Neapolitan Mastiff Dog
The Neapolitan Mastiff dog is a serious, powerful, looking dog. It is muscular with a rather rectangular body, massive head, and wrinkled face. The facial wrinkles continue under the chin and down the neck to form a prominent dewlap. The skull is broad and flat on top, and the nose is large. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite.
The Neapolitan Mastiff dog originates from Italy and was bred originally for dog fighting, bull-baiting and bearbaiting but later for hunting and guarding. A fierce War Dog and used by the Romans for an attraction in the arena. It’s origins can be dated back to Ancient Rome. The Neapolitan Mastiff is also known by the other names of Mastino and Neo. The Neapolitan Mastiff’s coat is normally a grey, blue, black, tawny and brindle with white markings. The coat is normally short, hard and shiny.
Neapolitan mastiffs dog are wonderful companions. They are not dogs that should be left outside chained to a doghouse or left alone in a fenced yard. They are loving companions who need a lot of human companionship to be properly socialized, trained, and owned. If your house is too small for a very large dog, then a Neapolitan is not the right dog for you. We have found serious behaviour problems in Neapolitan Mastiffs that were excluded from the family and relegated to the backyard with only occasional human contact.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are characterized by the loose skin over their entire bodies, with wrinkle and folds on the head; and a large dewlap. Some breeders produce Mastino with vast amounts of skin and wrinkle, large bone size and this is known as W.H.A.M meaning Wrinkle Head And Mass, while others detest this type preferring a more lean athletic appearance. There are 4 coat colors; Black, Grey(Blue), Mahogany and Tawny(blonde) , each color may also come with reverse brindling appearing as brown silver or beige. They can sometimes also have white on the chest and feet, males also on the sheath of the penis.
Temperament: Neapolitan Mastiffs are loyal, protective and are not pugnacious. They will not go out of their way to attack, but will more likely wait on the command of their owner. They will likely not leave the home often, as they stick around to make sure their property is protected. They are gentle and calm with their family, and can even try to be dainty around their own pups. They only bark when they something unusual happens. They can be independent, and need firm training from the time they are puppies.
