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Neapolitan Shepherd Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Neapolitan Shepherd so you can get to know the breed more.

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OriginGermany flagGermany Italy flagItaly
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Neapolitan Shepherd? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed Neapolitan Mastiff and German Shepherd mix

Neapolitan Shepherd Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Neapolitan Shepherd? Learn how big the Neapolitan Shepherd breed typically grows.
LargeGiant
Weight Statistics
How much does a Neapolitan Shepherd weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Neapolitan Shepherd breed.
90-120 pounds (41-54 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Neapolitan Shepherd?
105 pounds (47.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Neapolitan Shepherd? Neapolitan Shepherd height:
Male: 26-30 inches (65-75 cm), Female: 24-28 inches (60-70 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Neapolitan Shepherd?
Male: 28 inches (70 cm), Female: 26 inches (65 cm)

Neapolitan Shepherd Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Neapolitan Shepherd puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Neapolitan Shepherd costs.
$800-$2000
If you choose to purchase the Neapolitan Shepherd, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Neapolitan Shepherd for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Neapolitan Shepherd gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Neapolitan Shepherd? How many Neapolitan Shepherd are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Neapolitan Shepherd is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Neapolitan Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Neapolitan Shepherd? Discover the Neapolitan Shepherd's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Smart: The Neapolitan Shepherd dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Neapolitan Shepherd is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Neapolitan Shepherd? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's trainability and response to training methods.
Neapolitan Shepherd dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Neapolitan Shepherd as a watchdog? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's alertness and guarding instincts.
Neapolitan Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Neapolitan Shepherd dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Neapolitan Shepherd protective of its territory? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's guarding instincts and behavior.
Neapolitan Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Neapolitan Shepherd can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Neapolitan Shepherd will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Neapolitan Shepherd Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Neapolitan Shepherd have? Learn about characteristic Neapolitan Shepherd temperament and behavior traits.
CuriousStubbornProtectiveAlertCourageousIntelligentConfidentObedientDominantLoyalTrainableFearlessWatchful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Neapolitan Shepherd sensitivity:
Sensitive: Neapolitan Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Neapolitan Shepherd a good family dog?
Average to High: Neapolitan Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Neapolitan Shepherd need? Neapolitan Shepherd social needs:
Neapolitan Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Neapolitan Shepherd to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Neapolitan Shepherd roam?
Neapolitan Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. They have low wanderlust potential. Low chance of escaping from home with this breed.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Neapolitan Shepherd have high prey drive?
Neapolitan Shepherd dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Neapolitan Shepherd Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Neapolitan Shepherd bark a lot? Learn about typical Neapolitan Shepherd vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low to Average: The Neapolitan Shepherd rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Neapolitan Shepherd? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Neapolitan Shepherd breed.
Average: Neapolitan Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Neapolitan Shepherd live in an apartment? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's suitability for apartment living.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Neapolitan Shepherd indoors.

Neapolitan Shepherd Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Neapolitan Shepherd to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's flexibility to new situations.
Neapolitan Shepherd dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Neapolitan Shepherd be left alone? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's tolerance to solitude.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Neapolitan Shepherd Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Neapolitan Shepherd biting potential? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Neapolitan Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Neapolitan Shepherd mouthy? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's tendency to use mouth during play.
Neapolitan Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Neapolitan Shepherd dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Neapolitan Shepherd bite? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Neapolitan Shepherd bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Neapolitan Shepherd measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Neapolitan Shepherd is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Neapolitan Shepherd bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Neapolitan Shepherd bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Neapolitan Shepherd puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Neapolitan Shepherd, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Neapolitan Shepherd bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Neapolitan Shepherd can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Neapolitan Shepherd Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Neapolitan Shepherd live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Neapolitan Shepherd breed.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of Neapolitan Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Neapolitan Shepherd handle different weather? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's climate adaptability.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Neapolitan Shepherd? Discover typical conditions affecting the Neapolitan Shepherd breed.
Very healthy dog breed. The Neapolitan Shepherd rarely meets with the veterinarian.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Neapolitan Shepherd need vet visits? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's veterinary care requirements.
Rare
The Neapolitan Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Neapolitan Shepherd breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Neapolitan Shepherd breed? Most common health risks of Neapolitan Shepherd:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia AllergiesCancerProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Von Willebrand's DiseaseBloatEpilepsyBlindnessCherry EyeElbow DysplasiaDiabetesHeart DiseaseRetinal DysplasiaDemodectic MangeDegenerative MyelopathyWobbler's SyndromePanosteitisHemophilia BMegaesophagusCushing's SyndromeLens LuxationExocrine Pancreatic InsufficiencyChronic DiarrheaCruciate Ligament RuptureDigestive ProblemsHemophilia AHypertrophic OsteodystrophyLupusMyasthenia GravisNail Bed DiseaseOsteochondrosisPannusParalysisPerianal FistulaSeborrheaVitiligo

Neapolitan Shepherd Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Neapolitan Shepherd? Understand daily activity needs of the Neapolitan Shepherd breed.
Neapolitan Shepherd dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Neapolitan Shepherd need? How much exercise do Neapolitan Shepherd dogs require per day?

