Neapolitan Mastiff FAQ

History of the Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff has been around for centuries, mastiffs were used to protect Roman villas, then after the fall of the Roman Empire, countries were formed, and the descendants of these dogs took on names and attributes of other countries of where they resided.

Our true Neapolitan Mastiff of today is related to the Italian Molossian, that for many years was the best kept secret in the countryside of Italy. Preservation of its temperament build, size and substance, remained hidden for centuries. Italian Molossian were bred and kept in the area of Mt. Vesuvius until the 1940s where they were brought to light. With no knowledge of their bloodlines, or any basis to track their family history. Finally in 1949 Piero Scanziani, along with other enthusiasts brought forward the same dog and renamed it the Mastino Neapolentano. These men took the task of trying write a standard for the Mastino and evaluating which were to be bred from and which were not suitable. Each dog that was visited, measured evaluated and their findings were recorded. Finally after their research was complete, a standard was written and the Mastino was recognized by the Italian Kennel Club. Much debate arose by which name this Mastiff was to be called. Many felt the name should have been Molosso Romano but others wanted the name to remain the Mastini Neapolentano. This “type” of Mastini is not the type we see today... bringing question to what the “True Mastini”really is. These Mastini carried far less skin and wrinkle as you see in the breed today. Breeders changed this “type” somewhere from 1949 to close to the 1970s to what we see today the masses of wrinkles and skin. During the 1970s many of the greatest dogs who imprinted their type upon the breed came forward, not only in Italy but across Europe. Dogs like Ch Sansone I di Ponzano, Ch Leone, Ch Socrates di Ponzano to name a select few are very much a part of the history of our Neapolitan Mastiff today.

Characteristics

Our Mastini Neapolentano as known by the Italians is a natural guard dog, with great size, strongly built and powerful. With its majestic appearance, docile nature, and non aggressive attitude, naturally a defender of a their own persons property.

Males weigh in at approx 60-70 kg fully grown, whereas females are slightly smaller at 50-60kg. Adults height is usually reached by the time it reaches 1 year of age, some growing a small amount past this time. However adult weight is not reached until the Neo is approx. 3-3 ½  and sometimes older yet. A Neo matures very slowly and puppy hood is quite extensive and is not considered fully grown til they reach the age of 3. Like all giant size breeds the life expectancy of a Neo is 8-10 year old.

A Neapolitan Mastiff is almost a get up and go type dog. With no high maintenance grooming required, with exception of its twice yearly malt usually happening in Spring and Autumn. Colours found in a Neapolitan are Black, Blue (all shades of grey), Tawny (or also known as blonde) and Mahogany. All these colours with or without brindling (slight striping on all or part of the coat) White areas are accepted on only the chest and toes.
All puppies are born with blue eyes which change at approx 3-4 months of age. Blacks usually have a brown colouring whilst blue Neos have a hazel colouring.

Personality

A Neapolitan Mastiff is known for its loyalty, peaceful and non aggressive nature whereas theya re not prone to biting without reason. It is not uncommon to come across a stubborn, head strong, independent and sometimes shy Neo (Although Shy Neos should not be bred from) A Neo will be wary of strangers but are wonderful loving companions of his own family.

Neapolitans need lots of socialization as a young puppy to get it used to different places, people and things. Most Neos can be home bodies but it is very important to drag him/her away from its own surroundings so it can be well handled, fussed, petted and socialized by the public whilst it is a young puppy. This will ensure a well behaved giant adult upon maturity. There is nothing more disheartening than a beautiful Neapolitan that cannot be taken out into public for fear of its out of control behavior due to lack of training. This breed is rare in nature and we as owners need to unfold this secret of such a stunning and majestic animal!

A Neo is a natural guard dog and high socialization will not deter it or limit what has been bred into him for centuries. Also because of his love for his family and his loyalty to his owner a neo will not stray, his master means everything to him. He will follow you from room to room, lay on top of your feet and await your every move. They will love you indefinitely and cherish everything about you.

Neos by nature are natural Alpha dogs and must be trained appropriately a neo must always remain at the bottom of the pack. Its owners is always alpha and its family will always be higher than him/her. Neos are generally tolerant of other dogs and it is possible for it to share its household with a another dog… however it is not advisable for a neo to share a household with a dog of a similar alpha natured dog. 2 Neos of the opposite sex will get along with namely the female being in charge. It is not recommended that you leave your Neos alone together whilst you are way from your house. It is not worth the risk of anything happening whilst you are away. This will prevent any fighting while you are away.

Neapolitans love to chew.. not unlike many breeds of dogs, by providing appropriate suitable chew toys for a giant size breed will keep him/her occupied as well as keeping his teeth in good condition.

Until a Neo can be trusted to be left in the home I would highly suggest introducing crate training from a very young age. This will ensure you as well give you piece of mind that your darling little neo is not getting up to what he should not be!

Neos and their food, they do eat a lot, one cannot forget they are a giant size breed and will eat far more than the toy poodle down the street. Firstly they are the messiest of eaters, but nothing a nice big rubber mat cannot handle. Their large lips seem to hold enough food to enable to throw food in all directions when they leave their bowls. Also allowing them to have enough food inside their lips for a sneaky snack later! Drool…. Yes before you ask…they do drool, you would however be surprised when I say most do not drool too much, to some extent ie when they drinking from their water bowls, when they are nervous and also during hot weather.

It is also true to say a Neapolitan is known to snore, this habit is not easily overcome by the light sleeper. Not all Neos snore loudly but you never know as a puppy which one will end up being that all knowing loud snoring one!

A Neapolitan Mastiff is not suitable for everyone and hopefully I have been able to give a basic understanding about what owning a Giant size breed like this can be like. I have tried to outline as much about their character, temperament and lifestyle as I can to try to enable you to scratch the surface of its suitability to your household.
If after going though my website you are still convinced this is the breed for you, I would suggest purchasing a specific breed book that is loaded with helpful hints and tips on owning a Neapolitan Mastiff puppy, adolescent and adult dog. Just remember Neos need love, attention, your companionship and most of all socialization. If you cannot provide all these things please look elsewhere for a more suitable breed.

I do not want to scare you into thinking a Neo is hard work, quite the contrary, I have owned many large breed dogs and have found the Neo to be less hassle and far more suited to the house than some large breed dogs. They are relaxed and docile in the house, not bouncing about the place like mad like some breeds. Neos need little in regards to exercise approx 3-4 times per week around the block, they are more in need of socializing than exercising. If you would have any further questions with regards to this magnificent breed please feel free to email myself as I am always happy to talk Neapolitan Mastiff’s!