Neapolitan Mastiff Dog Breed Information
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Expensive *
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Star
Superstar
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Rare
Easy to get
Introduction
The giant, lumbering Neapolitan Mastiff has inspired awe throughout history. Don’t let that gait mislead you into mistaking this breed for a slow, lazy one; this is the confidence they have in the power of their stride. That said, Neos do have one little identity crisis: their affectionate nature often leads them to believe that they are massive lap dogs. For a well brought up Neo, no lap is small enough to curl up in, no human tiny enough to cuddle up to. Neos are a family’s unwavering guarding, with stares more fearful than their intentions. They are quick to protect their family, but are rarely fearsome without good reason.
History
Often referred to as ‘the big dog of the little man’, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a large piece of history that seems to have simply lumbered into the present. Their ancestry is thought to date back to 3000 BCE, the beginning of the Bronze Age. Mastiff-type dogs have existed for millennia and the first mastiffs are believed to have been developed in Tibet about 5,000 years ago. The giant dogs were bred to be used in battle and as guard dogs, both tasks well suited to their loyal personality and natural guarding instincts. The dog we now know as the Neapolitan Mastiff was developed in Naples, Italy, from which region the breed gets its name. The massive size helped with intimidation, the loose folds of skin protected them from attacks and the natural loyalty of the breed was developed to grow their guarding instinct along with their ability to love and protect their families. Piero Scanziani, the Italian painter, is credited with the Neos’ present-day popularity. After World War II, the Neo might have faded into oblivion but for a chance visit that Scanziani made to a dog show in Naples in 1946. In that moment, the painter recognised the breed as a remnant of the Roman Empire, perhaps a descendant of the mastiffs of Epirus. Scanziani took an immediate interest in the breed and worked to make it more popular, starting the first kennel for Neos in Naples and also writing the breed standard.
Unique Aspects
The Neo’s most defining feature is its numerous luscious folds of skin. This may be a challenge while grooming, but adds to that wise, all-knowing aura of this brave dog. When you’ve gotten over the Neo’s coat, you will arrive at a puddle of drool that will keep you occupied for a lot of the Neo’s life. Cleanliness freaks need not apply to live with a Neo. The deep muzzle with the overhanging flesh produces a constant supply of excess saliva. Like quite a few of the giant breeds, the Neo does not need lots of exercise. They are slow moving dogs and definitely need their daily walks, but this breed does not prefer to run for miles or play endless games of fetch. They make great guard dogs, although they are not quick to bite or physically harm strangers. Neos are known to be silent, stealthy dogs that are more capable of creeping up unbeknownst to an intruder than barking a warning ahead of appearing in all their massive glory.
Fun Trivia
Although Fang from the Harry Potter novels is a boarhound, in the movie, he is a Neapolitan Mastiff. Several other movies – like Alan in Babe: Pig in the City, American Gangster, Dragon Heart and Hotel for Dogs – also feature this breed. Celebrity Neo Mastiff owners The Neo has a strange mix of famous owners, from petite Hollywood beauties, Gillian Anderson and Kate Hudson, to the military commander Hannibal and King Henry VIII.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group: Working Dogs
Height: 24-31 Inches
Weight: 50-70 Kg
Life Span: 9 to 10 years
Pros
- While walks are essential, they’re happy to lurk about a lawn or sprawl in the kitchen
- There stare is worse than their bark is worse than their bite! Even a sleeping Neo is a great guard dog because of size.
- Can easily be mistaken for large lap dogs.
- Love to cuddle and are full of affection.
Cons
- You’ll need a big house if a Neo’s got to be wandering around. Small spaces can frustrate them.
- Grooming will be time consuming even though Neos are not big shedders. Look out for those folds of flesh!
- They’re prone to bloat, which can sometimes be fatal.