Do Neapolitan Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises?

Neapolitan Shepherd dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Neapolitan Shepherd breed need?
Neapolitan Shepherd dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Neapolitan Shepherd Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Neapolitan Shepherd prone to weight gain? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Neapolitan Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Neapolitan Shepherd weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Neapolitan Shepherd need daily? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's feeding requirements.
5 to 6 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Neapolitan Shepherd Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Neapolitan Shepherd hypoallergenic? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Neapolitan Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Neapolitan Shepherd come in? Discover all possible Neapolitan Shepherd color variations.
BlackTan Red Blue SilverTawnyMahogany
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Neapolitan Shepherd need? Learn about Neapolitan Shepherd coat maintenance requirements.
Average: The Neapolitan Shepherd requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Neapolitan Shepherd, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Drooling Tendency
Does a Neapolitan Shepherd drool a lot? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's drooling habits.
The Neapolitan Shepherd is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Neapolitan Shepherd smell bad? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's natural odor levels.

High 🔼

The Neapolitan Shepherd has a high chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Neapolitan Shepherd have? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's fur characteristics.
DenseFuzzy
Bathing Needs
How often does a Neapolitan Shepherd need baths? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's bathing requirements.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Shedding Level
How much do Neapolitan Shepherd dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Neapolitan Shepherd? Do Neapolitan Shepherd dogs shed a lot?
Neapolitan Shepherd dogs shed above average. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type. If you don't like vacuum cleaning, you might have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from the Neapolitan Shepherd breed.

Neapolitan Shepherd Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Neapolitan Shepherd good with children? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's behavior around kids of different ages.
Neapolitan Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Neapolitan Shepherd get along with other pets? Discover the Neapolitan Shepherd's compatibility with other animals.
Neapolitan Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Neapolitan Shepherd temperament with other people:
Neapolitan Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
How well do Neapolitan Shepherd dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Neapolitan Shepherd breed live with a cat?
Neapolitan Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Neapolitan Shepherd good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Neapolitan Shepherd dogs get along with other dogs?
Neapolitan Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Neapolitan Shepherd is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Neapolitan Shepherd breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Neapolitan Shepherd breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Neapolitan Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Neapolitan Shepherd dogs good office canines? Do Neapolitan Shepherd dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Neapolitan Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Neapolitan Shepherd dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Neapolitan Shepherd temperament with senior people? Are Neapolitan Shepherd dogs good for elderly owners?
Neapolitan Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.

Neapolitan Shepherd As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Neapolitan Shepherd be a service dog? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's service work potential.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Neapolitan Shepherd breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Neapolitan Shepherd good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's therapy work aptitude.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Neapolitan Shepherd breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Neapolitan Shepherd good at detection work? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Neapolitan Shepherd breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Neapolitan Shepherd do search and rescue? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's SAR capabilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The Neapolitan Shepherd breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Neapolitan Shepherd good on boats? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Neapolitan Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Neapolitan Shepherd pull carts? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's drafting abilities.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Neapolitan Shepherd breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Neapolitan Shepherd used in military service? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Neapolitan Shepherd Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Neapolitan Shepherd usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
6-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Neapolitan Shepherd pregnant? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Neapolitan Shepherd: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Neapolitan Shepherd have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Neapolitan Shepherd Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Neapolitan Shepherd in? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Neapolitan Shepherd in? Learn about the Neapolitan Shepherd's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Neapolitan Shepherd Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Neapolitan Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
  • Health Concerns: Very healthy dog breed.
  • Watchdog Rating: Neapolitan Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Neapolitan Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Neapolitan Shepherd dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Neapolitan Shepherd dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Neapolitan Shepherds are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Neapolitan Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog Capability: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Work Suitability: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Scent Detection Ability: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search & Rescue Potential: This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
  • Draft Work Capability: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Neapolitan Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Shedding Level: Neapolitan Shepherd dogs shed above average.
  • Stinkiness Rating: The Neapolitan Shepherd has a high chance of bad smell.
  • Obesity Tendency: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Neapolitan Shepherd's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Neapolitan Shepherd dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Dog Friendly: Neapolitan Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Neapolitan Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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