Neapolitan Mastiff

Vital Statistics:

Place of Origin: Italy

Group: Guard dog

Height: males 26-31 in., females 24-29 in.

Weight: males 150 lbs. up, females 140 lbs. up

Life span: 7-9 yrs.

Trainability: moderate

Good with children: not recommended for small children

Good with other pets: yes if raised with them, may be dog aggressive

What is the origin of the Neapolitan Mastiff?

During their invasion of Britain in 55 B.C. the Romans who admired the British Mastiffs bred them to the Roman Molossus. The result was a giant war dog. In later centuries the Neapolitans were used to guard estates. Neapolitan Mastiffs first came to the U.S. in the 1970s.

What does the Neapolitan Mastiff look like?

The Neapolitan is a massive dog, males are 26-31 inches tall and 150 lbs. and up, females are 24-29 inches tall and weigh 140 lbs. and up. The head is broad with defined stop and a large nose. The lips are pendulous. The face and dewlap are wrinkled and the body sometimes as well. Eyes are deepset, almost hidden under drooping upper lids. Ears may be cropped or not. The tail is docked to 1/3 its length. The coat is short and hard. Colors are gray, black, mahogony or tawny. There can be white on chest and toes. The coat needs occasional brushing to rid it of dead hairs.. These dogs drool a lot and should have their wrinkles cleaned, especially after eating and drinking.

What is the temperament of the Neapolitan Mastiff?

Neapolitans are very intelligent and usually calm. This is a breed for an experienced owner of large dogs. These dogs tend to be dominant and need firm, consistent obedience training and socialization. If raised with other pets, they will get along with them. However, there could be problems if other dogs show dominance. Neapolitans are good with children. They are extremely protective of their family and suspicious of strangers. Care should be taken during hot weather as Neas as prone to heat stroke. They are not very active, but as with all dogs, should have daily walks.

What is the Neapolitan Mastiff used for?

Neapolitans are excellent natural guard dogs. They are loyal and devoted to their family.

Possible Health Issues

Hip/Elbow dysplasia, cherry eye, entropion, ectropion, progressive retinal atrophy, cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism, bloat/gastric torsion, cancer (especially OSA).