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"...a young slave was worth 200 dracme [...] a well trained molossian dog was worth 500" "...with a single bite they could brake off a man wristle" "...They were bigger and much more massive than wolves [...] wolves, living in the same land in pack, would always avoid the lonely molossian" [Daniel Chavarria] |
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Synonym of Italian mastiff, this large breed is the result of at least three thousands years of both natural and human selection based on the various descriptions obtained as a gift from the past. According to different sources, the progenitor of this mastiff is a "tibetan" dog which directly affected the phenotype of the persian mastiff used in battle against Alexander "the great" by king Porus. It was just Alexander "the great" who admired the strength of these dogs and brought them in Greece, where they were bred even after his kingdom in a region of Epirus called "Molossia" (from which comes the term molossus used by the romans to describe this dog, freely translated in english as molossian). |
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The Roman emperor Paolo Emilio at his triumphal return at Rome after a military campaign in Greece brought a hundred of these dogs as war booty. Based on reports of Quinto Aurelio Simmaco, the Romans widely employed these dogs for their fighting games at the Colosseum ("giochi circensis"). |
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At the time of Julio Caesar, the original Greek strain was supposedly bred with the mastiff's encountered during the military campaign in "britannia" (the actual Great Britain) most likely brought there by the Phoenicians. The status of this breed following the decline of the roman empire is less clear but the dog fortunately survived the medieval age as witnessed by several authors who cite this dog in their works (see the molossian in the literature). During this age molossian dogs were used for guard at castles and for wild boer hunting. |
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A crucial step for the selection of the present phenotype of the neapolitan mastiff was the contribute of the spanish "perro de presa" that was breed with the ancient Italian mastiff at the time of the Spanish domination in southern Italy (the so called "kingdom of the two sicilies") around the middle of the XV century (1450 after Christ). This dog then became "trendy" for kings as well as for their servants in the region ruled by the royal families of Aragona and later of the Borboni. This was so evident that the mastiff became a common theme in both sculptures and paintings present througout the southern Italian peninsula (*). |
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In the centuries that followed the end of the Spanish kingdom in italy the breed survived in the countryside around Naples thanks to the devotion of individuals who loved the strength, the character and the loyalty of this dog. The italian nickname used to describe these neapolitan mastiff owners ("Mastinari") is still used by the italian breeders in southern Italy. (*) A comprehensive and detailed description of the pieces of art representing the molossian dog both in Italian peninsula and in the pre-Roman age is provided by Felice Cesarino in his book: "Il molosso: viaggio attorno al mastino napoletano". |
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However, the contribute of these people would have been misknowledged without the work of another passionate person in the name of the writer Piero Scanziani whom, following the 2nd world war collected some subjects from the neapolitan country side and breed them at the Rome zoo. This led to the official recognition of this ancient dog in Italy in 1949 by the italian kennel club (ENCI). Whatever happened after that date I will consider "contemporary history" of the breed and it will deserve further attention in a separate contest. |
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The molossian in the literature. The impressive appearance of this dog along with his natural guardian instinct have always attracted the interest of artists of any kind since it first appeared almost 4,000 years ago (when the first icons faithfully representing this dog were produced). His presence in the literature, besides the reports of Pliny "the old", is found in the work of Aristotele, Lucrezio, Orazio, Ovidio, Virgilio and Columella. Also Boccaccio quotes the "mastini" in his masterpiece Decameron. Almost half century ago, D'annunzio and Pirandello included this dog in their works. |
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The most recent mention of this dog in the literature is due to the latin-american writer Daniel Chavarria whom, in his novel "el ojo Dindimenio" (translated in Italian as "l'occhio di Cibele") placed in the magnificent Athene of Pericle gives a splendid description of the ancient molossian. In his first chapter (just entitled: "the molossians") Chavarria quotes: "a young slave was worth 200 dracme" while "a well trained molossian dog was worth 500". "Well trained was a molossian who would bite at the buttocks and would conceive the slave fugitive alive and without bone fractures". "With a single bite they could brake off a man wristle". "They were bigger and much more massive than wolves" and "wolves, living in the same land in pack, would always avoid the lonely molossian". |
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Why a Neapolitan Mastiff? Is it really the breed for you and your family?
