Appearance

Neapolitan Mastiffs are known for the loose skin all over their bodies, and large dewlap. Some breeders produce Neo's with lots of skin, wrinkles, and large bone mass, but some do not prefer this type, some opt for a more lean apperance. Ears can be cropped, or uncropped.

Behavior

Neo's are fearless guardians and very protective of it's family. They always remain around the home, never wandering off. As a guardian Neo's are very untrusting of strangers, but when seeing it's master relax, he will soon accept them. Neo Mastiffs are very stubborn, but learns very quickly. Early training is a must because these mastiffs have a very dominant attitude and must be taught from it's early stages of life who is in charge. Males tend to be much more dominant than the females and at maturity they may make another attempt at dominating their master. Females tend to be easy going and the preferred choice of a family with children. Males do not get along with other dogs of the same sex, but may get along with other pets if raised with them from puppyhood. Neapolitan Mastiffs are not a breed for beginners. Children should taught to respect this breed. Protection training is not necessary because of his natural instinct to protect, he will still be very protective even with extensive socialization.

History

Neapolitans are an ancient breed of dog that can be traced back to about 168 BC. They were used as guardians of the family and property because of their protective instincts and fearsome appearance. These dogs were frequently pitted against lions, gladiators, and bears for entertainment. It was written that it required four molossians to confront a lion. Neapolitans were dogs of war and they fought alongside Roman army's all through out Europe .In the late 1940's the breed was rediscovered in Italy by Dr. Pierro Scanziani, in which Mario Querci started to breed and made his first Champion Fiamma in 1953 and formed his kennel Di Ponzano, one of the most famous kennels in recent history.

Health