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Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler Mix: Helpful Owner’s Guide

Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler Mix

Do you love Rottweilers and Mastiffs? Have you been trying to decide between these two loyal and loving dog breeds? Why not check out the Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler mix!

In this guide, we will walk you through the traits and tendencies of this large and endearing hybrid.

Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler hybrids are extra-large dogs with protective dispositions. This mix is the result of breeding a Rottweiler with a Neapolitan Mastiff.

These dogs have distinctive appearances and often resemble Mastiffs with Rottweiler-like markings.

Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler mixes can weigh anywhere from 99 to 170 lbs and measure about 26 inches tall at the withers.

These large and imposing hybrids do well with experienced owners who have plenty of space and time available.

Overview of the Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler Hybrid

This large-and-in-charge crossbreed is impressive in appearance with a short yet dense coat. As far as personality goes, these dogs embody many of the best traits of Mastiffs and Rottweilers. As such, they are great for owners who love Rotties, Mastiffs, or Bully breeds.

Less energetic than the Rottweiler but more energetic than a purebred Neapolitan Mastiff, this is an even-tempered dog with intense loyalty and devotion toward its family.

Generally, this hybrid will be healthier than either a purebred Rottweiler or a purebred Mastiff.

Keep in mind that both Rottweilers and Neapolitan Mastiffs are known for their guarding tendencies. As such, this protective dog will likely be wary of strangers.

Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler

Although this iconic mix is wonderful in many ways, not all dog owners are suitable for a Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler hybrid.

Not only are these dogs extremely large and formidable, but they may become stubborn and difficult if not trained properly.

Not to mention the fact that large dogs like this can be expensive to own. They require much dedication, time, and energy.

Reasons to Avoid Neapolitan Rottie Mixes

  • Expensive to own
  • Potential to develop orthopedic problems
  • Requires experienced dog trainers
  • Will need plenty of room to roam
  • May become possessive or dominant
  • Can be stubborn

Reasons Why You Should Get a Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler

With the above deterrents in mind, Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler mixes can be wonderful dogs for the right families. These dogs are devoted and loyal to the core! They are tenacious and can learn quickly.

As such, these dogs can easily tell the difference between friends and strangers. These big dogs will tenaciously protect your property and family. They are also extremely loving, gentle when trained well, and fairly healthy.

Reasons to Love Neapolitan Rottie Mixes

  • Loyal, protective, and tenacious
  • Able to learn quickly at a young age
  • Even-tempered with moderate energy
  • Stunning intimidating appearance
  • Healthier than a purebred in most cases
  • Gentle and sweet when trained properly
  • Powerful and heavily muscled

History of Neapolitan Mastiff and Rottweiler Dog Breeds

To help you understand the Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler hybrid, you will want to know the histories of the breeds that make up this mix. Both the Neapolitan Mastiff and the Rottweiler have long-standing backgrounds of guardianship and protection.

Development of the Rottweiler Breed

Rottweilers were used by the ancient Romans for a range of applications. They pulled carts, protected livestock, herded sheep, and guarded property. These versatile dogs are intelligent, heavily muscled, and powerful.

The Rottweiler is an AKC accepted dog breed. Rottweilers became very popular in the United States in the 1980s. Today, Rottweilers are one of the most popular purebred dogs around.

History of the Neapolitan Mastiff Dog Breed

Originally bred as guard dogs, the Neapolitan Mastiff is an ancient breed from Italy. In the 1940s, this breed was rediscovered.

Over the last 80 years, these dogs have become popular around the world. The breed was accepted by the AKC sometime after 1956.

Appearance of the Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler Mix

Neapolitan Mastiffs are massive and powerful. They have extremely large heads and wrinkles around their lips, eyes, and muzzles.

These dogs are noble and dignified in appearance. As an extra-large breed, they weigh an average of 160 pounds.

Rottweilers are large and muscular. They have broad chests and large paws. They also have large heads and powerful jaws.

Rottweilers can weigh anywhere from 89 to 110 pounds. Female Rottweilers are usually smaller than male Rottweilers.

Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler mixes combine many of the aesthetic traits of both dog breeds. Expect a Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler mix to be very large, muscular, and powerful.

This dog will have a broad chest and a large head as well. The height at the withers can range from 25 to 27 inches tall.

The weight of an adult Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler hybrid can be anywhere from 99 to 150 pounds.

Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler Mix Coat and Colors

Rottweilers only come in one main coat color with distinctive markings and black gums. The markings will be tan, red, or brown and appear on the eyebrows, paws, legs, and underbelly. The main coat color of the Rottweiler is black.

Neapolitan Mastiffs come in black, blue, mahogany, and tawny. These dogs may be solid in color, brindle, or have patches of white on the chest. Brindle is the most acceptable marking variation.

A Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler mix will be large in size and have a short dense coat. These dogs can come in many coat colors and patterns, although most will showcase the distinctive markings of the Rottweiler.

The coat of this dog will be short and thick. A Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler hybrid may have a dense undercoat or a short flat coat.

With a mix like this, the coat length is likely to vary depending on the traits of both parents. Thicker coats will come from the genetics of the Rottweiler.

