Discover Everything About Neapolitan Mastiff
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
Breed Profile
The Neapolitan Mastiff is an impressive dog with a massive build and strong bones. He is a representative of the Molossians and belongs to FCI Group 2, Section 2.1: Mastiff type. Its size and powerful muscles are the result of its centuries of breeding as a guard dog and herding dog. Its impressive presence is highlighted by its characteristic, wide and massive head with pronounced skin folds and wrinkles. Its short, dense coat is close-fitting and very easy to care for. Although he can appear frightening, the Neapolitan Mastiff has a gentle and loving personality. His deep, expressive eyes reflect the gentleness and deep bond with his family. He radiates a calm and serenity that makes him a pleasant companion.
| Height | 58 - 68 cm (Female), 65 - 75 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 50 - 60 kg (Female), 60 - 70 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 8 - 10 years |
| Character | loyal, calm, loving |
| Coat | Short, dense, without undercoat |
| Coat Color | Black, Lead Grey, Slate Grey, Tobacco, Fawn, Mahogany, Brindle |
| Price | 2500 - 4500 € € |
History
The history of the Neapolitan Mastiff goes way back into antiquity. He originally comes from Italy, more precisely from the region around Naples, where he was used as a guard and protection dog. His ancestors were the powerful war dogs of the ancient Romans, which they took with them to war and fought as gladiators in the arena. Over time, the role of the Neapolitan Mastiff changed. He was used less as a war dog and more as a protection dog for house and yard. In the Middle Ages, he served as a bodyguard for nobles and merchants, protected by his commanding presence and unwavering courage. The breed was recognized as a separate breed by the FCI in 1949. Despite its long history and centuries of breeding as a working dog, the Neapolitan Mastiff is now known more as a loving family dog and loyal companion. He has found a permanent place in the hearts of many dog lovers and is valued above all for his loyalty, calm temperament and deep bond with his family.
The Neapolitan Mastiff was used as a guard and protection dog, known for its imposing appearance and protective instinct.
Italy
Antike
Character & Temperament
Despite its impressive size and strong build, the Neapolitan Mastiff is an extremely calm and balanced dog. He radiates a natural serenity and calm that is also transferred to his surroundings. He is not a dog that needs to be constantly in action, but rather enjoys simply being with his family, watching and protecting them. The Neapolitan Mastiff is a very people-oriented dog. He forms a deep bond with his family and is extremely loving and gentle towards them. At first he is often reserved and cautious towards strangers. However, he is not an aggressive dog and usually does not show unjustified aggressive behavior. Rather, he sees his job as protecting and looking after his family. He always behaves calmly and confidently. Despite his attachment to his people, the Neapolitan Mastiff also has an independent character. He is an intelligent dog who can do his tasks independently and does not constantly have to depend on his people. This makes him a pleasant companion who does not constantly demand attention. Since the Neapolitan Mastiff was originally bred as a guard and protection dog, it has a strong protective instinct and strong territorial behavior. This should always be taken into account when keeping this dog. He needs clear structures and consistent but loving training in order to become a pleasant family dog. He is very trainable and with the right training he can learn many different tasks and is an excellent guard and protection dog. Despite its protective instinct, the Neapolitan Mastiff generally does not show strong hunting or prey-catching behavior. He can integrate well into a household with other pets as long as they are viewed as part of his family from the start. Although the Neapolitan Mastiff enjoys being with his family, he can also learn to stay alone for short periods of time. He is not a dog that needs constant entertainment and activity, but can also keep himself busy. However, he should not be left alone all the time as he loves his people very much and needs their company.
| Trainability | |
| Watchfulness | |
| Openness to Strangers | |
| Hunting or Herding Drive |
Did you know that the Neapolitan Mastiff is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and its history can be traced back to ancient times?
Fun Fact!
What Awaits You
Many Neapolitan Mastiffs suffer from torturous breeding characteristics, e.g.: ectropion with chronically inflamed conjunctiva, problems in the musculoskeletal system and inflammation due to excessive folding of the skin.
Housing & Care
The Neapolitan Mastiff can live well in both a city and the country as long as he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. He is a very loving and family-oriented dog who gets along well with children, although his size means he is a better fit for families with older children. He also gets along well with other pets as long as he is used to them from an early age.
| Family Friendly | |
| Child Friendly | |
| Dog Friendly | |
| City Friendly |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Raising a Neapolitan Mastiff requires patience and consistency. This breed is intelligent and independent, meaning they can be stubborn at times. However, they respond well to positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods. They don't tend to be "ball junkies" but rather enjoy quieter activities and exercises that challenge them mentally. It is important that you socialize your Neapolitan Mastiff well from the start and teach him to appropriately control his size and strength. He should also learn to tolerate frustration and control his impulses. A well-trained Neapolitan Mastiff makes a wonderful companion and guard dog, defending his home and family vigorously but without aggression.
Nutrition & Care
As a large and active dog, the Neapolitan Mastiff requires a balanced and nutritious diet. A diet high in high-quality protein and healthy fats is ideal. It is important to control portions to avoid obesity, which can lead to health problems. The Neapolitan Mastiff has a short and dense coat that is relatively easy to care for. It has no undercoat, so it is well adapted to the climate in Germany and can cope well in both the warmer and colder months. Regular brushing can help keep his coat clean and healthy and reduce the amount of hair he loses.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding | |
| Trainability |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Sell Neapolitan Mastiff Puppies
Breeding Neapolitan Mastiff? Reach responsible puppy buyers and showcase your kennel on HonestDog.
Loading...
Neapolitan Mastiff Breeders Near You
Find verified Neapolitan Mastiff breeders in your region
Why HonestDog?
What makes HonestDog different from other platforms
Transparency Guarantee
We provide complete transparency in the breeding process, offering detailed information about breeders, their practices, health checks, and genetic testing results in an easily understandable format, ensuring buyers can make informed decisions confidently.
Responsible Breeding Assurance
Our platform prioritizes responsible breeding practices, ensuring all breeders meet stringent criteria including health checks and genetic testing for parent dogs, eliminating the worry of encountering unethical breeders or puppy mills.
Trust and Verification
HonestDog verifies both breeders and buyers, fostering a trusted community where interactions are reliable and secure, setting a new standard for trustworthiness in the dog breeding industry.
Convenience and Time Saving
By featuring thoroughly vetted breeders and providing comprehensive information, HonestDog saves buyers valuable time that would otherwise be spent researching and vetting breeders, allowing them to focus on choosing the perfect puppy for their family.
Our Mission

We connect dog lovers with responsible breeders and shelters to ensure every dog finds the perfect home.
Founded by dog enthusiasts, our platform focuses on ethical dog breeding and adoption.
Why HonestDog?
We connect you with vetted breeders and shelters so you can find your new companion with confidence.
Vetted Partners
Only verified breeders and shelters — for a safe start.
Highest Standards
Every animal's health and wellbeing is our top priority.
Guides & Resources
Guides, checklists, and breed profiles — so you can make a well-informed decision.