Neapolitan Mastiffs
Let us take you on a journey through the captivating history of the Neapolitan Mastiff, a majestic breed hailing from the ancient lineage of central Italy’s formidable guard dogs. Known by various names such as Mastino Napolitano, Neo Mastiff, Roman War Dog, or Italian Mastiff, this breed carries a legacy that spans centuries.
Curious to learn more about the Neapolitan Mastiff’s rich heritage? We’ve got you covered! The information shared on this webpage is a direct reflection of the insights provided by the esteemed American Kennel Club (AKC). For a deeper dive into this incredible breed’s fascinating origins and characteristics, simply click the button below and allow the AKC’s wisdom to unravel before your eyes. Get ready to be enchanted by the Neapolitan Mastiff’s captivating story!
About The Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a huge, powerful guardian whose astounding appearance has intimidated intruders since the days of ancient Rome. Wary with strangers, the profusely wrinkled Mastino is placid, and steady among loved ones.
Unless you’ve been to Jurassic Park, you’ve never seen anything like a Mastino. These majestic guardians of startling appearance are massive, powerful dogs. The U.S. Neapolitan Mastiff Club describes their dog’s head as “astounding”—and give them credit for hitting upon just the right adjective. The profuse hanging wrinkles and folds, and pendulous lips, make a Mastino look like a marzipan Mastiff that’s been out in the sun too long. And yet, the breed’s inner dignity and nobility can only be described as beautiful.
History
If Mastinos look like strange visitors from antiquity, it’s because that’s exactly what they are. The breed might go back as far as 700 BC, with artifacts from several ancient civilizations depicting Mastino-like canines. In the Roman Empire, they found employment as war dogs, gladiators, and guardians whose bestial looks and huge frame were calculated to throw the fear of Jove into their adversaries. Today, those attributes are still terrifying enough to send an ill-willed intruder running for the hills.
Breed Standard
An ancient breed, rediscovered in Italy in the 1940’s, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a heavy-boned, massive, awe inspiring dog bred for use as a guard and defender of owner and property. He is characterized by loose skin, over his entire body, abundant, hanging wrinkles and folds on the head and a voluminous dewlap. The essence of the Neapolitan is his bestial appearance, astounding head and imposing size and attitude. Due to his massive structure, his characteristic movement is rolling and lumbering, not elegant or showy. You can find the full AKC breed standard here.
Size And Weight
The following guidelines are from the AKC standard of the breed.
Height: Dogs: 26 to 31 inches, Bitches: 24 to 29 inches.
Weight: Average weight of mature Dogs: 150 pounds; Bitches: 110 pounds; but greater weight is usual and preferable as long as correct proportion and function are maintained.
Our Dogs
Below you can find a list of our Mastino’s
Male: Canelo DelCarrera (Triton 🔱)
Male: Bokee Farm’s Thorfinn the Fearless (Thorfinn ☄️)
Female: Sweet Georgia of Gulf Coast Paradise (Georgia 🍑)
Female: Marina of Bokee Farm (Marina 🐬 )
(Sweet Georgia x TOAD)
Female: Mastinos Casa Blanc Coconut (Coconut 🥥)
Female: Ancient City’s Bagherra Of Bokee Farm Neos (Bug 🐞)
