The Neapolitan Mastiff is an ancient Italian breed that is known for its large size and wrinkly face. While affectionate with their masters, these dogs have been bred over centuries to serve as guard dogs and will protect their family and home. Even so, these loyal dogs are lovable and affectionate. Learn more to find out if the Neapolitan Mastiff is the perfect canine pal to join your family.
Characteristics of Neapolitan Mastiffs
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a stocky, heavy-boned breed with a large head. This is a large dog that has loose skin all over its body, as well as hanging folds of skin and wrinkles on its face. This massive dog has an unmistakable and intimidating appearance as it was bred to be a guard dog and defender.
When it comes to Neapolitan Mastiff size, males range from 26 to 31 inches in height at the shoulders and weigh around 150 pounds. Females stand between 24 and 29 inches at the shoulders and weigh around 110 pounds. They have powerful bodies and a lumbering way of moving. Neapolitan Mastiffs, also called Mastinos, have a rectangular body as their length is 10 to 15 percent more than their height.
The Neapolitan Mastiff has a short, smooth coat that sheds moderately. The coat can vary in color: black, blue, mahogany, or tawny. Mastiffs have deep-set eyes, a deep chest, and a wide back. Their heavy lips meet under the nostrils, forming an inverted v-shape. Since this dog is so big, the average Neapolitan Mastiff lifespan is between 7 to 9 years.
One of the most famous Neapolitan Mastiff traits is their ability to protect and be a good watchdog. Because of this, your Mastino might be aggressive towards other people and dogs. However, this breed is known to be very loving and affectionate towards its family. Trusting and loyal, your Mastiff will be devoted to you.
Caring for Neapolitan Mastiffs
As the Neapolitan Mastiff has a short, smooth coat, it doesn’t require intense care when it comes to grooming. Once a week, give your dog a good brushing with a bristle brush. During periods of shedding, you can use a rubber brush to get rid of dead, loose hair. Your dog will also need an occasional bath now and then to stay clean.
Mastinos have lots of wrinkles and skin folds around their face. These skin folds need to be kept clean and dry to prevent skin problems like a skin infection or sores. Keep a towel handy to dry your dog’s face and lips, especially after mealtime. The same goes for your dog’s eyes and ears. They should be checked frequently and cleaned with a damp cloth or paper towel. Your Neapolitan Mastiff’s nails should be trimmed neatly and kept short.
This breed has strong teeth, but you should brush them daily to keep them clean and healthy. To get your dog used to this, have them lick it off your finger so that they become familiar with the taste. After a few days, put some toothpaste on your finger and brush your dog’s teeth with your finger. If they’re uncomfortable, stop. Within several days, you can progress to cleaning your dog’s teeth with a toothbrush.
When your Neapolitan Mastiff is a puppy, you will need to talk to your vet about its vaccinations. During its first year, it will need vaccinations for:
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Adenovirus
- Parainfluenza
- Rabies
Optional, but recommended vaccines include:
- Bordetella
- Influenza
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme disease
- Coronavirus
After the first year, your dog will need boosters every 1 to 3 years, depending on the vaccine.
During this time, you should also ask about heartworm treatment. Currently, there isn’t a vaccine but you can prevent this condition with prescription injectable, oral, or topical medicine from your vet. For a dog already infected with heartworm, your vet may also recommend an injection called melarsomine that eliminates heartworm infection within 1 to 3 months.
Fleas and ticks can cause lots of problems for dogs, so prevention is really important. Besides frequently checking your Neapolitan Mastiff for fleas and ticks, there are also several treatments available. Talk to your vet about preventative options to help keep pesky pests at bay.
