Neo Bullmastiff
Italian Mastiff
The hybrid breed created from the Bullmastiff and Neapolitan Mastiff is known as the Italian Bullmastiff by the Designer Canine Registry, while the American Canine Hybrid Club calls it the Neo Bullmastiff. This breed is quite large, typically exceeding two feet in height at the shoulder and weighing over one hundred pounds. Given their size, it is crucial to provide early socialization and training to foster their generally calm nature. However, their friendly temperament may not always extend to other dogs, particularly those that show aggression or encroach on their space. They may also inherit a tendency to chase smaller animals from their Bullmastiff ancestry. While their grooming and exercise requirements are relatively minimal, these dogs are very social and thrive on interaction with their families, necessitating significant attention to ensure their happiness and emotional well-being.
Breed Origin
The Neo Bullmastiff is a sizable canine that falls within the molosser category, characterized by its robust head, strong bone structure, and short, muscular neck. Unlike a purebred, this breed is a carefully crafted hybrid, resulting from the crossbreeding of the Bullmastiff and the Neapolitan Mastiff—two large molossers that hail from different regions and fulfill unique purposes. The Neapolitan Mastiff, or Mastino Napolitano as it is known in Italy, was originally bred to safeguard livestock and families, forming deep connections with their owners while displaying a wary attitude towards unfamiliar faces. Following World War II, interest in this breed grew significantly, culminating in the establishment of a breed standard in 1948. On the other hand, the Bullmastiff is an English molosser that was primarily bred for the protection of vast estates and their wildlife. Long before the concept of "designer dogs" gained traction in the late 20th century, the Bullmastiff was intentionally developed by crossing the English Mastiff with the English Bulldog. Before the Bullmastiff emerged in the late 1800s, English Mastiffs were employed for similar protective duties, but their slower speed rendered them less effective on larger properties. Meanwhile, the English Bulldog, though more agile, often exhibited excessive aggression for such roles. The Bullmastiff, therefore, strikes a balance, combining the athleticism and energy necessary to chase off intruders with the restraint to prevent unnecessary harm.
Breed Appearance
The Neo Bullmastiff is a hybrid breed that merges two large dog types, resulting in a striking and powerful canine. Although it is usually a bit smaller than the purebred Neapolitan Mastiff, this crossbreed typically weighs over a hundred pounds when fully matured. Like other molosser breeds, the Neo Bullmastiff has a sturdy build, marked by a strong skeletal structure and a short, muscular neck. Its head is impressively large, with a muzzle that is shorter than average—approximately one-third the length of the skull—yet it remains broad and deep. The dog's eyes range from small to medium in size, often obscured by facial wrinkles, while its V-shaped ears sit high on the head, close to the cheeks. This breed is known for its loose skin, which can vary from extensive wrinkling and sagging, akin to the Neapolitan Mastiff, to more localized wrinkles primarily around the neck and face, similar to those of the Bullmastiff. Neo Bullmastiffs generally sport a short, single-layer coat that comes in a variety of solid colors, and they may also display brindle patterns or a black mask.
Care Routine
Maintaining the grooming needs of a Neo Bullmastiff is quite simple. While these dogs don’t need frequent baths, many owners choose to use dry shampoos to keep their pets smelling pleasant between washes. A weekly brushing is sufficient to eliminate dirt and manage loose hair, but it’s essential to clean their facial wrinkles on a daily basis. Wiping these areas with a damp cloth and ensuring they are completely dried can help prevent skin irritations caused by dirt, food debris, or sweat. Failing to provide this care may result in rashes, acne, and even serious infections. Furthermore, since short-muzzled breeds are more susceptible to dental problems compared to those with longer snouts, it is vital to maintain regular dental hygiene for this breed.
Behavior & Temperament
This breed is specifically developed for protective roles, characterized by both its physical attributes and temperament. Typically, they possess a gentle nature but are selective about unfamiliar individuals, demonstrating profound loyalty and affection towards their family and those they are meant to safeguard. While they may appear calm and collected, these large dogs can transform into a formidable presence if threatened. Their strong-willed and sometimes stubborn nature necessitates consistent training from a young age to facilitate effective learning. Although this crossbreed is generally patient with children, it is crucial to supervise all interactions, particularly with younger or more active kids. Care should be taken to prevent children from climbing on or engaging in rough play with the dog, as such actions can lead to joint problems. Young Neo Bullmastiffs, especially, can be quite playful and might inadvertently knock over a toddler, even at just six months old. However, as they mature, they usually become more serene and well-mannered. To foster a well-adjusted and stable companion, it is vital to provide early and thorough positive socialization. While they typically interact well with people, they may face challenges with other animals due to their strong prey drive and territorial tendencies.
Play & Exercise
The Bullmastiff and Neapolitan Mastiff usually have lower exercise requirements than many other large breeds, needing around 45 minutes of activity daily. To protect their bones and joints, particularly during their developmental phases, it’s crucial to keep exercise sessions brief and moderate. This can be accomplished by distributing activities throughout the day and steering clear of vigorous play or jumping from heights. These breeds flourish in larger spaces, which makes them less ideal for confined living situations such as apartments.
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
3.5 Cups
Daily Activity
45 Minutes
Average Lifespan
9 Years
Origin
Unknown
Type
Crossbreeds
Size
Giant
Origin Country
Unknown
Brush Frequency
Weekly
Coat Texture
Straight
Register
Your kids have been begging for a pet forever, and you've recently decided that it's time for your family to get a new addition -- a dog! While everyone is excited for the new arrival, you're wondering if you need to have a dog license. How much does it cost? Is it required? Where do you get one?
Member Clubs
PETINNATE
Other
Height & Weight
Weight
130 lbs (59 kg)Male: 140 lbs (64 kg) , Female: 120 lbs (54 kg)
Height
28 inches (71 sm)Male: 29 inches (74 sm) , Female: 27 inches (69 sm)
6 Months
72 lbs ( m 72 lbs, f 72 lbs )
21 inches ( m 21 inches, f 21 inches )
12 Months
101 lbs ( m 101 lbs, f 101 lbs )
24 inches ( m 24 inches, f 24 inches )
18 Months
108 lbs ( m 108 lbs, f 108 lbs )
26 inches ( m 26 inches, f 26 inches )
Eye Colors
Brown
Amber
Nose Colors
Blue
Black
Brown
Isabella
Coat Colors
Black
Blue
Brown
Brindle
Red
Fawn
Sable
