True Guardians, Mastiffs Detect Intruders
The Neapolitan Mastiff is From the Neapolitan Area of Southern Italy
Aug 1, 2009
The Neapolitan Mastiff, or Mastino (the Italian word for mastiff), is said to have been developed purposely as an alarmingly ugly dog whose looks alone were enough to intimidate intruders. Yet, these dogs are very docile creatures and not quick to become aggressive, but are difficult to stop once they start.
Exercising a Neapolitan Mastiff
Providing the proper balance of exercise is a challenge for a young Mastino as it needs only enough exercise to stay lean and healthy, but not so much that soft growing bones, joints, and ligaments become over-stressed and damaged.
This breed is loyal and affectionate with the family, friendly with family friends, and loving with children, as long as the children don't tease. Females make better pets as they are more submissive and better with children. Keep in mind that the Neapolitan Mastiff may jump in and stop a child roughhousing in an effort to protect her family's children from other children, which could lead to tragedy. Other dogs and pets are not suggested, as the Mastini tolerate neither.
The calm Mastini are highly protective and watchful, and very wary of strangers. Do not mistake bulk or strolling for laziness. They can switch into the protector role in a second.
Physical Characteristics
Neapolitan Mastiff coats are short, dense, smooth and shed more than expected. Mastini average 24 to 30 inches in height and weigh up to 165 pounds, with some males weighing almost 200 pounds. Their lifespan is short, usually only eight to 10 years.
Not a dog for everyone, there are a few characteristics that take some owners by surprise. Although the Neapolitan Mastiff is not a barky dog, be prepared for other sounds. Because of their short faces, they snort, grunt, and snore loudly. Flatulence is also a problem. Feeding Mastini a natural diet of real meat and other fresh foods helps. The dogs also seem to have an odor that some describe as “woodsy.”
Most owners are not prepared for how much the Neapolitan Mastiff drools and slobbers, especially after drinking. These dogs get drool everywhere. Hot weather can cause them to drool more, as they are intolerant of hot, humid weather and overheat easily. They prefer cold weather, even down to zero degrees.
Training a Neapolitan Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiffs require a dedicated, conscientious, and unusually experienced home with an in-depth understanding of dominance versus bullying, a home that can spend hours guiding the puppy into a confident adult. Without proper guidance, these dogs will use their own judgment in situations, and this could lead to legal issues or tragedy. The highly intelligent Mastino can be willful, obstinate, and dominant. Steady obedience training is necessary, but they do not require repetitious training.
The need for socialization is very high for Neapolitan Mastiffs. Without proper socialization, they are suspicious or fearful of everyone. They need to become accustomed to strange people, places, and noises so that they learn to recognize normal and abnormal behaviors.
Breed History
Found in paintings and statues dating from 3000 BC, the Neapolitan Mastiff can trace roots back to the giant war dogs of Egypt, Persia, Mesopotamia, and Asia. Alexander the Great is credited with creating the forefather of this dog – the molossian. He created the molossian by crossing the giant Macedonian and Epirian war dogs with shorthaired dogs. These dogs were used to fight tigers, lions, elephants, and men. When the Romans conquered Greece, they adopted the dogs, crossing them with an even larger English mastiff.
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