The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large, ancient breed of dog that can be traced back to about 100 BC. This dog is a massive breed often used as a guard and defender of owner and property. The breed is reported to have been pitted against lions in the ancient Roman arenas.

Appearance

Neapolitan Mastiffs are characterised by loose skin over their entire bodies; abundant, hanging wrinkles and folds on the head; and a voluminous dewlap. Coats can be grey (blue), black, tawny and mahogany, each colour may also come with reverse brindling . They can sometimes also have white on the chest or feet. Ears usually are half pricked and can be cropped. It has a large blocky head and a rolling gait.

Size and Proportion

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) standards ^[1], male Neapolitan Mastiffs should measure 26-31 inches at the withers, weighing approximately 150 lbs, whilst females should be 24-29 inches and weigh around 110 lbs. Body length should be 10-15% more than that of the height. As long as proportion is maintained, larger weights are preferred, and smaller dogs may be heavily penalized, even disqualified.

Temperament

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a fearless protector when it needs to be but is affectionate with its family and the family's friends; as a guarding breed it is quite wary around strangers but relaxes once it gets to know the person. It does not bark excessively and indeed only barks when something provokes it. As a breed the Neapolitan Mastiff can be stubborn, but it does not require repetitive training once it understands what its master wants, it obeys. It has a dominant attitude and must be taught from puppyhood that its master is the boss, not the other way around. Males can be much more aggressive and dominant than females. A female works best in a home with a family, as she is a bit more docile and better with children. These dogs are, however, usually very loving with children, provided the children do not tease them. Males do not get along with other males, but the Neapolitan can get along well with non-canine pets if raised with them from puppyhood.

The Neapolitan Mastiff is not a breed for everyone and not a dog for beginners. Children should be taught to respect these dogs. Neapolitan Mastiffs should be well socialised at an early age to avoid over-protectiveness. They will be quite protective even with extensive socialisation. Additional protection training is unnecessary because they are natural guard dogs and have been for ages. Obedience training is very important in this breed. The Mastino is generally very tolerant of pain due to the breed's early fighting background. Males often drool quite heavily. They tend to drool more in hot weather or after drinking water.

History

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a descendant of the Molossus, the mammoth war dogs of the Middle East, and was frequently used in the Roman arenas pitted against lions, bears, and gladiators for entertainment. As dogs of war, they fought alongside the Roman legions, and in this way they were spread throughout Europe. Eventually the descendants of the Roman Molossian splintered into several different Mastiff breeds known across Europe. They were hunted at one time in England. The pelt would be shipped to Amsterdam to be fitted as bed sheets, pillows, rugs and some were even coats.

The ancestral form of the Mastino was a favourite breed of Alexander the Great, who was given a pair by the defeated Asian king, King Porus, in northern India in the year 326 BC.

In the 1940s, this breed was rediscovered near Naples in Italy, and is now beginning to make a comeback.

Health

The Neo is generally hardy, but like all breeds, has some specific health concerns. The most common and worrisome is hip dysplasia. Other include:

• Ectropion

• Entropion

• Cherry eye

• Elbow dysplasia

• Progressive retinal atrophy

• Hypothyroidism

• Cardiomyopathy

• Bloat

• Skin infections between skin folds

Additionally, Neos do not do well in hot weather, and are prone to heatstroke. Like most giant breeds of dogs, the Neapolitan Mastiff is not particularly long-lived, averaging 9 to 11 years.

Famous Neapolitan Mastiffs

• Alan from the film Babe: Pig in the City

• Fang from the Harry Potter films

• Pansy from Andrew Vachss' Burke novels

• Sweetie from Robert K. Tanenbaum's Butch Karp novels