Neapolitan Mastiff Dog Breed Information

Group

Working

Weight

60-90 kg

Height

66-79 cm

Lifespan

8-10 years

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About the Neapolitan Mastiff

Reviewed by:

Dr. Liza Cahn

Veterinarian

If you are looking for a loyal companion and watchdog, a Neo Mastiff might be perfect for you!

Our breed guide will take you through this breed’s history, character traits, common medical concerns, and advice on how to best care for them. Keep reading to find out whether these gentle giants are the right fit for you and your family.

What is the history & origin of the Neapolitan Mastiff?

Originally bred in southern Italy as guard dogs, dating back to the Roman Empire, Neo Mastiffs are one of the world’s oldest breeds and therefore have quite a fascinating history.

Some stories claim that Alexander the Great was the first Neapolitan Mastiff Breeder and made the Neos into what they are today through cross-breeding with his war dogs. The dogs were then used to fight (humans, lions, and large game) and guard the estates.

Even though they are such an ancient breed, Mastiffs almost became extinct at the end of World War II, and weren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club as a breed until 2004. Today, the breed is admired for its loyal and gentle temperament, continuing to serve as a beloved family companion and an effective watchdog.

What is a Neapolitan Mastiff breed?

The Neapolitan Mastiff (commonly known as Neos) is a large and powerful dog. Characterized by loose, sagging skin, especially around the face, this giant breed’s massive head and droopy eyes give it a distinctive look.

The coat of the Neapolitan Mastiff is dense and short, commonly found in shades of brown, grey, black, blue, fawn red, and brindle. Small white markings may be present on the chest and toes. Their muscular build contrasts with their gentle and affectionate temperament, which is often loyal and protective towards family members.

Despite their intimidating appearance, Neapolitan Mastiffs are referred to as “gentle giants.” They are keen protectors of their home but are typically calm and reserved, displaying aggression only when a genuine threat is perceived.

Loving and devoted to their families, Neapolitan Mastiffs may be somewhat aloof or wary around strangers. They require a spacious living environment and an owner who is experienced in the care and training needs of large dog breeds.

Who is a Neapolitan Mastiff best for?

The Neapolitan Mastiff is best suited for experienced dog owners who understand the specific training and socialization needs of large breeds. This loyal and protective companion requires a spacious living environment, making a home with a yard or access to open areas ideal.

Known for its guarding instincts, the Neapolitan Mastiff is an excellent choice for those seeking a watchdog, displaying gentle behavior with family members but often wary of strangers. While they need regular exercise to maintain health, they are often content with a more low-energy lifestyle, making them suitable for those looking for a relaxed companion.

Regular care, including cleaning their skin folds and managing shedding, is essential to keep them healthy. They are also prone to drooling, so be sure to have a towel or cloth handy! Their size and shedding might make them less suitable for homes with pet allergies or small pets, and their imposing stature might be best matched with families with older or more considerate children.

Neapolitan Mastiff Grooming & Shedding

Thanks to their short hair, Neos do not require a lot of grooming; however, their dense coat makes them shed quite a bit. That, accompanied by the drool, can be a turn off for some prospective owners.

They do not need to be bathed often, only if you feel they are dirty or smelly. Be sure to use a dog shampoo and dry them thoroughly.

Regular nail trimming and teeth brushing is also advised. Additionally, it is important to make sure that their folds of skin are kept clean and dry at all times to avoid infections or skin irritations.

Do Neapolitan Mastiffs bark a lot?

Despite their history as watchdogs, Neapolitan Mastiffs do not bark as much as some other breeds. They will likely only alert you if there is danger or strangers are approaching the home.

What is the average weight & height of a Neapolitan Mastiff dog?

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a giant dog breed, and its weight and height reflect its impressive size.

Weight: Adult Neapolitan Mastiffs typically weigh between 50 to 68 kilograms for females and 60 to 90 kilograms for males. Some exceptionally large males may weigh even more.

Height: Females usually stand around 61 to 74 centimeters tall at the shoulder, while males typically range from 66 to 79 centimeters.

Are Neapolitan Mastiffs easy to train?

Owning such a powerful and large dog is a huge responsibility and requires an experienced owner committed to training and socialization from an early age.

These sometimes head-strong dogs require significant work – especially focusing on basic manners and loose-leash walking. Patience is an absolute must when training a Neo Mastiff, as well as reward-based exercises, to gain your dog’s trust. Despite their large size, they are surprisingly sensitive.

Socialisation is very important for a Neapolitan Mastiff, as they are territorial and can sometimes be aggressive towards other dogs.

