How Much Does a Neapolitan Mastiff Cost?

Updated on December 27, 2023 | Written by Alec Pow
This article was researched using 3 sources. See our methodology and corrections policy.

The Neapolitan Mastiff dog is an Italian breed of large dogs that are well-known for their guarding instincts and imposing appearance. However, they are very affectionate and faithful to their owners.

The AKC states that this massive male breed can weigh up to 150 pounds and can grow to as much as 31 inches, while females can weigh around 120 pounds, on average.

These dogs are not recommended for beginners, as they may require extensive training despite being well-socialized.

How much does a Neapolitan Mastiff cost?

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The cost of a Neapolitan Mastiff is somewhere from $1,500 (at $30 per hour, earning that amount would take about 1.3 full-time workweeks, before taxes) to as much as $5,000 depending on several factors such as your geographical location, the breeder’s reputation, the age of the dog, the quality of its pedigree, and its color. On average, the cost of a Neapolitan Mastiff is somewhere around $2,500.

However, experts agree that dogs of this breed with minor flaws such as small color spots or a faultily developed tail, may cost a little less, somewhere between $800 to $1,400. Neapolitan Mastiff breed fans are typically very picky when it comes to the dog’s coat.

Superior breeds, with champion parents and AKC registered, that usually perform in dog shows, can cost as much as $5,500.

Based on our research on registered breeders, the average prices are listed in the table below:

BREEDER’S LOCATION	AVERAGE COST AND WHAT IT INCLUDES
Kentucky	– $2,800 limited registration
Michigan	– $2,900 for female – $3,500 for male – $4,000 AKC and show segment
Mississippi	– $4,000 AKC plus another $430 shipment via ground transport
Missouri	– $3,500 for an 8-week-old puppy. – tail docking, no dewclaws, vaccinations, deworming and AKC registration.
Ohio	– $2,800 for a champion breed – microchipped, vet checked, dewormed and shots
Oregon	– $3,700 with breeding rights/AKC paperwork
Tennessee	– $2,800 to $4,000 no breeding/show rights – $4,000+ show rights

According to DogBreedsList.info, the average cost of a Neapolitan Mastiff dog in the United States is anywhere from $2,500 to $4,500, based on your location and the breeder you’re buying it from.

NextDayPets.com is a marketplace used for selling several breeds of dogs. Based on their listings of Neapolitan Mastiffs, they state that the average cost for a puppy may be around $2,400, while for a top-quality dog, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,900 up to $9,300.

For instance, a reputable breeder listed a 6-week-old Neapolitan Mastiff for a cost of $7,495, which included the AKC registration papers, microchipping, and dew claws removal. Another breeder listed a 15-month-old dog for sale at a cost of $1,000, with no AKC paperwork, or other perks.

Another well-known website, the AKC Marketplace also has various listings of the Neapolitan Mastiff breed. For example, a 10-week-old female puppy is currently sold for $3,000 but doesn’t include the AKC registration. A 2.5-year-old male, on the other hand, costs $1,650. Also, another breeder sells his Neapolitan Mastiff puppies from $2,000 up to $5,500 and for the money, you will get the ACK documentation, shots up to date, and the microchip.

As shown above, the cost of a Neapolitan Mastiff can vary considerably, based on the location, the breeder, the quality, and the age of the dog, as well as the perks that the breeder chooses to include.

What is going to be included in the adoption fee?

Typically, reputable breeders provide a health guarantee available for 90 days, and in case health issues appear during this period, the breeder will pay for all the vet bills or you will be entitled to return the dog to its breeder and get your cash back.

Also, in this cost you should also receive perks like deworming, up-to-date shots, registration documents, health checks and papers, and in case of travel, a portable crate. Depending on the breeder, some of them may also provide microchipping, spay/neutering, and a starter kit with a toy, some food samples, and treats.

What are the extra costs?

Purchasing a dog far away may come with an additional cost for the shipping fee which may be anywhere from $200 to $500 (about 0.8 to 2.1 full-time workdays at $30 per hour) depending on the length of the travel. Also, a crate is required and may cost an extra $80, if the breeder does not provide one.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a Tibetan Mastiff, Mastiff, or Saint Bernard.

As with any dog, owning a Neapolitan Mastiff comes with recurring costs such as vaccinations, dog food, shelter, toys, and unexpected vet visits. Among the most common health concerns for this gentle giant are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cherry eye.

Due to their size, these dogs require more food compared to other breeds. It is recommended that pet owners budget at least $1,000 annually for their Neapolitan Mastiff’s expenses.

If you own a pup of this guard dog breed, it’s important to note that they tend to shed a lot of hair. For this reason, it is advisable to take them to a groomer at least once a month. If professional grooming is not possible, then make an effort to brush them once a week.

Early-age training is highly recommended for all dogs, including this large breed. Obedience classes are suggested to avoid dominance issues and a beginner class usually costs no more than $200. With firm guidance, this breed should easily learn basic commands such as sit, stay, and lay down.

Important things about the Neapolitan Mastiff puppies

The dog may look intimidating, but it is actually very gentle and with a loving temperament towards its family. However, it can become protective around strangers, especially those who seem hostile. This is why it will need a lot of socialization. Many people choose to remove the tail and dewclaws of these dogs when they are around three days old.

Its short and dense coat has distinctive wrinkles and consistent length.

The common colors of their coat are blue and black.

With its intimidating appearance and natural wariness of strangers, the dog is the ideal breed for a trustworthy and reliable watchdog.

This particular breed is known for being highly protective of its owner while also maintaining a calm demeanor. While they may show signs of jealousy towards infants in the family, it is important to train them properly due to their occasionally stubborn nature.

When left alone for extended periods, this breed may suffer from separation anxiety, which can lead to howling, crying, barking, and even destructive behavior.

Exercising daily is essential for a healthy lifestyle.

It is a well-known fact that bigger dogs tend to drool and slobber, and this particular dog is no different.

YourPureBreedPuppy.com states that this breed is prone to bone and joint diseases as well as cancer during its senior years.

If you are looking for a reliable breeder, the official AKC Marketplace search can be a helpful resource.

How can I save money?

Adopting an older Neapolitan Mastiff from your local rescue shelter can be much more cost-effective than purchasing a puppy. Besides the bargain, you will also offer a home to an older dog.