consider having a towel nearby to wipe his face and have air freshener ready. If you’re a neat freak, then this may not be the right dog breed for you.
These dogs make wonderful companions for families that have room for a giant dog. And the pet parents must understand how to deal with this dog breed. You’ll have a loving companion and a watchdog, all rolled into one!
The Neapolitan Mastiff stands between 24 to 31 inches tall and weighs between 120 to 200 lbs. They have a life expectancy of 8 to 10 years.
Now that you have some background on the Neapolitan Mastiff let’s take a look at how much these dogs cost to adopt!
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Neapolitan Mastiff?
The costs may vary depending on several factors when it comes to the adoption fee for a Neapolitan Mastiff. For instance, if you adopt from a reputable breeder, the adoption fee is more expensive. On the other hand, if you adopt a Neo from a rescue, the adoption fee is more affordable.
Then there are other factors such as if the dog is registered and has excellent bloodlines. If so, he will cost much more than a dog bred to be a pet. The dogs may even come from the same breeder! The only difference between the dogs is that one meets the breed standard and can compete in dog sports and shows.
The other dog may have some “visual” flaws, which keep him from competitions. However, he’s still a healthy, beautiful Neo! But due to the visual flaws, the breeder has determined that the dog is pet-quality. And there’s nothing wrong with that unless you plan on showing a dog.
The cost to adopt a Neapolitan Mastiff from a reputable breeder can run between $2,500 and $4,500. This is for a pet-quality dog. Expect to pay even more if you want to adopt a dog for breeding or showing.
If these adoption fees are way out of your budget, don’t despair. You may be able to find a Neapolitan Mastiff in a rescue. In that case, the adoption fee may run between $100 to $300.
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Ask a Vet Live NowOther Expenses to Consider When Adopting a Neapolitan Mastiff
When you adopt a Neapolitan Mastiff, you’ll also need to consider the other costs that go with getting a dog! These include items and supplies the dog will need when he first comes home.
Experts recommend purchasing everything your dog will need before you bring him home. Make sure everything is set up and ready. That way, your new fur baby can feel welcomed and comfortable in his new home!
Here are some of the items & supplies you’ll need for your Neo (we’ve also included their prices):
- Food & water bowls: $10 to $40
- Dog collar: $10 to $40
- Leash: $20 to $50
- Harness: $40 to $80
- Dog bed: $30 to $110
- Dog crate: $50 to $165
- Toys: $50 to $155
- Brush: $5 to $20
- Shampoo: $5 to $20
- Dog food: $40 or more/month (these are large dogs that eat a lot!)
Summing It Up
As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when adopting a Neapolitan Mastiff! But one thing we do know, adopting a Neo ensures you and your family will have a loving, protective companion to enjoy!
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Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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