The Neapolitan Mastiff, also known as the Mastino Napoletano, Mastino, Italian Bulldog, Italian Mastiff, Neo Mastiff, and Neo, is breed of dog in the Working Group. This extraordinarily supersized dog breed has an extremely calm and watchful personality. While they are wary of strangers, aggression is not a natural personality trait of the breed. The Neapolitan Mastiff was approved by the AKC in 2004.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are characterized by the loose skin that covers their entire bodies, with wrinkles and folds on the head. Some breeders produce Mastiffs with vast amounts of skin and wrinkles as well as large bone size, while others prefer a more lean athletic appearance.
The Neapolitan Mastiff is fearless and extremely protective of its home and family. Not a dog to wander off, Neapolitan Mastiffs prefer to be with their family and to remain in and around the home. As a guardian dog breed it is very wary of strangers, but usually upon seeing that their master is relaxed, they soon accept the strangers. The Neapolitan Mastiff rarely barks unless under provocation.