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Introduction to the Neapolitan Mastiff

One of the earliest descriptions found of the ancestors of the Neapolitan Mastiff is by a Latin author of the first century AD, Lucio Giunio Mederato Columella. In his work, De Re Rustica, Columella states that the house guard dog, which was the Roman Mastiff of that time, should be black, because a black dog has a more terrifying appearance; and during the day, a prowler can see him and be frightened by his appearance. When night falls, the dog, lost in the shadows, can attack without being seen. He describes the dog as; the head is so massive, the ears fall toward the front, the brilliant and penetrating eyes are black or grey, the chest is deep and hairy, the shoulder wide, the legs thick, the tail short, the hind legs powerful, the toenails strong and great.

The Neapolitan Mastiff that we know today is a product of Europe and specifically Italy.

In the past 50 years the Neapolitan Mastiff has evolved from a few concerned individuals preserved in the Italian countryside to a breed recognised and sought after all over the world. Not surprisingly each country is moulding the Italian “Napoletano Mastino” dog to its own standards of what constitutes a canine. As such, the Neapolitan Mastiff is taking on a different body type and character in each country, in accordance with the standards placed upon this magnificant dog by the people in each different country.

Hidden during more recent times in the Italian countryside, and almost unchanged in appearance and personality the Italian Mastiff is a living relic of a time when man had to rely on only himself for his needs and his safety.

The Neapolitan Mastiff is not a suitable dog for everyone, it is definitely not for the first-time dog owner, and the prospective owner thinking of purchasing this breed of dog, should have some experience with dominant alpha dogs. It takes a person who has an innate understanding and interest of animals and an ability to communicate on the animal’s level to be able to successfully own a Neo. Neapolitans need and require attention, discipline and human companionship. A Neo is a large, powerful, vocal and messy animal.
Photo courtesy of Dr Barry Reder (USA) neapolitan.com

So in all fairness to the dog, please do your research on the breed.
The Neapolitan Mastiff has by nature a dominant personality and needs a master.

The Neo’s world revolves Around his owner, he forms an intensely strong attachment to his owner and his home. He is not a wanderer from the property because his reason for living is the property. He does not want to associate with strangers. As a steady, loyal companion the Neo is second to none. He goes where his master goes, and when his master stops, he lies down at his feet until that master moves again. The Neo waits for his master to tell him what to do. His master is everything, and he would rather be with him than do anything else..

In the last decade interest in the Neapolitan Mastiff has burgeoned worldwide. Each country will stamp its societal characteristics on the Mastino. A good Mastino must exude romanticism.

History of the Neapolitan Mastiff
(Mastino Napoletano)

The Neapolitan Mastiff belongs to a group of large heavy-bodied and heavy boned, short muzzled, wrinkle-browed, frightful-looking dogs that were used as fighters and protectors of family and property.

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a living relic that can be traced back to at least 5,000 years ago. To comprehend the Neapolitan Mastiff you must read the existent descriptions of Mastiff. You will then understand that this breed has not changed materially for the past 2000 - 5000 years, and the ancient instincts that run in his genes.

By viewing bits and pieces of sculptures, etchings, and writings scattered across the lands it is evident that the Neapolitan Mastiff of today has changed only slightly from the dog of ancient times.
After the domestication of livestock, dogs of heavy body and powerful grip were bred by farmers and used as guardians of their flock and various other functions. These dogs were kept pure in their breeding in contrast to other breeds that were mixed with the swift, lighter boned breeds.

In the lands that were conquered and re-conquered by different peoples we find the ancestors of the Neapolitan Mastiff. They were called by many names: Macedonian Dog, Assyrian Dog, Sumerian Molossians, Bandogs, Dogues, and the Roman Molossus. The names were different, but all were of the same basic type: heavy bodied, enormous heads, short muzzles, dewlaps, wrinkled foreheads, cropped ears, and heavy legs.

Of the many Mastiff type dogs now extinct some were saved such as the Old English Mastiff and Saint Bernard.

These dogs were most likely descendants of the Macedonian dogs, as they were called at the time of Alexander the Great around 350 BC, because his homeland was Macedonia.

