HISTORY

ORIGIN ITALY

GROUP WORKING GROUP


The Neapolitan Mastiff originated from the ancient Mastiffs about one thousand years ago. They were used for hunting, guarding and herding.

APPEARANCE(S)

Neapolitan Mastiffs are large powerfully built dogs, one of the largest of the dog breeds. They have massive heads and wrinkles on the face and loose skin wrinkles all over their bodies. The wrinkles are so great on the face that the eyes generally look like they droop. The ears are small and are often cropped to look erect. The tails are also usually docked.

COLOR(S)


This breed is most commonly seen in gray, black, mahogany, tawny, tawny stag, and brindle.

COAT


The coats are short.

PERSONALITY

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Low

POSITIVES

The Neapolitan Mastiff is loving and loyal to the family. They do better with older children and they make good watchdogs.

THINGS TO CONSIDER


These Mastiffs are obviously great protectors of their domain. They will do much better if socialized at a young age to children and other dogs. Owning a Mastiff can be a great responsibility. Even if they are well trained and normally not aggressive, should they decide to attack, this dog will inflict fatal damages.

IDEAL LIVING SITUATION

This breed would do well in country.

HELPFUL INFORMATION/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

This breed needs daily exercise to reduce the incidence of obesity.

BREED RELATED HEALTH CONCERNS

The following conditions are known to be seen in this breed, please look at our A to Z listing to find out detailed information.

NATIONAL CLUBS AND/OR ORGANIZATIONS

United States Neapolitan Mastiff Club
35 Water Street
Vienna, NJ, 07880

FUN FACT(S)

The dog Fang, in the Harry Potter movie is a Neapolitan Mastiff.
Written by: PetsMD Veterinary Editorial Staff