The Nebolish Mastiff is one of the rarest among more than 80 mastiff types. Developed in Canada and the Northwest in the late 1960s, this breed was expected to benefit from increased agility, life expectancy and health. It was obtained by crossing the mastiff, Bull, Old English, and Dogue de Bordeaux, but it is also believed that other breeds like the Boxer, Great Dane and Saint Bernard are present in its bloodline.
Another version is that the breed was obtained in Canada from the Neapolitan Mastiff, by crossing it with the Dogue de Bordeaux, Boxer, English Mastiff, Bullmastiff, Bullterrier, Deutsche Dogge and Saint Bernard. A simpler version only mentions crossing the German Boxer with the French Bullmastiff.
Description
The Nebolish is the most agile of all mastiff breeds. This dog has a strong muscular structure, with large bones and wide chest. Its head is broad and has natural ears, the snout is short and wide, with a scissor bite. The dog has no slobber problems.
The coat is usually of short-medium length, but there are cases when it is longer. The color may include all shades of fawn and brindle, and rarely, silver. Markings like black masks are allowed. While white markings are tolerated, they are not desired. The dog?s tail can be docked.
Living Conditions
The Nebolish Mastiff is certainly not a dog for apartment dwellers. Although a large yard and a daily long walk may be sufficient, the dog likes to explore large surfaces. However, you should not let it roam because of its intimidating size. It was developed in the very cold climate of Canada and loves spending winter in front of a fireplace. It also loves sunlight and water. The Nebolish needs some room to run. It also loves swimming and hiking. Adults may live indoors, but a long daily walk is a must.
This dog reaches 27-36 inches high and weighs between 95 and 200 pounds. Its muscular structure is extremely solid, but it is very agile even at its mature age. Life expectancy is between 10 and 14 years. Minimal grooming is required, including a brisk brush and occasional bath. Remember that the Nebolish loves water!
Although no breed can be free from certain health ailments, the Nebolish is not predisposed to any. It was developed as a large and agile dog, without any genetic defects. This is the reason why breeding is not recommended for novices.
Dog?s Personality and Temperament
The Nebolish is an even tempered dog, alert and dignified. While not being an excessive barker, it is loyal, naturally protective and easy to train. It may be stubborn sometimes, especially when it feels stronger minded than the handler. This dog is good natured, playful and patient with children.
Mastiffs generally require, apart training, strong leadership skills and, therefore, are not recommended for first time owners. The intelligence of the Nebolish Mastiff, its fearless courage and loyal affection make it a desired companion and family member.
If You Want a Serious Companion, the Neapolitan Mastiff Is Your Best Choice
Like all European mastiffs, the Neapolitan Mastiff has as ancestor the Tibetan Mastiff, which is the most ancient canine species. It believed to have been brought to Greece by Alexander the Great, and then introduced to the Romans, who were using it as a combat dog. Besides, the word ?mastiff? is derived from the Latin term ?massivus?, which means massive. Although extinct at a certain time throughout Europe, this breed continued to survive in the Italian region Campania.
Its standard was only set in 1949. Nowadays, this powerful dog has a good reputation as an excellent guard dog. It has been used as such by farmers, estate owners, the Italian army and police, to protect both people and property.
Description
The dog is powerful, with a massive, rather rectangular body. It has abundant, hanging folds and wrinkles on its head, as well as a large dewlap. Its head is wide and flat, and large in comparison to its body, with a muzzle reaching 1/3 of the dog?s head, a large nose with well-open nostrils, a color in tone with the coat, teeth meeting in a pincer or scissors bite, and deep-set eyes, colored from brown to amber, according to the color of the coat, and almost covered by the upper eyelids. Puppies have blue eyes which become dark later. The ears of the animal may be left natural or may be cropped, if the owner does not consider this operation painful for the dog.
The Neapolitan Mastiff has large, round feet, with well-arched toes, and a tail that it carries straight up and curved over its back. Its coat is straight, dense and short, colored in black, gray, blue, mahogany, tawny and, rarely, chocolate. It may have white and brindle markings. The presence of white is not allowed on the dog?s face, but some spots may exist on its toes and chest.
Males are 26-30 inches, while females are 24-28 inches. The dog may weigh up to 150 pounds, some exemplars even reaching 170 pounds.
Living Conditions
The dog may live in an apartment if you take care to exercise it sufficiently. It is almost inactive indoors, so it needs at least a small yard and long walks twice a day as a minimum. Take care to provide water, shade, and a cool place where your dog can lie during warm days.
Puppies are usually brought to light via caesarian section. The dog is prone to hip dysplasia, cherry eye, and bloat. Joint pain may frequently occur between 4 and 18 months of age, but it usually goes away without treatment. Life expectancy is short enough, up to ten years.
Grooming is easy for this kind of giant dog with short hair. You only have to remove dead hair using a rubber brush.
Dog?s Personality and Temperament
Although intimidating in appearance, this dog is calm, peaceful, affectionate and loving, enjoying family and friends. It drools heavily, especially the males, and mainly in hot weather.
It is very intelligent, courageous, protective, serious and quiet. As a matter of fact, it only barks when necessary. Natural guardian and children lover, the Neapolitan Mastiff may be the perfect dog for your family.