Alexander probably obtained the ancestors of these dogs from the peoples he had encountered in his many conquests of the lands stretching from India to Macedonia. The dogs he brought back were called Indian Dogs or Assyrian Dogs, in accordance with the names of the peoples who inhabited these lands at the time. When Alexander died, and Macedonia and Eastern Europe fell to the Romans, the great war dogs were seized and propagated by the Romans.

During the first century BC, Julius Caesar met with dogs of huge structure and ferocity that he called “Pugnaces Brittaniae” during his campaign in the British Isles.

He was so taken with these enormous dogs that he took several back to Rome. In Rome these dogs were used as weapons of war and in the Coliseums where they fought other animals such as lions and bulls. Handlers and Mastiffs fought other handlers and Mastiffs.

Roman villas were protected by these enormous, fearless, and noble dogs, while the men were off to war fighting in other lands in the knowledge they could rest assured that their family and property were safe.

Hence the development of the Roman house guard dog. As the Roman empire broke up, the peoples of Europe organised their lands into separate countries, descendants of the Roman Molossian evolved into the different Mastiff breeds of today. Each breed acquired its name and its characteristics from the country in which it remained.

There is the French Dogue-De-Bordeaux, the English Mastiff, the Swiss Saint Bernard, the Tibetan Mastiff and the Spanish Mastiff. But it was the Italian Molosian that still today remains practically the same as described by Columella during the Roman empire, it has survived the ages along with the Colosseum and all the history and feelings and remains of the mighty Roman Empire.

History from the 1940s

To trace the footsteps from Roman times to 20th century Italy is a bit sketchy and unclear. This ancient dog seemed to adapt well to the farmers of Italy and were said to be bred in the countryside for many years. The chores of guardian whether it be flock, home or person was no stranger to this noble dog. It seems there was a certain secrecy to the early breeding of this dog that may have led to its near extinction. Or possibly man no longer needed the faithful work that this ancient breed performed.

It was in the region of Naples and the surrounding countryside of Mt. Vesuvius that certain dogs fitting the description of the Roman house guard dogs were conserved and bred. These dogs were highly prized by the people who owned them, whether they were wealthy landowners or poor farmers. They were so highly prized that they were not openly traded or publicly marketed. They were something special, a relic of the past to be treasured, as if to be kept a secret on purpose.

It was these Roman Mollossers that Piero Scanziani, a well known writer and journalist, discovered in 1946 at a dog show in Naples, Italy.

Although quite obscure at the time the Neapolitan Mastiff was immediately recognized by Piero Scanziani, He wrote, "I recognized it instantly, it was one of the hundred that Paolo Emilio, the Macedonian, had brought to Rome in his triumph. It was the great dog of Epirus from the height of his centuries, he stared at me imperturbable; his eyes were not hostile, yet not kind. It was a gaze that does not give, yet does not ask anything, it simply contemplates". Piero Scanziani became Known as "The farther of the breed".

He then went about in the late 1940s promoting the breed and aided by his efforts to reconstruct the breed by Dr Ruggero Soldati and other dog fanciers. They publicised the breed, wrote a standard to which the dogs should be bred, and christened it with the name Mastino Napoletano, and made it a recognised breed. The dog became officially recognized by the Italian kennel club, the ENCI (Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana) and adopted by the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) which is the international organization that the ENCI is a member. The official name became the Mastino Napoletano and just referred to as the Mastino in Italy and nicknamed the "Neo" in the United states. Piero Scanziani purchased a few specimens of this profound breed and “Guaglione1” went on to become the first Italian Champion Neapolitan Mastiff.

One of the most renowned breeders and nurturers of the Mastino was the late Mario Querci. He was persistent in his art of Mastino breeding, and he and his dogs have made a great contribution to the evolution of the breed. He lived in the region of Florence and bred Neapolitan Mastiffs from as early as the 1950s until his untimely demise in 1990. his kennel name “Di Ponzano” is in the pedigree of most of the great dogs of today.

Toscano was small in size and not much to look at, but he sired more champions than any other Italian Neapolitan Mastiff to date.

