Breed type is an issue that is raised time and time again. In this country Douglas Oliff (Neopolitan Mastiff Club president) has written many a word on it but we still seem unclear what constitutes real type. The Italian type, the European type, the USA types, what is correct! Well, they all stem from the Italian type but even in Italy there is two main types, the Naples Mastini and the Northern region Mastini. When the breed appeared in Great Britain there was a great deal of variation, in size, type and temperament. We have long narrow headed Dane types, short legged Bulldog types, Mastiff types that had the size and substance but all these types can lack the folds and looseness of the skin. We also have the Bloodhound type that does have the folds and looseness of skin but is domed headed with long low set ears. As yet we cannot say that we have truly achieved breed consistency but we are now seeing great improvements. Suffice to say that this is still a ‘Rare breed‘ with only a handful of true Mastini breeders in this country.

General Appearance

Well-boned, large, heavy, strong and massively built dog, of majestic bearing with a noble expression. It must have a degree of loose fitting skin over body and head. The head must be square and flat between the ears, the jaw has a double dewlap and a noted upside-down ‘V’ for the lips is a required feature. There are four colours, all shades of grey, black, mahogany and ash blond, all these coats may be brindled.

Characteristics

They should be steady, loyal, vigilant, intelligent and slightly aloof. The typical breed characteristic of movement is at walk; the gait is slow, free and rolling due to the unique construction of the breed, the dog rarely gallops. Neapolitan Mastiffs are not attack dogs and should never be trained to be so. These dogs will naturally guard their family and house, but they protect their family by their mere presence. Their size, look and bark (when reaching maturity) will scare away the bravest of burglars. If you accept someone into your house, your dog should accept that person also. However they can be territorial dogs and will protect their garden, house, car and family from people or other dogs. They want it to be known that this is their space. This is why socialisation is important to show the dog what they are allowed or not allowed to do.

Living with a Neapolitan Mastiff

Owning a Neapolitan mastiff can be the beginning of a wonderful relationship with hopefully many years of happiness. However it can also be the beginning of an overwhelming responsibility, which you may not or never will be prepared for. They are loving, smelly, slobbery, gentle giants, the size can range between 24 - 31 inches at the shoulder with a weight from 140 to 180 pounds (although some are both taller and heavier). However they must also be balanced, it is not required to have a dog so big (fat) that it cannot move correctly. Once they are over their major growing stage, they will eat two large meals twice a day and we feed ours from stands. Neapolitan Mastiffs are generally good with children, especially if brought up with them. But as they can be a clumsy and excitable dog, is not a good combination for smaller children but generally I would say best with older children. They can also be very good around other dogs and cats, as long as they have been raised with them. They do have a very high Alpha drive, so if you already have an adult male dog, for example you should consider only a female as a companion and vice versa. Obedience training is also very important when owning a Neapolitan. You must be in control of your dog at all times. After all, would you want to be pulled down the street, when your 160-pound male wants to chase another dog? The training must not be based on punishment or negative reinforcement. All they need is the right voice as they live only to please you. However something that I heard many years ago from a very wise Mastaniro; “Never forget your Mastino chooses not to bite you”

Exercising

This is very important for a Neapolitan Mastiff, while growing they must only have controlled exercise. By that I mean on a lead and for only short periods of time, with limited free running. However I believe they must have their free running time as long as you the owner does not allow the dogs bones and limbs to be damaged in any way. We find swimming is good for them but again you have to be very careful as if a dog is top heavy (large head & no back end) they will not have the strength in their neck to keep balanced in the water. So this I can only recommend again in a controlled environment. They are not the best jogging companions and should not be asked to do so as this puts enormous stress on their joints. Walks around the neighbourhood, car boot sales, country fairs the type of places where you do lots of short stops are best. Plus you and your dog will get lots of attention so the dog will end up being well socialised. However the settee will always be his/her favourite spot.

Are you the right person to own a Mastino?

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