The Neopolitan Mastiff (Mastino Napolitano)

[dirtmcgirt]

Taken from http://www.neapolitan.org/html/breed.html

The Neapolitan Mastiff displays a graphic illustration of one of the most impressive and remarkable breeds that is in existence today. He is a large breed which can weigh over 150 pounds. A comparison to man or other creatures of a similar weight and one would see a body structure exemplifying extreme strength. A type that can perform its function better than any other creature or man made machine. His body mass is volumous but not that of just fat. His muscular development would cause a game or herding dog to fail at its chores but for the Neapolitan Mastiff this is a trade off he assumed when he chose to be a guardian. His bones are not unlike the trunk of a century old oak tree; thick, Strong and necessary or they would surely splinter causing the massive structure they support to crash to the earth.

It is doubtful that there is any other breed of dog whose fundamental characteristics has remained as constant over the centuries as the Neapolitan Mastiff. However the Neapolitan Mastiff of today shows marked improvements in body and overall squaring of the head, all due to selective breeding. He has a captivating and almost intimidating stare, one that would make a foe turn and flee without even a growl. He comes in a variety of colors: Gray (Blue), Black, tawny and mahogany. The Blue is the most common and desired color because of his work as a guardian dog and his ability to blend into the night shadows. He is a working dog originally bred and utilized as a guardian and defender of owner and property. Although originally bred as a protection dog he has a steady temperament and is loyal, not outwardly aggressive or apt to bite without reason. Do not confuse our Neapolitan Mastiff with a fighting breed. If you are considering purchasing one with this thought in mind you will find him far too humble for he would rather spend his time by your side pleasing you. The Neapolitan Mastiff is certainly not a dog for everyone but you could not ask for a more faithful companion...

Is anyone on the board owned by one of these majestic animals?

I am considering one for my next dog. I think that they are a wonderful breed with many of the same characteristics as the cousin, the Corso.

Just wondering if anyone else has had any interest in them?

 

[corsomom]

I have never seen one, just pics. I would love to meet one, I think Neo pups are just adorable. Looking at pictures I see some adults that are so extreme in the hanging wrinkly face and others not so pronounced. Have you ever been around any?

 

[Gempress]

I was interested for awhile until I found out that they drool like mad. I do not like a lot of drool, so that killed that idea. But I still think they're beautiful.

I have heard that because of a rise in popularity, many are having health problems. That, and since they're now an AKC recognized breed, many show breeders are breeding for huge, ponderous Neos that have mobility problems as a result.

 

[casablanca1]

Is anyone on the board owned by one of these majestic animals? I am considering one for my next dog. I think that they are a wonderful breed with many of the same characteristics as the cousin, the Corso. Just wondering if anyone else has had any interest in them?

Dunno if majestic is the word - they're kind of droopy and drooly. Impressive, in terms of sheer mass. They're fairly common in NJ. Not lab common, but you do see them quite often. If you (like me) tend to notice dogs in books, you might want to check out the mystery series by Andrew Vachss; his protaganist has a Neo.

 

[dirtmcgirt]

I was interested for awhile until I found out that they drool like mad. I do not like a lot of drool, so that killed that idea. But I still think they're beautiful.

I have heard that because of a rise in popularity, many are having health problems. That, and since they're now an AKC recognized breed, many show breeders are breeding for huge, ponderous Neos that have mobility problems as a result.

Yeah the drool is an issue for most, but I have a Saint, so I'm kinda used to that...

As far as the breeding goes.. I don't like that fact that they are recognized by the AKC either, and I'm hoping that the Corso doesn't become recognized anytime soon.

But it's like any other breed... I have actually contacted a few breeders in Italy that have great old-type lines, though they are still a huge breed. And as you know with any huge breed there are going to be the risk of joint issues.

 

[dirtmcgirt]

Dunno if majestic is the word - they're kind of droopy and drooly. Impressive, in terms of sheer mass. They're fairly common in NJ. Not lab common, but you do see them quite often. If you (like me) tend to notice dogs in books, you might want to check out the mystery series by Andrew Vachss; his protaganist has a Neo.

