Working group · Italy
Neapolitan Mastiff
Also called Mastino Napoletano, Neo, Italian Mastiff.
Giant dog, low energy, independent, so training takes patience.
- Loyal
- Protective
- Watchful
- Dignified
- Calm
- Size
- Giant
- Weight
- 50 to 68 kg110 to 150 lb
- Lives
- 7 to 9 years
- Energy
- Low
- Trains
- Low
- Barks
- Low
Training
Training a Neapolitan Mastiff
Working breeds. Calm structure beats force every time. These dogs shut down under pressure and thrive on predictability.
Experienced Owners Only
Start here
Not for first-time dog owners. Their size, stubbornness, and guardian instincts require confident, experienced handling.
Extensive Early Socialisation
Naturally suspicious of strangers. Without proper socialisation, can become dangerously overprotective.
Accept Their Pace
Neos process commands slowly and deliberately. Patience is essential, they're thinking, not defying.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Neapolitan Mastiff and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, on video with Atlas and Shango.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred to guard, pull and rescue. Big, strong, and serious about their people and their patch.
Gets on with
- ChildrenModerate
- Other dogsLow
- StrangersVery Low
- CatsModerate
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 20-30 minutes daily. Short walks only; they overheat easily and joints are fragile.
- Grooming
- Low coat maintenance but high facial care. Clean wrinkles and folds daily to prevent infection.
- Drool
- Very High
- Coat
- Short, DenseGrey, Black, Mahogany, Tawny, Blue
- In a flat
- Needs more space than a flat gives.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Cherry Eye
Moderate
Prolapse of the third eyelid gland; common due to loose facial skin
Hip Dysplasia
Moderate
Joint malformation causing arthritis and mobility issues
Cardiomyopathy
Severe
Heart muscle disease; regular cardiac screening recommended
Where they come from
History
Descended from ancient Roman war dogs. The breed nearly disappeared but was revived in Italy after WWII by Piero Scanziani who established the modern breed standard. Prized as estate guardians.
- Fang · Hagrid's loyal companion in the Harry Potter films
