Neapolitan Mastiff Guide: Temperament, Size, Health and Adoption

Neapolitan Mastiff history and overview

AKC places the Neapolitan Mastiff in the Working Group, lists Italy as its origin, and recognized the breed in 2004. UKC describes the breed as a descendant of the ancient Molussus war dogs and as a working breed that has served as a farm helper, protector, cart dog and large game hunting dog. UKC recognized the breed on January 1, 1995. VCA says the breed stayed little known until a chance sighting at an Italian dog show in 1946.

UKC describes a large, massive dog with loose skin and wrinkles on the face and neck.

How big is a Neapolitan Mastiff? Size and weight

AKC gives a size category of XLarge, and UKC calls this a large breed that need not be excessively so. For weight, AKC publishes 150 pounds for males and 110 pounds for females, while UKC gives ranges of 132 to 154 pounds for males and 111 to 132 pounds for females.

For height, AKC publishes 26-31 inches for males and 24-29 inches for females, while UKC accepts 25½ to 29½ inches for males and 23½ to 26¾ inches for females. UKC wants the dog shown fit and not burdened by extra weight or skin.

Neapolitan Mastiff temperament: are they aggressive or good family dogs?

AKC's temperament words for the breed are dignified, loyal and watchful. UKC describes the breed as strong and loyal but not aggressive or prone to bite without cause. VCA says the Neo can be suspicious of strangers, aloof with acquaintances and fiercely loyal to family.

On family life, VCA notes that the breed tends to tolerate children but that its sheer size can be a problem around small children. VCA adds that a Neo may not get along with other dogs, though he is generally laid-back at home and does not bark a lot.

Exercise needs

VCA says the breed does not need a lot of exercise, benefits from a leisurely trot around the yard or a stroll around the block, and does not tolerate hot weather very well.

Grooming: do Neapolitan Mastiffs shed?

AKC lists a short, smooth coat and rates shedding as moderate and drooling as the highest level on its scale. VCA says coat care is minimal, but the skin inside the wrinkles must be kept clean and dry, along with trimmed nails and clean teeth.

Training and socialization

VCA recommends early socialization because the breed tends to be wary of strangers, plus early daily reward-based training with an assertive, in-control attitude.

Neapolitan Mastiff life expectancy and health issues

AKC gives a general life expectancy of 7-9 years for the breed.

VCA names hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy and demodicosis as the major health concerns, with cherry eye and elbow dysplasia seen at a higher rate than in most breeds. AKC lists hip evaluation, elbow evaluation, a cardiac exam and an ophthalmologist exam as breed screenings. Ask a veterinarian about these issues and about expected care costs.

Questions to ask before a Neapolitan Mastiff adoption

Because VCA describes the breed as wary of strangers and possibly hard to control when full grown, ask the dog's caretaking organization about its socialization and training history. Ask whether the dog has had the screenings AKC lists for the breed, and about the dog's behaviour around children and other dogs.