What Is a Neapolitan Mastiff?

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a vast, domineering dog with beastie looks. Characterized by loose skin, imposing size, and thick facial wrinkles, the guardian breed exhibits a frightening appearance that might leave you in shock at first sight. While looks are deceiving, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a unique, gentle dog that requires total care and attention.

Once you are through the shock of the first impression, you’ll get to understand how it’s loving and devoted to their family. Furthermore, their favorite activity is relaxing at home, but regular walks will keep their joints and weight.

The History of the Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan mastiff lying on the floor - The Proud Italian

The Neapolitan is a massive dog whose ancestors existed over a thousand years ago. It originated from central Italy, intending to be used as a guard- and regular dog. Furthermore, the dog underwent several modifications and developments. This breed was developed in Naples, a city found in southern Italy.

The species aimed to act as a watchdog during attacks and become loving and loyal towards the family. The Italian Mastiff was then taken to Naples Show by Piere Sconziana in 1946. Later on, he decided to do further modifications on the same breed, thus being recognized by the Lateral dog registry.

Is a Neapolitan Mastiff a Good Family Dog?

If you want to add one more member to your family, consider Neapolitan Mastiffs. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are naturally intelligent and protective animals. The mastiff breeds are good family pets. If raised properly, they end up giving their family unconditional love, but at the same time, they can harm strangers.

The colossal size accompanied by their fearless attitude might scare away unwanted visitors or dogs that they are not familiar with. Moreover, they are not good in homes with toddlers as they can get harmed for being too grabby. Remember, every dog has a unique personality; therefore, adults should supervise playdates between mastiffs and toddlers.

Although Neapolitan mastiff puppies are harmless, the adult ones need supervision. If you give the giant puppies more cuddles, you will create a strong bond and be able to live peacefully with them. On the other hand, the dogs can’t tolerate loneliness as they will develop anxiety. To help them, spend some extra time with them while at home.

Are Neapolitan Mastiffs Very Aggressive?

Neapolitan mastiff in the field - The Proud Italian

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a quiet, friendly, calm, and watchful animal. Sometimes they tend to release their character depending on the surrounding. For instance, the dog might be docile to people it knows and dangerous to strangers.

That is why it can be aggressive and non-aggressive. The supersized mastiff dog is non-aggressive to people it knows, including its family, and that is why socialization plays a vital role in a Mastinos life.

Mastiffs need to be exposed to different kinds of people, including strangers. If not, they might develop attitudes such as fear and shyness, and when this happens, they might harm a person. Another alternative is to take them on outings or vacations.

This will help them get exposed to different environments and distinguish between the good and the bad. It will also help you know if your pets can control themselves when near strange things or people.

Interesting Facts About the Dog Breed

Neapolitan mastiff puppy - The Proud Italian

The Massive dog is an energetic, docile, friendly, and powerful animal. Its calmness and giant body size make it suitable to be a guard and family dog.

They cannot tolerate hot and cold climates

The Neos are great animals to keep, but they require maximum care and protection for them to survive. They are intolerant to cold and hot climatic conditions because the temperature keeps on changing. Therefore, it is best to keep them in a warm area.

The name came from its original place

The place of origin or mastiffs was a city found in southern Italy called Naples. From this city is where the name “Neapolitan” came into existence.

An Italian Painter rescued the breed

After existing for an extended period, the war dog was close to becoming extinct. Luckily, an Italian by the name of Piero Sconziana came to the rescue. He took care of the breed, and later on, the population increased.

Their loose skin served a great purpose

Mastiffs are known for having wrinkled and loose skin. But in the past, they served a grim purpose. For instance, wrinkled skin provides protection when danger comes.

They are fearless

These pups are immensely fearless as they don’t entertain strangers. Similarly, they have sharp claws to protect themselves, so they are not fit to play around small grabby children since they can get aggressive.

Neapolitan mastiff with owner - The Proud Italian

They are sometimes known as lap dogs

Apart from being called Neos and Mastinos, they have also been termed lap dogs since they love sitting on their owner’s lap. Neos are friendly and calm animals when treated right. They also love cuddles from their loved ones but hate being mishandled and lonely places.

They have different names

Having a mastiff size, the dogs have several nicknames like Italian Molosso, Napolitano, Mastino, and Can’E Presa.

They are prone to health problems

Almost every breed of the dog is prone to certain health conditions like Cherry Eye and Bloat.

They are highly protective

The dogs provide security to their master and behind the guarded farm and flock. 

The Neapolitan Mastiff Today

Mastino Napolitano is an exceptional Italian breed descending from the traditional guard dogs of central parts of Italy. Today, the Mastiff breed is termed the giant dog. Being pure-breed dogs, they are comfortable in a place where all their needs are taken care of. 

However, their massive size makes them not fit to stay in an apartment as they require more space to move around.

Neapolitan Mastiff sitting - The Proud Italian

 Apart from that, today’s Mastiff exhibits the following characteristics:

  • They have weird habits like flatulence, snorting, drooling, and grunting.
  • Don’t tolerate loneliness.
  • They are kid-friendly, especially when they are puppies.
  • They are playful. 

The Pros and Cons

The unique creature has both advantages and advantages. The good things about them are as follows;

The pro’s

  • They are good guard dogs as they are massive and intimidating.
  • Easy to exercise since they have a massive physique.
  • They are willing to protect the family and property.
  • They are friendly to family members.
  • They are protective.
  • They don’t require a lot of grooming.

The cons

  • They take up a lot of space as they require adequate space to thrive.
  • They don’t tolerate hot and cold weather.
  • They need consistent training for adaptability and easy management by the owner.
  • They drool, grunt, snort a lot and produce weird voices.

The Final Bark

Neapolitan Mastiffs are among the giant Italian dog breeds in the world. They are usually grey, lead grey or black. Weighing 150 pounds, they can live up to ten years. Keeping the beautiful dogs is gorgeous, but it can also be mind-blowing

The dogs love cuddles and are much comfortable around their loved ones. 

On the other hand, they are top-notch guard dogs, thus fierce to strangers. If you are a new or wannabe owner and feel that these characteristics are similar to your lifestyle, go for the Neapolitan Mastiff.