Study your lifestyle, your family, your dog experience and your bank account.
Neapolitans are not active dogs, if your lifestyle includes jogging, cycling or hiking and you want your dog to accompany you - buy another breed. Mastinos are slow, lumbering large beasts with only limited energy for play - usually in the cooler hours of the morning and evening. Certainly an occasional walk is acceptable, but never to the point of exertion. They have bursts of energy for strong play, and enjoy their freedom. Puppies especially must never be pushed in exercise, they are best left to their own schedule of play or active time.
Despite his fierce appearance and warring history, the Neapolitan can be a good family companion, but not for everyone. This breed stands well apart from other breeds, he is for experienced dog owners only. A badly raised and handled Neapolitan could be very dangerous.
He has a calm, steady nature with a regal attitude and is highly intelligent. He is not apt to respond quickly to your commands but do not mistake this for being dumb. With good treatment he will love you and your family foremost. But he MUST have respect for you in order to be a steady dog around strangers. He can easily turn into an overpossesive and frightening dog. From the beginning the puppy must respect that your judgement is correct and your word is law. Raised well you will have a beast that would defend if necessary, but also walk calmly through any new situation - or meet your friends without causing trouble for you.
Realise that this is a strong powerful dog who's ancestors were there to be manstoppers. Never play rough with your pup and never try to get him to "protect" you in a "game". He may love you (if you have been good to him) but he is strong enough to knock you down and out. His teeth are sharp, his jaws terribly powerful. Take ownership of this ancient beast very seriously.
Take your pup everywhere with you (after completing full vaccination schedule), meeting new people/dogs/things will open up his confidence and stimulate his mind. Working with the pup in this manner instills that he respects your decision, but you must never let him become afraid or become angry in these lessons. You are teaching him to trust and respect you.
They are not what would (or should) be called "aggressive", they are protective. It is up to you, the owner, to ensure that they understand when it is okay (and required) NOT to be protective. Eighty kilograms leaping away from you is impossible to hold. Physical strength of a man means nothing to this beast. Psychological control is the only option.
Because of the Mastino's fast growth rate one can forget that they are still only puppies at 5-6 months (weighing upwards of 45kg). Like any large breed great care has to be taken up until the age of 9-12 months when they become more robust. Undue exertion of a pup can cause irreparable damage to the joints and young bones.
The sheer size of the dog represents larger veterinarian bills should he require medical attention (outside of normal vaccinations and wormings). Be certain that you can afford this breed's day to day costs. Your food bill for him will be higher than most other breeds, especially as a growing pup.
They will get very messy around the mouth after eating and drinking. A towel should be kept handy, for when they come inside the house, so as not to carry the mess inside. Drooling is fairly limited to the mealtime, but the dog is not known for his neatness. This is also the Mastino, it is part of him, and as a potential owner, you must be prepared and accept this.
The Neapolitan Mastiff, or Mastino Napoletano (Molossian), originates from in and around Naples, Italy. It is physically impressive, foreboding and massive. The breed today resembles (and dates back to) the Roman Molossian of ancient times. These Molossians were used in battle and as guardians of the home. He was very common as a guard dog in the crime-driven Naples and even today in modern Italy many people are fearful of the Mastino.
In around 500bc Cyrus and Serse used to supply their armed forces with thick packs of Molossians. It is said that in Lydia, absorbed by Cyrus in 546bc into the Persian Empire, a contingent of battle-ready Molossian hounds was fully maintained.
The loose connective tissue on the head, dewlap, and body, which the standard calls for, protects the Neo from attack. If an enemy in any form was to bite or pull at the flesh the protective skin would stretch leaving the vital parts unhurt. The skin is especially loose around the throat, (forming the dewlap) usually the most vulnerable part of a dog.
The modern Neapolitan that we know today did not surface until the late 1940's. A journalist named Piero Scanziani was overwhelmed by the dogs he saw and ended up dedicating much of his life to the preservation of the breed. He collected the most specimens that he could find which represented the old time Roman Molossian and began his work. It was at this time that the first standard for the breed was drawn up. This was updated and refined in 1971 and again in 1991. Even though their past is colourful and long, they are still a relatively new breed in today's dog world.