From 1949 to the early 1960s Mastino breeding in Italy, other than for Mario Querci, was fairly sporadic. It was during that time that the breed type was being set, but then the dogs looked quite different from the Mastini of today. By the late 1970s, mastino Breeding had reached an apogee in Italy. It was at this time when the best remembered dogs were born.

Also then that some of the best known Mastinari of today were engaged in conscientious Mastino breeding. Mastinaro is the Italian term for a breeder of Neapolitan Mastiffs who has undertaken insurmountable amounts of work for the sheer passion for this breed of dog. This is not a name applied lightly to any would-be breeder of Neapolitans. Mastinaro is only reserved for those dedicated artists and connoisseurs of Mastini who have paid their dues in time spent, tribulations, disappointments, and loss of money, and yet have persisted in bringing to creation that astounding relic of a by-gone age.

During the late 1970s many good Neapolitan Mastiffs were being produced and presented in Italy, and soon the rest of Europe began to take an interest in them.

The 1980s saw a large exodus of puppies and older stock go out of Italy to foreign countries as Neapolitan Mastiff fever started spreading. In the 1990s we saw a hiatus in Italy in the breeding of sufficient numbers of exceptional individuals.

The Italians are so successful in producing awesome - looking Mastini because they are concerned with creating a dog that evokes an emotion.

Dog breeders and owners in many countries are often more concerned with producing dogs that conform with that particular country and also purely for structural soundness, for which they can attach lifetime guarantees against congenital defects. Rather than breeding Neapolitans purely for the purpose of selling them, the Italian breeders (Mastinari) breed to create the most aesthetic looking dog so that someone will want to purchase their dogs.

Breeding Mastini is the ultimate challenge, each individual breeder has his own secrets that allow him to be successful. People in Italy who buy Mastini are usually knowledgeable as to what the breed is about.
Within the past 10 years heightened awareness of the breed has arisen in both the United Kingdom and Australia.

The Neapolitan Mastiff has been documented as being in the United States at least since the early 1970's, although it is believed that individual dogs had been brought over by Italian emigrants during the great waves of immigration which started in the 1880's and continued into the first half of the 20th Century.

The Neapolitan Mastiff was introduced primarily by a Michael Sottile and Jane Pampalone.

Around 1973 the Neapolitan Mastiff Club of America (NMCA) was formed by Michael A. Sottile, Sr. . Mr. Sottile and his family imported Neapolitan Mastiffs, bred many wonderful dogs, and converted many people into lovers of the Neapolitan Mastiff as well as educated many new fans of this breed. The NMCA also ran a registry of pedigrees for the Neapolitan Mastiff in the United States, and kept pedigrees, lineage, and ownership information for most, if not virtually all Neapolitans in the country at that time.

Many of the offspring of some of the excellent Italian dogs born in the 1980s did get brought over to the United States. Since the importation in the 1980s of numbers of Neapolitan Mastiffs into the USA, general awareness has increased dramatically.

With the greater popularity of the breed has come an enormous increase in breeding of the dogs. there are a number of individuals who are really trying to breed quality dogs in the United States. Whether any one of them will earn the name of Mastinaro is to early to say, but at least they are starting out with the idea of making a mark in the breed.

Around 1990 there were several movements across the country to form alternative clubs and registries to the NMCA. In late 1990 the United States Neapolitan Mastiff Club (USMNC)was formed and began operations as both a breed club and registry. The USNMC was officially incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1991.

The USNMC also drafted a breed standard to reflect the standard of the country of origin. The standard was approved By the AKC (American Kennel Club) and the Neapolitan Mastiff entered into the AKC - FSS (foundation stock service) for pedigree record keeping in 1996. Sometime in 1990, the American Neapolitan Mastiff Association (ANMA) was also formed but has ceased its registry operations as of January 1, 1999.

Characteristics and Temperament

The Neapolitan Mastiff displays a graphic illustration of one of the most impressive and remarkable breeds that is in existence today. He is a large breed which can weigh over 150 pounds. A comparison to man or other creatures of a similar weight and one would see a body structure exemplifying extreme strength. A type that can perform its function better than any other creature or man made machine. His body mass is voluminous, but not that of just fat.

