Neapolitan Mastiff Club of NSW (Australia)
The Official Neapolitan Mastiff Club of Australia
Affiliated
with Dogs NSW
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Introduction to the History and the Breed The Neapolitan Mastiff, or Mastino Napoletano (Molossian), originated in and around Naples, Italy. It is physically impressive, foreboding and massive. The breed today resembles (and dates back to) the Roman Molossian of ancient times. These Molossians were used in battle and as guardians of the home. In the not-so-distant past he was commonly a guard dog in the crime-driven Naples, and even in modern Italy today, many people are fearful of the Mastino, as he is referred to in Italy. In around 500bc Cyrus and Serse used to supply their armed forces with thick packs of Molossians. It is said that in Lydia, absorbed by Cyrus in 546bc into the Persian Empire, a contingent of battle-ready Molossian hounds was fully maintained. The modern Neapolitan that we know today did not surface until the late 1940's. A journalist named Piero Scanziani was overwhelmed by the dogs he saw and ended up dedicating most of his life to the preservation of the breed. He collected as many specimens that he could that represented the old-time Roman Molossian and began his work. It was following this rediscovery that the first standard for the breed was drawn up. This has been updated and refined over the years, with the current version being finalized in 1991. Even though their past is colourful and long, they are still a relatively new breed in today's dog world. His appearance is unlike any other breed. A heavily built, massive dog that easily weigh 70-90kg. The bones are huge, often like tree trunks on the end of the body. His paws are wide and very cat-like in structure. His broad head is imposing, his large lips hang past his muzzle and his eyes are slightly shielded by heavy wrinkling. The Neapolitan Mastiff is not a "normal" dog in either appearance or behaviour. The loose connective tissue on the head, dewlap, and body, which the standard calls for, protects the Neapolitan Mastiff from attack. If an enemy in any form was to bite or pull at the flesh the protective skin would stretch leaving the vital parts unhurt. The skin is especially loose around the throat, (forming the dewlap) which is normally the most vulnerable part of a dog. Study his look, his huge square head, abundant loose skin, enormous bone and prowling movement that resembles a lion. Within these extreme features you will find a both a warrior and a dependable faithful friend. His character is to develop complete devotion to his owner and those creatures living within the confines of his property. He will be welcoming to your friends (if you have socialised him to be) and foreboding to intruders. The raising of the Neapolitan Mastiff is critical in creating the ideal adult to live with. Socialise, socialise, socialise. The more he is exposed to as a youngster, the more expanded his confidence. This will never take the defender out of the Neapolitan Mastiff, only make him easier to manage. His day to day care is minimal, once he is grown into adulthood. He eats an average meal (not a large meal, a full grown adult will eat approximately 1kg of meat and 2-4 cups of a dry food). His exercise are met by simply playing in the backyard (no 5km walks 2 times a day!) He might need an occasional brushing, or rub-down with a damp towel. Check his eyes for irritation, his nails for trimming and his ears for bacteria or yeast infections. You will find he sleeps many many hours in the day, perhaps he is storing energy for a nighttime protection prowl?? Not likely….. he will sleep through most of the night too! His protection will be there when necessary, but he can sleep like the dead until needed! A puppy will take some dedication from the owner to ensure that he is raised correctly. Make sure you receive a detailed care and raising package/sheet from your breeder which will highlight exercise, food, routine vaccinations and wormings etc. (You can find a basic Puppy Pack on this website.) Find out what guarantees your puppy comes with or doesn’t come with. The general health of the breed is good, but being a large breed it is certainly possible to run into trouble areas. It is a good idea to discuss hip, elbow and joint issues with your breeder as well as eyes and and other general health concerns. The first twelve months are the hardest, but if you are successful you will find yourself with the best of all giants! Does the breed interest you as your new companion?? Study your lifestyle, your dog experience and your bank account. If you go jogging or cycling and want your dog to accompany you – find another breed. If you have never owned a strong bodied and strong minded dog – do full research with breeders before deciding. If you never want a veterinarian bill then the Neapolitan Mastiff is not for you, being large (giant) sized if he should require medication the doses are large and never cheap! Above all RESEARCH. Never rush into the purchase of a dog, but ESPECIALLY this breed. Talk to breeders (more than one!) and visit the dogs at their homes and at shows to begin to understand their size and temperament. The Neapolitan Mastiff Club of NSW has a list of member-breeders. The Neapolitan Mastiff will get along well with children, but he is not a child’s dog. He is an adults’ dog that is wonderful in a family. The Neapolitan Mastiff will be raised and live peacefully with any household companions, be they Chihuahuas, cats, farm animals, children… just about anything.
"The Neapolitan Mastiff
is not a breed of dog, but rather the Neapolitan Mastiff is a philosophy.
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