Neapolitan Mastiff Dog

Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiff Characteristics (Italian Mastiff): The noble and powerful Neapolitan Mastiff is a breed of Large to Giant dog classified as a member of the Working Dog Group (AKC:2004). The Neapolitan Mastiff, also known as the Italian Mastiff, is characterized by its powerful, formidable appearance with a fold of loose skin hanging from the neck (called a dewlap) and a majestic expression. Other characteristics include medium sized, rounded eyes; small, triangular ears; a straight, tapering tail and a firm, slow, purposeful gait.

The temperament of the Neapolitan Mastiff can be described as Fearless, Dominant, Protective. The coat type of the Neapolitan Mastiff is described as short, dense, smooth coat in black, blue, mahogany, tawny colors.  Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Neapolitan Mastiff demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog, Fighter and Hunting Dog and is known by its nick name the "Italian Mastiff". The origin of the Neapolitan Mastiff dog breed was in Italy where it was developed in the Ancient Times.

Fast Facts about the Neapolitan Mastiff: The following facts provide fast information about the Neapolitan Mastiff breed. Size: Large to Giant *** Breed Group: Working Dog Group (AKC:2004) *** Nick name: "Italian Mastiff" *** Origin: Italy *** Neapolitan Male Height: 26 - 30 inches (65 - 75 cm) *** Female Height: 24 - 28 inches (60 - 70 cm) *** Neapolitan Male Weight: 110 - 150 pounds (50 - 70 kg) *** Female Weight: 110 - 150 pounds (50 - 70 kg) *** Coat Type: short, dense, smooth coat *** Neapolitan Coat Colors: black, blue, mahogany, tawny colors *** Litter Size: 6-12 puppies *** Neapolitan Mastiff Health Problems: Cherry Eye, Hip Dysplasia *** Neapolitan Lifespan: 8-10 years *** Hypoallergenic: No

Neapolitan Mastiff Breed Group and Dog Type - Working Dog Group (AKC:2004): The Neapolitan Mastiff is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Working Dog Group (AKC:2004).

Other names for the Neapolitan Mastiff: The Neapolitan Mastiff is known by the nickname of the "Italian Mastiff". Other names for this breed of dog include the Neo, Mastino Napoletano, the Dog of the Romans and Mastini.

Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Neapolitan" derives from its place of origin in Naples, Italy. The word "Mastiff" is from the Old French word 'mastin' meaning "great cur". N.B. The word 'cur' was used to describe vicious dogs and derives from the Old Norse word 'kurra' meaning "to growl".

Neapolitan Mastiff History and Origin: The country of origin of the Neapolitan Mastiff breed was in Naples in Italy during the Ancient Times hence its nickname the "Dog of the Romans" or the "Italian Mastiff". The Neapolitan Mastiff is often described as a Molosser dog that shares a common ancestry with the large, powerful dogs of antiquity, including the now extinct Alaunt breed.  The heavy Neapolitan Mastiff and the lighter Cane Corso are the two native Italian "mastiff type" dogs that descend from the Roman 'Canis Pugnaces', a Latin phrase meaning War Dogs or Fighting Dogs. Due to its power and strength the Neapolitan Mastiff was used as a fighting dog and fought in the Roman arena's, such as the Colosseum, against exotic wild animals such as lions, tigers, wolves and jackals and even Roman Gladiators.

The ferocious Neapolitan Mastiff was also used as a War Dog by the Roman armies. The Neapolitan Mastiff dogs of war were trained in combat and wore armor and spiked metal collars. The Neapolitan Mastiff accompanied the legions across the Roman Empire, giving rise to the various European mastiff breeds. (For additional facts refer to the History of all the Mastiff breeds). In the centuries that followed the fall of the Roman Empire, the Neapolitan Mastiff was used as a guard dog in Italian castles and Abbeys and were also taken by Italian Knights and the Knights Templar to fight in the Crusades (A.D. 1099 to 1254).

