Neapolitan Mastiff
Posted on 22. May, 2009 by admin in Dog Breeds, Dog Breeds N, Huge Dog Breeds, Italian Dog Breeds, Short Coat Dog Breeds, Straight Coat Dog Breeds, Working Dogs
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a direct descendant of the Middle East war dogs: the Molossus. It was often used to fight against lions, bears or gladiators in Roman arenas.
The Neapolitan Mastiff fought with the Roman legions. This is how they got spread everywhere in Europe. This breed was rediscovered approximately in 1940, in Italy, and is now becoming more and more popular.
Breed Group
Working
Size
Male: 26 to 31 inches
Female: 24 to 29 inches
Weight
Male: Approximately 150 lbs
Female: Approximately 110 lbs
Color(s)
The dog’s color can be gray, blue, black, mahogany and tawny. It can also come in darker shades of these colors.
Coat
The coat is short, smooth and dense. It has straight hairs, no longer than 1 inch.
Life Expectancy
About 9 – 10 years.
Personality
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a steady dog. It is very intelligent and stubborn. It’s extremely protective and courageous as well as very suspicious of strangers but affectionate with the family and their friends. If not provoked, it is calm and silent. Females are better family pets because the males are more aggressive and dominant and females are better with children. Plus, males do not tolerate other males.
Care
The Neapolitan Mastiff is very easy to take care of. Removing dead hairs with a brush once in a while is all it needs. It is an average shedder.
Training
For the Neapolitan Mastiff, obedience training is a must. The training should start at a young age to avoid high dominance. The dog also needs to be socialized early to be sure that they don’t become too protective. The training approach should be strict and constant.
Activity
The Neapolitan Mastiff needs regular exercise. It has to be walked at least twice a day to stay healthy in what should be a big yard.

KrisBelucci
02. Jun, 2009
da best. Keep it going! Thank you
jen
04. Jul, 2009
where can i find a Neapolitan Mastiff? I am in south africa
CrisBetewsky
06. Jul, 2009
Some of us even don’t realize the importance of this information. What a pity.
Rich McPharlin
13. Jul, 2009
Hey
Neapolitan Mastiff , great article, really well though out and very much enjoyed.
Cheers
Rich James McPharlin
13. Jul, 2009
Hi,
well written article, I think our views on Neapolitan Mastiff differ a little however you put foward some good points
Thanks
tatiana
28. Jul, 2009
thanks for the information
i think in the near future i might plan on getting a Neapolitan Mastiff
Teboho
23. Aug, 2009
Wow! Thats my dream dog, I am actually looking for a blue puppy, can be up to 12 months old. The article is very great, but I dont see much of a fighter in it, maybe a wrestler with the dew laps and a heavy body
aidan
02. Nov, 2009
they have a big bite
mastiff enthusiast
03. Nov, 2009
Great article.
Very informative.
Keep on writing about this stuffs about these breed.