The Neapolitan Mastiff, also referred to as the Neo, has existed since ancient times but was discovered in the 1940s in Central Italy. These giant dogs were originally used as livestock guarding and fighting dogs. Today, the Neo is primarily used as a companion and guard dog.
History: The Neapolitan Mastiff is a descendant of the Molossus, the mammoth war dogs of the Middle East, and was frequently used in the Roman arenas pitted against lions, bears, and gladiators for entertainment. As dogs of war, they fought alongside the Roman legions, and in this way they were spread throughout Europe. Eventually the descendants of the Roman Molossian splintered into several different Mastiff breeds known across Europe. The word “Mastiff” derives from the Latin word: masssivus, meaning massive.
Appearance: The Neapolitan Mastiff is a heavy-boned, massive, awe-inspiring dog. The Neapolitan Mastiff is characterized by its massive size and loose skin all over its body. Its face is made of several large wrinkles and folds that almost hide the deep set brown eyes of this dog. The ears may be cropped or uncropped, but are usually cropped to an equilateral triangle for health reasons. The thick tail may be docked by one-third of the length and is carried low. The Neapolitan Mastiff has a very short and dense coat. The coat should be of the same length all over the body. Hair should remain straight, and should not have any fringe. Coats can be gray (blue), black, tawny and mahogany, each color may also come with reverse brindling . They can sometimes also have white on the chest or feet.


Size: Height: dogs 26-31 inches (65-77.5 cm); bitches 24-29 inches (60-72.5 cm)
Weight: up to 165 pounds (74 kg)
Temperament: Neapolitan Mastiffs are intimidating due to their large size and deep bark. Nevertheless, it is a peaceful and steady dog. It was developed to look and act fearsome when needed, but is affectionate with his family and the family’s friends. He is very affectionate, and surprisingly gentle. However, he has a strong protective drive making him regularly used as a guard or watchdog. This powerful breed does well with children if they are older, and can do well with other pets if properly socialized and trained. Though usually docile in the home, they will become aggressive when needed and don?t respond well to teasing by children.
Health: Watch for hip and elbow dysplasia, pano-ostiosis (growing pains), panosteitis, juvenile cataracts, cardiomyopathy.
Life expectancy: Like most giant breeds of dogs, the Neopolitan Mastiff is not particularly long-lived, averaging 9 to 11 years.
Grooming: The Neapolitan Mastiff is very easy to care for grooming wise. Brushing with a rubber brush occasionally will remove dead or loose hair. This is an average shedding breed.
Puppy The Neapolitan Mastiff price: $300.00 – $3.000.00