
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a massive breed with a short, easy-to-maintain coat. They are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, but they can also be quite stubborn at times.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are born after a gestation period of around 65-70 days, which is relatively short compared to other breeds. This can make them a bit more challenging to care for in the early stages of life.
Their large size means they can be prone to various health issues, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These conditions can be painful and may require surgery to correct.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are a generally healthy breed, but they can be susceptible to certain health issues that arise from their unique characteristics.
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Neapolitan Mastiff Tia
Tia the Neapolitan Mastiff was a gentle giant, weighing in at 230 pounds. Her massive size belied a sweet temperament, and she was often described as a "laid-back" companion.
Tia's calm demeanor was likely due to her breed's history as a guard dog, where a calm and gentle approach was more effective than aggression. This trait has been passed down through generations of Neapolitan Mastiffs.
Tia's diet consisted of a high-protein diet, which helped maintain her massive size and energy level.
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What is a Neapolitan Mastiff Tia
The Neapolitan Mastiff Tia is a rare and ancient breed that originated in Italy.
They are known for their massive size, with males weighing up to 230 pounds and standing as tall as 30 inches at the shoulder.
Their short, dense coats can come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, and tawny.
In the past, Neapolitan Mastiffs were used as guard dogs and protectors of families and property.
They are naturally suspicious of strangers and can be wary of new environments.
Despite their intimidating appearance, Neapolitan Mastiffs are loyal and loving companions to their families.
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Interesting Facts and Statistics
Neapolitan Mastiffs are known for their massive size, with adult dogs weighing between 130-230 pounds and standing 24-31 inches tall at the shoulder.
On average, a Neapolitan Mastiff's lifespan is around 8-10 years, which is relatively short compared to other breeds.
This breed is a natural guardian and protector, making them excellent watchdogs due to their loyal and alert nature.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are prone to various health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and gastric torsion, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, but regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are essential to prevent infections.
Despite their intimidating appearance, Neapolitan Mastiffs are gentle giants and loving companions, especially with proper socialization and training from an early age.
Their calm and laid-back nature makes them a great fit for families with children, as long as they are handled carefully due to their large size.
Risks and Complications
Bloat is a serious condition that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly, with a mortality rate of up to 50% in Neapolitan Mastiffs.
Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a common symptom of bloat, and can be a sign that the dog is in distress.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus, or GDV, is the most common cause of bloat in Neapolitan Mastiffs, and can occur within a few hours of eating.
If left untreated, GDV can lead to cardiac arrest and death.
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage to the stomach and surrounding tissues.
Health Risks for Mother and Puppies
Pregnant dogs are more prone to urinary tract infections due to their anatomy.
Dogs can experience eclampsia, a condition that occurs when a new mother's calcium levels drop after giving birth.
Puppies are at risk of hypoglycemia, a condition that can be life-threatening if left untreated.
New mothers may experience mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue.
Puppies can be born with or develop hypoplastic or hyperplastic nipples.
Complications During Delivery
Complications during delivery can be unpredictable and potentially life-threatening for both the mother and the baby.
Fetal distress, which can occur when the baby is not getting enough oxygen, is a common complication that can arise during delivery.
In some cases, the umbilical cord may become entangled or compressed, cutting off the baby's oxygen supply.
Fetal distress can be caused by prolonged labor, umbilical cord issues, or other factors that compromise the baby's well-being.
A baby's heart rate can drop significantly if it's not getting enough oxygen, which is a clear indication of fetal distress.
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The placenta may not separate properly from the uterus after delivery, a condition known as placental abruption, which can cause severe bleeding.
A woman's blood vessels may also rupture during delivery, leading to severe bleeding and potentially life-threatening complications.
In some cases, the uterus may not contract properly after delivery, leading to excessive bleeding and other complications.
Uterine atony, a condition where the uterus fails to contract, can cause severe bleeding and potentially life-threatening complications.
The risk of complications during delivery increases with advanced maternal age, multiple pregnancies, and pre-existing medical conditions.
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Care and Management
Neapolitan Mastiffs require regular exercise, but they're not built for long-distance running. They need short, gentle walks to keep them happy and healthy.
Their massive size means they need a large, comfortable living space with plenty of room to move around. A spacious backyard is ideal.
Neapolitan Mastiffs have a short, easy-to-maintain coat, but they still need regular grooming to prevent skin problems and keep their wrinkles clean.
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Nutrition and Feeding

When it comes to feeding your pet, it's essential to provide a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs.
A high-quality commercial cat food or a homemade diet that includes a mix of protein sources, such as chicken, salmon, or beef, is recommended for cats.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require a diet rich in animal protein to stay healthy.
Feeding your cat 2-3% of their body weight per day, divided into 2-3 meals, is a good starting point.
Cats have a unique digestive system that allows them to thrive on a diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates.
A general rule of thumb for feeding dogs is to provide 1-2% of their body weight per day, divided into 2-3 meals.
Dogs are omnivores, meaning they can thrive on a diet that includes both animal and plant-based ingredients.
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Veterinary Care and Monitoring
Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for the health and well-being of your pet. They help detect potential health issues early on, ensuring timely interventions.
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A veterinarian should examine your pet at least twice a year, depending on age, health, and lifestyle.
Monitoring your pet's vital signs, such as temperature, pulse, and respiration rate, can help identify potential health issues.
Keep a record of your pet's vaccinations, medications, and health issues to track their medical history.
Your veterinarian may recommend blood tests or other diagnostic tests to monitor your pet's health.
Proper veterinary care can help prevent and manage common health issues, such as obesity, dental problems, and flea infestations.
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Largest Dog Litter
Tia, the Neapolitan mastiff, holds the record for the largest dog litter, giving birth to an astonishing 24 puppies on November 29, 2004.
All 24 puppies were born by Cesarean section, with nine females and 15 males in total.
Unfortunately, one puppy was stillborn, and three more died within the first week.
Tia's record-breaking litter was a remarkable feat, and it's a testament to her incredible breeding abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest litter of dogs ever recorded?
The largest litter of dogs ever recorded is 24 puppies, set by a Neapolitan Mastiff named Tia in a single birth. This remarkable record-breaking litter consisted of 15 male and 9 female puppies.
What is the disease in the Neapolitan Mastiff?
Neapolitan Mastiffs are prone to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a life-threatening heart condition that weakens the heart's ability to pump blood. DCM is a serious condition that requires prompt attention and veterinary care.
What dog gave birth to 24 puppies?
A Neapolitan mastiff named Tia gave birth to a record-breaking litter of 24 puppies in 2004. This remarkable feat earned her a spot in the Guinness World Records.
What world record did the Neapolitan Mastiff named Tia break?
Tia, a Neapolitan mastiff, holds the record for the largest litter of puppies ever born, with a massive brood delivered via Caesarian section in 2004. This incredible feat made her a Guinness World Record holder.
Sources
- https://www.bigcountry995.com/story/41934923/10-guinness-world-records-about-dogs
- https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/dog-birth-record-puppy-litter-great-dane-american-bulldog-bullmastiff-rottweiler-a9233321.html
- https://www.petsradar.com/news/english-mastiff-gives-birth-to-21-puppies
- https://www.timesnownews.com/the-buzz/article/british-dog-may-have-set-a-new-world-record-by-giving-birth-to-21-puppies-naturally/523452
- https://stacker.com/pets/10-guinness-world-records-about-dogs
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