How do Neapolitan Mastiffs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

These loyal dogs are very affectionate towards their owners, making them really family-friendly dogs. Despite an impressive and sometimes intimidating appearance, a Neo Mastiff is an absolute gentle giant.

A Neo is a keen protector of their home and an excellent guard dog. They can be wary with strangers and are not necessarily fond of other unknown dogs, but they are absolute sweethearts with their family and loved ones.

While Neo puppies are very playful, as they grow older, Neos become very calm and almost lazy. Neapolitan Mastiffs love to nap on the lawn in the sun rather than running around the whole time. However, they do still require 15-30 minutes of daily exercise to keep healthy and fit.

Does the Neapolitan Mastiff have any common health issues?

The Neopolitan Mastiff is similar to other giant dog breeds, and can be prone to several health problems in their short life span.

Orthopedic Issues: These giant dogs are prone to various joint problems due to their size, which can lead to discomfort and mobility challenges.
Hip Dysplasia: A hereditary condition affecting the hip joint, leading to arthritis and pain. Symptoms include limping and difficulty with movement.
Elbow Dysplasia: This condition involves abnormalities in the elbow joint, causing lameness and chronic pain, which may require surgical intervention.
Arthritis: Large breeds like the Neapolitan Mastiff often develop osteoarthritis as they age, necessitating weight management and a proper diet.
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (Bloat): A life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, requiring immediate veterinary attention. Preventive measures include feeding smaller meals and avoiding vigorous activity around mealtimes.
Cherry Eye: This occurs when the third eyelid gland prolapses, causing swelling and redness, often needing surgical correction.

What is the lifespan of a Neapolitan Mastiff?

This unique breed matures slowly and has a relatively long puppyhood. Like other giant breeds, Mastiffs have a shorter lifespan, generally between 8-10 years.

How much does a Neapolitan Mastiff need to be fed?

You should work together with your trusted veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to decide the most appropriate food for your pup. These large dogs require a lot of food to maintain their size and strength without straining their bones and joints.

When choosing a diet, look for WSAVA and AAFCO seals of approval, indicating that the food is complete and balanced. It is also important to feed a giant breed puppy food to your growing Mastiff. Avoid boutique foods like raw and grain-free, which have been linked to infections and heart disease.

Most owners feed two meals per day after puppyhood, with the amount depending on your dog’s diet, size, and activity level. You can give your dog quality treats in moderation, especially during training, but avoid feeding table scraps as this could be unhealthy and also result in unwanted begging behaviour. Additionally, fresh water should always be available.

As with many large deep chested breeds, bloat (twisting of the stomach also known as gastric dilitation and volvulus or GDV) is possible, so feeding smaller more frequent meals, encouraging eating slowly, and avoiding exercise after meals is recommended.

How much can you expect to pay for a Neapolitan Mastiff in Australia?

Being a relatively rare dog, Neo Mastiffs do not come cheap, and depending on the breeder you should expect to pay between $2,500 to $6,000 for a Neapolitan Mastiff puppy in Australia.

Furthermore, you should consider that this breed’s size requires a lot of food and supplies. Ongoing costs for food, veterinary care, grooming, training, and other necessities should also be factored into your budget.

Always make sure that you acquire your Mastiff from a reputable breeder who is part of the Neapolitan Mastiff Club. Your breeder must follow responsible breeding practices and utilize appropriate testing and veterinary care to contribute to the health and temperament of their puppies. For this breed recommended testing includes hip and elbow evaluation, ophthalmologist exam, and cardiac exam.

Adopting a dog through an animal shelter or breed-specific rescue is another excellent option.

Neapolitan Mastiff FAQs

What’s the difference between a Neapolitan Mastiff and Cane Corso?

Even though they both originate in Italy and can look fairly similar, a Neo has far more wrinkly skin and is larger in size. The Corso is more athletic with a smaller head and very pointy ears compared to the Mastiff.

Their personalities also differ immensely. While a Neo is a very affectionate, quiet, relatively stubborn, and protective breed, a Cane Corso is a much more cheerful and active dog.

Are Neapolitan Mastiffs good for first-time dog owners?

A large and powerful breed such as a Neo Mastiff is generally not recommended for first-time dog owners, as they require an experienced trainer able to manage their strength and sometimes stubborn nature.

Do all Neapolitan Mastiffs have wrinkles?

Their wrinkles are some of their most famous characteristics! Mastiffs have lots of loose skin, especially around their head, causing them to have their infamous wrinkles. The wrinkles develop and become more prominent as puppies grow.