Grooming Your Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler Mix

This dog is likely to shed heavily seasonally as well as mildly year-round. So, expect to brush your Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler hybrid daily during the shedding seasons of spring and fall.

The amount of grooming your Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler needs will depend on its activities and which traits are inherited from each parent.

If your Neapolitan Mastiff hybrid is more Mastiff-like, you will need to clean the folds of skin around its ears, jowls, neck, and under areas.

This will prevent moisture and grime from accumulating and causing bacterial growth.

Additionally, mastiff dogs tend to drool heavily. The more folds of skin your dog has in the facial region, the more drooling you can expect.

If your Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler mix is more Rottweiler-like, you can expect to brush it regularly. With a dense undercoat, Rotties shed heavily regularly.

Additionally, many Rottweilers are known for being stubborn at bath time. As such, this dog may give you trouble if you do not acclimate it to baths at an early age.

Personality and Temperament of the Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler Mix

Neapolitan Mastiffs are powerful guard dogs with an astounding ability to protect people and property.

Unlike a personal protection dog such as a German Shepherd, these powerful canines are capable of naturally protecting the boundaries of their home.

They do this without training and are born with an inclination to keep an eye on things. As such, expect this dog to be suspicious of strangers.

Simultaneously, Rottweilers are renowned for their protective instincts and versatility. Rottweilers have been used in combat, by police, as shepherding dogs, and more.

Rottweilers are highly trainable and known for their intellectual capabilities. However, with so much intelligence, Rottweilers are also famous for developing stubborn tendencies.

With both of these breeds in the mix, you can expect a Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler hybrid to be protective and loyal with natural inclinations toward guarding people and property.

Simultaneously, this dog will probably have medium energy levels and be extremely devoted to its family.

Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler Mix Training Tips

Since this breed has the tendency to be stubborn, wary of strangers, possessive, and strong-headed, it is wise to begin a training program early on.

You should begin training your Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler puppy at around eight weeks of age. Basic obedience training, socialization, and gentility exercises are key.

If trained correctly from puppyhood, this will be a gentle giant in the home. It will possess naturally keen protective instincts and an intelligent mind. Be sure to handle this dog with care and consideration.

Remember, each puppy is unique. As such, the training methods that work for one puppy may not be as effective for another.

Consistency and confidence are important. Make sure to set clear boundaries for this dog as it will become large and powerful when fully grown.

With plenty of dedication and consistent training, this can become a wonderful dog with a balanced and capable nature.

The Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler Mix and Families

In a family setting, this dog can be a gentle giant who loves children. However, socialization from a young age is a must.

Additionally, adopting an adult Neapolitan Mastiff Rottie mix may not be wise if it has not been socialized and trained correctly.

The Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler Mix Other Pets

As with children, this dog can do well with others provided that it has been socialized with other pets from a young age.

If properly socialized with cats, other dogs, and small animals, this hybrid should do fine with other pets.

Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler mixes may be naturally territorial. If this is the case, they are likely to do better with other dogs of the opposite gender.

Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler Mix Lifespan and Health

As an extra-large dog breed, you can expect your Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler hybrid to live anywhere from 9 to 13 years.

The lifespan of your Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler hybrid will depend on its overall health, fitness level, genetics, and diet.

Possible Health Problems to Be Aware Of

Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler hybrids are prone to certain large breed and orthopedic issues. These include problems like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.

Also, this large dog may be prone to a condition called bloat. There are many precautions that you can take to avoid these issues.

Food Requirements of the Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler Mix

A Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler mix should be fed a balanced diet with adequate DHA and carefully proportioned protein from puppyhood. Since this dog will grow to be very large, its caloric intake should be monitored.

Protein can cause growth spurts in puppies. If this dog grows too quickly, it is more likely to develop orthopedic issues like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and other problems. Look for a large-breed specialty puppy food with DHA and balanced protein.

Adult Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler mixes may also be prone to overeating. Be sure that the caloric intake of this dog is in balance with its activity levels.

Although this dog can thrive on various types of food, it may be wise to consult your veterinarian before switching food brands or trying a raw diet with this breed.

Exercise Requirements of a Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler Mix

As a dog that is likely to have moderate energy levels, a Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler mix should be walked daily.

Regular physical activity can help keep your Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler hybrid happy and healthy.

Additionally, dogs that exercise regularly will be less likely to develop problems with joint stiffness and arthritis later in life.

Because this dog has the potential to get a condition called bloat, feed them after daily exercise or allow them to digest their food for a while before they begin running around. Bloat can be a serious problem that is potentially fatal in large dogs with broad chests.

Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler Mix Puppies for Sale

Have you been looking for a Neapolitan Mastiff Rottweiler puppy? If so, choose a reputable breeder that has healthy dogs.

Additionally, ask your breeder if they have conducted Health testing on the parents. This will help you find a healthier puppy.

When choosing a puppy, you may want to observe all of the littermates at once in a familiar setting. Watch how they interact with one another.

For a dog with a balanced temperament, choose a puppy that is neither overly bold nor excessively timid.

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