Picasso Neapolitan Mastiffs South Africa

Its either a scam or a person that bought breeding puppies from us, failed the medical screens, or just never done any, and then breed with the hope I won't catch them out. Failing hips and/or elbows and still use those dogs for breeding litter after litter is really bad for the breed as the new owner will end up having a dog with serious medical conditions. Always ask the advertiser's Kusa nr. Then call Kusa at 021 423 9027 to verify if it is a ligit breeder. Also ask for a written agreement with a health guarantee. If the so called breeder doesn't want to give that, walk away! Also please bring such ads under our attention as basically all Neo's in SA is coming from us.

The Neo is not an active breed, so a small garden is adequate. As long as the Neo has contact with his/her family indoors and out, and can get some mild exercise daily, the Neo will be very contented.

Most Neapolitans are very good with children and will never hurt them purposely. 

Yes, but not all the time. Mostly after eating and drinking. Simply keep a towel nearby to keep the dog dry. 

No, they are not a very active breed and will prefer to stay with the family, even indoors. A short distance walk is more than enough.  If you are looking for a dog to do marathons with you, this is not your breed.

An adult Neo eats just the same amount of food as most other large breeds. It depends also on the quality of food that you will be feeding.

One adult Neo will consume just more than one 25kgs bag in a month.

Absolutely not necessary except when you bath the dog. 

Neo's are NOT prone to infections between the folds and wrinkles.  

They are not completely matured until about 4 – 5 years of age.

Eight to ten years is the normal lifespan. 

Most Neapolitans will not tolerate another dog of the same sex when grown. If introduced as a puppy, it should be no problem. Neapolitans are strong-willed and will end up dominating other breeds. 

A good size male will be 85 - 95kgs.  Females are 65 - 80kgs.

Although the breed standard states the weight around 50kgs, i guarantee you a Neo less than 75kgs (males) and 65kgs (females) are far too small.

This breed rarely causes trouble by excessive barking… in fact, most of the time, when they do bark, there will be a very good reason. 

Not officially yet. Because of our passion for the breed, we will do whatever is possible to help any Neo in rescue situations. Please contact us immediately. 

Our own puppies are sold with a return policy, but its puppies from Backyard breeders often ending up in shelters or on the streets.

While relatively rare in South Africa and most other countries worldwide, this is not an endangered breed, so avoid irresponsible breeders who feel the need to popularise the breed (while making a quick buck!). 

Not much - a bath occasionally and a brush down to remove loose hair. It's important to keep ears and eyes clean and the dog free of parasites. 

Yes, as do most other breeds. This can be kept in control with regular brushing down. 

Neapolitan's must be exposed to car drives from very young.  In the beginning they will probably soil inside the vehicle, so rather take him/her for shorter drives and stop frequently so they can relief themselves.  Once intruduced and familiar with a vehicle they will insist to go along everytime you take the car keys!

You bought a dog for protection but still they need intensive socializing to prevent unnecessary aggressiveness. Contact us for info regarding training.

An unsocialised Neo is not a pleasure to have, so start socialising from as early as 4 months of age. 

Many of our clients raised their Neapolitan Mastiff with other animals like cats,

birds, goats etcetera without any problems, BUT it is obviously vital to introduce them as early as possible, and also to be strict in case of unwanted behaviour.  Neo's doesn't have a prey drive so they are not prone to chasing and catching other animals, which also helps a lot.