HISTORY OF THE MASTINO
Let me include this caveat emptor: that there are a range of mental and physical attributes with the Neo's genetic database as wide and varied as in any other breed of dog. Some Neos aren't worth spit, stupid, lazy, can barely get out of their own way, can't get into and out of a car by themselves, they're so clumsy. Some can jump over a car. Some are so smart it'll scare you. The intelligence in their expression is undeniable. The good features, intelligence, courage, loyalty, incorruptability, are based in genetics, and must be selectively bred for to maintain. This takes an experienced breeder. Bred haphazardly or randomly, Neos will quickly degenerate into something resembling a Pit Bull or a Cane Corso. Neos were thought to be extinct for generations. But in 1942 they discovered a few small villages in Italy that were still breeding them. A gentleman named Pierre Scanzani (spelling?), an Italian painter, fell in love with the breed, and started collecting primitive looking specimens, to recreate the ancient Molossian look. The dogs who didn't look primitive enough to pass muster as the ancient look were called Cane Corso. Now, that's the rumor from Italy. Is it true? Who knows. Who cares? It's still a great story, and story is sometimes preferable to truth to many people. It's like religions. Are they true? They're true if you hold them to be true. People kill each other over religions every day. So, let's leave truth behind, and enjoy our legends, our myths, and our stories. And our Neapolitan Mastiffs. I'll go to my church, and you go to yours. (grins)
The background of this page is a clay relief pressed from a mold 2,000 years before Christ. It is a Sumerian Molossian bitch suckling her pups. That is older than the pyramids, folks. The dog looks remarkably similar to the Neo of today. Obviously the dog didn't spring full-blown into existence at the time of this pressing, so it is safe to assume that the dog is older than this. Common relics found in the Mesopotamian region date from as early as 3,000 bc. One exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a terra cotta statue of a Neo dating from the second millenium bc. How old is the Neo? No one knows. His origins are lost in the abyss of time, his original breeders long since slid into the dustbin of the ages. |
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The Neapolitan Mastiff is amongst the oldest of breeds. Probably descended from the great mastiffs that Alexander the Great regarded so highly in Greece, the early Neapolitan Mastiffs are described in literature of the Roman era as having been used in Rome as gladiator dogs in the arena and in war, as well as in homes as guardians. Alexander probably acquired ancestors of these dogs in his conquests of lands stretching from India to Macedonia. A clay relief of a Sumerian Molossan bitch suckling her pups (2025-1763BC) and a Terracotta statue of a Mesopotamian mastiff dog dating from the second millennium BC show a remarkable resemblance to the Neapolitan Mastiff of today. This helps substantiate the thinking that today’s Neapolitan is a living relic of 5000 years ago. The preservation of the Neapolitan Mastiff and its entry into the show ring was mainly due to Piero Scanziani who, recognising the value of the breed, began breeding the best Neapolitan Mastiff stock he could obtain in Italy at his kennels in Rome in the 1940’s. The Italian Kennel Club accepted a breed standard proposed by Scanziani. Excellent Neapolitan Mastiff stock is being bred in Italy today, but is often very difficult to obtain if one is an outsider, especially a foreigner, and is very expensive. Fortunately, as quite a few Neapolitan Mastiff enthusiasts have close ties to Italy, some of Italy's best bloodlines are available. A well-bred dog is still fairly expensive, but really no more than any well-bred show dog.
Conformation: The Neapolitan is a massive dog, powerfully built, strong and of majestic appearance. When first seen, the dog's great volume and large heavily wrinkled head should be striking. A grown male stands 65 to 75cms at the withers and weighs 70 to 90 Kgs. Females are a little smaller, 60 to 68cms at the withers and weigh 50 to 70kgs. The ears are not cropped in Australia, but in Italy and other countries often severely cropped. Tails are cropped to 2/3 of original length. Body length is 110% or more of the height at the withers Temperament: The Neapolitan is a guard dog by breeding and is protective by nature. Early socialisation is a must! These dogs are generally not overactive, always content to lie at the master's feet, although when necessary this dog can move with incredible speed. He is courageous with an even temperament of a docile nature, not aggressive but a totally loyal defender of persons and property. The Neapolitan is loyal to his family and visitors need to be introduced and re-introduced each visit. A mature Neapolitan will rarely accept food from a non-family member and will never be bribed.
