Neapolitan Mastiffs have been known since ancient times. They are powerful descendants of fighting dogs that fought in the arenas of Rome against bulls, jaguars and bears, and also took part in wars. In addition, members of the lower classes kept mastiffs as guards.

Despite the solid age of the breed, its standard is approved only black, gray, isabellum, blue, mahogany, tiger.

Neapolitan mastiffs are born guards. In this vocation they were able to fully reveal their natural talents. Dogs are wary of everyone they do not know. They prefer to suspect others in advance, and if a person is pleasant to the owner, the mastiff at most treats the stranger indifferently.

A huge and strong dog without problems can chase away from his territory of ill-wishers. He has an excellent memory and well remembers the people he met, even from puppyhood.

To Europe from Asia

To this day, bas-reliefs and statues depicting the ancient ancestors of this breed can be found in India, Nineveh and Persia. Archaeological findings suggest that mastiffs were found in Asia before they appeared in the Roman Empire. The dogs came to Europe as a result of Roman conquests and trade.

Character

The Neapolitan Mastiff is always sociable and friendly with the household. It is a good-natured pet that cares for its owner and is loyal to him in all circumstances. However, mastiffs can be quite jealous, so it is advisable not to get them for families with small children and pets.

These dogs rarely show aggression for no reason, but they need early socialization so that the pets accept other animals and people. Outside of the home there is no problem with this, but in a home environment, dogs are immediately wary. It is difficult for them to tolerate guests in their territory without making sure that strangers are safe. It is better for strangers to ignore the dog instead of pestering it with caresses. The good-natured character of the Mastino Napoletano shows exclusively to its owners and does not like to be touched by strangers.

In general, this is an intelligent, ingenuous, calm and attentive dog, which in everything seeks to please the owner. Representatives of this breed belong just to those pets, for which the relationship with man is the meaning of life.

By the way

It is believed to be the favorite breed of Alexander the Great himself. Two magnificent Neapolitan mastiffs were given to him by the conquered Indian king.

Keeping

Neapolitan Mastiffs get along well in private homes with a spacious yard where they can run around at their pleasure. If the pet finds an outlet for accumulated energy, indoors behaves quite calmly. However, owners should take into account that mastiffs are naturally quite clumsy, so they can drop things without wanting to. In addition, these dogs have some unpleasant habits. Pets may drool, snort and snore frequently.

Without proper exercise, dogs can become obese and become very lazy. Neapolitan Mastiff owners should prepare in advance for active training with their pet.

The muzzle folds should be cleaned periodically to prevent infection. Food debris can become lodged in them. Crumbs often stick around the mouth, so it is necessary to clean them almost every day.