Around 4000 years ago on the picturesque peninsula of Italy, in the shadow of the majestic Vesuvius, a breed like no other was born. The Neapolitan Mastiff, an enormous, powerful dog with a heart as soft as marshmallow and an ancestral lineage that reaches back into the hazy mists of antiquity. Some say, this breed was the best-kept secret of the Roman Army, trained to be protection dogs for generals and war dogs in the blood-soaked arenas. But did you know they could also be some of the smartest dogs around?
When people think of smart dogs, they often conjure up images of Border Collies herding sheep or Labrador Retrievers sniffing out contraband at airports. But could these giant, droopy-faced hounds, known for their distinctive ‘woe-is-me’ expressions be just as smart as those breeds?
Let me introduce you to the Neapolitan Mastiff, the dog breed that’s been challenging ‘canine IQ’ stereotypes ever since they started hanging out with humans. Now, as we all know, intelligence comes in many flavors. And in the canine world, it does too. Some dogs excel in obedience-based tasks, a type of intelligence known as ‘working intelligence.’ On the other hand, some dogs showcase ‘instinctive intelligence,’ which is their ability to perform tasks they were bred to do. The Neapolitan Mastiff, my dear readers, is an excellent example of a breed with high instinctive intelligence!
Standing at nearly 30 inches tall and weighing up to 150 lbs, these dogs are known for their sinewy bulkiness and saggy, furrowed skin – giving them an appearance befitting their heroic past. But believe it or not, they were not always the gentle giant that we adore today. They were bred for battles – a trait that showcases their inherent protective instinct – and have been used for guarding and protecting properties since time immemorial. Their strength, courage, and their admirable devotion to their human families have made them competent protectors – a trait that speaks volumes of their instinctive intelligence.
Now you might be thinking, “Okay, so they’re good protectors. But does that make them smart?” Absolutely! The required astuteness to be vigilant, sense danger, and react accordingly demonstrates a form of intelligence that is equally, if not more important, than the kind which allows you to fetch a ball or perform tricks. This type of intelligence has been underplayed for so long, overshadowed by the agility and obedience showcased by other breeds.
This isn’t to say that a Neapolitan Mastiff would sit idle while you toss a ball in the park. Of course, they too can learn to retrieve, although they would do it at their own enjoyable pace – these dogs are indeed in no rush. However, their remarkable ability to protect, coupled with their uncanny knack for understanding human emotions and commands, sets them apart in the domain of instinctive intelligence.
So, how can you maximize the intelligence of your Neapolitan Mastiff? Here’s where some handy tips come into the equation. Firstly, remember – socialization is key. Introduce them to a variety of environments, experiences, and other animals from a young age. This helps them understand the world better.
Engage their protective instincts in a safe, controlled manner. Play hide and seek with them, or let them find you in a crowd – believe me, they will adore playing these games with you. Training them for basic protection tasks is also a great way to maximize their abilities. But make sure the training is always positive and reinforce good behavior with praises or treats!
And finally, understand that every Mastiff is an individual. Don’t compare your canine companion to other breeds or even other Neapolitan Mastiffs. Embrace their unique minds and nurture them with love and patience. Remember, there’s more to canine intelligence than fetching balls or performing tricks; it’s also about staying brave, alert, protective, and loyal.
To wrap it up, Neapolitan Mastiffs may not fit the traditional idea of ‘the smartest dog,’ but their instinctive intelligence is something to be marveled at. And, if you factor in their uncanny ability to love and be protective, there is no contest in saying they are smart where it truly counts! So, if you want a dog that excels at brave-hearted protection while being an affectionate family companion, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a breed worth considering. All you need is love, patience, and a pretty big couch!
