Neapolitan Mastiff
Breed Profile
The Neapolitan Mastiff hails from the Molossus. The Molossus was a giant, robust war dog used by the Roman Military. Also they were used in arenas as fighting dogs against large predators and gladiators. Despite centuries of popularity throughout Europe, this type of dog was almost lost after World War II. Soon after the war, Italian painter Piero Scanziani set up a breeding kennel to turn the Mastiff-type dogs of Italy into a formal breed which was then named the Neapolitan Mastiff and English Mastiff was used to help in this process.
Temperament
The Neapolitan Mastiff is fearless and extremely protective of its folks and is a real family dog. The Neapolitan Mastiff rarely barks unless under provocation and is known for sneaking up on intruders. Neapolitan Mastiffs, as a breed, are extremely intelligent dogs with a tendency to be independent thinkers. Quick learner.
Color & Coat
Coat: The short, dense coat is the same length and smoothness all over the body, with straight hairs that are no longer than one inch.
Color: Their coat color comes in solid gray, black, mahogany, and tawny or in tan brindle, in which the dog appears dark with tan stripes.
Health
This breed is prone to cherry eye, hip dysplasia, bloat, pano-ostiosis (joint pain from growth can occur at 4-18 months and usually goes away on its own). Pups are usually born via cesarean section.