Neapolitan Mastiff

The noble Neapolitan Mastiff is one of the oldest dog breeds, dating back to 168 B.C., where they fought lions and gladiators in the Coliseum in Rome, Italy.

The Neapolitan is considered to be the closest thing to the fabled Molossus – an ancient Greco-Roman breed of dog that was an ancestor to the Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

The breed was recognized in 1940 when it was rediscovered in Naples, Italy, from which it got its name. These dogs are also referred to as Italian Mastiffs or Mastinos, and nicknamed the “Neo.”

Personality

Loyal and protective
Fearless and a bit stubborn

Size

110-180 pounds
24-31 inches at the withers (shoulders)

Lifestyle

Very domineering dogs; should only be brought into a family that has experience with dogs of this size and with older children who will respect them
Extremely protective of his family but will follow the lead of his pet parent in terms of accepting strangers and new people into his home
Males are thought to be more aggressive than easygoing females

Training

Given their strength and natural power, they must be trained early on in order to be well adjusted
Socialization with other dogs and animals as a puppy will assist in keeping him from being a bully once his size kicks in

Exercise

Not extremely active despite their fearsome strength
A few short walks each day are sufficient
Avoid long walks in hot weather, as they do not do well with the heat

Coat

Gray, black, reddish tan or fawn tan, with loose skin and a short, smooth coat

Care

Should be brushed with a rubber-bristled brush once a week to remove dead hairs and keep skin clean
Folds of skin on their face need to be cleaned daily with a pet wipe
Buyer beware: Neos are master droolers and certainly not for the house-proud
Prone to heat stroke, so do not overexert them in high temperatures

Health

Considered a “giant breed,” the Neapolitan is prone to cherry eye, hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, mange and skin infections

Lifespan

8-10 years

Rescue

Visit NeoRescue, Inc. to find Neopolitan Mastiffs available for adoption

i Love Dogs, Inc.

i Love Dogs, Inc.’s three websites – ilovedogs.com, ilovedogfriendly.com and findavet.us – provide information and up-to-the-minute news to keep pet parents aware of all things dog. A premium canine vitamins and lifestyle company, i Love Dogs is famous for its line of diamond dog collars. The name says it all — at i Love Dogs, we are committed to the health and happiness of our canine companions.