The Neapolitan Mastiff is a massive, muscular guardian whose intimidating appearance has frightened intruders since ancient Rome. Mastino, who is wary of strangers, is kind, peaceful, and steadfast around loved ones. You’ve never seen anything like a Mastino unless you’ve been to Jurassic Park. These magnificent guardians, who have a stunning looks, are large, muscular dogs. The United States Neapolitan Mastiff Club characterizes their dog’s head as “astounding,” and they deserve kudos for coming up with just the perfect phrase. The numerous hanging wrinkles and creases, as well as the pendulous lips, give a Mastino the appearance of a marzipan Mastiff who has spent too much time in the sun. Nonetheless, the breed’s inner dignity and nobility can only be described as lovely.
Neapolitan Mastiff
dignified / loyal / watchful
Average sizes and life
expectancy of the breed.
Height
26-31 inches (male)
24-29 inches (female)
Weight
150 pounds (male)
110 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy
7-9 years
Breed Traits & Characteristics
Shedding Level
How much fur and hair you can expect the breed to leave behind. Breeds with high shedding will need to be brushed more frequently, are more likely to trigger certain types of allergies, and are more likely to require more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling.
Coat Grooming Frequency
How frequently a breed requires bathing, brushing, trimming, or other kinds of coat maintenance. Consider how much time, patience, and budget you have for this type of care when looking at the grooming effort needed. All breeds require regular nail trimming.
Drooling Level
How drool-prone a breed tends to be. If you're a neat freak, dogs that can leave ropes of slobber on your arm or big wet spots on your clothes may not be the right choice for you.
Coat Type
Corded
Curly
Double
Hairless
Rough
Silky
Smooth
Wavy
Wiry
Canine coats come in many different types, depending on the breed's purpose. Each coat type comes with different grooming needs, allergen potential, and shedding level. You may also just prefer the look or feel of certain coat types over others when choosing a family pet.
Coat Length
Long
Medium
Short
How long the breed's coat is expected to be. Some long-haired breeds can be trimmed short, but this will require additional upkeep to maintain.
Affectionate With Family
How affectionate a breed is likely to be with family members, or other people he knows well. Some breeds can be aloof with everyone but their owner, while other breeds treat everyone they know like their best friend.
Good With Young Children
A breed's level of tolerance and patience with childrens' behavior, and overall family-friendly nature. Dogs should always be supervised around young children, or children of any age who have little exposure to dogs.
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
How generally friendly a breed is towards other dogs. Dogs should always be supervised for interactions and introductions with other dogs, but some breeds are innately more likely to get along with other dogs, both at home and in public.
Shedding Level
How much fur and hair you can expect the breed to leave behind. Breeds with high shedding will need to be brushed more frequently, are more likely to trigger certain types of allergies, and are more likely to require more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling.
Coat Grooming Frequency
How frequently a breed requires bathing, brushing, trimming, or other kinds of coat maintenance. Consider how much time, patience, and budget you have for this type of care when looking at the grooming effort needed. All breeds require regular nail trimming.
Drooling Level
How drool-prone a breed tends to be. If you're a neat freak, dogs that can leave ropes of slobber on your arm or big wet spots on your clothes may not be the right choice for you.
Coat Type
Corded
Curly
Double
Hairless
Rough
Silky
Smooth
Wavy
Wiry
Canine coats come in many different types, depending on the breed's purpose. Each coat type comes with different grooming needs, allergen potential, and shedding level. You may also just prefer the look or feel of certain coat types over others when choosing a family pet.
Coat Length
Long
Medium
Short
How long the breed's coat is expected to be. Some long-haired breeds can be trimmed short, but this will require additional upkeep to maintain.
Openness To Strangers
How welcoming a breed is likely to be towards strangers. Some breeds will be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the location, while other breeds will be happy to meet a new human whenever one is around!
Playfulness Level
How enthusiastic about play a breed is likely to be, even past the age of puppyhood. Some breeds will continue wanting to play tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will be happy to just relax on the couch with you most of the time.
Watchdog/Protective Nature
A breed's tendency to alert you that strangers are around. These breeds are more likely to react to any potential threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds are likely to warm to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
Adaptability Level
How easily a breed handles change. This can include changes in living conditions, noise, weather, daily schedule, and other variations in day-to-day life.
