FAQs

Chances are you have already settled on adding a neo to your family. That is why you’re here. Neos are devoted, loyal, and intelligent. They are also very large, protective, and potentially dangerous in the wrong hands. Additionally, food and vet costs are more expensive than smaller breeds. We urge you to continue researching the breed in order to make the best decision for you and your future puppy. Please note, our pre-screening process provides valuable insight into applicants. If we have any concerns, you won’t be offered a puppy.

Neapolitans are Italian molosser dogs. Some believe they descended from Roman war dogs though this is not known for certain. The breed has been around for centuries, guarding and protecting, as they still do today.

Neapolitan mastiffs are an affectionate and loving breed. However, genetics and training (or lack thereof) shape their temperaments. Neos can be great companions or massive nightmares. For the most part, the choice is made by the owner. It is important to understand what neo ownership entails before committing to a puppy. Puppies will exceed 150+ pounds as mature adults. Neos thrive in households with experienced owners who provide boundaries and consistent training. Young neos need help distinguishing between appropriate or unacceptable behaviors early on. They are natural guardians that require early socialization to prevent unwanted behaviors like aggression. They are independent thinkers, willing to make decisions with or without owner approval. Adults are territorial and leery of strangers. Although they can play the gentle giant role, they are fearless and capable of protecting their family from things they deem threats. They should not be mistaken for English mastiffs which tend to have calmer demeanors and more sociable personalities. Despite their bulk, neos are incredibly agile and move with great speed when necessary. Conflict can arise when multiple males or females are housed together. Yet, each dog is unique. Neos may be cat or other pet friendly. This depends entirely on the individual. Their low energy requirements make them suitable for many different environments though a fenced roaming area is always ideal. Brief daily walks are sufficient but may not be necessary if they are allowed ample roaming room. Stubborn, confident, watchful, and intelligent are a few more qualities that come to mind.

Adults average around 150 pounds. Females are usually smaller, weighing less than 150 pounds. Males usually do not exceed 175 pounds or 30 inches height at the shoulder.

Neos are not known for being particularly active, so don’t expect them to hike the wilderness with you. Their big bodies simply cannot take those types of strenuous activities. Puppies tend to be a handful but, even so, exercise and horseplay should be limited. It is important to protect their joints.

Neos are incredibly loyal to their families. However, they are best suited for households with older children. They may unintentionally cause harm to small children simply because of their massive size. As with any breed, precautions should be taken when children and dogs live in the same home.

Hands down, the most important characteristic of a puppy is its personality. Color rarely makes a difference. However, we breed to the AKC standard. You will not find fad colors or designer mixed breeds here. That means our litters are predominantly blue, accompanied by tawny, mahogany, and black pups. We also avoid excessive white markings or any other trait considered a fault in the breed.

Our dogs undergo screenings for hips, patellar luxation, heart auscultation and/or echocardiogram by a certified vet cardiologist, and full DNA embark panel that checks for progressive retinal atropy (PRA) and canine multifocal retinopathy (CMR), among dozens of other diseases.

We stand behind a 2 year (24 month) health warranty on all of our puppies.

You must submit a puppy application before being considered for our waitlist. A phone interview will be scheduled to discuss the application. Once approved for a puppy, a contract and deposit are required to be placed on the waitlist.

We have average wait times. While we estimate it may take up to 12 months to get a puppy, the wait is usually much shorter. Keep in mind that we only breed once or twice a year. Our goal is quality, not quantity.

Waitlist families are updated via email or phone once litters arrive. We also post photos on our website when possible.

The relationship you develop with your new puppy is dependent on getting the right puppy in the first place. Puppies need to be matched with an appropriate family.

No, shipping is not available. Local pick up is required. We also have personal delivery options if you cannot drive to us. It is important to note that puppies will be 30+ pounds at time of pick-up and too large to travel in-cabin on a plane. They must fly cargo. Buyers are welcome to arrange shipping themselves once the puppy is picked up, but we are not liable for any injury or death that occurs as a result of flight.

Spay or neuter procedures must be scheduled at 14-18 months. For health reasons, regardless of what your vet thinks, spay and neuter should not be done before 14 months of age. Doing so will void our health warranty.

No, we do not. Ear cropping and tail docking are elective (and unnecessary) cosmetic procedures. In addition, we are not responsible for anything that occurs as a result of elective surgeries after a pup leaves our kennel.

We feed 4health and love it. Several recipes, like the beef and rice formula, have been staples at our kennel for many years. We also like other Diamond brand products. This includes Taste of the Wild, Kirkland Signature, and Solid Gold. Regardless of what you choose to feed, it should be a grain-inclusive, adult formula with roughly 25% protein content