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Breed Standard
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Description:
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The Neapolitan Mastiff is a serious, powerful, looking dog. It is muscular with a rather rectangular body, massive head, and wrinkled face. The facial wrinkles continue under the chin and down the neck to form a prominent dewlap. The skull is broad and flat on top, and the nose is large. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. A tradition was established when the dogs were used in combat to crop the ears short and dock the very thick tail by one third. Many owners opt out of docking and cropping, preferring the natural look, as it is painful for the dog. The short, harsh coat is dense and smooth. The most common coat color is blue, though black is the next most common color. Chocolate dogs are rare. The Neo can be either solid or brindle. The dark colors and brindles help the Neo blend into the night shadows as he waits for the unsuspecting prowler. A little white is permitted on the chest and toes. No white should be on the face. Puppies begin life with blue eyes, which later darken. Adult Neo eyes vary with the color of their coat. Dewclaws should be removed. The Neapolitan Mastiff has a loose, rolling, cat-like gait.
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Temperament:
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Despite the beastly and even vicious appearance, the Neapolitan Mastiff 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. Highly protective and fearless. It is extremely intelligent and somewhat willful. It does not require repetitious training. Neo's are very attuned to his master's wishes. This breed rarely gives trouble by excessive barking. They are serious, calm and quiet unless provoked. The breed is very wary of strangers. Males can be much more aggressive and dominant than females. The Female makes a better family pet, as she is more submissive to her master and better with children. These dogs are, however, usually very loving with children, provided they do not tease them. Males do not get along with other males, but the Neo can get along well with non-canine pets if raised with them from puppyhood. The Neapolitan Mastiff is not a breed for everyone. They must have a dominant owner capable of controlling him properly. Owner dominance should be firmly established while the dog is young. Children should be taught to respect these dogs. Neapolitan Mastiffs should be well socialized at an early age to avoid over-protectiveness. They will be quite protective even with extensive socialization. Additional protection training is unnecessary because they are naturally guard dogs. Thorough obedience training is highly recommended. Be sure you are consistent in approach and do not keep repeating commands it has failed to obey. These are not dogs for beginners but it is an exaggeration to describe them as difficult in their association with others. A calm handler with natural leadership will achieve the best results. With thorough training and an experienced, dominant owner, the Neapolitan Mastiff can be a good family dog. The Neo is generally very tolerant of pain due to the breed's early fighting background. Males often drool quite heavily. They tend to drool more in hot weather or after drinking water. Adult Neo's eat about 8-10 cups of dog food a day. If you are planing on showing your dog, be sure to select a puppy that has a good temperament so he can accept handling by strangers.
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Height, Weight:
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Height: Dogs 26-30 inches (65-75 cm.) Bitches 24-28 inches (60-70 cm.) Weight: Up to 165 pounds (74 kg.) The largest male Neapolitans may be nearly 200 pounds (90 kg.)
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Living Conditions:
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The Neo will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard will do. A solid doghouse with lots of bedding is usually enough to ensure winter comfort. Neos need a dry place to sleep, which must be soft to prevent pressure markings. In warm weather this breed needs plenty of shade and fresh water.
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Exercise:
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Do not let the young, Neapolitan Mastiff run and play too much. Limit its exercise because it must on no account be over-tired. Avoid rough games in the growing stage and ensure that all its energy is available to make healthy bones and muscles. Adult Neapolitan Mastiffs need a great deal of exercise. He should be taken on long walks twice daily.
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Grooming:
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These giant, short-haired dogs are easy to groom. Remove loose, dead hair with a rubber brush. This breed is an average shedder.
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Color:
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Solid coats of gray (blue), black, mahogany and tawny, and the lighter and darker shades of these colors. Some brindling allowable in all colors. When present, brindling must be tan (reverse brindle). There may be solid white markings on the chest, throat area from chin to chest, underside of the body, penis sheath, backs of the pasterns, and on the toes. There may be white hairs at the back of the wrists. Disqualifications: White markings on any part of the body not mentioned as allowed
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Recognition:
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CKC, FCI, KCGB, NKC, NZKC, USNMC, APRI, ACR
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