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The description made by Columella in the first century A.D. of a Mastiff-type guardian dog with "amplissimus corporis", a "squarely built" breed that "should have a head so large as to form the largest part of it" and whose "color should be black because this color is more intimidating in the daylight and at night blends in with the dark" seems indeed to indicates that this breed of dog was the great forefather of the Neapolitan Mastiff .
However, the Neapolitan Mastiff bred today has been selectively improved in terms of body and overall squaring of the head.
Nowadays gray blue and black are still the most desired colors for the same reasons described above (blending into the night shadows and intimidating in the daylight), but tawny and mahogany, as well as lighter or darker shades of these solid colors are also accepted by the standard. So are reverse brindles of these colors.
Although he is a working dog originally bred and utilized as a guardian and defender of owner and property, the Neapolitan Mastiff is not aggressive or apt to bite without reason. While the breed is generally suspicious of strangers and politely tolerant of friends, with his human family the Neapolitan is a super-loyal dog, particularly to its one master. Even though most Neapolitan Mastiffs are very good with the children they know and would never hurt them purposely, it is important to remember that they are a giant breed with great strength, and accidents may occur just because of them unintentionally knocking a child down and stepping on them. So, like with any dog breed, they should never be unsupervised around small children.
Prospective buyers should know that Neapolitan Mastiff drool more than the everage dog, especially when they are nervous, drink or eat. They also tend to be messy eaters and as a new owner you may find it more suitable to feed them outdoors. For these reasons this is not a breed for everyone. Neapolitan Mastiffs will thrive best on a larger estate or in any home surrounded by a large garden.
