The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large, ancient
breed of
dog that can be traced back to about
100 BC. This massive breed is often used as a
guard and defender of owner and property. The breed is reported to have been pitted against
leopards in the ancient Roman arenas.
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Neapolitan mastiff with cropped ears.
Photo: Isabelle Francais/Landmark Stock Exchange
Height: 24-31 inches
Weight: 110-180 lbs.
Life Span: 8-10 yrs.
Breed Group:
Guardian Dogs Overview
Neapolitan mastiffs are massive and powerful. If bred for gentle temperament and socialized early, they are good with children. They are accepting of strangers as long as they are not threatened, generally get along with other animals, and are dependable watchdogs.
Early obedience training is a must. Some are heavy droolers.
Appearance
The coat is short, dense, and smooth. Coat color is solid gray, black, mahogany, tawny, or tawny stag; each may be brindled, and there may be small white patches on the chest and the tips of the toes. The skin all over the body is loose, with wrinkles and folds covering the head and pendulous lips forming an ample dewlap.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
The dewlap area needs cleaning daily. A walk around the block is an intense workout for this breed.
Origins
The Neapolitan mastiff, probably a descendant of ancient mastiffs, originated about a thousand years ago.
Special Alerts
This breed is not suitable for inexperienced dog owners. It is especially important to obtain a Neapolitan mastiff from a reputable breeder. Breed-related health concerns: bloat, hip and elbow dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, anterior cruciate rupture, Demodex mange, pyoderma (bacterial skin infection).