Dog breeds of the World Dog breeds of the world Dog breeds of the world Japanese dog breeds Guard dogs Molosser dogs Bulldog breeds Dogs for kids Bull and Terrier breeds Sled dogs Hairless dogs Dog Breed Finder Dog breed finder Dog breeds of the World Popular dog breeds Dog books
Neapolitan Mastiff
(Mastino Napoletano, Italian Mastiff,
Italian Bulldog, "Neo")



Introduction
Described by the enthusiasts of the breed as a " truly historic monument of Italian cynophilia", this impressive molosser dog counts among the world's best manstopping guard dogs and most loyal family dogs. Its history too, is among the most interesting of all dog breeds. Like the Cane corso and Cirneco dell'Etna,  it is one of those wonderful dog breeds native to Italy.
History and Origin

Fanciers of the breed claim that is difficult to find any other breed of dog whose fundamental characteristics have remained as constant over the centuries as those of the Neapolitan Mastiff.

Assyrian terracottas and stone panels show dogs very similar in type to the Neapolitan Mastiff. The use of such mastiffs is well represented on the wall reliefs at Nineveh.
Scenes of hunting with Mastiff-type dogs are a common motif in Mesopotamian art reflecting the king's conquest of chaotic and dangerous nature.

In the great settlements of Mesopotamia ((Fridu, Susa, Ur, and Uruk) in 2000. B.C. large dogs were reared and used to protect property and livestock from the attacks of lions which were common in that region at the time.

It were probably the Phoenecians who spread this type of dog in the Mediterranean basin, together with other breeds which were the forerunners of other italian breeds like the Cirneco of Etna and of all the Iberian Podenghi.

In his "De Re Rustica", Columella defines this dog as an excellent guardian of house and property, anticipating its current use by almost 2000 years. Although the Mastiff was used in Roman times as a weapon of war, and in combat against wild animals in the circus, it was later to be found in the courts of the Renaissance in central and northern Italy as a hunter of large game (deer and wild boar). They were huge, savage dogs, large enough to keep away lions.  They could fiercely fight intruders, be they human or animal.

Precisely because of this natural adeptness as a guard dog, the Roman patrician class used the Mastiff to safeguard their villas, which were numerous in the region of Campania at one time. After the fall of the Roman Empire the dogs remained, forming a close link both with the land and the people who lived on the slopes of the Vesuvius.

Neapolitan Mastiffs
Appearance

According to the fanciers of the breed today's Neapolitan Mastiff matches 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".
This probably indicates that the Neapolitan Mastiff is a direct descendent of these dogs described by Columnella.

The Mastino is very bulky for its height with a weight of 110 to 150lb (50 to 68 kg) for a height of 26 to 30 inches (65 to 75 cm). A unique feature of the Mastino is its head: it is large and broad across the cheeks, with heavy and full lips. The muzzle must be one third of the skull's length. The powerful neck runs well into the shoulders with much loose skin and dewlap. The ears are usually cropped.

Today, gray blue and black are still the preferred Mastino colors because they allow the dog to blend into the night shadows, which is considered an asset in his work as a guardian dog. However, tawny and mahogany are also found. Lighter and darker shades of these solid colors are also accepted by the standard as well as reverse brindles of these colors. A small white star on the chest and small patches of white on the toes are permissible.
Character and Temperament

The Neapolitan Mastiff presently seen in the show ring has improved in body and overall squaring of the head, thanks to selective breeding. He has a captivating and almost intimidating look, one that would easily dissuade any would-be intruder.


The Mastino Napoletano is a working dog originally bred and utilized as a guardian dog and personal protector. Although originally bred as a protection dog he is not outwardly aggressive and displays a steady temperament and loyal character. He is very reliable in temperament unless ordered to attack. Contrary to what is stated in some sources the Neapolitan Mastiff has no fighting breed ancestry and was never pitted against other animals or dogs. The Mastino is far too humble and would rather spend his time lying by your side. It is certainly not a dog for everyone but you could not ask for a more faithful companion.


See also:
English Mastiff
French Mastiff
Argentinean Mastiff
Brazilian Mastiff
Japanese Mastiff
Custom Search
Molossser breeds
Dogo argentino
Tosa Inu
Bulldog breeds
Japanese dog breeds


Catherine Marien-de Luca for Dog Breeds of the World 2004-2009 © All rights reserved by
DogBreedsoftheWorld.org and Dogbreeds.bulldoginformation.com
Photos (except history photos) courtesy of A.P. van Doremalen, Kennel of the Thatchroof.
.
.
.
Dog Breeds of the World > Guard dogs, Molossers and Italian dog breeds > Neapolitan Mastiff
Related Pages
Dog Breeds of the World 2004-2009 © All rights reserved www.dogbreedsoftheworld.org and Dogbreeds.bulldoginformation.com.
Original idea, design and development by C. Marien-de Luca. Photos of the Dog Breeds of the World sphere of flags by Mark Stay.
No part of canininformationlibrary.com may be copied, distributed, printed or reproduced on another website without the owner's written permission.
Recommended Books
About Dog Breeds of the World: About us | History | Privacy | Copyright | Contact
Training Dogs:
For Protection Work
by Fred Mandilk
More information:

An Owner's Guide Raising your Pet Protector
An Owner's Guide to Raising Your Pet Protector
by Lori Berg, Michael ''Gypsy'' Stratten
More information:

Training Dogs for Protection Work
Neapolitan Mastiff:
A Comprehensive Owner's Guide
(Kennel Club Dog Breed Series)
(Hardcover)
by Carol Paulsen
More information:

PIT BULLS & TENACIOUS GUARD DOGS
byDR. Carl Semencic
contains a piece about the Neapolitan Mastiff
More information:
Zibilla of the Thatch Roof

Neapolitan mastiffs (black and mahagony)
Photo by Callalloo Canis
Zeus of the Thatch Roof

Araya of the Thatch Roof