Maybe droopy and drooly, but I definitely think they are majestic.. IMO one of the most majestic huge breeds

I have never seen one, just pics. I would love to meet one, I think Neo pups are just adorable. Looking at pictures I see some adults that are so extreme in the hanging wrinkly face and others not so pronounced. Have you ever been around any?

I have met a couple at some shows, but I haven't seen any in my area. I prefer the ones with the extreme wrinkly faces.

 

[kazkirk]

I admire them, but will never own one! As with any breed, just make sure you do your research before picking a breeder.

 

[dirtmcgirt]

As with any breed, just make sure you do your research before picking a breeder.

But of course Kaz.. Researching ANY potential breeder cannot be emphasized enough.

It will be a while though before we will be able to get one.. The two 'horses' that I have are almost too much to handle as is..

 

[Babyblue5290]

I've never owned one, but one (I think it was a Neopolitan mastiff/Great dane mix) came in to the shelter a few weeks ago. He was turned in by his owner Poor guy...we sent him to a rescue because he didn't pass the behaivor assesment. I took a pic:

 

[Renee750il]

I'm so glad you got him into a rescue, BabyB!

 

[PWCorgi]

I really like Neos, but I doubt that I would ever own one.

I had one in my obedience class last year, boy was that a scary dog . It was only like 5 months old and if you got within 10 feet of it, it would start to growl (don't know if this is normal), it was there for socialization, lol. And it was enormous!

 

[dirtmcgirt]

Show Neos are some of the most unsound looking creatures I have ever seen. It's so sad. I've had the privilege of meeting some well bred working Neos and these strong, surprisingly fast and agile dogs are nothing like those huge lumbering oafs that can barely make it around a ring.

I've seen some very big show dogs as well... I just saw a picture of one that weighed 258lbs.. The caption said that he was way overfed and could barely walk.. It's crazy.

 

[Crotalus]

Oh man! One time I saw a neopolitan puppy being walked by his owner. He was the size of a cocker spaniel, but was wearing adult sized feet and an adult sized skin! It was so hilarious I could not stop laughing! This puppy was tripping over his chins with what looked like giant doggie bedroom slippers, and the entire skin would kind of slosh from one side to the other with each step.

 

[RD]

I really like Neos, but I doubt that I would ever own one.



I had one in my obedience class last year, boy was that a scary dog . It was only like 5 months old and if you got within 10 feet of it, it would start to growl (don't know if this is normal), it was there for socialization, lol. And it was enormous!

I'm not sure if that's normal or not. The Neos I have met have been aloof with strangers and other dogs, but not exactly belligerent. None ever growled at me and most approached me for petting and lovey-stuff after a few minutes. They seemed very easy-going yet still quite watchful. I have no doubt that they'd react to a threat, but they seemed pretty social for Mastiffs.

 

[thewhitewitchone]

I met a pair of them while working in a kennel and they were pretty "aloof". If memory serves me right, one was a bit more than aloof.
These two were not very attractive dogs either....or at least they weren't to me.

Pam

 

[Hieronymus]

I've had a couple of Neos, my girl is 3 now. The amount they drool depends on the lines, how tight they are. Mine is very athletic and not typical of the breed however, she moves like a greyhound and has amazing endurance for such a large dog. She is very eager to please and loves to play fetch and tug games. She is great with my two small children, very potective of them and a great guard dog.

Aggression is not too much of a problem with the lines in the UK at the moment, there are sometimes problems with others dogs but human aggression isn't something I've encountered with mine.

 

[dirtmcgirt]

I've had a couple of Neos, my girl is 3 now. The amount they drool depends on the lines, how tight they are. Mine is very athletic and not typical of the breed however, she moves like a greyhound and has amazing endurance for such a large dog.

Do you have any pics of her?

 

[Barb04]

I met a Neo at a dog show last year and thought it was so cute with all those folds of skin/wrinkles.

 

[oc_spirit]

Personally I love the old school neos, the ones from way back in the day. Today''s Neos could never compare to what they once were and I just see this breed going more and more downhill becoming huge oafs with tree trunk legs. :et me show you exactly what i mean...

These are good neos, ones I would own in a heartbeat

cont''d...

 

[oc_spirit]