Neapolitan Mastiffs don’t do well in hot, humid temperatures. Heatstroke can be fatal to this breed, so avoid long periods of playing or exercise out in the hot sun, and keep an eye out for signs of heat stress. Some signs include:
- Panting
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy or drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Collapsing
When it comes to exercise, this is a lower-energy breed that only needs a moderate amount of exercise each day. A nice walk is good for this dog, but since it moves very slowly, it’s not a dog that you would want to take for a jog. Neapolitan Mastiffs shouldn’t be overworked when they are puppies as their bones and joints are still developing and shouldn’t be strained.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are at risk for obesity, so a good diet is really important. Avoid giving your dog people food, table scraps, or excessive dog treats. Instead, focus on high-quality dog food made for their age group and activity level.
Health Problems to Watch for With Neapolitan Mastiffs
Due to its size and body, the Neapolitan Mastiff is prone to several health problems. Because it has been bred to look a certain way, the result is that it has a variety of health problems that can cause it pain or discomfort.
One of the most common Neapolitan Mastiff health issues is cherry eye. Dogs have a third eyelid containing a gland that makes fluid to keep the eye hydrated. This gland can become sore or swollen and can cause a red lump to form in the corner of the eye, either in one or both. This can happen very suddenly but usually happens in younger dogs. Your vet may recommend surgery to have it repaired.
Another problem among large breeds is bloat, or gastric dilation volvulus (GDV). Sometimes, after a large, deep-chested dog has eaten, its stomach can bloat and fill with gas to the point that it twists around itself. If your dog looks bloated or tries to vomit but is unable to bring anything up, go to the vet right away. Bloat can be fatal without immediate care.
Large breeds, including Neapolitan Mastiffs, have a higher risk of developing the following health problems:
- Hip dysplasia
- Back problems
- Epilepsy
- Osteosarcomas (bone tumors)
- Wobbler Syndrome, a deformity or instability of the neck bones
- Degeneration of the heart muscles
Special Considerations for Neapolitan Mastiffs
When it comes to the Neapolitan Mastiff’s temperament, this dog is steady and calm. They are very gentle with family members and love to please. However, these dogs can be stubborn alphas, so it’s important to build a trusting, respectful relationship with them.
These dogs are very protective of their family and territory. They usually seem laid back, but will jump into action if they feel their family is threatened. Even so, they rarely bark and are normally quiet. While loving around family, your Neapolitan Mastiff will be wary of most strangers. Because of this, it’s important to have a properly-fenced-in yard and areas that are accessible for visitors or mail carriers to enter without your dog being too close by.
These dogs are very strong and powerful, so obedience training is really important from the beginning. Training gives them the opportunity to be properly socialized, as well. Neapolitan Mastiffs can be stubborn and as puppies they can be rowdy, but they respond well to personal training from their owners. This breed will not be easily bribed. It’s important to note that your Mastiff shouldn’t be left alone for long outside. It craves companionship and would much rather be in the home with you.
Even though these are indoor dogs, you may want to feed your dog outside since Neapolitan Mastiffs are messy eaters. They also drool quite a lot. Your mastino may be gassy and make noises, like snoring, wheezing, or snorting, which are all quite normal for the breed.
History of Neapolitan Mastiffs
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a descendant of the giant Molossus dog of Alexander. The Molossus was a fighting dog used in war and in the Roman Coliseum. Mastiffs can be traced back to the ancient dogs that the Romans would use in war. Because of this, it’s the official estate guard dog of Italy.
Legends say that the Mastino led legions of the Roman army into battle, usually wearing a spiked collar. Because of its lumbering walk and powerful size, the Neapolitan Mastiff was used to scare the enemy with its appearance. In later times, the Mastino was trained to guard estates.
Piero Scanzini was a painter who is credited with being the father of the modern Neapolitan Mastiff. He kept a large kennel of dogs and created a careful plan to stabilize and improve the breed. Later on, in 1946, the Neapolitan mastiff was shown for the first time in a competition in Naples, the home of this breed.
Modern breeders continue to maintain the breed type that makes this dog look like no other while reducing the dog’s dramatically loose skin. You might recognize this dog from its role as Fang, Hagrid’s dog, in the Harry Potter film series.
