Overview
Folds of loose skin, a massive head and a rolling, almost lazy gait make the Neapolitan Mastiff unmistakable. It was bred in southern Italy to guard property, and the modern dog still thinks of itself as security staff first and pet second. With its own family it is devoted and surprisingly gentle.
For a walker the issue is trust. A Neapolitan does not hand itself over to a stranger holding a lead, and a dog of this weight that decides not to cooperate cannot be made to. Introductions at the owner's home, more than once, are part of the job, not an optional extra.
Exercise and walking needs
Two unhurried walks of twenty to thirty minutes a day suit most adults. They were never built for stamina and they overheat fast, so a slow plod with sniffing stops is the right pace. Do not try to make one jog.
Puppies and adolescents are growing a frame that will carry sixty kilos or more, and their joints need protecting. Short walks on soft ground, no stairs at speed and no jumping from the van until the owner says the vet is content.
On the walk
- Strength: If the dog plants its feet, you stop. Use a sturdy harness or the collar the owner already uses, and never attach the lead to anything you cannot hold if it lunges.
- Strangers: Expect a hard stare at anyone approaching and a dog that moves between you and them. Give people a wide berth and do not let anyone pat the head uninvited.
- Other dogs: Many are indifferent to dogs they know and dismissive of those they do not. Same-sex tension is common. Walk solo unless the owner has a tried and tested companion.
- Heat and drool: The heavy body and short muzzle hold heat badly. Carry water and a towel; the towel will be used before the water is.
Tips for professional walkers
- Do at least two meet-and-greet visits with the owner present before you walk the dog alone.
- Choose quiet routes and times. A Neapolitan is not a dog for the busy park at five o'clock.
- Check the skin folds around the face and neck after wet walks and mention anything sore.
- Keep walks short in anything warmer than a mild day and skip them altogether in a heatwave.
What to ask the owner
- How does the dog react to strangers on the street, and has it ever shown aggression on a walk?
- What equipment does the dog accept, and does it have a reliable stop or wait command?
- Any hip, elbow or heart history, and does the vet have exercise limits in place?
- Does the owner's insurance and your own cover walking a guardian breed of this size?