Characteristics of Neapolitan Mastiff (Breed Profile)

The Neapolitan mastiff is a medium to large-sized dog with a broad back and a square head. This breed has been developed over the years by selective breeding of various mastiff types from Europe and Asia. The ancestors of today's Neapolitan mastiff were farm dogs that had to work hard on farms and in vineyards. These dogs were required to have great stamina, strength, and persistence. But their working lives also exposed these dogs to extreme temperatures, strong winds, and heavy rain that could render them dangerous or unpredictable when not under control. On the other hand, it is believed that these Mastiffs were originally used as guard dogs for remote farms of the Neapolitan area in southern Italy where they still remain popular today as watchdogs due to their protective nature against livestock theft and other criminal elements.

The appearance of a Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan mastiff should be a large, broad-chested dog that should never be mistaken for a smaller mastiff type. This breed stands from 27 to 30 inches (69-76 cm) at the withers, or shoulder height. The Neapolitan mastiff is a sturdy dog with a broad muscular build, which makes it an excellent guard and herding dog, but it can also be a very good family dog if raised correctly. The head of the Neapolitan mastiff is triangular and square in shape, which gives the impression of an aggressive personality. The muzzle has a prominent nose and is black in color. The eyes of these dogs are dark and almond-shaped, with a serene expression. The coat of the Neapolitan mastiff is short and very dense, and while it can be any color, it is most often a tricolor of black, grey, and tan.

Characteristics of the Neapolitan Mastiff Breed

• Medium to large-sized dog
• Built for strength and protection
• Broad muscular build
• Broad back and shoulders and a triangular head
• Dark brown or black coat color with tan markings
• Calm, confident, and protective personality
• Strong and protective with a high prey drive
• Extremely active and intelligent
• Excellent for watchdog and guarding
• Very combative with aggressors
• Very protective with families
• Strong will and intelligence
• Has a strong need for human companionship
• Loves to be clean
• Very protective with his family
• Very protective with children
• Very protective with other animals
• Highly intelligent and trainable
• High exercise needs
• High maintenance and food costs
• Aids with training
• Potential for aggression with other animals
• May suffer from separation anxiety
• May bark excessively
• May be difficult to housebreak
• May be difficult to calm down
• May be destructive with chewing
• May be dangerous around water
• May be difficult to control
• May have behavioral problems later in life

Health Concerns for the Neapolitan Mastiff Breed

• Serious health concerns include cryptorchidism (undescended testicles), a liver shunt, hypothyroidism, and PVD (pedigree or inherited disease).
• The Neapolitan mastiff is the largest of the mastiff breeds and is susceptible to certain health conditions found in large-bodied dogs. These conditions are not common in smaller breeds, so they are important to know about.
• Hip Dysplasia is a common health concern for the Neapolitan mastiff. Hip dysplasia is a congenital condition in which the hip joints are out of alignment, resulting in lameness and arthritis. Although the condition does not affect the dog's everyday ability to move, it can cause pain and arthritis when a dog is younger than the average age of 10 years. Even though it is possible to breed out hip dysplasia in dogs, it is a genetic condition that can be passed on from parent to offspring. If your Neapolitan mastiff is young (under 6 years old) and has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia by a qualified veterinarian, you may want to consider having his or her hips checked by a genetic testing company to detect whether it is genetically inherited.

Popularity of the Neapolitan Mastiff Breed

The Neapolitan mastiff ranks among the most popular large-sized dog breeds in the world. This is likely due to his protective nature and sometimes aggressive temperament towards intruders and new situations. He has been used as a guard dog, herding dog, and a sport dog, which has contributed to his high profile and popularity.

The Neapolitan mastiff can make a good family dog due to its protective nature, but he is best suited to a home where there are no small children present. A Neapolitan mastiff is a powerful and athletic dog that is very protective of his family from all perceived threats. Neapolitan mastiffs are very intelligent dogs that make good watchdogs and guardians. This breed should not be left unsupervised when indoors for more than a few minutes.

Bred for Protection and Hunting Ability

The Mastiff is one of the oldest breeds of dog, originating in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The mastiff is a large, powerful dog with a protective nature towards its owner and their property. The mastiff is a highly valued breed and has been used throughout history for many different jobs, including guarding, hunting, and fighting.

The Neapolitan mastiff is a heavily-built breed that originally came from working farms in Southern Italy. These dogs were required to have great stamina, strength, and persistence, which made them ideal for farm work, guarding remote areas, and hunting wild boar.

The Neapolitan mastiff has many of the traits of the mastiff, but he also possesses the rugged build and protective nature of the Neapolitan mastiff. This breed was bred to protect rural areas, farm property, and the owners themselves.

Conclusion

The Neapolitan mastiff is a large and powerful dog that was developed over the years by selective breeding of various mastiff types from Europe and Asia. The ancestors of today's Neapolitan mastiff were farm dogs that had to work hard on farms and in vineyards. These dogs were required to have great stamina, strength, and persistence. But their working lives also exposed these dogs to extreme temperatures, strong winds, and heavy rain that could render them dangerous or unpredictable when not under control.

The Neapolitan mastiff is a strong, confident, and protective breed that can make an excellent family dog due to his protective nature towards his family and property. The Neapolitan mastiff can make a good watchdog and guard dog, but he is best suited to a home where there are no small children present.