Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff or Mastino Napoletano is an Italian breed of large dog. It descends from the traditional guard dogs of central Italy.[1] It was recognised as a breed by the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana in 1949,[2] and accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1956.[3]

Neapolitan Mastiff
Other names	Cane da presa
Origin	Italy
Traits Weight Male 60–70 kg (130–150 lb) Female 50–60 kg (110–130 lb) Height Male 65–75 cm (26–30 in) Female 60–68 cm (24–27 in) Coat Short Colour Grey, lead grey and black Life span up to 10 years
Kennel club standards ENCI standard FCI standard
Dog (domestic dog)

The breed is closely related to the Cane Corso.

History

Adult Neapolitan Mastiff (Molosso Italiano), 1950s

The Neapolitan Mastiff derives from the traditional catch and guard dogs of central Italy. Selection of the breed was begun in 1947 by Piero Scanziani, who had seen one at an exhibition in Naples in 1946.[1][2] He drew up the first standard for the breed, which in 1949 was officially recognised by the Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana.[2] It received full acceptance from the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1956.[3]

Characteristics

Neapolitan Mastiff head

The Neapolitan Mastiff is large, massive and powerful, with a weight in the range 50–70 kg (110–150 lb) and a height at the withers of 60–75 cm (24–30 in)[1] The length of the body is about 15% greater than the height.[1]

The skin is abundant and loose, particularly on the head where it hangs in heavy wrinkles. The preferred coat colours are black, grey and leaden, but mahogany, fawn, fulvous, hazelnut, dove-grey and isabelline are also acceptable; all coats may be brindled, and minor white markings on the toes and chest are tolerated.[1][4]

A Neapolitan Mastiff may be expected to live for up to ten years.[5]^:92. A survey in the United Kingdom found an average lifespan of 7 years, with some 16% living past the age of 9.[6]

• Neapolitan Mastiff
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  Neapolitan Mastiff profile
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  Male Neapolitan Mastiff 1998
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  A "blue" Neo puppy
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  Female Neapolitan Mastiff
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  First breed standard
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  Isabelline neo
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  Young
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References

1. Mastino Napoletano (in Italian). Milano: Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana. Accessed March 2020.
2. Mastino Napoletano: Storia (in Italian). Milano: Ente Nazionale della Cinofilia Italiana. Accessed March 2020.
3. Mastino Napoletano (197). Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Accessed March 2020.
4. Palmer, Joan (February 2006). Dog Breeds. Wellfleet, MA: Wellfleet Press. p. 157. ISBN 978-0785800309.
5. [Bruce Fogle] (2013). The Dog Encylopedia. London; New York: Dorling Kindersley. ISBN 9781465408440.
6. "Average Age Survey Results". The Neapolitan Mastiff Club. Retrieved 26 February 2015.