Breeding / Reproduction Issues with the Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a regal and noble dog with a rich history.  All who consider undertaking reproduction of this breed should pause and consider your motives and desired outcomes.  We do not need any more "pet quality" Neapolitans in the world, a female does not "need" to have a litter of puppies.  If you are convinced that your female and male are healthy and have somethine unique to contribute to the breed then perhaps breeding is the choice.  If you are looking to simply experience a litter of puppies then perhaps you should contact a breeder and see if you can volunteer to assist them with whelping.

The Neapolitan Mastiff is frequently a difficult to breed and whelp dog.  Your first step is to locate a veterinarian who is an animal reproduction specialist referred to as a "theriogenologist".  Many general practice veterinarians enjoy reproduction and may consider themselves as having special interest in reproduction but a true reproduction specialist is a theriogenologist and will be registered with the Society of Theriogenology.  You can visit the Society site and search for a Certified Reproduction Specialist in your area.

Beginning with a Certified reproduction veterinarian from the start will cost you more in the beginning but will save you tons in the end.  Your reproduction veterinarian will do a pre-breeding exam on both the male and female and discuss timing and insemination options with you.

A few considerations prior to breeding are:

• Thyroid panel(s) on both male and female
• Leishmaniasis screening for both male and female
• Vaginal cytology for female
• Semen evaluation for male
• Heart Screen for both male and female

Rearing Neapolitan Mastiff Puppies

Neapolitan Mastiff mothers are frequently reluctant to undertake the task and even enthusiastic mothers can accidently kill or injure puppies if left unsupervised.  During the first 3 weeks, Neapolitan newborns require 24 hour supervision and frequently will require supplemental feeding.  It is critical that you research canine husbandry and understand the basic fundementals of rearing newborn puppies.  Puppies can die so very easily from simple environmental influences such as a draft in the room, too hot or too cold, or drops in blood sugar from lack of feeding or insufficient feeding.   The risk of death to the mother are also great; c-section deliveries are most common, mastitis, post uterine infection, milk fever, etc.

Research Resources

ATIMANA 2002 Neapolitan Mastiff selection: inbreeding and fertility analysis of the Italian Registry from 1974 to 2001.

BREEDING A LITTER by Beth Harris
Complete guide to pre and post natal care. Learn what is needed to produce puppies who are physically and temperamentally sound.

CANINE REPRODUCTION by Phyllis Holst
Anatomy, breeding behavior, genetics, pregnancy, whelping, rearing a litter, reproductive problems, even artificial insemination. A must-have for breeders!

PUPPY INTENSIVE CARE: A BREEDER'S GUIDE TO CARE OF NEWBORN PUPPIES by Myra Savant-Harris
If puppies are on the way, you want those newborns to have the best possible chance of survival and good health by being prepared. You can’t count on a vet being available, so breeders need to learn these skills. Learn how to administer simple but effective measures to help puppies in distress. Described in friendly, non-technical terms from a long-time breeder. BONUS! Comes with a 32 minute DVD to better illustrate the techniques recommended.