A large, powerful, and dignified dog: these are only some of the traits that best describe the Neapolitan Mastiff. From the name itself, it is apparent that this dog has its ancestry from massive canines. At first glance, there is no surprise that it is incredibly massive, showcasing its strength through its astounding body.
Because of its large body, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a well-known watch dog and guardian. It works dominates the field with the help of its substantial appearance, making sure to keep intruders at bay. With its massiveness, a single pounce could easily pin down threats, which is why many dog lovers consider it the ideal guard dog.
Furthermore, the Neapolitan is not just a freakishly large dog; it also possesses various excellent traits, such as its deep loyalty towards its owners. Once this dog is with its family, it ensures to perform its job right and protect its family against various threats. If you are a fan of big dogs and are looking for the perfect breed that could work as a guardian, the Neapolitan Mastiff fits perfectly for the role. It is not just a reliable guard dog; it also works best as a trusted family companion.
Origins of the Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff does not have many records regarding its history. However, some records show that we can trace back the origins of this breed to as early as 700 BC in the Roman Empire. Artifacts from the Roman Empire show resemblance with the massive Neapolitan Mastiff; its powerful canine fangs and huge bones are sure evidence that this breed existence thousands of years ago.
Interestingly, the Neapolitan Mastiff had its history as a fierce gladiator, fighting against other dogs on the battlefield. Also, it was a known war dog and guardian during ancient times, proving its might through its strong body.
Over the years, the Neapolitan Mastiff continued to be a significant dog. Its massive size never fails to amaze dog lovers, and its strength and finesse helps it dominate the field. It is a remarkable working dog, most often known as a guardian because of its appearance. Speaking of appearance, the Neapolitan Mastiff managed to have the same looks after many years, making it the perfect guard dog; it keeps intruders at bay the moment they see it.
Characteristics of the Neapolitan Mastiff
Height: 24 – 31 inches
Weight: 110 – 150 pounds
Life Expectancy: 7 – 9 years
Hypoallergenic: No
As mentioned earlier, there is one feature that best describes the Neapolitan Mastiff; it is massive. This breed could stand up to roughly thirty-one inches tall and weighs up to 150 pounds, making it one of the largest dog breeds. It uses its powerful body to excel in the field.
In terms of its appearance, we can easily identify the Neapolitan Mastiff because of its resemblance from most mastiff breeds. It is incredibly large, along with its muscular body and unique face. One of its primary assets is its iconic ‘astounding’ head, which extremely large compared to other dogs’. Similar to other mastiffs, its face is wrinkled and has a droopy cheek. Its intimidating looks contribute to its greatness as a guard dog.
Speaking of guard dog, the Neapolitan Mastiff is not just a powerful guardian; it is also talented in various types of canine tasks. However, it is no doubt that this dog excels in guarding thanks to its strong and powerful body. Besides of its physique, this breed is perfect for the job because of its loyal and devoted nature. It is highly devoted towards its job; it could work for hours and makes sure to get the job done.
Aside from its devotion towards its job, the Neapolitan is loyal towards its family. Despite having a large and intimidating body, its behavior states otherwise. The Neapolitan is a sweet and affectionate breed towards its family and it also works well with children. This gentle creature is more than just a hard worker; it also fits as a lovable family companion. If you are looking for the perfect combination of power and soft-heart, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a dog you should consider.