A common question comes up and it is this week’s blog topic. These living, breathing relics are as misunderstood as they are imposing, and most of the authoritative works on them are written, not surprisingly, in Italian, the language of their homeland. Today this massive breed is known as a gentle giant. They are very big and will do best in larger home types with a back yard. It’s a great question and is among the Why not Napletonian, Napolean, or Neopolitan? Black and brindle and liver and brindle, in which the same pattern is evident with brindling in place of tan, are also possible, but less common. Furthermore, the Neapolitan Mastiff does not do well on stairs due to his large size and potential for joint and skeletal issues as he ages. The word Neapolitan comes from ancient Latin Neapolitanus. So you could say when in Rome do as the Romans! However, the Molossus breed is almost extinct but another breed that comes close to it, both in looks and temperament, is the Neapolitan Mastiff. Large drooping ears and a slow, lumbering gait complete the aesthetic of the Neapolitan Mastiff. The modern neapolitan mastiff is governed by judges who focus on a breeds physical differentiation more than actually observing how these attributes enable a dog to do, what it was meant to do. They come in a range of colors, blue and black being traditional but also tawny and mahogany. The color of the eyes will vary between an amber and a brown, depending on the darkness of the Neo’s coat. When it comes to their coat, you will find that most Neapolitan Mastiffs have darker fur, though you will see that some will have lighter shades of brown and similar sandy colors. It’s a great question and is among the most common. So let us study some of Neapolitan dog’s characteristics, fun facts, size, temperament, and what it entails living with a Neapolitan Mastiff. The Neapolitan Mastiff dog breed was developed in southern Italy as a family and guard dog. French Mastiffs have wrinkly faces (as the previous Mastiffs have had) and come in fawn, isabella (a light shade of fawn), mahogany, and red. When considering if the Neapolitan Mastiff is right for you, you should consider your lifestyle and home type. The name Neapolitan Mastiff relates to the Neapolitan region around the city of Naples in southern Italy. Hi everyone. Given their size, power, and protective nature, care should be taken when bringing a Neo into a home with children. Temperament can range, as well as size and wrinkle depending on the line. The Neapolitan Mastiff derives from the traditional guard dogs of central Italy. Selection of the breed was begun in 1947 by Piero Scanziani, who had seen one at an exhibition in Naples in 1946. Or when in Naples do as the Neapolitans, as it were! The Neapolitan Mastiff was recognized by the AKC in 2004. They are very big and will do best in larger home types with a back yard. What colors do the Neapolitan Mastiff come in? Blue According to Sherilyn K. Allen, author of "The Official Book of the Neapolitan Mastiff," grey, often referred to as blue, is the most common color for a Neapolitan mastiff. Do Neapolitan Mastiffs Do Well With Children and Other Pets? They are also heavier Mastiffs; males usually weigh up to 145 pounds. These pups have an average lifespan of 8-10 years (according to dogtime.com). In reality, it is possible to thank Alexander the wonderful due to their excellent reverence and great looks. Where Do They Come From? The Neapolitan Mastiff is a heavy-boned, massive, awe inspiring dog bred for use as a guard and defender of owner and property. Neos have been used by the Italian police and army and by that country's farmers, business establishment and estate owners to protect people and property. Tales and pictures of this Neapolitan Mastiff are obsolete as early as 700 B.C. White on paws and chest are acceptable as well as brindling on any of the above colors. Though the Neapolitan Mastiff was first shown in Italy in 1946, the breed is still quite rare in the United States.