Neapolitan Mastiff

This massive, ponderous breed has the dubious honor of having the highest number of chins, but don't let the drooping expression fool you - the Neapolitan Mastiff is a protective and alert guard dog.

History:

The Neapolitan Mastiff, also known as the Mastino Napoletano, is an ancient breed derived from the Molossus which has been protecting owners' property in southern Italy since 100 BC. The original Molossus dogs were brought to Rome to fight in the Colosseum, although they were never as belligerent as some other specialist fighting breeds. Neapolitans were useful as draft animals and were often pressed into service pulling carts. They were never a popular dog and by the early 1900s they had almost disappeared. In 1946, a painter called Piero Scanziani was responsible for starting a breeding kennel of Neapolitans and is credited with much of the breed's revival.

Physical characteristics:

Like most of the Mastiff breeds, the Neapolitan Mastiff is an immense dog. Its characteristic wrinkled and folded skin gives it the appearance of a small hippopotamus. The Neapolitan is slightly shorter than it is long, although it is by no means a short dog. Height: 26 - 29 in (65 - 75 cm). Weight: 110 - 150 lb (50 - 68 kg).

The head is very large, and appears even bigger with its folds of skin on the top and sides of the muzzle. The dewlap, or neck skin, is extremely loose and hangs down almost to the chest. The ears are small and when left uncropped, fall forward close to the cheeks. The eyes, that are partially obscured by loose haws (eyelids), are medium-sized and usually dark in color. The head sits on a short, thick, muscular neck which is attached to a strong stocky body. The legs are columnar and strong, and they too have some loose skin around the feet. The coat is short and dense with a fine texture. The five colors are black, blue, gray, mahogany, and brindle.

Behavior:

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a classic gentle giant. It is a powerful dog with an air of supreme confidence about it. Looking at this dog's eyes, you gain the impression that it has seen everything before and is happy to tolerate almost anything. Yet it would be a very foolhardy individual who would try to enter a property with a Neapolitan Mastiff on guard. It is wise to gain the psychological edge over this dog well before it reaches full size. Just the everyday managing of a dog this size can be rather tiresome if it is not trained to be obedient from the beginning. This Mastiff should be provided with enough space to be comfortable, and be given regular exercise to keep it in top form. It is helpful to allow this dog a period of training before it is taken out over longer distances.