The Neapolitan Mastiff's role as a guard dog and hunting dog continued during the Medieval era but fell into decline in the 1800's. The Neapolitan Mastiff breed survived in the region of Naples and the countryside surrounding  Mount Vesuvius. Following WW2 a group of Neapolitan dog breeders, referred to as the 'mastinari' worked hard to preserve the breed. The 'mastinari' wrote a Breed Standard and Neapolitan Mastiff breeding programmes were put in place. The Italian Kennel Club (ENCI) officially recognized the Neapolitan Mastiff breed in 1949. The first of the Neapolitan Mastiff breed were exported to England and 1974 and were seen in the United States a few years later.

Neapolitan Mastiff Modern History: The modern history of the Neapolitan Mastiff moved on and the breed is now used as a Watchdog and Guard Dog. The Neapolitan Mastiff was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2004.

Neapolitan Mastiff History - "Fang" (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001 movie): In the famous movie "Fang" is a dog belonging to the Rubeus Hagrid. "Fang" looks ferocious but is in fact friendly and Hagrid even says that Fang is a coward! Although "Fang" is referred to as a "boarhound" in the Harry Potter books, a Neapolitan Mastiff were chosen for the movies because their appearance and size match the attributes of Fang.

Neapolitan Mastiff Height: The Neapolitan Mastiff breed is classified as a large to giant sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 26 - 30 inches (65 - 75 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 24 - 28 inches (60 - 70 cm).

Neapolitan Mastiff Weight: Not surprisingly for a large to giant sized dog, the weight of a Neapolitan Mastiff male dog is 110 - 150 pounds (50 - 70 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 110 - 150 pounds (50 - 70 kg).

 Neapolitan Mastiff Coat Type: The Neapolitan Mastiff coat type is described as a short, dense, smooth coat.

Neapolitan Mastiff Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed include black, blue, mahogany and tawny colors. N.B. The word "Blue" is used to describe a cool-toned, metallic gray color. Mahogany is a strong reddish-brown color.

Neapolitan Mastiff Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 6-12 puppies. Neapolitan Mastiff puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Neapolitan Mastiff puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder.

Neapolitan Mastiff Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular Italian dog breed is described as Noble, Fearless, Dominant, Protective and Powerful.

Neapolitan Mastiff Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The Neapolitan Mastiff requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one to two hours each day. This large, powerful dog has a firm, slow, purposeful gait with strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements.

Neapolitan Mastiff Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Neapolitan Mastiff are categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited dog grooming needs of the Neapolitan Mastiff are therefore considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming with casual brushing and combing. Dog Grooming needs should also include bathing your Neapolitan Mastiff on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the eyes, ears, nails and teeth.

Neapolitan Mastiff Diet: A fully grown Neapolitan Mastiff should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food should be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. Meat should be thoroughly cooked and de-boned, mixed with soft fruits and vegetables such as peas, carrots, peas, diced cooked potatoes, yams and rice. Home cooked food can be supplemented with dry kibble (a ground meal shaped into pellets, especially for pet food).

Neapolitan Mastiff Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Neapolitan Mastiff breed include Cherry Eye, Hip Dysplasia. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Neapolitan Mastiff dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No.

Neapolitan Mastiff Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Neapolitan Mastiff breed is 8-10 years.

Neapolitan Mastiff Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Neapolitan Mastiff breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Neapolitan Mastiff names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Achilles *** Hector *** Zeus *** Castore *** Otto *** Apollo *** Pippo *** Joker *** Hero *** Caesar.

Neapolitan Mastiff Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the Neapolitan Mastiff girl dog. Our top choice of good female Neapolitan Mastiff names are Dora *** Elsa *** Irina *** Gaia *** Nadena *** Furia *** Wilma *** Valentina *** Cita *** Cleo.

Fast Facts about the Neapolitan Mastiff: The following facts provide fast information about the Neapolitan Mastiff breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Neapolitan Dog Breed Group: Working Dog Group (AKC:2004) *** Size: Large to Giant *** Country of Origin: Italian *** History / Date: Ancient Times *** Male Neapolitan Mastiff Height: 26 - 30 inches (65 - 75 cm) *** Male Neapolitan Mastiff Weight: 110 - 150 pounds (50 - 70 kg) *** Neapolitan Coat Type: short, dense, smooth coat *** Neapolitan Mastiff Litter Size: 6-12 puppies *** Neapolitan Mastiff Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Neapolitan Lifespan: 8-10 years ***

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