His muscular development would cause a game or herding dog to fail at its chores but for the Neapolitan Mastiff this is a trade off he assumed when he chose to be a guardian. His bones are not unlike the trunk of a century old oak tree; thick, Strong and necessary or they would surely splinter causing the massive structure they support to crash to the earth.

It is doubtful that there is any other breed of dog whose fundamental characteristics has remained as constant over the centuries as the Neapolitan Mastiff.

However the Neapolitan Mastiff of today shows marked improvements in body and overall squaring of the head, all due to selective breeding. He has a captivating and almost intimidating stare, such an imposing sight, one that would make a burglar turn and flee for sure!

When the Neo, it's master, or property is threatened, this dog can move with alarming speed and agility! Whereas another breed of dog might simply just bite the arm of a perceived intruder, the Neo might leave with the arm!

The Neo is a guard dog by breeding and is protective by nature. He is a working dog originally bred and utilized as a guardian and defender of the owner, family and property. Although originally bred as a protection dog he has a steady temperament and is loyal.

Do not confuse our Neapolitan Mastiff with a fighting breed. If you are considering purchasing one with this thought in mind you will find him far too humble for he would rather spend his time patrolling the property, or by your side pleasing you.

Early socialization as a puppy is a must! These dogs are generally not hyperactive as, perhaps one might characterize a red setter, and are usually content to lie at the master's feet.

Don‘t, however, think of the Neo as a slow moving animal. Due to its power and mass, many question the advisability of having this dog in a house with small children.

Though the family dog would not purposely injure a child, the Neapolitan Mastiff could easily knock one down. Just the weight of the paws on a sensitive part of the body could permanently injure a young child.

The Neapolitan Mastiff is certainly not a dog for everyone but you could not ask for a more faithful and loyal companion. As protector of his property and persons, he is always watchful, intelligent, noble, and majestic.

The above text is with kind permision of Robert Gravel

Colours of the Neapolitan?

The Neo comes in a variety of colours: Grey being the most common colour (referred to as blue). It can vary from lead grey to a very light hue. Black is less common. Tawny which is a light clay -grey colour. Mahogany is rare. Isabelle is a term applied to a light fawn colour. Sometimes with white patches on the chest and on the tips of the toes. All the colours can be brindled..

Hair coat

Short, stiff, hard and dense, of uniform length and smoothness all over the body. The coat is glossy and measures 1.5 cm (1 inch) maximum in length. There should be no trace of fringe anywhere.

Height & Weight

Like all giant breeds, the Mastino takes a long time to mature and their puppy-hood is long, and they are not considered mature until the age of three.

Often not reaching their adult weight until around three-and-a-half years of age and sometimes older than this.

Height at the withers
Males: 65 - 75 cm (26-30 inches)
Females: 60 - 68 cm (24-27 inches)
A tolerance of 2cm (1 inch plus or minus is allowed).

Weight:
Males: 60kg and greater (135 lbs and greater)
Females: 50kg and greater (110 lbs and greater).

These heights and weights were set 50 years ago when the first standard was written. The dogs seem to be a lot heavier now.

Health Conditions

The Neapolitan Mastiff is considered a sturdy, healthy breed but like so many other breeds is not free from all heath problems.
You should be aware of the following health problems that have been seen in this breed.

1. Canine Hip dysplasia
2. Cherry Eye, (Prolapse of the Third Eyelid)
3. Immune System problems (Demodecosis)
4. Hypothyroidism
5. Heart problems (cardiomyopathy)
6. Cryptochism or Monochism problems
7. Cleft pallets, hair lip, or bad tails problems

Firstly, the Neapolitan shares the problems of all large breeds, being- hips, hearts, and heat.

Then secondly, they are decendants of a small gene pool used in their "reconstruction".

Hypothyroidism does occur in this and many other breed of dogs. Some feel that this defect is "part and parcel" of the Neo body type. This may be their way of excusing a genetic defect in their lines of Neapolitan Mastiffs. Many of the most "typey" Neos alive in the United Kingdom today have healthy thyroid function and have no need of thyroxine supplimentation.