Health Issues: The health problems of the Neapolitan Mastiff are due to two main factors. Firstly the Neapolitan shares the problems of all giant breeds- hips, hearts, and heat. Secondly today’s Neapolitan's are descendants of a small gene pool used in their "reconstruction". Hypothyroidism does occur in this and many other breeds of dogs. Some feel that this defect is "part and parcel" of the Neapolitan body type. Many of the most "typey" Neapolitan's alive in the world today have healthy normal thyroid function. Mastiffs are not statues and their hips tend to be looser in general. In fact loose joints seem to go with the loose skin. Neapolitan puppies can appear to be double-jointed. A zero hip score rating is uncommon. The breed average is currently 24/106. Many breeders believe that any score under 44/106 is breed worthy. Rough housing with a pup, either by children or older dogs, can lead to permanent injury to the hips and elbows. If you think that your puppy should go on long runs with you, get a different breed. Most breeders will recommend against frequent trips up and down the home staircase. On maturity of course a Neapolitan can accompany you on long walks and tolerate vigorous exercise but during growth until at least 18 months of age all exercise and play should be in moderation. Overexertion, before or after a meal, can lead to torsion, bloat, and death. This applies more so in hot weather. Prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid "cherry eye" is common in the Neapolitan. Those with experience insist that removal of this tear gland is the only proper treatment. The procedure is best done under general anaesthetic by a Vet. Many Vets, totally unfamiliar with this breed, will insist upon "tacking" the gland back inside the lower eyelid. In general, this does not last long and another surgery to remove the gland must be done. Removal of the gland frequently costs less than £150 and the post-operative recovery is usually uneventful. Skin problems are relatively scarce in the Neapolitan Mastiff. Annual change of coat and bare patches and flaking skin can give the appearance of skin problems - however this resolves when the coat change is complete. Humid climates can cause a bacterial build up especially around the dewlaps - drying and cleansing will help lessen this problem. Callous and bursars on elbows and hocks are common, especially in heavy males. These can be prevented or minimised with the correct bedding and general environment.
As a deterrent against crime the Neapolitan Mastiff is as perfect as a dog can be. Its overall appearance, both head and body, suggests a potential for unprecedented brutality and, while the dog is exceptionally gentle around its family and friends, this brutality can easily be realized should the Neapolitan's home or family be seriously threatened. Its size is also a substantial deterrent. Every inch of the dog suggests terrific power, which is put to work even as the dog moves casually. Everything about the Neapolitan Mastiff, often called the Mastini, Italian Mastiff, the Italian Bulldog, or simply the Neo, suggests top-notch suitability as a guard dog. Functionally, the Neapolitan Mastiff is even more capable than its appearance suggests. When you examine a Neapolitan closely, you will realize that, in spite of its heavy appearance and deliberate movement, this is a dog that can really spring into action like a shot should something unexpected happen. Its heavy muscle is very obvious, even though its tough skin is loose and does not connect to the underlying tissue, as does the skin of other dogs. The head of the Neapolitan is huge, the jaws are short and powerful, and the teeth are big and strong. In general, this is most definitely not a dog you want to find yourself face to face with as you step through a stranger's window in order to burglarise his home. Do They drool.? The Neapolitan has the well-deserved reputation of being the King of droolers! However lovers of the breed have been heard to refer to this as Neo Nectar rather than drool. The problem arises mostly at feeding time and after exercise. When shown in the ring, most handlers carry a cloth in the rear pocket with which to mop up. Neapolitan's can spend considerable times inside with you without a drool problem if you take the simple precaution of wiping their mouths & jowls before entry and not feeding or allowing them to drink inside the house. Puppies take a fair amount of time to become expert droolers.
Alexander the Great was known to have crossed the giant Macedonian and Epirian war dogs with short-haired “Indian” dogs to create the Molossus
 
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History
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