NEAPOLITAN MASTIFF Breed Standards
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a direct descendent of the great Molossus war dog of antiquity, and evidence of its forebears can be seen in paintings, frescoes and statues dating to 3000 BC. Alexander the Great created the Molossus in 330 BC when he crossed giant war dogs from his native Macedonia with shorthaired dogs from India. With its short, broad muzzle and abundant dewlap, Alexander’s Molossus already looked much like the Neapolitan Mastiff we see today, and was used to fight men as well as all manners of big game (including lions, tigers and elephants) in battle.
The Romans would eventually conquer Greece and adopt the Molossus. During the 55 BC invasion of Britain, the Romans were so enamored of the even larger and more powerful British mastiffs that they bred them to the Molossus, and in the process created the prototype for the Neapolitan Mastiff, an unsurpassed warrior canine.
Over the centuries, breeders of the Mastino (Italian for Mastiff) in and around Naples would develop the breed into a highly specialized guardian of homes and estates. The dog’s massive size and alarming appearance alone were thought to be enough to deter a potential intruder, and its warrior instincts and heritage only added more assurance to home owners.
In 1946, Italians began to promote the Mastino and raise awareness of the breed abroad. The Neapolitan Mastiff had arrived in America by at least the 1970s, and was recognized as a member of the Working Group by the American Kennel Club in 2004.
SKILLS: An ancient breed, rediscovered in Italy in the 1940's, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a heavy-boned, massive, awe inspiring dog bred for use as a guard and defender of owner and property. He is characterized by loose skin, over his entire body, abundant, hanging wrinkles and folds on the head and a voluminous dewlap. The essence of the Neapolitan is his bestial appearance, astounding head and imposing size and attitude. Due to his massive structure, his characteristic movement is rolling and lumbering, not elegant or showy.
SIZE: A stocky, heavy boned dog, massive in substance, rectangular in proportion. Length of body is 10% - 15% greater than height. Height: Dogs: 26 to 31 inches, Bitches: 24 to 29 inches. Average weight of mature Dogs: 150 pounds; Bitches: 110 pounds; but greater weight is usual and preferable as long as correct proportion and function are maintained.
COAT: The coat is short, dense and of uniform length and smoothness all over the body. The hairs are straight and not longer than 1 inch. No fringe anywhere. Color - solid coats of gray (blue), black, mahogany and tawny, and the lighter and darker shades of these colors. Some brindling allowable in all colors. When present, brindling must be tan (reverse brindle). There may be solid white markings on the chest, throat area from chin to chest, underside of the body, penis sheath, backs of the pasterns, and on the toes. There may be white hairs at the back of the wrists. Disqualifications: White markings on any part of the body not mentioned as allowed.
CARE REQUIRED: These giant, short-haired dogs are easy to groom. Remove loose, dead hair with a rubber brush. This breed is an average shedder.
CHARACTER: The Neapolitan Mastiff is steady and loyal to his owner, not aggressive or apt to bite without reason. As a protector of his property and owners, he is always watchful and does not relish intrusion by strangers into his personal space. His attitude is calm yet wary. In the show ring he is majestic and powerful, but not showy.
EXERCISE: Do not let the young, Neapolitan Mastiff run and play too much. Limit its exercise because it must on no account be over-tired. Avoid rough games in the growing stage and ensure that all its energy is available to make healthy bones and muscles. Adult Neapolitan Mastiffs need a great deal of exercise. He should be taken on long walks twice daily.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Neo will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard will do. A solid doghouse with lots of bedding is usually enough to ensure winter comfort. Neos need a dry place to sleep, which must be soft to prevent pressure markings. In warm weather this breed needs plenty of shade and fresh water.
TRAINING: The breed is very wary of strangers. Males can be much more aggressive and dominant than females. The Female makes a better family pet, as she is more submissive to her master and better with children. These dogs are, however, usually very loving with children, provided they do not tease them. Males do not get along with other males, but the Neo can get along well with non-canine pets if raised with them from puppyhood. The Neapolitan Mastiff is not a breed for everyone. They must have a dominant owner capable of controlling him properly. Owner dominance should be firmly established while the dog is young.
