The Neopolitan Mastiff, defending one house at a time
The Neopolitan Mastiff, also called Mastino, was once the estate guard dog of Italy around 1940s. Its roots can be traced back to the warrior dogs used by the Molossus of Alexander to Roman era, making them the oldest Mastiff breed in the world. However, the Neopolitan Mastiff of today is a retired warrior and a stay-at-home guardian of the house and family. The Italians purposely bred the Neopolitan Mastiff to amaze and frighten an on-looker as it moves and looks like no other type of dog. It is also used as a livestock protector that fights other canine and animals intruding its estate.
The Neopolitan Mastiff is a massive, heavy-boned dog breed with fantastic wrinkles and lumbering movement, whose looks can easily deter intruders. The Neopolitan Mastiff is characterized by loose skin throughout its body, hanging folds and wrinkles on the head and a unique, voluminous dewlap. The Neopolitan Mastiff has a unique attitude and fundamental characteristics, which have remained constant over the centuries.
The average weight of a male Neopolitan Mastiff is around 150 pounds with height of 26 to 31 inches, while the bitches can weigh up to 110 pounds and 24 to 29 inches long. Due to its enormous structure, the movement of a Neopolitan Mastiff can be described as “rolling, powerful and majestic”, but he is never showy or elegant. However, despite its beastly and vicious appearance, the Neopolitan Mastiff is a calm and steady dog. Although it was bred to act and look fearsome when necessary, it is always affectionate and devoted to its family.
The Neopolitan Mastiff is loyal to his master; he does not bite without reason. However, the aggressiveness of a Neopolitan Mastiff can be seen while protecting his property and owners – always watchful and cautious about intrusion by strangers within his personal space and his master’s estate.
Aside from being a guard dog, the Neopolitan Mastiff is a great companion. Since these types of dogs tend to become extremely possessive and protective, while male Neopolitan Mastiffs can be dominant, the owners should implement socialization and training at an early age.
Under normal circumstances, the Neopolitan Mastiff is docile and love to stay indoors. However, once they feel a stranger or other animal is a threat, they can become aggressive. In addition, because the Neopolitan Mastiff has a natural instinct of defending his surroundings, proper obedience training may be necessary to prevent him from guarding all the time.
The Neopolitan Mastiff is good with children because they would never hurt a child purposely. However, some dogs may forget about their massive size, which may result in a Neopolitan Mastiff stepping on or knocking a child down. These dogs instinctively chase around people bicycling or running, even playfully knocking others down. The natural excitement, massive size and negative response to teasing by children are reasons not to leave a child unsupervised around a Neopolitan Mastiff.
The Neopolitan Mastiff is an exquisite guardian. However, they are born without the innate judgment and knowledge of “true danger” versus the “unfamiliar”. As such, their masters should provide a conscientious home for the Neopolitan Mastiff to become confident and manageable adults. Once provided with proper training for obedience, crate and handling, a Neopolitan Mastiff can become a watchful and protective dog.
A 150-pound dog such as the Neopolitan Mastiff can become a serious liability when he greets people by jumping, causing sprains, broken bones and worse. Although this can be a good thing when intruders plan to rob your home, this aggressiveness should be controlled for both your family and the dog’s safety. No one can argue that this ancient guard dog still has the edge to protect his estate, so if you’re looking for a dog breed that will do just that, the Neopolitan Mastiff can over deliver your expectations.
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