Neapolitan Mastiff
Other names: Mâtin napolitain, Mâtin de Naples, Mastino Napoletano

The Neapolitan Mastiff is an extremely balanced dog - never unnecessarily aggressive, gentle and safe around children: they become challenging when provoked. They are mainly a guard dog, but also a companion and exhibition dog. Of all the Molosser guard dogs, the Neapolitan Mastiff has the calmest character.
Key facts about the Neapolitan Mastiff
Origins and history
Like all Molossers, the Neapolitan Mastiff most likely descends from the old Tibetan Molossus: they lived in southern Italy for at least 2,000 years BC. At the time of the second world war, the breed was close to extinction: it was recovered and saved in 1946 by the Italian writer and dog lover Piero Scanziani, who reconstructed the breed from the few remaining dogs. The breed was officially recognised in 1956.
Physical characteristics of the Neapolitan Mastiff
Adult size
Female : Between 24 and 27 in
Male : Between 26 and 30 in
Weight
Female : Between 110 and 132 lb
Male : Between 132 and 154 lb
Coat colour
Generally, the coat is grey, lead-grey or black. They can also be black, fawn or deer-red. All colours can be brindle.
Type of coat
The hair is short, even cropped.
The hair is dense, of a rather coarse texture and the same length all over the body.
Eye colour
Often, the iris is darker than the colour of the coat, except for softer coats, where the iris is clearer in this case.
Description
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large dog, a Molosser, with thick, characteristically wrinkled skin, covered with short fur. Their head is enormous and short, with a round skull, but flattened between the ears. They have a straight muzzle, a big nose and thick, drooping lips. Their eyes are far apart, the opening of the eyelids is almost round. However, as the skin supporting the eyebrows is very thick, this opening appears actually rather oval. The ears are small compared to the dog’s body, they are triangular in shape and placed high above the zygomatic bone. The whole body is longer than it is tall, with a massive neck and dewlap; the hindquarters are wide.
Good to know
For future adopters, do not be surprised: the Neapolitan Mastiff drools a lot and is often very flatulent.