Neapolitan Mastiff health: what owners should know

The breed is known for hip and elbow dysplasia, eyelid problems such as entropion, ectropion and cherry eye, heart muscle disease, bloat and skin fold infections. Lifespan is short, and many Neos live only 7 to 9 years. Their size also makes anesthesia and surgery more complex.

Responsible breeders screen hips and elbows, have eyes examined and often check hearts before breeding. At home, keep your dog lean, clean the folds daily, protect it from heat and avoid exercise around meals. Treat a swollen belly with repeated attempts to vomit as an emergency, and see a vet soon for eye redness or discharge, a red swelling in the corner of the eye, coughing or tiring quickly.