Neapolitan Mastiff
Updated December 2, 2025
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a powerful and ancient guardian breed from Italy. Revered for their loyalty and protective instincts, they are characterized by their massive size and distinctive loose, wrinkled skin. While wary of strangers, they are calm and affectionate with their family.
Loyal, Dignified, Watchful, Steady, Protective
110-150 pounds
24-31 inches
7-9 years
Black, Blue, Grey, Mahogany, Tawny, Brindle
At a Glance
Good with Kids
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About Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a powerful and ancient guardian breed from Italy. Revered for their loyalty and protective instincts, they are characterized by their massive size and distinctive loose, wrinkled skin. While wary of strangers, they are calm and affectionate with their family.
What Makes Neapolitan Mastiffs Special
The Neapolitan Mastiff is an awe-inspiring dog of immense size and power. Characterized by heavy, loose skin that forms dramatic wrinkles and folds, their appearance is unique and unforgettable.
Beneath the formidable exterior lies a loyal and peaceful companion, devoted to its family. They are natural guardians, watchful and silent, preferring to intimidate rather than attack.
Neapolitan Mastiff History & Origin
Descended from the ancient molossus dogs of Rome, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a historic guardian of family and property in southern Italy. These giant war dogs were refined over centuries for their formidable appearance and protective nature.
The breed's ancestors can be traced back to the giant war dogs used by the Roman army.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, they survived in the Neapolitan countryside, where they were bred as estate guards.
The breed was rediscovered and standardized in Italy after World War II, with the first dogs being exhibited in Naples in 1946.
The Neapolitan Mastiff gained recognition from the AKC in 2004.
A Neapolitan Mastiff named 'Fang' was featured in the Harry Potter movies, increasing the breed's visibility.
Due to their specialized needs, prospective owners should expect to pay a significant amount, often $2,500 to $4,000, from a reputable breeder. Adoption is a less common but possible option.
Neapolitan Mastiff Characteristics
Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Training Needs
Health Issues
Shedding Level
Neapolitan Mastiff Appearance
The Mastino is a head-turning breed, defined by its massive build and profusely wrinkled head. They carry themselves with a noble, majestic bearing.
Their short, dense coat comes in solid colors like black, blue, and various shades of grey and fawn. Their gait is slow and bear-like, reflecting their heavy structure.
Physical Features
Ears
Their ears are triangular, set high on the skull, and hang flat. They are small in proportion to the massive head.
Eyes
The eyes are deep-set and almost hidden by the heavy facial wrinkles. They convey a steady, watchful expression.
Nose
The nose is large and spongy with open nostrils. The color of the nose leather corresponds to the coat color.
Coat & Build
Coat Length
The Neapolitan Mastiff has a short, dense, and hard-textured single coat.
Coat Color
The American Kennel Club (AKC) standard colors include black, blue, grey, mahogany, and tawny, with brindle markings also acceptable. Small white markings on the chest and toes are permitted.
Tail
The tail is thick at the base and tapers to a point. It is often docked for working dogs in countries where it is permitted, but the natural tail is carried up and over the back.
Neapolitan Mastiff Temperament
Despite their intimidating appearance, Neapolitan Mastiffs are steady and loyal dogs, deeply devoted to their family. They are naturally watchful and protective, making them excellent guardians of the home.
The Mastino is generally calm and quiet unless provoked. They are wary and reserved with strangers, a testament to their guarding instincts. Early and thorough socialization is crucial to ensure they are well-adjusted.
With their loved ones, they can be affectionate and even silly, often unaware of their massive size when trying to be a lap dog. They thrive on companionship and want to be a part of the family.
This is not a breed for a novice owner. Their strong will, massive size, and protective nature require an experienced handler who can provide firm, consistent training and leadership.
Temperament Traits
Good With
Health
The Neapolitan Mastiff has a short lifespan of 7-9 years and is prone to several serious health conditions common in giant breeds. Responsible breeding and preventative care are crucial.
Common Health Issues
Preventive Care
Regular vet checkups, hip and elbow scoring, cardiac and eye exams, proper diet to maintain a lean weight, and daily wrinkle care.
