Neapolitan Mastiff Puppies Blog

Sadly, The Neapolitan Mastiff is not a very healthy breed. They suffer from a number of different ailments that can be genetic of origin or can be due to their physiological build. Like with many wrinkled breeds – like the Bulldog or the Shar-Pei, Cherry Eye is a common health issue to plague this breed, and this must be removed by a vet and not tacked down. Tacking it down will not solve anything. Other health issues include heart problems, hip Dysplasia, hypothyroidism, immune system disorders, and sensitivity to heat. Extra care should be taken in hot weather, as they are more likely than other breeds to overheat. They need shade, and lots of water. So take care of your beloved Neapolitan. He will love you all the more for it!

Avoid unnecessary vet bills! Do your dog’s basic health check!

Although one sees gray and black Neas most often, the accepted colors of a Neapolitan Mastiff are: black, gray, blue, brown, and brindle according to the breed standard.

The History of the Neapolitan Mastiff (also called: Mastino Napoletano, Mastino and Italian Mastiff) has a “tail” reaching as far back as 168 BC! It is a wonder, that even after more than 2000 years, the breed has stayed as unusual and special as it is. Originating from a now extinct breed, called the Mollosus, the Neapolitan was used in Ancient Rome to fight in arenas against lions, bears, and gladiators for entertainment. How did they spread through Europe? Well being dogs of war, they followed the Roman Legions, fighting alongside them. It became the favorite breed of Alexander the Great as well. For a long time after that the breed “disappeared” and many branches of the Mastiff developed in Europe. However in the 1940’s, the Neapolitan Mastiff was yet again discovered and sadly it was seen that – as with a lot of breeds – World War II, didn’t help with the perpetuation of the gene-pool of the Neapolitan. It almost became extinct but luckily it made a comeback and only in the 1980’s was it introduced into the USA. With a widespreading history, the Neapolitan Mastiff is cited as one of the most Ancient dog breeds.

Not exactly a poodle, even less so a lap-dog, the Neapolitan Mastiff is one of the most unusual and ( I think ) gorgeous dog breeds! Being fascinated with this breed, and having had the opportunity to visit a few top-class breeders of champion-line Neapolitan Mastiffs in Hungary I would like to start a Blog about this ancient breed. I welcome all comments and opinions from all the Readers who found my Blog. I will be sharing interesing and informative facts about one of the oldest breeds to walk this Earth!