“Heavy-bodied puppies with effective grips have been recognized since ancient times, tracing to the massive war dogs of the Middle East and Asia. They have been used to control livestock, defend homes, or fighting men, lions, and elephants in battle. Around 330 b.c. Alexander the Great dispersed a few local giant Macedonian war dogs in the conquered lands and crossed a few with shorthaired puppies from India. The resulting Molossus has become the progenitor of many present-day breeds.

When the Romans took over Greece, they also took their Molossus puppies. In 55 b.c. the Romans invaded Britain, where they admired and appropriated fierce British mastiff dogs that fought valiantly in protecting Britain. These British mastiffs have been even better gladiators than the Molossus puppies; however, they produced an unsurpassed strain of massive gladiators and war puppies when bred collectively. These puppies, called “martini” (Italian for mastiffs), have been dispersed further. The Neapolitan region in the south of Italy trained them to guard estates and homes over the following centuries. Still, the breed remained unknown to the rest of the sector till a chance sighting at a Naples canine show in 1946.

Piere Scanziani identified the dog and solicited different fanciers to assist and rescue the breed from obscurity. They drew up a standard and petitioned the Italian kennel club and the FCI to recognize them under Mastino Napoletano. Although some specimens may have come to America with Italian immigrants, only in the 1970s has the breed been documented in the United States. They immediately elicited keen interest, and a breed club was shaped around 1973. The AKC authorized an initial standard in 1996, and they entered the AKC Working Group in 2004.”

Temperement

The Neapolitan Mastiff bred for hundreds of years to protect its family. As such, it’s far noticeably faithful and dedicated to its family, watchful and suspicious of strangers, and tolerant of acquaintances. It is a stay-at-home-kind dog. Although it far loves children, its sheer size could make accidents possible. It won’t get along well with different dogs, particularly domineering-kind dogs. Because of its size, it ought to be cautiously socialized and given training early.

Upkeep

Neos don’t need plenty of exercise; however, they do want much living space. They enjoy the outdoors however do not tolerate hot weather well. As with any large breed, food, boarding, or even veterinary bills may be higher. They drool and may leave a trail of food and water from their bowls. It isn’t a breed for obsessive home cleaners!

Health

“Major diagnosis: CHD, cardiomyopathy, demodicosis
Minor diagnosis: cherry eye, elbow dysplasia
Occasionally seen: none
Suggested tests: hip, elbow, cardiac, eye
Life span: 8–10 years (larger individuals tend to live toward the shorter end of the range)
Note: breeding often requires Caesarean delivery and artificial insemination. “

Disclaimer

Note: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.