The Neapolitan Mastiff’s origins go back 2000 years to when it entered Italy as a Roman war dog . It has been a fixture in the Naples area for centuries. It has always been recognized as a premiere guard dog and holds the honor of “national guard dog” of Italy.

The Neapolitan Mastiff can adapt to indoor or outdoor living, requiring some daily exercise. It makes a good loyal pet that can blend very well with children. It has some aggressive tendencies that require a firm handed master along with some ongoing training. It has an above average overall intelligence rating, along with a rating of excellent in problem solving and learning and obeying commands.

The Neapolitan Mastiff has a coat of short, thin, smooth fur with colorings of grey, black, mahogany or fawn. It does shed, but needs little grooming. Its tail is docked and ears cropped. This calm but mighty dog reaches a height of 30 inches and weighs up to 150 pounds.