Dog Breed Guide

Neapolitan Mastiff

Profile

Size

Extra Large

Country of origin

Italy

Origin

Ancient

Bred for

Watchdog, Guard dog

Height

male 65 - 75cm (26 - 30in), female 60 - 68cm (24 - 27in)

Weight

male 60 - 70kg (132 - 154lb), female 50 - 60kg (110 - 132lb)

Life span

8 - 10 years

Abundant loose skin that covers the whole body and deep, layered wrinkles on the face and neck are this breed's defining features. It has a massive, heavy frame and moves with a slow, rolling, bear-like gait. Colors include gray, black, mahogany and tawny, and brindle is also accepted.

Despite its fearsome looks, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a surprisingly affectionate dog with its family and wants nothing more than to be close to them. At the same time it is fiercely protective of home and family and will not hesitate to confront strangers or intruders. It rarely barks; its presence alone makes it a formidable guardian.

Because it is so big and strong, early socialization and training are essential. It drools a lot, and dirt collects in its skin folds, so they should be wiped often. It does poorly in heat, and its life span is short even for a giant breed.

Good to know

In the Harry Potter films, Hagrid's dog Fang was played by Neapolitan Mastiffs. In the books Fang is a boarhound, but on screen several Neapolitans shared the role, and their size and slobber made a lasting impression on audiences.

The breed's modern history began just after World War II. At Italy's first postwar dog show, held in 1946 at the Castel dell'Ovo in Naples, the journalist Piero Scanziani noticed a dog named Guaglione. Convinced he was looking at a survivor of the Molossian war dogs of ancient Rome, Scanziani gathered the dogs still kept on farms in southern Italy and began breeding them, and Guaglione became the first registered Neapolitan Mastiff.

The breed standard was recognized in Italy in 1949, while the American Kennel Club recognized the breed only in 2004.