Neapolitans - Pictures - History
Neapolitan Mastiffs are the descendents of large war dogs used by the Romans to fight wild animals, and in battle. The Molossus that stems from crossing large Epirian and Macedonian with Indian dogs, is said to be the direct forefather of the Neapolitan Mastiff.
The Romans are believed to have used those dogs in hunting, guarding, and performing in the arena struggling with lions, tigers, and man. It is at that time when the tradition to crop ears and tail took root. Hound-like ears and long tails were an easy target for enemies.
The Romans improved their war dogs, stressing their size and aggressiveness. A special post was established to breed and give such valuable dogs to honor warriors. The largest and the most vicious dogs were used in realizing the death penalty. The Molossus was a great war dog valued highly for its dark coat color which allowed it to remain unnoticed at night. It also used to guard property.
It is the Romans who named the dog "Mastino." Various versions exist as to the origins of the name. According to one of them, Mastino comes from Massatinus, a guardian of estates. The word can also stem from a Latin word "mastinus" which means "tamed." Later the dog became popular in southern parts of Italy, in Naples, to be precise. It is there, where the breed acquired many fanciers, adding "Neapolitan" to its name.
Neapolitans - Pictures - Medieval Times
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Neapolitan Mastiffs for Adoption
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Middle centuries are characterized by a great interest of dog lovers for cruel fighting dogs, capable of performing in bull-baiting and similar activities. Dogue de Bordeaux, Mastiffs, and other heavy dogs contributed some to the Neapolitan Mastiff's qualities. Neapolitans - Pictures - In Italy
However, by the 19th century the population of the Neapolitan Mastiffs decreased greatly. It was caused by frequent wars, economic difficulties, which did not allow many to keep giant dogs, and a certain shift to new breeds of dog. By the second half of the 20th century the breed was at the edge of extinction. In fact, Italy had only 11 Neapolitan Mastiffs at that time, all being rather far from the desired standard.
The breed might have disappeared by now but for Piero Scanziani, "the father of the breed." It was he who first started promotion of the breed and put much effort in accepting the Neapolitan Mastiff by canine organizations. In 1949 the breed was finally registered.
In the 1970s the Neapolitan Mastiff grew very popular. Numerous kennels appeared to produce Neos as guardians, companions, and show performers. A high level of popularity was not always instrumental in improvement of the breed. The number of unsound dogs produced by irresponsible breeders was greater than those with standard appearance and personality traits.
Neapolitans - Pictures - In Other Countries
Neapolitan Mastiffs are now popular in many countries. It goes without saying that Italian dogs are among the best. Breeders from Germany, Netherlands, Hungary, and Poland are also known to produce high quality Neapolitan Mastiffs. Dogs from the US have been successfully competing in various trials since 1994. Neapolitans - Pictures - Functions
The breed is used now primarily as a companion dog. However, Neapolitan Mastiffs have preserved their characteristics over the time and are known for making good guardians, basically thanks to their huge size and imposing appearance. Neapolitans - Pictures - General Information Links
Allevamento Dello Stradone Neapolitan Mastiffs - Kennel located in Italy offers pictures of their show dogs.
American Canine Association Breeds of Dogs - General information on the breed.
ANKC - Neapolitan Mastiff - Brief historical summary and the breed standard from the Australian National Kennel Club.
Burke's Backyard Facts - Neapolitan Mastiff - Background, maintenance, and possible costs.
Canil Rezzo Di Paradiso Neapolitan Mastiffs - Brazil based kennel with pictures of their dogs.
Canil True Born Neapolitan Mastiffs - A picture gallery. Brazil.
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Neapolitan Mastiffs for Adoption
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Canterbury Tails Pet Collectibles, Inc. - Shop for Neapolitan Mastiff collectibles.
Dog Attack Girl Recovering - Article on incident with a Neapolitan Mastiff involved.
Maggiormente Kennels Neapolitan Mastiffs - A picture of their show dogs, and contact information.