Mastiffs are not terriers and their hips tend to be looser in general. Prospective puppy buyers should insist that the stud dog and bitch have had their hips evaluated. Mild to moderate hip dysplasia is an unwelcome but all too common reality in the Neapolitan Mastiff. Excess exercise, at any age, is to be avoided.

HOWEVER- buyer beware! Do not construe the above statements to excuse those breeders that knowingly breed dysplastic or hypothyroid dogs! Many Neos across the United Kingdom and the USA are very typey yet have very good hips and normal thyroid function! Buyers should ask the breeders if the puppies' parents have been tested and demand to see the written results.

Rough housing with a puppy, either by children or older dogs, can lead to permanent injury to the hips and elbows. If you think that your dog should go on long runs with you, get a different breed. Most breeders will even recommend against frequent trips up and down the home stair case.

Panosteitis can occur in these rapidly growing pups. With a good diet (pref. that of Dr. Billinghurst's B.A.R.F. diet), rest, and tincture of time, many pups cease to show symptoms of this "wandering lameness" by their 15th month.

Overexertion, before or after a meal, can lead to Gastric Torsion, (bloat), and death. Owners are strongly advised to feed the dogs pre-soaked dry feed, thereby limiting the swelling of the pellets inside the stomach. Also recommended is to provide a raised feeding stand for both water and food at least 12 inches off the ground. Separation from other dogs during feedings is also emphasised to reduce the Neo’s desire to consume the entire bowlful at once.

The Neapolitan Mastiff does not tolerate hot weather as well as one might imagine in that it originates from a Mediterranean country. Each summer some of the best "typey" specimens are lost to heat stroke.
Many breeders reverse the pattern of care for their dogs during hot weather- keeping them inside the house during the day and allowing them to spend the cooler evenings outside.

Prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid "cherry eye" is as common in the Neo as bad breath. Those with experience insist that removal of this tear gland is the only proper treatment.

The proceedure is best done under general anesthesia by a Vet using Isoflurane gas rather than the less costly but poorly tolerated Halothane gas. Many Vets, totally unfamiliar with this breed, will insist upon "tacking" the gland back inside the lower eyelid. In general, this does not last long and another surgery to remove the gland must be done. Removal of the gland is very successful and the post operative recovery is usually uneventful.

Very Important

With the Neapolitan an issue of great concern is the breed’s low tolerance for anaesthesia and tranquillisers. Many a Neapolitan has died on the operating table because of an overdose of anaesthesia. Your veterinary surgeon must be informed and made fully aware of this prior to any surgery. Tranquillisers should be given very lightly. The dosage can always be increased, but once ingested it can be difficult and nearly impossible to reverse.

Skin problems are relatively rare in the Neapolitan Mastiff. If they are kept clean and parasite-free by frequent bathing, they do not really have severe problems with their skin. The potential for skin problems does exist though because in general they do not have very strong immune systems. When they do occur, they are often related to a low thyroid function. Prospective puppy buyers should find out if the stud dog and bitch have passed their thyroid level tests.

Ears, Although cropping the ears has always been customary for the Mastino especially in Italy, it also serves a functional purpose in that cropped Neo ears rarely get infected. This is a surgical procedure performed on the anaesthetised puppy around the age of 7 - 8 weeks of age. Ear cropping has been outlawed in some countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany.

As with all pendulous eared dogs, Neos which have intact ears are more susceptible to ear infection. So the golden rule is to clean your dogs ears out weekly, with disposable wipes (available from your pet suppliers).

Teeth, over 50 percent of dogs have some form of gum disease before the age of three. Daily or weekly tooth cleaning (with a brush or soft gauze pad wipes) can add years to your dog’s life. Using the various types of Dental chews can be very effective in controlling dental plaque.

Every purebred-dog has its own special problems. We have attempted here to explain some of these within a breed little understood by the general public and veterinarians alike.

