Introduction

The Neapolitan Mastiff, also called the Italian Mastiff, the Italian Bull, the Molosso Italiano, the Mastino Napoletano, the Mastino or simply the “Neo,” is known as the “giant guard dog of Italy.” While its ancestors were used in battle and arena combat, today’s Neapolitan Mastiff has evolved to protect person and property and to serve as a loyal family companion. The most notable feature of this breed is its remarkable appearance; it has been described as perhaps the most terrifying of all dogs, with a face so ugly that it is strangely appealing. Although physically smaller than the English Mastiff, the Neapolitan Mastiff seems larger and more imposing because of its heavy bone, thick body, tremendously loose skin and extraordinary head. At first glance, it looks something like a cross between a Great Dane and a Shar Pei.

The breed standard describes the Neapolitan Mastiff’s head as being large in proportion to the rest of the dog, covered with wrinkles and deep folds, with penetrating deep-set eyes hidden under heavy upper lids, drooping haws (lower eyelids), pendulous lips and an pronounced dewlap (loose skin under the neck and chin that creates a multi-chin appearance). Neo’s are called the “king of droolers,” although breed fanciers affectionately refer to their slobber as “Neo Nectar.” The breed is also known for its ponderous, lumbering gait and its propensity to snore. The Neapolitan Mastiff was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2004, as a member of the Working Group.

Mature males should stand from 26 to 31 inches at the withers and weigh on average 150 pounds. Adult females should stand 24 to 29 inches at the withers and weigh on average 110 pounds. Greater weight is usual and highly preferred. The Neapolitan Mastiff has a short, dense coat that comes in solid shades of gray (blue), black, mahogany and tawny. Reverse brindling is permissible on all coat colors. The Neo’s ears are typically cropped into tiny triangles, and its tail may be docked by one-third of its normal length.

Neapolitan Mastiff - History and Health

Images of dogs resembling the Neapolitan Mastiff have been found on Assyrian reliefs and Persian plaques from the 7th century B.C. Throughout ancient civilizations, the ancestors of the Neo were prized as fighting dogs of early courts, palaces and warrior leaders. It is said that they “fought anything, guarded everything and, in suitable armour, even went to war.” The Neapolitan Mastiff’s predecessors were bred for performance and ability rather than consistency in looks. Alexander the

Neapolitan Mastiff - Temperament & Personality

The Neapolitan Mastiff, weighing in at 200 pounds can be an imposing figure. They move in a slow, lumbered fashion and can strike fear into the hearts of passers-by, but they are really judy big babies with hearts of gold. Make no mistake, the Mastino (as lovers of the breed call them) is a guard dog and will fiercely protect the ones he loves, but day-to-day they are giant love bugs who want nothing more

Neapolitan Mastiff - Appearance & Grooming

The Neapolitan Masttiff is a muscular, impressive and often imposing dog with a heavy-boned and rectangular body. The massive head is covered in wrinkles and folds that extend from the outside margin of the eyelids to the dewlap, and from under the lower lids to the outer edges of the lips. The muzzle is approximately 1/3 the length of the head and should be as wide as it is long. The nose is large and

Neapolitan Mastiff - Pictures

The saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Check out the many different Neapolitan Mastiff Pictures and Neapolitan Mastiff images. Get an in depth look at the Neapolitan Mastiff and see the many things that this breed has to offer.