Neapolitan Mastiff Dog Guide: Personality, Care, and Health Tips

General characteristics of the Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large, majestic breed known for its strong body and wrinkled skin. These dogs are very muscular and perfect for guarding and protection duties. They are loyal and protective and can be excellent family companions if properly trained and socialized from a young age.

In addition, its appearance is impressive. The Neapolitan Mastiff’s coat is short, hard, and especially dense. Its coat creates a layer that covers the large wrinkles that characterize it and protects it from the elements. Its hair is not remarkable compared to other physical characteristics of this breed, such as the size of its head.  

Read on to find out more about this amazing breed!

Discover its origin and history

The history of the Neapolitan Mastiff dates back thousands of years. It is believed that the Phoenicians were the ones who dispersed this breed throughout Europe. In the 5th century BC, Julius Caesar found dogs with similar characteristics during his campaign in the British Isles and brought some of them to Rome. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the descendants of these dogs adopted the names of the places where they resided.

At that time, Neapolitan Mastiffs were used as weapons of war and protectors of the home. They also participated in circus shows , fighting alongside other beasts.

The Neapolitan Mastiff was kept as a guard dog in Neapolitan households for centuries. In 1949, Piero Scanziani, along with other breeders, wrote the breed standard. Although there were debates as to whether it should be called the Neapolitan Mastiff or the Roman Molosser, it was eventually officially recognized as a Neapolitan Mastiff by the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana.

Types of Neapolitan Mastiff

Being a dog with such an ancient tradition, several official bloodlines have been recognized within the Neapolitan Mastiff family:

• From Ponzano
• From Gheno
• From Fossombrone
• From Vittoriale
• From Castellaccio
• From Illimani
• From the street
• From Ponzo
• From the Sun

Neapolitan Mastiff Puppy Stage

The Neapolitan Mastiff is calmer than you might imagine from its size. It is a very homely puppy that can be wary of strangers due to its guard dog instincts. Proper socialization with other people and dogs from a very young age is essential for it to develop a balanced character.

During this stage, the Neapolitan Mastiff needs constant company, as it can become destructive if it spends too much time alone. Company and affection are very important for its correct growth. Education and positive training are essential for it to develop fully. In addition, intelligence games for dogs are highly recommended to promote their physical and intellectual development.

Character of the Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff has a strong, independent and loyal temperament. It is a dog that prefers to be at home and is naturally distrustful of strangers. Its behavior with other people and animals will depend largely on the socialization it receives during its puppy stage.

This dog is not prone to barking without reason and does not need as much physical activity as other breeds of its size. The Neapolitan Mastiff may not be aware of its large size, so it is important to supervise it around children, people outside the family, and other animals, even if it is sociable.

What is the best diet?

The Neapolitan Mastiff’s diet should be high quality, adapted to its age, and specific to large breeds. It is essential to provide a diet rich in protein, healthy fats and an adequate amount of calories to maintain its energy and muscle mass. It is recommended to divide food into several portions per day to help avoid digestive problems such as gastric torsion.

Health

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a generally hardy breed and is not known to be affected by many serious genetic diseases. A minor condition that can occur in the Neapolitan Mastiff is “cherry eye,” which is characterized by redness and swelling of the eye tissue. 

In addition, common diseases in large dogs must be taken into account :

• Joint problems develop quite frequently and hip dysplasia is the most common.
• Gastric torsion is also common in large dogs. To help prevent it, it is important to feed your dog from an elevated bowl and avoid feeding him just before or after strenuous physical activity. 

Essential care

Walk and exercise

The Neapolitan Mastiff does not need an intense physical activity routine, but its size requires daily movement. It is not advisable to take it for a walk at a fast pace; the ideal is to adapt to its pace and take long walks to keep it fit.

One of their favorite activities is swimming, as it allows them to exercise without feeling the weight of their body. We recommend that you read our post about swimming in dogs to learn more about its benefits and how to teach your furry friend to swim.

On the other hand, low-impact games such as tug-of-war or fetch games are also ideal for this breed. Due to their size, it is important to avoid activities that may put excessive pressure on their joints.

Hygiene

• Coat: Weekly brushing with a suitable brush will be enough to keep the Neapolitan Mastiff’s coat healthy and well-groomed. They do not tend to accumulate hair and do not have a double-layered coat, so they do not need special care in this area. During the hot months, you should avoid taking them out in high temperatures.
• Skin: Hydration is very important during the summer to avoid dryness. The large folds that characterize these dogs should be checked frequently since the accumulation of sweat can cause eczema or chafing.
• Other care: Weekly eye and ear checks are essential to ensure the health of your Neapolitan Mastiff. A routine using the necessary dog ​​hygiene products will help prevent the onset of infections and will allow any changes to be detected to prevent more serious problems.

Socialization and training

Due to their protective nature, it is important that they get used to different people, animals, and situations from puppyhood to avoid territorial behavior in adulthood. Training should be consistent and based on positive reinforcement. Due to their size and strength, it is essential that they learn basic obedience from an early age to ensure a safe and pleasant coexistence.

Adoption of a Neapolitan Mastiff

Adopting a Neapolitan Mastiff requires a long-term commitment due to its size and specific needs, so it is important to consider several factors before making the decision.

• They need enough space, they are not ideal for small apartments without enough exercise.
• They require daily exercise, socialization, constant training, and attention to their hygiene and health.
• Financial expenses include high-quality food, veterinary visits, hygiene products, and possible medical treatments.
• Previous experience with large, strong dogs is advisable; training and socialization should begin early.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Breed

Is the Neapolitan Mastiff suitable for families with children?

Yes, the Neapolitan Mastiff can be an excellent companion for families with children if properly socialized from an early age. They are loyal and protective dogs , but due to their size, it is important to supervise interactions with young children.

Is the Neapolitan Mastiff easy to train?

The Neapolitan Mastiff is intelligent and can be trained, but requires consistency and patience . It is important to use positive reinforcement methods and begin training as a puppy.

Is the Neapolitan Mastiff suitable for apartment living?

The Neapolitan Mastiff can adapt to apartment living if provided with sufficient daily exercise and room to move around. However, it is ideal to have a home with outdoor space so the dog can stretch out and move around comfortably.