Neapolitan Mastiff
Working Group

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
★★★☆☆
★★★★★
★☆☆☆☆
★★☆☆☆
★★★☆☆
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
The Most Comprehensive Dog DNA Tests On The Market
Full Breed Analysis Test Kit
$89.99
- 164 breeds
- 36 genetic markers associated with 5 of the most common health traits:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Multiple Drug Resistance 1
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Breed, Behavior, and Health Lite
$119.99
- 164 breeds
- 75 genetic markers associated with 32 of the most common health conditions including:
- Von Willebrand Disease, Type 1, 2, and 3
- Epilepsy
- Deafness
- Primary Closed Angle Glaucoma
- Primary Open Angle Glaucoma
- 19 behavior traits including:
- Separation Anxiety
- Excitability
- Noise fear
Breed, Behavior, and Health PLUS
$149.99
- Our Most Popular Kit
- Combines Full Breed + Complete Health Kits
- 164 breeds
- 322 genetic markers associated with 183 health conditions including:
- 7 Types of Cancer
- 6 Forms of Ataxia
- Haemophilia A and B
- 9 Types of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
- Coronary Artery Disease
- 19 behavior traits including:
- Separation Anxiety
- Excitability
- Noise fear
Complete Health and Behavior
$109.99
- Over 322 genetic markers associated with 183 health conditions:
- 7 Types of Cancer
- 6 Forms of Ataxia
- Haemophilia A and B
- 9 Types of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
- Coronary Artery Disease
- 19 behavior traits including:
- Separation Anxiety
- Noise fear
- Excitability