Did you know that the Neapolitan Mastiff was nearly driven to extinction during World War II? What a tragedy that would have been considering what a uniquely intelligent breed they truly are.
A hulking figure at first glance, the Neapolitan Mastiff stands tall with the reputation of being one of the most protective and loyal canine companions a family can ever have. Thanks to their instinctual attributes, they make for excellent watchdogs. But does their seeming outer toughness mean they are innately smart?
We’ve done plenty of research to answer this exact question: How smart is a Neapolitan Mastiff? Let’s dive deeper into understanding the intelligence level of this Italian breed.
Before defining the intelligence of a Neapolitan Mastiff, it’s crucial to understand that dog smartness isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. Canine intelligence can be compared to a three-fold pie slice, with slices representing Instinctive Intelligence, Adaptive Intelligence, and Working and Obedience Intelligence.
Let’s take a look at each of these types of intelligence as they apply to the Neapolitan Mastiff:
1. Instinctive Intelligence: This revolves around the dog breed’s original purpose. For the Neapolitan Mastiff, this instinctive intelligence is their inherent capability and nature to guard and protect their owners and their terrain.
2. Adaptive Intelligence: This refers to a dog’s problem-solving capabilities and their ability to learn from past experiences. Anecdotes from Neapolitan Mastiff owners suggest these canines are adept at using their experiences to make decisions.
3. Working and Obedience Intelligence: This relies on a dog’s trainability and ability to understand, remember and follow commands. While Neapolitan Mastiffs may not always be the quickest to learn new commands compared to other breeds, this doesn’t necessarily mean they lack intelligence.
So, are Neapolitan Mastiffs smart? The short answer is, ABSOLUTELY YES! Just at a different capacity compared to other dog breeds.
Their instinctive intelligence shines as they confidently guard their owners, and their adaptive intelligence is evident in their decision-making abilities. Their working and obedience intelligence might not be their strongest suit, but with patience and effort, they can excel in this area too.
That being said, with these mastiffs, it’s essential to consider their independent and sometimes stubborn nature. These traits can sometimes be mistaken for a lack of intelligence. But in fact, it’s just the opposite. Their independence and stubbornness are signs of a thoughtful and discerning breed. They won’t jump into actions without making sure it’s in their best interest.
If you’re thinking about inviting a Neapolitan Mastiff into your home, here are a couple of value-driven tips exclusive to raising and handling this breed:
1. Start Training Early: The best way to cater to their disobedient streak is by starting the training process as soon as the pup arrives in your home.
2. Stay Consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to training a Neapolitan Mastiff. Ensure that everyone in your household understands the training commands and incentives to avoid confusing the pup.
3. Socialization is Essential: Make certain your Mastiff is exposed to various people, environments, and animals to cultivate their social skills and confidence. This can help reduce their protectiveness and make them more manageable.
4. Positivity Goes a Long Way: Positive reinforcement training works wonders with Neapolitan Mastiffs. Rewarding them for good behavior encourages them to continue doing it.
The Neapolitan Mastiff is indeed an intelligent breed, albeit in its own unique way and realm of intellect. Remember, intelligence in canines is multifaceted and should not be measured solely based on trainability. Their protective nature, coupled with their ability to learn from experience, indeed makes this imposing breed a smart and reliable companion in their own right. So, if you’re seeking a protective, independent, and uniquely intelligent canine companion, the Neapolitan Mastiff could be your perfect match.
