Neapolitan Mastiff - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Giant

Height: Up to 75 cm (30 inches)

Weight: Up to 70 kg (154 lb)

Life Span: 12 years

Grooming: Undemanding

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Fairly demanding

Temperament: Devoted guard

Country of Origin: Italy

AKC Group: Working

Other Names: Mastino Napoletano

Temperament:

The Neapolitan Mastiff is devoted, affectionate and loyal. Neapolitan Mastiffs make loving pets and good guard dogs. They can be dominant towards other dogs but get along with children, provided they are not teased. If Neapolitan Mastiffs are socialized with other household pets early on, then there shouldn't be any problems. The Neapolitan Mastiff is not difficult to train, but it is not a dog for beginners either.

Grooming:

Neapolitan Mastiffs only need occasional grooming when the coat is moulting to remove the dead and loose hairs.

Exercise:

The Neapolitan Mastiff has an average demand for exercise and needs plenty of space. Their exercise should be limited when they are young and still growing, to allow their available energy to make healthy muscles and bones.

History:

The Neapolitan Mastiff is thought to have originated from the molossus family and in particular the Tibetan Mastiff. It is believed that they arrived in Greece and later Southern Italy during the Roman times. Records show that these Mastiffs were used by the Roman armies as fighting dogs in their circuses. Some think that their coloring made them ideal guard dogs at night as they were camouflaged from predators. After the second World War they were first exhibited in Italy at dog shows.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Massive, powerful and bulky.

Color: Black, brown, fawn, grey, brindle or blue. White patches may be on the chest or toes.

Coat: Fine, dense, short with a good sheen.

Tail: Set low, tapering and commonly docked.

Ears: Set forward, small and may be cropped in some countries.

Body: The chest is well developed with wide, muscular shoulders. The body is long and large.

Additional Comments:

* Neapolitan Mastiffs like a dry and draught-free place to sleep and it must be soft to prevent pressure marks.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/neapolitan_mastiff/