Neapolitan Mastiff

Working Group

Neapolitan Mastiff standing against white background

Height at Shoulders

Females 24-19 in, Males 26-31 in

Weight

Females ~110 lbs, Males ~150 lbs

Life Expectancy

7-9 yrs

History

The Neapolitan Mastiff, like other molosser-types, is an ancient breed. Molosser-type dogs can be traced back to 3000 BCE as artifacts from this time from Egypt, Persia, Mesopotamia and Asia depict the dogs. It is likely that the Neapolitan Mastiff's ancestors were used by King Porus in the war against Alexander The Great. Alexander the Great was impressed with these dogs, bringing some back to Greece with him. The Roman Emperor Paolo Emilio then brought some of these dogs back to Rome with him after a military campaign, where they were then used as fighting dogs in the Colosseum. As these giant dogs were being passed around, they were being crossed with other breeds such as mastiffs from England. Once some of these dogs found their way to Italy, breeders in the Neapolitan area selected for traits that would make for a good home guardian. They produced the Neapolitan Mastiff who has proved itself worthy as a brave and devoted guard dog.

Breed Characteristics

While not all Neapolitan Mastiffs share the exact same personality and temperament, there are certain generalizations that can be made about the breed. In addition to genetics, a dog’s environment, training, socialization, and many other factors all contribute to their personality and behavior.

Intelligence

Affection Towards Family

Friendliness Towards Strangers

Friendliness Towards Other Dogs

Exercise Needs

★★★☆☆

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★☆☆☆☆

★★☆☆☆

★★★☆☆

Energy Level

Sensitivity

Noise Level

Prey Drive

Shedding

★★★☆☆

★☆

★☆☆☆☆

★☆☆☆☆

★★★☆☆

Intelligence

★★★☆☆


Affection Towards Family

★★★★★


Friendliness Towards Strangers

★☆☆☆☆


Friendliness Towards Other Dogs

★★☆☆☆


Exercise Needs

★★★☆☆


Energy Level

★☆☆


Sensitivity

★★★★☆


Noise Level

★☆☆☆☆


Prey Drive

★☆☆☆


Shedding

★☆

Common Traits

Very affectionate with family and thrive on companionship

Known to be a little clumsy

Prone to flatulence and heavy drooling

Very protective of family and are quick to defend but are not aggressive

Generally laid-back when at home, but can be rowdy during puppyhood

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