Neapolitan Mastiffs

Appearance:

Body: Bulky, muscular, extremely well-boned, well-developed chest, rounded upper back, slightly sunken lower back, wrinkled skin, and a short, thick, slightly arched neck.

Coat: Dense, hard, fine, and short.

Color: Grey (blue), black, mahogany, brindle, and tawny.

Ears: High set, fall forward, usually half-pricked; cropped or uncropped.

Eyes: Deep set, amber or brown color; covered behind sagging upper eyelids.

Feet: Large, oval-shaped, and compact with thick pads and strong nails.

Head: Incredibly large and powerful, very broad with a pronounced stop, an abundance of folds and wrinkles, pendulous lips, broad muzzle, and large nose.

Legs: Forelegs are thick, muscular and heavily-boned. Hindquarters have long, wide, and well-muscled thighs; hind legs are long, heavily boned, well muscled, and powerful.

Neck: Short, thick, stocky, strong, well-muscled, and slightly arched.

Size:
Weight: 110 - 150 pounds
Height: 26 - 31 inches

Tail: Tapers from base to tip and docked.

Behavior

Recommended for experienced dog handlers
Not recommended for urban living
Drool excessively
Can be overly protective of family children

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a impressive dog with a large, strong bone structure, large head, an intimidating, massive appearance, a lumbering, lazy-like gait and a body covered in wrinkles and folds - a shocking site to see.

AKC Standard says, "The Neapolitan Mastiff is steady and loyal to his owner, not aggressive or apt to bite without reason. As a protector of his property and owners, he is always watchful and does not relish intrusion by strangers into his personal space. His attitude is calm yet wary."

Michele Welton, author of Your Purebred Puppy, says "Mastinos perform admirably in drooling, slobbering, and snoring competition."

He's the ultimate guard dog who takes his responsibility seriously. He rarely has to become aggressive to ward off his foes but is more than capable of excelling into action if necessary and, if another animal or person starts a fight with him, he will win.

Though he isn't naturally aggressive, early obedience training and early socialization is absolutely necessary due to his massive size and strength, and to stop any aggressive tendencies from developing. Only experienced dog handlers should attempt to control the Mastiff. He has a mind of his own but will accept obedience training if it is positive and reinforced with lots of praise and treats. The owner must be respectful yet in control or his Mastino will see fit to do as he pleases.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Working Group

Used in dog fights and to guard estates.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Moderate daily exercise and a large area to stretch his legs in.

Grooming: Brush three to four times weekly. Wipe eyes frequently with a warm cloth or dampened cotton swab.

Health

Life Expectancy: 9 - 11 Years

Possible Problems:
Bloat
Cancer
Cardiomyopathy - heart problems
Entropion - eyelids turn inward
Eye infections
Low Thyroid

Recommended Certificates:
CERF - for the eyes
OFA - for the hips

Some Neapolitans have a negative reaction to anesthetics, vaccinations and other drug related chemicals. Check with your veterinarian before administering flea and tick control products or other drug related medications.

Country of Origin

Italy