Trainability Level
How easy it will be to train your dog, and how willing your dog will be to learn new things. Some breeds just want to make their owner proud, while others prefer to do what they want, when they want to, wherever they want!
Energy Level
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed needs. High energy breeds are ready to go and eager for their next adventure. They'll spend their time running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. Low energy breeds are like couch potatoes - they're happy to simply lay around and snooze.
Barking Level
How often this breed vocalizes, whether it's with barks or howls. While some breeds will bark at every passer-by or bird in the window, others will only bark in particular situations. Some barkless breeds can still be vocal, using other sounds to express themselves.
Mental Stimulation Needs
How much mental stimulation a breed needs to stay happy and healthy. Purpose-bred dogs can have jobs that require decision-making, problem-solving, concentration, or other qualities, and without the brain exercise they need, they'll create their own projects to keep their minds busy -- and they probably won't be the kind of projects you'd like.
About the Breed
What To Expect When Caring For a Neapolitan Mastiff
Owning a dog is not just a privilege; it’s a responsibility. They depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. When you take a dog into your life, you need to understand the commitment that dog ownership entails.
Health
Neapolitans are tough dogs in general. A common minor concern is "cherry eye," which happens when tissue in the corner of the eye gets red and irritated. There is no permanent damage in the great majority of cases. Despite the breed's outstanding wrinkles and loose skin, the majority of dogs do not have skin issues. There are some health issues that are frequent in big dogs that the breed is not immune to. Bloat is a potentially fatal illness that can affect all deep-chested canines. Its causes are unknown, but owners should be aware of the symptoms and know what to do if they occur. The Mastino, like all breeds, can develop hip dysplasia. Any health concerns should be discussed with the dog's breeder.
Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:
- Hip Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Exam
- Elbow Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
Grooming
Because the Neapolitan Mastiff has a short coat, a bath every now and then is all that is required. When necessary, check the eyes and ears and gently clean them with a damp cloth or paper towel. You will need to keep a towel nearby to dry the dog's face and lips (and yourself! ), especially after he eats or drinks. Short nails are recommended.
Exercise
Every dog should be able to run and romp on a regular basis, but don't emphasize running and quick turning because joints can be easily damaged. This is a large, strongly built breed that readily overheats, so exercise caution in hot weather. The Neo puppy may want to play longer than he should, therefore it is up to the owner to stop him before he becomes exhausted. Allowing him to go up and down stairs should be done with caution'many an eager puppy's knee has been hurt by a leap off a porch or a jump down those last few stairs. Many tug-of-war games or violent wrestling are not recommended by breed experts because the growing Mastino will quickly learn he is stronger than his smaller human friend.
Training
While most adults of the breed are calm, sleepy creatures, Neapolitan puppies are as active, curious, cute, and cuddly as any winsome toy puppy. Many individuals believe that the adolescent Neapolitan is a lively, powerful animal while awake. It is critical to train the Mastino while he is young, so that the necessary hierarchy is already in place for dealing with the strong, defiant teenage personality period. Most Neapolitans exhibit desirable laid-back adult-type demeanor by the age of three or four. Neapolitans do not respond well to severe training and require a supportive and rewarding environment. Be persistent and patient.
Nutrition
The Neapolitan Mastiff should thrive on high-quality dog food, whether purchased commercially or cooked at home with your veterinarian's supervision and consent. Any diet should be tailored to the age of the dog (puppy, adult, or senior). Because Neapolitan Mastiffs grow so quickly, experienced breeders recommend food that is slightly higher in fat and lower in protein. Do not use calcium supplements. If you have any concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet, consult with your veterinarian. At all times, clean, fresh water should be available.
History
If Mastinos appear to be weird visitors from antiquity, it’s because they are. Artifacts from numerous ancient civilizations portraying Mastino-like canines suggest that the breed dates back to 700 BC. They found work as battle dogs, gladiators, and guardians in the Roman Empire, where their bestial appearance and massive size were designed to inspire dread in their opponents. Those characteristics are still frightening enough to send an unwelcome intruder running for the hills today.
