Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff is an Italian molosser — a massive guardian draped in loose, heavy wrinkles and folds, built to impress and to protect.

History

It descends from the great mastiffs of the ancient world, kept in southern Italy as a guardian of home and farm, its imposing bulk and abundant loose skin selected to make it a formidable deterrent. It is a dog of presence, defending by intimidation rather than pursuit.

Temperament

The breed is known for being calm, loyal and deeply protective, devoted to its family and wary of strangers. It is steady and dignified, but its guarding instinct and stubborn streak make early socialising and firm, gentle handling essential.

Care and training

It needs only moderate exercise, with care not to over-work a heavy youngster, and the folds and wrinkles need regular cleaning to head off infection. The breed drools, is sensitive to heat, and asks for patient, consistent training.

Health

The loose skin and great bulk bring real burdens: eyelid faults, skin-fold infections, hip and elbow dysplasia, heart conditions and bloat, and the breed has one of the shortest lifespans of any dog. These are known patterns for the breed and a matter for the individual dog and its vet; the measured facts are in the panel.