Molossers - Neapolitan Mastiff - History of the breed and links to international breeders.
Neapolitan Mastiff History - History and characteristics of the breed.
Neapolitan Mastiff Info - History, description, and characteristics of the breed.
Neapolitan Mastiff Overview- Description and standard of the Neapolitan Mastiff.
Neapolitan Mastiff Standard - History and standard of the Neapolitan Mastiff from the AKC.
Neapolitan Mastiff Breed Profile - History, description of the breed, and advice in care.
Neapolitan Mastiff Breeders - Find breeder of Neapolitan Mastiffs listed by state.
Neapolitan Mastiff In Brief - History of the breed, related links, and photo gallery.
Neapolitan Mastiff Links - Links to Neapolitan Mastiff related sites.
Neapolitan Mastiff Photo Gallery - View pictures of these cute dogs, and submit your own one.
Neapolitan Mastiff Photos - View pictures of Neos and learn more about the breed.
Neapolitan Mastiff Pictures - Grown dogs and puppies.
Neapolitan Mastiff WebRing - The original Neapolitan Mastiff webring. All Neapolitan Mastiff breeders and owners are invited to join the ring.
Neapolitan Mastiffs - Breed guide and breeder search by state.
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Vesuvio Neapolitan Mastiffs
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Neapolitan Mastiffs In Pictures - Huge gallery, dog shows, breeders, articles, classified ads, webboard, newsletter, web directory, online shop, news and more.
Neapolitan Mastiffs In The Internet - Links to Neapolitan Mastiff related sites.
Neo Photo Gallery - View pictures of Neapolitan Mastiffs.
New Zealand Kennel Club - Neapolitan Mastiff - Standard of the breed, breeders, new litters, and breed related books.
Photo Gallery - Pictures of the Neapolitan Mastiff.
Rare Dog Breed - Neapolitan Mastiff - Info on the breed, and breed clubs.
Thundermug Neapolitan Mastiffs - Pictures of Neapolitan Mastiffs from breeders located in Alabama.
Trofeo Mario Querci Neapolitan Mastiffs - Breeders with show results, and pictures of their dogs. Italy.
USNMC Rescue - Contains a list of Neapolitan Mastiffs available for adoption, and application forms.
Neapolitans - Pictures - Other Neapolitans sites
Neapolitans Breeders - Neapolitan Mastiffs are definitely a very old breed of dog. Ancient drawings depict the ancestors of the Neapolitan Mastiff creating evidence of its venerable age. The breed originated in Italy as a guard dog, and a fighter. The Romans used it both in war and entertainment.
Those giant, courageous dogs with a vicious appearance and a firm grasp, could do a fitting rebuff to lions, tigers, and human gladiators. Strong and devoted to their masters, Neapolitan Mastiffs fought to the last breathe. They could lose life, but never dignity.
Neapolitans Puppies - Neapolitan Mastiffs are heavy-boned dogs weighing about 110-150 pounds as adults. Greater weight is permissible. In fact, some owners prefer larger species provided the dog is well-balanced. They are distinguished by a massive build, and a large head. The back is broad and strong. The tail is docked by 1/3. Ears are usually cropped. Australian breeders prefer to leave ears uncropped.
The coat is dense and short. Accepted colors are blue, black, mahogany, and tawny. White markings are allowed on the chest, and the lower part of the body.
Neapolitan Mastiffs - Neapolitan Mastiffs are large and bulky dogs. The massive head, the wrinkled face, a large nose and a prominent dewlap make the Neapolitan Mastiff one of the most recognizable dog breeds. It is a fact that Neapolitan Mastiff puppies are born with blue eyes that darken as the pup grows.
Traditionally, the ears should be docked short, and the tail should be cropped by one third. The ears may be kept natural as well. The coat is short, harsh and smooth. Coat comes in a variety of colors: black, gray, tawny, and mahogany.
