The Neapolitan mastiff was developed by the Romans in the Neapolitan region of Italy around the year 55 B.C. The dog was used primarily for guarding estates. It was not until 1946, when the dog appeared in a dog show, that Dr. Piero Scanziani took on the efforts of establishing a breed standard and official recognition for the Neapolitan mastiff. During the 1970s, Neapolitan mastiffs were imported to other European nations and to the United States. In 2004, the American Kennel Club recognized the Neapolitan mastiff as a member of the working group.
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant, strong, and powerful dog that has square, large heads with strong muzzles and have loose facial wrinkles. Their ears are small in proportion to the rest of their head and folds forwards. They have an impressive, muscular body and great strength. Surprisingly, it can run at great speed if it needs to. Their coats are short and glossy and they have abundant, hanging skin. They are low maintenance in terms of grooming. They need to be brushed regularly and their ears should be checked regularly. They tend to drool a lot.
Personality
Mastiffs are gentle giants. This is a very affectionate breed that is completely oblivious to its own size and will try to climb onto their owners’ laps or beds in an attempt to snuggle up. Neos are very protective and loyal to their families, and are fearless when they believe they have a reason to protect their loved ones. Neos are usually not aggressive though, and they are friendly towards kids, other dogs, or strangers. Mastiffs are quite lazy and only need moderate exercise. Nevertheless, the Neapolitan Mastiff needs a lot of space indoors and may not do well in apartments. Mastiffs make a lot of noise – they snore, grunt and slobber.
Breed Characteristics
| Family: | Mastiff |
| Life Span: | 8-10 Years |
| Nicknames: | Mastino Napoletano, Italian mastiff, Neo |
Neapolitan Mastiff Build Information
The massive Neapolitan mastiff stands at a height of 24 to 31 inches at the shoulder and can tip the scales at 110 to 200 pounds. The stature is muscular and big-boned. The dog is clad in loose skin that forms wrinkles and a pronounced dewlap. The eyelids droop, and large jowls frame the powerful jaw. The short coat may be blue, black, tawny or mahogany in color. White markings on the chest or the toes may be present. The ears may hang downward naturally, or they may be cropped to a triangular shape. The tapered tail is typically docked by a third of its natural length, and it hangs downward. The Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant, strong, and powerful dog that has square, large heads with strong muzzles and have loose facial wrinkles. Their ears are small in proportion to the rest of their head and folds forwards. They have an impressive, muscular body and great strength. Surprisingly, it can run at great speed if it needs to. Their coats are short and glossy and they have abundant, hanging skin. They are low maintenance in terms of grooming. They need to be brushed regularly and their ears should be checked regularly. They tend to drool a lot.
| Size: | Giant |
Behaviour and Personality
The Neapolitan mastiff is neither a gentle giant nor a dog for everyone. These dogs are sloppy eaters and drinkers, and there is never a shortage of drool in the home that houses a Neapolitan mastiff. A daily walk is all that the dog needs in the way of exercise, but it does need ample room to stretch its legs and sprawl out. This is not an ideal candidate for apartment living. The Neapolitan mastiff is fiercely loyal, courageous and wary of strangers, making it an effective guard dog. Neapolitan mastiffs are not recommended for families with children or other pets. These dogs require training and socialization from an early age and are only recommended for experienced dog owners who are able to establish dominance. Mastiffs are gentle giants. This is a very affectionate breed that is completely oblivious to its own size and will try to climb onto their owners’ laps or beds in an attempt to snuggle up. Neos are very protective and loyal to their families, and are fearless when they believe they have a reason to protect their loved ones. Neos are usually not aggressive though, and they are friendly towards kids, other dogs, or strangers. Mastiffs are quite lazy and only need moderate exercise. Nevertheless, the Neapolitan Mastiff needs a lot of space indoors and may not do well in apartments. Mastiffs make a lot of noise – they snore, grunt and slobber.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Very affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very friendly |
Appearance
The Neapolitan mastiff requires minimal grooming. Wiping the coat once a week with a grooming mitt will remove the dead hairs and maintain the coat’s glossy luster. Inspect the ears for debris every week, and clean them if necessary to prevent ear infections. Brushing the teeth every other day reduces plaque, prevents heavy tartar accumulation and maintains good oral and overall health.
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Neapolitan Mastiff Common Health Conditions
The Neapolitan mastiff has a short life expectancy of only 8 to 10 years. Neapolitan mastiffs are prone to several health problems, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, osteosarcoma, cherry eye, progressive retinal atrophy, entropion, ectropion, hypothyroidism and cardiomyopathy. Neapolitan mastiffs are also subject to gastric torsion, or bloat.
Neapolitan Mastiff Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The Neapolitan mastiff is a loyal protector. Its droopy eyes and jowls soften its threatening size, but only experienced dog handlers should consider owning and training one of these Italian stallions of the dog world. The Neapolitan mastiff originated in Italy. The Neapolitan mastiff is also called a mastino Napoletano, and Italian mastiff and a Neo. The tough, powerful and drooling Neapolitan mastiff is a loyal companion for an assertive owner who is an experienced dog handler. The Neapolitan mastiff stands 24 to 31 inches tall and weighs 110 to 200 pounds. Neapolitan mastiffs have moderate energy levels. Neapolitan mastiffs require minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a Neapolitan mastiff is 8 to 10 years.
| Training: | Easy |