The Neapolitan does not require a great deal of specialized care. Once he is mature, the Neo is actually hardier then many other breeds of dogs. He is easy to take care of because he is very little inclined to wander. When he is with you, he is most content to stay by your side. When you are away, he is happy to wait for your return.

Feeding

The Neapolitan Mastiff goes from 2 pounds to 150 plus pounds in two years. Some dogs weigh 90 pounds at six months of age. Every breeder and Book on Mastiffs that you read will differ on what to feed the dogs. The goal in feeding giant breed dogs is to allow them to grow to their maximum genetic potential without making them grow too heavy too fast. This is difficult, since every dog is an individual and has different nutritional requirements.

They are one of the messiest eaters around and their table manners are something not to be admired! With copious flews and his large lips scattering food in all directions. He requires large quantities of food and water.

Clean fresh water must be available to him at all times. When they drink, they also seem to wash their mouth out in the bowl. As soon as the water becomes slightly slimy they do not want it anymore, so you need to change the water often each day. A good idea is to have 3 large bowls of fresh water available for your dog to drink from and change these twice per day.

With the eating and drinking comes the “Drool”, all Neo’s drool to some extent, some more than others. Which is a heavy thick white saliva, so have a towel at hand or disposable wet wipes, to mop his dewlap and mouth up after his feasting.

The plan is to feed your puppy the correct amount of Vitamins, Minerals and Protein for proper bone and muscle development, and give him enough calories in the form of carbohydrates and fat, so that he grows.

In Italy the dogs are much stockier and have more massive bone, and have heavier thicker skin in general than the dogs in the UK and the United States. They are fed lots of Pasta, Bread, Parboiled chickens and raw or cooked organ meats and scraps. The Mastiff dogs in Italy were raised on this diet for thousands of years, it is the diet which has most contributed to creating their breed type.

There are numerous varieties of commercially produced dry dog foods on the market today available, to get the right amount of Vitamins, Calcium, Fat and Carbohydrates but the problem is, we do not know what the makeup is of this food? We do not know the state of the scrap animal that was used as the source of poultry or meat before it was ground up and cooked to death and compressed into balls with added vitamins and minerals to replace those that were lost in the cooking process. You should end up preferring a dry food brand that has the highest fat content coupled with the highest carbohydrate content that you can find, and with a protein content of not more than 27 percent.

Another method that is well known, is to pressure cook whole chickens, and when cooked to place a good half part of the chicken with a complete dry food mix. Adding pasta and frozen vegetables in if required. The broth that is produced by the parboiled chicken can then be used on a dry food dish for the second meal of the day. I have also Supplemented with human vitamins and minerals in the meals, with 500mg of calcium phosphate, 500 units of vitamin C, and a garlic capsule.

Other foods to mix with your complete dry food and fresh chicken are potatoes yoghurt, cheese, and as an alternative to fresh chickens, I use freshly cooked minced meat.

You can tailor this to your dogs particular requirements.

Diet can make a vast difference in your dogs life towards mobility and decreasing the pain of arthritis.

There is a lot of recent research that demonstrates that a low but adequate protein diet that is fresh and mostly raw does enable the body to rid itself of painful metabolites that exacerbate the pain from osteoarthritis.

Processed foods of any kind is a big No-No. Processed foods contain preservatives, colourings, emulsifiers, thickeners, sugar, salt, and many other additives. Processed human foods are also out.

If you can afford it, the meat component of this diet should be white meat only, such as chicken, turkey, or raw lamb. Boneless fish is also good.

Vegetables are vital, these must be raw, or lightly steamed, fresh or frozen and thawed. Like the following;
potatoes, carrots, sprouts, green beans, peas, cabbage,
or cauliflower. They must then be grated or placed through a food processor. This improves your dogs ability to digest them efficiently.

Vegetables play an important part as they contain live enzymes, vitamins, minerals and some fibre. Veggies should contribute 40-50% by volume of your dogs meal.

Your dog can have fruit as well. One or two serves of fruit per day is an excellent source of enzymes and vitamins. Do not give whole fruits that have pits or large seeds such as peaches or avocados, as these can cause digestive blockages.

