hope to hear from someone who is or has
worked a neo in ob and protection....
thanks,
baddog

I think they would tire too fast. They are not going to last and are probably very clumsy.

How did you come up with that statement? I'm sure there is a direct correlation between endurance and size; but what does that have to do with ob and pp.
milt

Well, I guess aside from the obvious, if a dog is too large and cumbersome, how is it going to take the fight to the man if it isn't at least a little bit agile? I would like to see a Neopolitan do a couple of long send aways and see how long they last before they are out of gas. What do you think Milt, do you think they are good pp dogs?

Im not even close to being a expert on dogs and either are you, I'm sure we both can agree with that.Do you really think a 100 plus rott is that much more more winded and agile then a 150 neo.To be honest with you I have only seen 2 neo's in my life and they were both tall and slim. Can either dog run down a man you bet. One more thing I have seen many discussions on which dog would make the best natural protection dog and the neo is always on someones list. Just an opinion Joe.

My dog is 103 lbs. and in very good physical condition. He does not have that heavy breathing fat rot look that I see too often. I never claimed to be an expert Milt but, it doesn't take an expert to see that a mastiff would be very clumsy. That is not to say a mastiff CAN'T bite someone, I am saying there are at least ten dog's I would rather have by my side over one of those of those drooling beasts. I guess if you want a dog to sleep around the house all day they would be o.k.... JMO

Joe,

Mastiff breeds were bred for doing protection and as war dogs (ancient). They are good for what they were designed for, protection in wide open spaces. They will run down any man and tear them up if required. Most have fairly high thresholds, so you have to put a bomb under them to get them started, but once going watch out. They aren't going to make it as a Sport dog or a dog for confined spaces, as they aren't agile. But if you live on an estate that has a wall and a lot of room to run down your problem they would do well.

this question of working a neo. in ob and
protection lies within the fact that i'm
working one. he is 10mos. old and he is
outside the norm of the breed.
true his attention is low but his willingness
to work is great ....oops back to you later

Wide open spaces? Please. . . I am willing to bet that Neos were more often court yard or large house dogs. We're talking Italy here right. They can be more than effective in close quarters. It would be in the open field where other dogs would be more effective. Smaller and faster. Neos are more or less traditional Italian Bandogs or home guardians. Lounging around the house to intimidate all comers, and if there is trouble- watch out. They come from Mastiff and arena fighting stock. Look at the way they are built. Powerfull fronts and hella mean looking. Taking a bad guy in a small yard or enclosed house would be no problem. Sure, because they are not as agile they will have problems fighting in the smaller spaces, but they are built to take the punishment and dish out twice what they take when they catch you.

Are they as good as GSDs? Nope, but neither are Rottwhiners. Take that Joe! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

How many breeders breds neos for workingability? Haven´t most of the neos been breed as a showdog for a long time now. I have seen some dogs from the mastiff-type doing protectionwork, they didn´t impress me, to slow and lacking of endurance and drive. Why own one of these brutes for protection, when a dog of half the size is could do a better job.

Regards