Considering a Neo

[SimbaCane]

Hello all. I'm new here but just needed a little help on deciding on a new dog. I grew up around Chinese Shar Pei all my whole life. I fell in love with the Neapolitan Mastiff years ago when my dad's friend had a gorgeous blue one named Diamond who was extremely gentle for such a massive dog compared to my height back then! I'm thinking about getting one though if I do it will not be for another year or two as I am still somewhat grieving the loss of my dog Cinnamon who passed away last year.

One thing that kinda pushes me away from getting one is that I am expecting a baby girl anytime now and although she'll be a year or two by the time I get one, I'm still a little worried just because they're huge dogs and I have no idea how they are with children despite reading different information on them. As a rule, I know that no child should be left unsupervised with any animal. I just want to hear from some Neo owners how they're dogs do with children and other pets? I have one dog at the moment, a male Shar Pei who is extremely lazy but a sweetheart but also very stubborn at times like most Shar Pei.

Do they need a lot of exercise? I'm reading that they need a good walk at least twice a day. We have a few trails and parks nearby that'd be great for a Neo to run and explore. Is it possible for them to live in a fairly large apartment as long as they're getting their needed exercise?

Any information is appreciated as I'm wanting to learn as much as I can. I was originally considering a Cane Corso but probably won't consider one again until I get a house with a decent size backyard.

 

[Jeri]

Hi and welcome! I have a male Neo, he'll be two in November. Being that this is the first Neo I've had, I can't really tell you a whole lot, other than the fact that, yes, they are stubborn. They drool when hot or drinking water. They snore. And they fart. I don't have any children, but I have a 6-7 yr old niece that comes over and Camo is really good with her. The biggest danger is knocking her down & stepping on her. But he does sit and/or lay down when she tells him to. I do have 5 tiny dogs in addition to Camo, and he's good with them as well. The most important thing is training. Start training right away & stick with it. They are hard headed! Very loveable and very loyal. Socialize! Socialize! Socialize! Good luck! Oh, and territorial,,very! I would wait until after the baby is born.

 

[lexington]

http://www.lexingtonneapolitan.com

There is plenty of information on the internet and on my webpage to help answer some of your questions. I have four children, 3 Neo's, 2 other dogs and 2 cats. Temperment of the dog is important but training, mind frame and being the alpha #1.
There is no such thing as too young to start, you just adapt it to be age appropriate just like you do with your kids.
People often make the big mistake of letting their puppies away with things because they are little and cute but that is a big mistake.
Set your ground rules early on and stick to them. Firm but positive based training while being consistant at all times is a must.
My Neo' pup was 7 months old yesterday. She has completed 3 sets of obedience classes as well as a 1:1 training and practise everyday at home.

 

[cairee]

I second everything Lexington just said. yes you can have a neo in an apartment provided he gets his walks. my neo (from lexingtons, small world!) gets 2 one hour walks per day, that combined with high quality food has our vet calling him an "excellent example of the breed". I dont have children so I cant speak from experience with how they ar with kids but I dont imagine it would be a propblem. other pets shouldnt be a problem, our neighbor has a doberman and our dogs play with eachother constantly, neither has hurt the other.