Other foods you can supplement your dogs diet with is cooked lambs or chicken livers once a week, a raw egg or two once a week, a teaspoon to a tablespoon of natural yoghurt daily, and a quarter to one teaspoon of corn oil (not olive oil) once a day.

Garlic is loved by most dogs and enhances the palatability of the diet. Two - three cloves crushed for a large dog daily in their meal. Brewers yeast is also popular with most dogs and is a great source of B vitamins, a quarter to one teaspoon daily is good.

This diet is obviously extremely different from what you have previously encountered. Many people in Australia are excited about this diet and it’s becoming well known in America.

All of the clients who have taken this diet on have seen improvements in not only their dogs mobility, but it’s general well being. Persevere for 3 months before you decide it does not work; however most people claim they see a difference within weeks.

A variation of this diet was originally prepared by;
Ian Billinghurst veterinarian and author of “Give your dog a bone” These exerts here were produced by Ffiona K Phillips BAppSc (Nutrition and Food Science) BVMS, MRCVS.
All responsibility for this diet is that of the owners.

Epilogue

We have tried here to place before you the full facts about the Neapolitan, and to inform you about his character so you can be better informed if you are considering this breed.

The emphasis placed on recognising that Neos have dominant personalities is not a criticism of the breed. It is telling it how it is. Those breeders and people who say they have never had a problem with Their Mastino also know how to act around them and handle their dogs.

We all know that dogs have to be watched around children, but all animals bite. Little dogs bite, and big dogs bite bigger. The fact is that people do not understand this, and that is why accidents happen. This is not a criticism; it is a fact. These people may have a problem dealing with Neapolitan Mastiffs. The blame for any problems will then be put on the dog. This shows what these dogs can become when they are handled by those who have not had experience with them.

Neapolitans are “cool” and majestic looking. Everyone who sees a good specimen comes away wanting one, so impressed and infatuated.

Many people immediately want one. This may be good, but all I can say is, know the breed, and yourself and your family situation before you rush into buying one. Avoid buying on impulse. Already Neapolitans are ending up in rescue centres all over the United Kingdom and this is a sad situation for a breed that has been relatively unknown and sold for high prices.

This can only be attributed to an increased incidence of throwing away Neos to an increase in breeding the dogs by those solely concerned with profit only. Also an increase in purchasing them by people who do not understand the breed. I hope that those who have succumbed to their infatuation for the breed will engage in ownership of the Neapolitan with educated wisdom and genuine concern for this special breed. Thank you.

Neapolitan Mastiff FAQ

Do they require a lot of exercise?

No they do not. In fact as adults they prefer to lounge around the house or garden most of the time. Although they do not need large acres of property to run around, a small apartment or flat is not suited for a Neapolitan Mastiff. They require enough room to comfortably move around. They can reach near 190 lbs in weight and can clear coffee tables and move furniture if they are not provided enough room.

Do they shed?

Neapolitans have very short coats which require very little care. They do not shed very much. They do, however, go through a major shedding period in the spring and again in the Autumn.
While the new coat is growing the dog may appear lighter coloured and spotted. The older hair that has not fallen off will lighten and the new hair will emerge a darker colour.

Do they like the outdoors?

Neapolitan Mastiffs love the outdoors and will enjoy it all year round. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 degrees F provided they have an insulated dog house, and below 0 degrees if the dog house is heated. Because they are a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed, they can have much more trouble with hot weather. They must be provided with shade and have lots of clean fresh water available. In extremely hot weather, it is advisable to move them into the basement or some cooler place. Every year many otherwise healthy dogs die suddenly due to heat intolerance. Owners must be extremely sensitive to this issue and must be very cautious.

Are they good with children?

Most Neapolitan Mastiffs are extremely good with children they know and would never hurt them purposely. It is paramount to remember that they are a giant breed and have great strength. This can result in a them unintentionally knocking a child down and stepping on them especially if the child runs away. They should never be unsupervised around small children.

Do they snore ?

Yes! So beware if you are a very light sleeper as some have been known to be heard throughout the entire house snoring.

How much do they eat?

