Neopolitan Mastiff

General: This is an ancient breed restored in Italy after WWII. the Neo is a large heavy-boned massive awe inspiring dog. bred for use as a guard and defender of owner and property. He is characterized by a body of loose skin abundant and hanging wrinkles and folds on the head. Today the Neapolitan is described as a bestial appearance astounding head and imposing size and attitude. to what may be the dismay of the Neo "Due to his massive structure, his characteristic movement is rolling and lumbering, not elegant or showy" we believe this description can be misunderstood to allow for bad hip and elbows in this breed, Hopefully breeders who truly understand the Neo will be wise only using stable and structurally sound dogs.

Origin: Italy

History: The Neo is commonly related other mastiff breeds such as the French, English and Tibetan types among others. the Neapolitan Mastiff supposedly has a unique history beliving to originally have been bred to fight in Roman wars and in the Coliseum. In modern times these dogs have guarded the estates of their Italian owners. As the name implies, the Neo lived for many centuries around Naples and in the Vesuvian estates. After WWII they were on the brink of extinction and the Neapolitan Mastiff was reconstructed in the 1940's by Piero Scanziani and other lovers of the Mastini using mainly the English and French mastiff's along with a few remaining Neapolitan Mastiff's. The breed was then later introduced into America by many nameless Italian immigrants and by the late Mr. Michael Sotille, Sr.

Temperament: Bred to be a guard dog is protective by nature. The Neo has to be socialized early! These dogs are generally not hyperactive and are usually content to lie at the owner's feet . Do not think of the Neo as slow. When its owner or self is threatened the Neo can move with alarming speed and energy! Because of its size and demeanor the Neo will not just bite the arm of the bad guy but try to remove it.

Size: 150-200 lbs on average.

Today's Uses: Sadly the Neapolitan Mastiff is becoming a show ring designer breed. There is hope though many breeders and fanciers still use the Neo for its original purpose and are keeping health and temperament a priority in this breed. Some have begun to try and start to compete in weight pull with solid tempered dogs and could make a splash in the larger classes.

Send us a Photo!

Neo ""

Owned by

Visit the Neapolitan Mastiff Photo Gallery to see more photo's

Back to Pull Dog Breed Index