Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a descendant of the Roman Molossus and is the native Mastiff breed of Italy and was at one time used to fight in the Roman arenas, but in recent years has been used for war work, as a police dog, guard and draught dog.

He is a massively built dog, his size being exaggerated by the loose skin forming a heavy dewlap, whilst the skin over the rest of his body tends to looseness.  The Neapolitan Mastiff coat is short, fine and dense and the preferred colour is black, but also acceptable are blue, shades of grey shades of brown from fawn to red and brindling is permitted on the last two colours.  He measures up to about 29", bitches a little less and weighs up to 70kg.

Although he has been used for guarding work it is said that his temperament is very reliable; plenty of research should be done before obtaining a dog so large and strong.  Hagrid's dog Fang in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a Neapolitan Mastiff, and he certainly looks very laid-back.

Click here to read the Neapolitan Mastiff Breed Standard.

Neapolitan Mastiff Breed Club

Neapolitan Mastiff Club Mrs South Tel: 01268 455791 

Neapolitan Mastiff Rescue

Neapolitan Mastiff Welfare & Rescue
Co-ordinator:  Kathy South  01268 455791     Email  

Neapolitan Mastiff Breeders

If you are looking for a puppy contact the Breed Clubs and the Breeders listed and visit the puppyfinder website where there is a great deal of information on hereditary conditions.  If you are a Breeder and wish to advertise your puppies puppyfinder is an excellent showcase.