Neapolotan bull mastif-Should i get one? Can anyone advise me?

[SizzleSquid]

I want to get a neapolitan bull mastiff, ive never owned a dog before, and I am a single female. I love the look of the dogs and the fact they are protective but need more advice. Will they turn on me? Would it be a good first time dog?

[Clanad]

Before you make this critical decision, read this:

http://www.everythingneo.com/

Here in the U.S., the breed of dog closely related to your mastiff is the Boxer. One needs to understand the history of the breed of dog one is contemplating. Mastiff dogs were bred, originally, for war and hunting large animals such as lions. They certainly weren't bred for pets. Although, admittedly, breeding over the centuries has largely removed the agressiveness, the independant nature is still intact, in my opinion. They require a really firm hand, and, especially considering you've not owned a dog before, you may wish to consider if you have that ability. The discipline will require forcefullness on your part that may be hard to project considering the "cute" nature of the puppy. However, you'll pay dearly later if you're not able to provide that key role!
Additionally, I've noticed, with owners of the Boxers mentioned, that the drooling tendency (seen in all dogs with superfulous folded facial skin) is aggravating as is the tremendous amount of food it takes to maintain such a breed.
Having said that, most Boxer owners truly love their dogs and are willing to put up with all the foibles inherent... Best of luck!

[rutineli]

I believe most sincerely that this is not a dog for a first time dog owner. As mentioned by Clanad the aggression has been largely "buried" by selective breeding but it requires a well educated and aware dog owner to form and maintain a mutually happy relationship with such a dog.

I am the owner of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and have never owned any other breed, but even those require to be made aware in the nicest way of who is boss and "Pack leader" and it has to be you. Once the puppy is aware of the facts it will lick you to death at every opportunity, not slobber and can protect you every bit as well as the mastiff for about five years longer .(Mastiffs do not live long lives as a rule which is a wrench if you DO get it right)

They are VERY child friendly should the need arise and the feed bill is approx. ten percent of the big 'fellas. Of course, I am totally besotted just like every other Staffie. owner

Whatever you decide take the trouble to read everything that you can get your hands on about your chosen breed and dog ownership and training. Enjoy it because it is a wonderful relationship.

rutineli

[Metz]

SizzleSquid I would do a lot of research on the breed you want to get,talk to breeders too,take into account your living arrangements,work hours,pet insurance etc etc :o)

Clanad I have 2 boxers & they don't constantly drool ! They do when there is food about but show me a dog that doesn't. Boxers don't eat a tremendous amount of food either!

[thugulike]

I have had 2 neapolitan mastiffs. They are not for the faint hearted! My current dog weighs in at 15 stone. I am a sturdy northern lass but I can't walk him, that task is left to my husband. He is generally very well behaved (the dog that is) but if he decides to cross the road, then he takes some stopping. He has a turning circle like an oil tanker. You will need plenty of room and a decent sized garden or its just not fair to the dog. You should be thinking about what you can do for the dog rather than what it can do for you. They are not the most protective of dogs I've also had 2 rottweilers who were very protective but also need careful looking after. Drool! I have seen crystallised drool on my ceiling, glinting in the sun. It breaks off like an icicle. On the other hand, most people start smiling when they see us coming and he stops traffic. Literally.

[wolf63]

When I was a teenager we had a bullmastiff/german shepherd dog. He was the biggest softest lump, just like Scooby Doo.

We had no problem at all with training - we just went where he wanted us to go, much easier that way. He was smaller than your neapolitan choice due to his gsd mother - but he was still built like a tank and very powerful. To stop him when he had built up speed you had to grab onto something like a lamp post.

Get a dog book with all the pictures, giving the pros and cons for each breed. Many male dogs are protective of their female owners.

Good luck in making your choice, he is going to be your best friend for the next 15 years.

Hutch has been dead 18 years and we still laugh over some of the things he got up to. He was an ideal dog for children.

Susan

[SCHUMI]

i have to agree with rutineli this is not a breed for the first timer.i've had dogs all my life and the one breed i am desperate for is a doberman.i have waited over ten years for the right time and financial security & am proud to announce i am getting one at the end of the year.however it has taken a year of serious discussion and planning to get this far.mastiffs are beautiful but too much for a first timer.i would recommend a smaller breed like a collie (which i have) or as mentioned a boxer. very best of luck but do a massive amount of research contact breeders and get up close to the breed before you take a massive plunge!!!!!

[File Cutter]

(Aside all other considerations which your research will flag up) I personally wouldn't get one of the really big breeds as they don't live as long.

Given that any pet dog will really get under your skin - I don't think its worth it to go with a breed where you know you'll quite possibly only have the dog for 8 - 10 years.

[File Cutter]

Also you say you haven't had a dog before - they are a big commitment and will have a huge impact on your lifestyle if you want a happy, well adjusted dog.

You need to be really sure that you can offer a dog a good home - for life - before considering getting one.

If you do all the research on dog ownership and still decide to get one, please consider getting one from a reputable rescue centre as there are 1,000's of dogs out there looking for good homes.

Look at this link, it has some questions you need to ask yourself:-

http://www.bullmastiff-rescue.org.uk/

Good luck.

[lankeela]

Do you mean a Neopolitan Mastiff or a Bull Mastiff? They are totally different breeds, and if you mean a cross between the two, you will not know which traits you are going to get, i.e. which parent they will take after.

Neither are suitable first time dogs, and unless you have the time to devote to any dog them please do not get one. You cannot leave a dog alone while you go to work all day, and any dog needs a lot of attention and training to live a happy and normal life.

I really think if you are worried that a dog is going to 'turn' on you, you need to get far more experience of dogs. If you are nervous of them they can take advantage of you and you may make the situation worse.

Why not visit some training classes or dog shows and talk to breeders/owners about different breeds, then have another think about what would suit your lifestyle.

[SizzleSquid]

Thanks very much guys for all your advice-will seriously think about things first-so thanks x