Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolský mastin

Neapolitan Mastiff – front view — Photo: user:przykuta, CC BY-SA 2.5, source

Neapolitan Mastiff – head — Photo: Philip Thompson, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Key facts

FCI group	2. Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
Country of origin	Italy
Category	Large
Height at withers	60–75 cm
Weight	50–70 kg

Recognition features

Large, heavy, massive dog with a long body and abundant loose skin
Head with pronounced wrinkles, hanging lips and dewlap
Short, hard coat in grey, lead, black, brown or fawn, also brindled

Purpose

An Italian protection and guard dog, descendant of the Roman Mastiff; massive, with loose skin and wrinkles.

History

The Neapolitan Mastiff descends from the great Roman Mastiff described by Columella in the 1st century AD, spread across Europe by the Roman legions and ancestor of many European mastiff breeds. It survived for centuries in the countryside at the foot of Vesuvius and around Naples and was re-selected in the 20th century.

Coat

Short, hard, dense coat of uniform length all over (1.5 cm max), without fringing; grey, lead grey, black, brown, fawn and deep fawn, often brindled; a small white chest patch is allowed.

Similar breeds

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard. Report a photo or rights.