How to Care for a Neapolitan Mastiff
Caring for a Neapolitan Mastiff involves managing their significant size, potential health issues, and grooming their unique skin. They are surprisingly low-energy but require specific care to stay healthy and happy.
Grooming
Neapolitan Mastiffs have a short coat that requires minimal brushing to remove loose hair, but their wrinkles need significant attention. The folds of skin, especially on the face, must be kept clean and dry to prevent skin fold dermatitis and infections.
A regular wipe-down, particularly after meals, is necessary to manage their considerable drool and keep their facial folds clean.
Bathing should be done as needed. Due to their size, this can be a major undertaking. Regular nail trims and ear cleaning are also essential.
Be prepared for drool. Mastinos are heavy droolers, and keeping a 'slobber towel' handy is a common practice for owners.
Training
Training a Neapolitan Mastiff requires patience, consistency, and a firm but fair approach. They are intelligent but can be stubborn and willful. Early socialization and puppy training classes are non-negotiable.
Positive reinforcement techniques work best, but the owner must establish themselves as a confident leader. Their protective instincts are innate, so training should focus on obedience and control.
Due to their sheer size, a well-behaved Mastino is a must. Training should begin the day you bring your puppy home.
Diet
A high-quality dog food formulated for giant breeds is essential to support their massive frame and specific joint needs. Their diet will change from puppyhood to adulthood and into their senior years.
To help prevent bloat (GDV), a life-threatening condition, it is best to feed them smaller, more frequent meals rather than one large one. Avoid strenuous exercise around mealtimes.
Monitor their weight closely to prevent obesity, which can put extreme stress on their joints and lead to other health problems.
Exercise
Despite their size, Neapolitan Mastiffs have relatively low exercise needs. A couple of short to moderate walks each day is sufficient to keep them healthy.
They are not built for running or jogging. Over-exercising, especially when they are puppies, can damage their developing joints. Avoid high-impact activities.
They are also sensitive to heat and can overheat easily. Walks should be scheduled for cooler parts of the day during warm weather.
Environment
This breed is not suited for apartment living. They need a home with plenty of space and a securely fenced yard to roam.
Their environment needs to be climate-controlled as they are sensitive to extreme heat. They do better in temperate to cool climates.
A Neapolitan Mastiff wants to be with its family and will not thrive if left alone in a yard for long periods. They need to be an integral part of the household.
Living Conditions
Space Requirements
A large home with a securely fenced yard is a requirement.
Climate Adaptability
Does poorly in heat and humidity. Prefers cooler, temperate climates.
Apartment Living
Completely unsuitable for apartment life.
Best Suited For
Best suited for experienced, confident owners in a quiet home, preferably as the only pet.
Training Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Neapolitan Mastiffs good family dogs?
For the right family, yes. They are loyal and protective but require an experienced owner. Their massive size makes them a potential hazard around very small children, and they are not typically friendly with other pets.
How much do Neapolitan Mastiffs drool?
Neapolitan Mastiffs are among the heaviest droolers in the dog world. Owners should be prepared for significant slobber on floors, furniture, and themselves.
Are Neapolitan Mastiffs aggressive?
They are not inherently aggressive but are powerful guardians with a strong protective instinct. They are wary of strangers and can be aggressive towards other dogs, especially of the same sex. Early, extensive socialization is crucial.
How much exercise do Neapolitan Mastiffs need?
They have surprisingly low exercise needs. A couple of short, low-impact walks per day are sufficient. They are not built for endurance or high-impact activities.
Are Neapolitan Mastiffs hard to train?
Yes, they can be challenging to train. They are intelligent but also strong-willed and independent. They require a confident owner who can establish clear leadership from the beginning.
Specialized Care Guides
Puppy Care
Critical early socialization, controlled diet for slow growth, and limited exercise to protect developing joints.
Senior Care
Focus on joint support with supplements, manage weight, and adjust for lower mobility. Regular vet checks for age-related issues.
First-Time Owner Tips
Not recommended for first-time dog owners due to their size, strength, and stubborn, protective nature.
Looking for a Neapolitan Mastiff?
Connect with responsible breeders, rescue organizations, and pet adoption services in your area.