Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
 An Important Book For the Breed February 14, 2008
Peggy Wolfe (USA)
Dr. Allen writes exactly like she talks and her expertise is obvious in this important book for the Neapolitan Mastiff breed.
The author does not sugar-coat anything and she is not sentimental, although she cares deeply about the breed and also that people understand what they are getting into. This shows throughout the book.
It may indeed seem to someone who is newly enamoured of the Neapolitan Mastiff that this book goes a little heavy on the "these are big monstrous dogs who can cause quite a lot of damage" but in fact, it is true! Sure, not every dog will do everything or have every problem but the fact is these are giant dogs who do not understand how big and clumsy they are and their human companions, especially those with children, must be aware of possibilities.
If you ARE aware of the potential problems you can be prepared to manage and ideally, prevent them. Everyone who falls in love with the breed absolutely LOVES the wrinkly, clumsy, adorable puppies. It is only when the little puppy begins to be the clumsy, active, wild-child adolescent that most people realize they may have bitten off more than they could chew, and it is when the dog reaches the young adult stage of two years of age or so that we see the results of that....dogs abandonned or turned over to rescue. Or even worse, dogs, who through well-meant but inapprpriate management for the Mastino, have been allowed to develop troubled personalities and temperaments which then gives the general public the idea that the entire breed is like this. This is a huge problem for all breed fanciers.
If people are properly educated BBEFORE they buy, and given the proper resources to help them AFTER they buy...well, then they can fully enjoy the power and majesty of owning the Neapolitan Mastiff. That's really the message in this book and the book provides a wealth of useful information. No, no one agrees 100% with everything...but that is true in all of life. And I submit to you that most expereinced breeders / owners of the Neapolitan Mastiff agree with 95-99% of what is in this book!
Properly managed owning the mastino is a wonderful experience.
Reading this book, and re-reading it, and re-re-reading it, can be a HUGE and useful part of that wonderful experience.
Neapolitan Mastiffs October 16, 2002
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Excellent book, A must buy before you buy the dog.
great information and photos.
THIS BREED SHOULD NOT BE BOUGHT WITHOUT THIS BOOK July 11, 2002
Steven S.Turney (United States)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Thorough in nature, yet an easy flow of information palatable to anyone wanting to know the truth about the breed. The author is concise, passionate, and well versed on the topic with both decades of companionship and breeding Neos coupled with a Doctorates in Veterinary Sciences. This marriage gives Dr. Allen's book a most comprehensive find on Italian Mastiffs, ranging from breeding, feeding, behaviors, every topic incredibly observed on many levels. Full of exquisite photos of incredibly regal creatures. A must for anyone considering or owning a Neapolitan Mastiff.
Excellent presentation March 15, 2000
Deidre (USA)
13 out of 14 found this review helpful
Neapolitan Mastiffs are by far my favorite breed and Dr. Allen has done a wonderful job with her very informative book. She cuts to the chase. In doing so, hopefully, the casual/careless buyers will be ware. We don't want any more Neo's in rescue shelters.
 Very Informative October 3, 1999
10 out of 11 found this review helpful
I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to get a Neo. As the book depicts, they are not the dog for everyone. Please re-consider if you are not sure. This book will explain the breed in full detail.
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