The adult Neapolitan Mastiff has a large appetite and can consume up to a gallon of food a day. It is not recommended to overfeed or over supplement your dog, especially puppies or young adults. Too much weight can actually cause damage to your dog's tendons, ligaments and skeletal structure.

They should always be fed on raised tables from the age of around 6 months old, (purchasable from all good pet-stores or pet wholesalers. This helps to aid digestion, and prevent splayed feet and the very deadly gastric torsion (Bloat).

Do They drool?

Does a bear....? The Neo has the well renowned reputation of being the King of droolers! However lovers of the breed have been heard to refer to this as Nea Nectar rather than drool. The problem arises mostly at feeding time, along when they feel nervous, in hot weather, and after exercise. When at shows in the ring most handlers carry a cloth with them in their pocket with which to respond to those drippy lips.

What is the life expectancy?

Like most giant breeds, sadly, their life span is not a long one. Eight to ten years old is the normal lifespan.

But in stating this, they have been known to live longer and I have known one of twelve years. With the correct exercise, healthcare and nutritional diet, like most dogs their lifespan can be increased with properly administered care to their well being.

Are they British Kennel Club recognised ?

To date, although Kennel Club recognition has not been granted, The Neapolitan Mastiff Club was formed in November 1998, following a great increase and interest in the breed. It now has some 170 members and membership continues to rise.

The aim of the club is to promote The Neapolitan Mastiff in a positive light and to provide support, encouragement and education to owners, breeders, judges and enthusiasts. This is achieved via seminars and also by the production of a wonderful six monthly newsletter.

You can join the Neapolitan Mastiff Club ( fee £5 single, £7.50 joint ) by e mailing for an application form or alternatively, contacting Ms Vicki Roach on:
Vicky@ocobo-bronorn.prestel.co.uk"

Are they American Kennel Club recognised?

No they are not fully recognised. They are recognised by almost every other country in the world and so far have been accepted into the AKC-FSS for record keeping and effective September 1, 2001, they will be allowed to compete in AKC Miscellaneous Class. There are people who feel full recognition will be bad for the breed and those who are working to get the breed fully recognised.

When do they grow up?

Neapolitan Mastiffs are slow to mature and do not completely mature until about 3 years of age. Most of their growth will be done at 1 year old but they will continue to gain mass if their genetics allow up to the age of 3 years, and sometimes older.

How much do they cost?

Good quality Neapolitan Mastiffs tend to be rather expensive, for a number of reasons. They are extremely difficult to breed and produce, generally they are able to deliver only by Caesarean and usually need to be artificially inseminated because of the weight of the males. All of this tends to keep their prices rather high. Please ensure that if you find one that seems to be a bargain price that it wasn't by virtue of their care or quality being skimped on.

This always depends a lot on the age, quality, breeding, and colour of the pup under consideration. A pup of "pet" quality can cost £700-£850. Perhaps an unwanted spot of colour, a poorly altered tail, or some other minor fault, prevents this dog from official show competition.

This doesn't mean it can't win your heart and that of your family! A show quality Kennel Club registered pup can cost £900 and up (and I do mean UP!) A pup of show quality and of a rare colour -i.e. mahogany can start at £1,000 plus. Always suspect Neapolitan puppies that are being sold cheaply. Do they have hip dysplasia or some other problems? Do they come from a puppy farm? Can you see the parents of the pups in the home environment? Again- BUYER BEWARE!

Is there a Rescue and Adoption organization for Neapolitan Mastiffs? Yes!

B.A.R.K. Rescue UK rescue and rehome throughout the UK.
Available 7 days a week 9.30am - 7.30pm for help and advice on rehoming and adoption.

Contact:
B.A.R.K. Bullmastiff & Neapolitan Rescue UK
Telephone: 07960 360739
or email: barkbm@yahoo.co.uk

Recommended books on the breed:

“The Complete Book of the Neapolitan Mastiff”
written by; Sherilyn Allen VMD

“Neapolitan Mastiff” written by; Carol Paulsen

Bullmastiffs looking for homes :: Neapolitans looking for homes :: Bullmastiffs & Neapolitans Available now! :: Rescue Centre Photo's :: Adoption Process :: Link to us