Neapolitan Mastiff Breed Info

Energy **
Trainng **
Watchdog *****
Grooming **

Neapolitan Mastiff are originated from Italy and also known as Italian Mastiff, Mastino Napoletano, Neo
Size: max: 29.5 in (H) & 154 lbs (W)
Color: lead, black, grey, mahogany, tawny, brindle
Coat: short and smooth with loose skin especially on the head
Personality: protective, calm, strong, loyal, independent
Care: protection from hot weather, socialization
Known health problem: hip dysplasia, heart problems, cherry eye, hypothyroidism, sensitivity to heat
Group: working dogs

Good with children? yes with supervision
Good with other pets? only when socialized properly since puppyhood

Neapolitan Mastiff Club

United States Neapolitan Mastiff Club
www.Neapolitan.org

Neapolitan Mastiff Rescue Organization

Neapolitan Rescue
www.NeoRescue.net

Neapolitan Mastiff are heavy-bodied and has a strong, powerful grip. These dogs have been traced back to the Middle East and Asia. The modern day Neapolitan Mastiff is said to be connected to giant Macedonian war dogs that Alexander the great mixed with short-haired dogs of India. The Romans took over Greece and at the same time took all of their Molossus dogs. Then in 55 BC the Romans invaded and conquered Britain. The British had large and imposing Mastiff dogs that the Romans admired.
These two dogs were mixed to create a super breed of giant war dogs that were called “Mastini” which is the Italian word for Mastiff. The breed continued to expand and were perfected over centuries.

In 1946, Neapolitan Mastiff dogs were introduced to the world at a Naples dog show. Sometimes later, a man named Piere Scanziani started a campaign to influence other dog fanciers to help bring out the breed from obscurity. They went as far as drawing up a petition so that the Italian Kennel Club would recognize them under the name of “Mastino Napoletano”.

A few of Neapolitan Mastiff dogs were brought in the U.S. by some Italian immigrants, and finally this breed was documented in the United States in 1970s. It did not take long for the breed to become popular and gain interest among dog enthusiasts. They were recognized by the AKC in 1996.

Neapolitan Mastiff dog is noted for its loyalty and devotion to its family, as a result of being bred for centuries as a guard dog. It is extremely reserved and suspicious of strangers. Needless to say, it is one of the highest rating watchdogs that can equally protect its family due to its size and fighting ability. It rarely barks unless under provocation, it is known for sneaking upon intruders as opposed to alerting them of their presence first. To avoid over-protectiveness, Neapolitan Mastiffs should be well socialized from an early age

As a breed the Neapolitan Mastiff can be extremely stubborn, but learns things very quickly.
They tend to have a very dominant attitude, therefore training must be done since puppyhood so that they will obey their masters. Supervision is needed when children are around. .

Taking Care Of Your Neapolitan Mastiff Dog

The Neapolitan Mastiff dog is not a breed for everyone and certainly not a dog for beginners. Due to the extensive wrinkle and large body mass of the more overdone type these Neapolitans will require extra care and maintenance for bathing, cleaning the face and body. The dog will need a lot of space because of its size. As far as exercise and physical requirements to, they do not need much. A simple walk on the leash will do just fine. They also require higher expenses in terms of food and veterinarian visits. They tend to drool a lot, and if the wrinkles are not cared for properly they will smell. This dog also can be quite messy with its food and water.

Neos do not do well in hot weather, and they are prone to heatstroke. Larger dogs tend to have shorter life spans than smaller ones. The average lifespan of a healthy Neapolitan Mastiff dog is approximately 9 to 10 years.