Archive for December, 2008

A.T.I.MA.NA. 2001 Leishmaniasis of the Neapolitan Mastiff

NeapolitanWorld has launched the re-publication of A.T.I.MA.NA. 2001 Leishmaniasis of the Neapolitan Mastiff, a disease first traced back as early as 1885, and making a devastating impact on the Neapolitan Mastiff since the 1990’s, and in the years of 2000 to 2006 ending the life of many important Mastini in the breed, to mention one name Bobo Dello Stradone Vesuviano, owner Salvatore Scherma.

Bobo Dello Stradone Vesuviano

Besides the clinical condition and the suffering of our breed, it has likely played a vital yet negative role by adding fuel to the fire for those whom already dislike and disapprove and are critics of our breed. To further explain this point, US and other countries have over the past decade dramatically increased the number of imports from Italy, a hot bed of the disease, yet Leishamiasis testing previous to 2008 has been nonexistent despite common Leishmaniasis symptoms in the overall population, which means that many conditions that could have been from a result of a parasite, were instead blamed on genetic problems and extreme breeding. It has recently became popular to trash the Neapolitan Mastiff, as a monster, a type of

Frankenstein

created by bad breeders, even within our own community as was the case of a USNMC Board of Director publicly trashing Bobo Dello Stradone Vesuviano for being a bad example, and a dog with “raging demodex”, despite common knowledge this particular dog suffered and died from Leishmaniasis, instead he was labeled another monster another Frankenstein by the critics of the breed. I believe it is time to turn the page on those days and that wrongly placed hate and critique, with more knowledge of owners on symptoms, free testing, and continued research perhaps this disease will soon be a problem of the past.

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How to find a good Neapolitan Masitff Breeder

How to find a good breeder is mostly a question to many newbies. However we were all newbies at one point, so it is a very important subject. The following questions on

How to find a breeder

is presented and contributed by Il Colosseo Member Adrienne Powers (mookiebones), please take the time to thank our fellow member for the time and effort given, also thanks to Il Colosseo Breeder friend whom contributed to this article as well.

1. Ask about the health issues in their lines. If they answer that there are no health issues, this is an indicator that they don’t test, or are unwilling to tell you. Some new breeders do not know the health issues of their line, but should be able to find the answers from a mentor in some cases.

2. Ask about what happens if there is serious health issue, and what the breeder will do if one were to occur. Will they replace the dog? Will they give you your money back? Will they want the dog back? Make sure you get this in writing when ever possible.

3. The breeder will either microchip or tattoo all of their dogs, including their puppies. This should be done before you get the puppy.

4. The breeder will interview you as much as you interview them. If they do not ask you questions, they are just looking for a quick sale. They may give you a questionnaire about your experience with dogs, past dogs, how you care for your dogs, etc. etc. This is to weed out buyers that want their dogs for less than ethical purposes, or are clueless how to deal with a large breed dog.

5. The breeder will give you the papers (AKC) on the pup when you purchase it. You should have papers and puppy in hand when leaving the breeders house, or when the puppy is being shipped. The AKC is the “gold” standard for registration. Do not accept anything less! Sometimes with multiple sire litters or DNA litters and/or imports the paperwork (ENCI papers normally take up to 6 to 9 months) will not come with the dog when you purchase it. Make sure that is in writing that you will receive papers on your puppy.

6. Have the grandparents or parents (may not yet transpire) had any health problems that have/will seriously affected their lifespan?

7. All the dogs on the breeders premises should be well socialized, not overly aggressive, and in good condition. You should be able to view most if not all the dogs on the breeder’s premises. However do not mistake “aggressive” behavior with guarding behavior.

8. A good breeder will demand that you spay/neuter a pet quality dog, those that are pet quality should come with limited registration. While this is unenforceable, there will be a contract signed saying that the dog is of pet quality. There should be a price break for those that are pet quality.

9. A good breeder will show their dogs in conformation. Many are interested in competing against others of the same breed to see if their dogs are in line with the standard. They should be familiar with the breed standard. Some do not like the “political” aspect of showing in the AKC and may not show their dogs. This does not mean that their dogs are less desirable. Ask the breeder if any of their prior puppies are being shown and how they are doing in the show ring. Keep in mind that AKC show success does not necessarily mean good Neapolitan’s. Many AKC dogs win simply because of good handling, or if they just show up to a lot of shows where there is little competition. Also many AKC judges do not know the breed well, and are still learning how to judge the breed.

10. The breeder will keep in contact with you and answer any/all of the questions that you have for them (not in all cases). They will be interested in helping you with your dog/puppy, throughout the dog’s life. They will be interested in how your dog is doing to help them with their own breeding program.

11. The breeder will tell you why they did this breeding. If they are breeding to breed, this is a sign that they do not really care about the lines of their dogs, and are looking to make a quick buck. Many breeders will not divulge this information with just anybody, but they should be able to give you a short why as to why they did a particular breeding i.e. to bring in more height, to bring in a better top line, to try to eliminate certain faults.

12. How many litters did the breeder breed last year? and the year before that? Did they breed the same two dogs more than once? If so, why? They may not divulge their entire breeding philosophy, but they should be able to give you a short answer.

13. Be patient in your search. If the breeder does not get back to you immediately, please realize that good breeders field many calls/emails a day

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