The Neapolitan Mastiff is a magnificent watch dog and guard dog. A very serious and scary looking dog that was bred to protect and fight. Males can be more aggressive, especially if they are intact. They are very trainable and need early, serious obedience training. They are good with older, considerate children that are part of the family. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog. Be wary of trusting the Neapolitan Mastiff with other pets and dogs.



*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Neapolitan Mastiff is 25 to 30 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 150 to 185 pounds. The female ranges from 23 to 27 inches to the withers and 145 to 165 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Neapolitan Mastiff is no exception. Be on the look out for cherry eye (cured through minor surgery), Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), bone cancer, heart disease and growing pains when under 18 months old.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Neapolitan Mastiff has a short, hard, uniform length, dense coat. The breed sheds and loose hair can be removed with a rubber brush.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Neapolitan Mastiff can live between 9 and 10 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Neapolitan Mastiff comes from Italy where they were used as war dogs, hunters and dog fighters. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 2001.

Some Registries:

*United States Neapolitan Mastiff Club

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 6 to 12 Neapolitan Mastiff puppies

Category: Miscellaneous, Working, Mastiff

Terms To Describe: Calm, wary, loyal, powerful, majestic, lumbering, astounding, gigantic.

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

Good watch dog.

Good guard dog.

Learns very fast.

Very protective.

Pain tolerant.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Must be well obedience trained.

Must be in control in public.

Can be a one person dog.

Tend to slobber and drool.

Males, especially intact, tend to be aggressive.

*Other Names Known By: Mastino, Neo, Mastino Napoletano

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.